Canyamel is being redeveloped: More space for pedestrians and cyclists

Canyamel is being redeveloped: More space for pedestrians and cyclists

If you drive through Canyamel now, the first thing you hear is the hum of the excavators, then the distant cries of seagulls and the clinking of cutlery on the terraces. The coastal village in the municipality of Capdepera is changing its face: road edges are being removed, new paths laid and access to the beach improved. This is not a grand prestige project with a carillon, but hands-on work you can touch — gravel, asphalt, palms, new curbstones.

The municipality is investing more than two million euros in several measures that are intended above all to improve everyday usability. The largest item is a new continuous cycle and pedestrian path along the main road from the roundabout to the entrance to Canyamel. This subproject costs around €1.8 million. Work began in July and progressed quickly; due to bad weather there was a delay of about a month, which pushed the planned completion back somewhat. The construction sites are currently in their final phases; the administration names early 2026 as a realistic completion date.

Anyone who has already walked past the site sees more than just asphalt. The new axis is intended as a meeting space: wider sidewalks, safer bike lanes and small gaps where young trees can provide shade. In front of the historic Torre de Canyamel, which has a long history as a viewpoint and exhibition space, there is room for a short break. A few tables, an information panel, maybe a stall with local art — that could be the transition between culture and coast.

At the same time, a second project is under way to improve access to Nuredduna Street and the beach entrances. Almost €642,000 has been allocated for this work. The project has already been awarded by contract, but because of the business interests of hoteliers and shopkeepers the start of construction was postponed from summer to October. The planned construction period is about four months, so these works also fall into the winter months — a quiet time for coastal construction.

On site, the differing reactions are noticeable. At the small bar opposite the roundabout the owner says while unlocking that she is looking forward to more customers in the spring: “If people can park and walk here safely, they stay longer.” An older cyclist, on the other hand, criticizes the way the construction site is set up and asks for better signage during the works. Such voices are part of the process: building is never convenient, but usually useful.

Capdepera is not only planning point-by-point improvements, but a network of cycle paths that connects the town centres. The goal sounds familiar: to calm traffic, make short journeys attractive and make the holiday resort more pleasant for locals and visitors alike. Practically this means: fewer cars in the narrow streets, clearer sidewalks and safe connections to beaches and cultural sites.

For residents and visitors there are now two simple rules: think ahead and be considerate. Avoid construction zones, follow diversions and respect the workers' rules. Cyclists are advised to use the signposted routes — the final connections will be much safer later than the temporary arrangements are now.

The gain at the end is quieter: better access for older people, more space for families with prams, safer routes for bike commuters and a tidier village image. Canyamel remains the same coastal spot with fishing boats at dawn and tourists eating ice cream in the afternoon — only a bit more accessible and, yes, a little cozier.

If you feel like it, you can take a walk to the Torre de Canyamel and see how the village is settling in. And those who cycle a lot will enjoy the new connections in summer. This is not a spectacular new beginning, but rather a series of useful steps that together improve everyday life — an upgrade for walking and cycling on Mallorca's east coast.