Es Carnatge Is Being Restored: Palma Invests Millions in the Natural Area Near the Airport

Palma Tackles Es Carnatge: Trails, Lighting, and Nature Conservation

On a windy morning on the edge of Es Coll d'en Rabassa you immediately notice: joggers, dog owners and plane-spotters pass by here regularly. Palma has set its sights on this very spot. The first construction phase for restoring the Es Carnatge nature reserve has now been approved — with a budget of around 2.2 million euros for this stage.

Two Phases, One Goal

The works are planned in two major phases. First comes ecological restoration: invasive plants will be removed from the green spaces and native species strengthened. In parallel, the network of paths will be revised to make walking and cycling safer. Later comes the second phase, which also includes cleaning the seabed around the former military area and further structural adjustments.

More Light – But With Care

The public lighting will be renewed: more than a hundred lighting points are planned, with the cost for the lamps around 156,000 euros. City spokesperson Belén Soto emphasizes that this is not about harsh light, but about a sensible modernization that increases safety while not unnecessarily disturbing wildlife.

Concrete Works On Site

Apart from plant maintenance, new surfaces for the inner paths, improved drainage and clearer access at the Camí de Establecedores, Camí de Can Pastilla and in the Calle Dentol are planned. Wooden fences and ropes are to mark sensitive areas. Benches, trash cans and bicycle stands will be renewed – small details that will be noticeable daily when you walk here more often.

What Residents and Visitors Say

On site, you hear approval but also skepticism: those who jog here regularly in the mornings are happy about better paths; others ask how maintenance will be guaranteed after completion. The city says maintenance concepts for the coming years are being planned, it is stressed.

Funding Source and Timeline

For the overall project, around 4.4 million euros are estimated, with nearly 2.5 million of that coming from funds of the Sustainable Tourism Tax (ITS). Some lots of the first phase have already been tendered; the implementation of individual works is planned within a few months.

Es Carnatge extends from Ciudad Jardín near Cala Gamba up to Can Pastilla – a stretch of coastline that many of us use daily. The upgrade is meant to strengthen this very togetherness: protect nature, improve usability and preserve the charm of the place. Those who jog on the Camí in the morning will probably notice it first: fewer potholes, clearer paths – and hopefully more birds, not fewer.