Cala Oli near Bendinat: Demolition returns nearly 200 m² of coastline

Cala Oli near Bendinat: Where concrete once stood, the sea should breathe again

The Balearic government has approved the demolition of an old, heavily dilapidated building at the small bay of Cala Oli near Bendinat. The structure originally stood in the public coastal zone under a concession from 1963; that permit was later declared expired. The aim of the measure is to free up around 200 square metres of coastline. This echoes other local actions such as Calvià Cleans Up: Demolition Instead of Holiday Hotels — Green Spaces for Paguera and Magaluf?.

Anyone walking along the promenade toward Portals Nous on a clear winter afternoon immediately understands why many residents welcome this. The sea smells of salt, seagulls circle overhead, and walkers pass by with dogs on leashes. The small bay is currently blocked by the ruin; the demolition is intended to restore space for rocks and the sound of the sea — no new construction will be allowed afterwards.

One formal hurdle remains: the municipality of Calvià must approve the demolition. The municipality has undertaken similar approvals before, for example Calvià plans demolition of eleven vacant shops in Magaluf. However, this is expected to be a procedural step rather than a dramatic administrative battle. For local residents it is more a matter of everyday relief: fewer derelict remains, less litter in hard-to-reach places, and an open view of the water.

Why is this good for Mallorca? An open stretch of coastline brings multiple benefits. Ecologically, exposed rocks and dune edges gain space where marine life and birds can find shelter more easily. For people, it means restored access to the shore, better views of the bay and a piece of public space that is no longer blocked by private structures. In an area where hotels, golf courses and villas lie close to the sea, such a recovery is more than symbolic.

In practice, a few sensible steps would help: clear signage stating that no building will be allowed there in the future; removal of a broken fence; and, if needed, native planting to stabilise the cleared area so wind and water do not immediately fill it in again. Such measures keep costs low and create quick, visible improvements.

Locals have already started coming up with small ideas. A fisherman suggested arranging stones so children can paddle safely at the edge without entering open water. An elderly woman from Bendinat dreamily imagined an armchair by the window: more sea view, less shadow from crumbling walls. These small, local wishes show that this is about quality of life, not just administrative paperwork.

The project fits a slowly visible trend on the island: reclaiming what once belonged to the community, as discussed in Demolition in Palma: When Reconstruction Replaces the Original. Regular visitors to Cala Oli know how quickly a clean stretch of rock can become a meeting place for walkers, photographers and cat owners. A free coastal strip is an invitation, not a restricted zone.

Looking ahead

If Calvià gives its consent and the demolition takes place, there will be an opportunity to turn the newly freed piece of coast into a benefit for neighbours and visitors. Not with concrete, but through small maintenance actions, clear labelling and respectful use of the space. At a time when seaside room is not a given, such a decision feels almost like a gift — simple, local and tangible.