New Look at Club de Mar: Greenery, Paths and Sea Views

New Look at Club de Mar: Greenery, Paths and Sea Views

Inviting walkways, hanging gardens and a terrace loggia with views of Puig Major

Anyone walking these days along the Paseo Marítimo toward the harbour will notice immediately: something has changed. A fresh, greened space has been created between the four newly redesigned Club de Mar buildings, inviting locals and visitors to stroll. The paths wind beneath young trees; occasionally you hear seagulls and the clatter of sailing yachts, and a flight of steps leads directly down to the pier.

The project was officially inaugurated on March 30 by Palma's mayor, Jaime Martínez, as reported in Palma's New Club de Mar: Luxury, Noise and the Big Question About Benefits for the Neighborhood. The redesign covers around 3,000 square metres in total, about 300 square metres of which have been laid out as so-called hanging gardens. Architecturally, those responsible have opted for airy structures and maritime touches: small decommissioned boats stand as decorative elements along the path, lights and railings recall nautical themes, and a new restaurant with a shaded terrace offers an unobstructed view of the boats — if you look closely you can even make out the silhouette of Puig Major on the distant horizon.

You can feel a change in everyday life: early in the morning locals jog by the water, later pensioners sit on the newly installed benches and watch crews coming ashore. Children run barefoot across the warm stone promenade, and cyclists use the new connections to the rest of the Paseo Marítimo. The atmosphere is more relaxed than before; the aim of better linking the harbour and the city is not just paper talk.

Why is this good for Mallorca? A green waterfront brings shade on hot days, reduces the share of asphalt, encourages walking and cycling, and creates space for small businesses at the water's edge. For the city, it also means an improvement in quality of life that both neighbours and visitors appreciate. Sitting on the terrace at sundown and hearing the gentle lapping of the water, Palma's harbour feels less like a place you pass by and more like a part of the city.

A practical point: the connecting paths and access to the mole make it easier to reach the boats — that matters not only to yacht owners but also to walkers who want to get closer to the waterline. The hanging gardens also give the area a seasonal character; with a little luck plants will soon bloom that attract bees and butterflies.

A small everyday wish: more seating with backrests would be welcome, as would planting with native species that require less maintenance and support local insects. If the city and the operator continue to develop this path, the Club de Mar could become a model for other waterfront areas in Mallorca — similar to ideas discussed in Rethinking Portixol: Plaza, Parking Garage and More Green for Palma's Waterfront — not just a backdrop for selfies, but a real meeting place.

If you want to try it straight away: early in the morning, when the sun is low and the ships are still quiet, the atmosphere at the harbour is particularly special. A tip for locals: combine the walk with a coffee from a nearby bakery and take a seat on the terrace — the view of the harbour, the sea and distant Puig Major is worth it.

Conclusion: The redesign of the Club de Mar shows how urban space can be reimagined. More greenery, better paths and open access make the harbour noticeably friendlier. It's an invitation to treat the sea as part of the city again — and not a bad idea to go and test this new section for yourself soon.