Detours on the Paseo Marítimo: How Palma Can Ease Access to the Ferry Port

Renovation at the port: New route, old problems — and the question of better solutions

From today, everyone heading to Palma's ferry port faces one thing: a detour. Access roads at the Paseo Marítimo are being repaired and the port authority has set up a temporary traffic routing. Short answer for those in a hurry: enter via Portopí, exit further along the Paseo Marítimo. The works are scheduled to last until mid-September, weather permitting and barring further surprises.

Key question: Why does a short-term detour immediately cause so much chaos?

The answer is simple and multifaceted. Port traffic is not like normal city traffic. Ferries with thousands of passengers, scheduled buses, taxis, delivery trucks and residents all meet in a confined space. Between 7 and 9 a.m. you hear engine noise, taxi horns and the squeal of tail lifts more than the sound of the sea. When potholes and sunken curbs must also be fixed, a single wrongly placed sign can bring the whole chain to a standstill.

What is happening on site — and what often stays under the radar

The current detour runs via the Portopí entrance past Terminals 3 and 2. The signage is visible, but that is not always enough. What is rarely discussed is the chain reaction when a truck stops to load or unload. Such a stop narrows the roadway so much that buses cannot turn and taxis end up double-parked. Pedestrians and cyclists suffer too, because temporary paths are often narrower or poorly lit. Example Moll Vell: Anyone walking with heavy luggage to the temporary EMT stop quickly notices that five minutes on foot in the heat with a suitcase is much harder than a dry traffic announcement suggests.

Concrete problems that could quickly be solved

1. Unclear prioritization: During construction there is often no clear priority for scheduled buses and pedestrians. A reserved bus lane or a temporary loading ban for delivery vehicles during peak times would relieve pressure significantly.
2. Communication: Relying on signs alone is not enough. Real-time information in apps, SMS to registered travelers or loudspeaker announcements at busy points reduce uncertainty.
3. Taxi and truck management: A temporary park-and-shuttle system outside the port area with a shuttle to the terminal would reduce traffic looking for parking.
4. Lighting and protection for footpaths: Mobile lights and protective barriers make temporary walking routes safer — especially in the early morning hours and around evening ferry departures.

Practical tips for travelers and commuters

• Allow extra time, especially on departure days. Crowding is to be expected.
• Use parking garages further out and walk the last stretch — often faster than sitting in a jam.
• If you have luggage: taxis or ride-hailing services are more expensive but save nerves. Hauling heavy suitcases up stairs? Better not.
• Cyclists and pedestrians: stick to the temporary routes. Some sections are noticeably narrower than usual.

Opportunities the construction period offers

At least: a well-planned repair can provide greater safety in the long term. Once curbs and pavement are renewed, not only drivers but also cyclists, pedestrians and bus services will benefit. It is up to the port authority and the city to turn this measure into an opportunity now: better signage, coordinated delivery windows, night work during low-traffic times or temporary shuttle services would show that they want to turn a short-term inconvenience into lasting gain.

My conclusion — with a little local tip

Yes, construction sites are annoying. But they are necessary: the past months with loose surfaces and sunken curbs have been dangerous for some drivers. The port authority should now think beyond the bare minimum and set clear priorities. More staff for traffic management, better communication and simple measures like reserved bus lanes could significantly reduce the burden.

And one practical Mallorca-magic tip: If you must go to Moll Vell — treat yourself to an espresso after parking. The smell of fresh coffee and the shriek of seagulls are the best remedy for traffic frustration. Those who start relaxed usually arrive more relaxed.