Court confirms: Camí d’Alaró a Bunyola will be returned to pedestrians

Court confirms: Camí d’Alaró a Bunyola will be returned to pedestrians

Eleven-kilometre-old connection between Santa Maria del Camí and Bunyola now officially public

These days, when the wind from the Tramuntana shakes the plane trees at the Plaça de la Vila and people in thick coats finish their coffee, a piece of news has arrived that is experienced here as a small, real victory: the historic connecting path between Santa Maria del Camí and Bunyola, known as Camí d’Alaró a Bunyola or Camí des Cabàs, has been recognised by the competent court as a public way.

What this practically means: along its entire length — both in the area of Santa Maria and in that of Bunyola — the public may use it from now on. The decision also stipulates that the respective municipalities are responsible for administration and maintenance. Landowners are obliged to remove existing barriers and locks and to allow unimpeded passage; if they refuse, further legal measures with possible costs for the owners may follow.

For people who live here or often walk with hiking boots, this is more than a legal finding. The path has been part of everyday life for generations: farmers, children on their way to school, elderly women with shopping baskets and Sunday walkers have used it. In conversations at the Croix Roja in Santa Maria I repeatedly heard: 'The path has always been there.' Such observations and memories were also taken into account in the assessment.

Behind the ruling lies years of commitment by residents, experts and a citizens' initiative that for more than a decade collected documents, witness statements and historical evidence. The dispute proceeded in several stages and court proceedings; the current decision draws the legal final line in favour of public use.

What is now on the local plan: the municipalities must anchor the route in the path-cadastre system and assume responsibility for maintenance, signage and, if necessary, minor safety measures. For hiking enthusiasts it opens a longer route of around eleven kilometres that is scenically attractive and serves as a connection between valleys and villages, and this also relates to the island council's plan for 60 kilometres of new pedestrian and cycle routes.

Everyday scene: on a mild January morning you meet olive farmers at work on the upper section, hear the voices of schoolchildren hurrying to the bus stop, and occasionally a rooster crowing from the nearby farm. This mixture of normality and landscape makes such paths particularly valuable — not only for tourists, but for the local community.

The decision is also a reminder of how important local participation is. Citizens submitted lists of testimonies, collected historical evidence and sought dialogue with administrations. Those who use the Camí in future should be respectful: do not dump rubbish, be considerate of agricultural use, and do not deliberately damage the paths.

Looking ahead: in the coming weeks the town halls of both municipalities will be informed. It is expected that maps will be updated, information signs installed and targeted clean-up actions organised. Volunteer helpers from the area have already announced they will lend a hand at the first maintenance weekend — people know each other, they help each other.

The ruling brings a section of Mallorca back into the everyday life of the people. It is a small promise to those who want to use the connection on foot: landscape and stories remain accessible. And for everyone who cycles or walks from the Plaça de la Vila in Santa Maria to Bunyola — there will soon again be a clear path on which you can experience the island a little more closely, alongside other local infrastructure projects such as the environmental assessment for the new 2.8 km bypass near s'Alqueria Blanca.

What you can do: Check with the municipal administrations for concrete opening dates, report any damage to the path, and be considerate of agricultural work along the route.

Observed on site and compiled by our editorial team — a small moment where tradition and community meet.