Last corner of the Paseo Marítimo: Palma gets its promenade back

Last corner of the Paseo Marítimo: Palma gets its promenade back

If you walk along the harbour in the morning — gulls crying, the distant horn of a tour boat, and someone still stirring their espresso somewhere — one thing is immediately noticeable: a corner is breathing again. The Plaza de Santo Domingo de la Calzada, right next to the Hard Rock Café, is the final piece of the newly redesigned Paseo Marítimo. The construction fences are down, workers are packing up, and the spot where delivery vans used to park is starting to become space for people again.

What is new and why it feels that way

The narrow street layout at the lower edge of the promenade was replaced by three new, well-lit stairways that lead up into the historic Es Jonquet quarter. Wider sidewalks, more trees, less car traffic right by the water — simple measures, big effect. There is a small green area and a playground: on warm afternoons I imagine children on the seesaws, parents with coffee from the kiosk, and multilingual conversations, as are part of everyday life on the island.

The monument to Saint Domingo de la Calzada has also received a refresh. Scaffolding and restorers' hands have made the inscription readable again; part of the work was funded with European funds. It is a small reminder that urban renewal is not only about concrete but also about texture and history.

How the place feels

The new paths are not only wider, they are quieter. The lighting is warm — not harsh stadium light, but lamps that gently highlight steps and edges. In the evening the promenade therefore feels safer; during the day access to the old town becomes a pleasant alternative to the steep alleys. You hear less cable hum and engine noise; instead coffee cups clink and the sound of the waves mixes again with voices.

Of course there was dust and noise. Business owners along the promenade complained about difficult deliveries, and some days were tough. Still, the regulars stayed — a waitress laughed and said: 'We stay persistent.' This persistence is typical for many places here: plain, practical and with a wink.

Remaining tasks — and what this means for Palma

The remaining works are manageable: planting, final paving, finishing touches on stairs and handrails. A sign by the city announces the handover in the coming days; there will likely be a small opening event — perhaps a local ensemble, a few speeches and coffee for the neighborhood. Such events do good. They mark less a big festival and more a 'welcome back' for a place that should play a role in everyday life.

For residents this mainly means more space and less through traffic. For visitors the route to Es Jonquet will be easier and more attractive. And for Palma it is one of those projects that add up: cleaner promenades, more quality of stay and a bit more dignity for the places where everyday Palmer life happens.

An invitation to the neighborhood

In the end the infrastructure is now in place; what it becomes is decided by the neighborhood. The new benches, the planter and the small playground are perfect spots for spontaneous gatherings: a flea market on Sunday morning, a street musician in the evening, a small reading with a sea view — all of this would quickly bring the corner to life. The city provides the stage; we may fill the performances.

If you haven't been yet: go early. The benches are still free, and the first view over the harbour now has a little more light.