Palma Plans First Accessible Bathing Area in Cala Estància

A Beach That Should Really Be Open to Everyone

In Palma there is a new plan that would have immediately caught my eye during my last walk by the water: the city administration wants to establish an accessible bathing area in Cala Estància. Not a grand promise, but concrete steps – boardwalks, marked buoys, and around 24 sheltered seating spots in the shallow water are planned. Implementation is scheduled for the coming swimming season.

Why Cala Estància?

The section on the east side has a breakwater that generally calms the sea. That makes it ideal for people who do not like strong currents or high waves. Also the access from the promenade is relatively flat – practical for wheelchairs or walkers. The idea: those who feel insecure should still be able to enter the water without stress.

What will it look like?

On site there are simple but effective elements planned: sturdy support railings or jetties that reach into the water, buoys that protect a clearly delineated area, and a small group of seating spots in the water that provide shade. All of it sounds practical, not an expensive showpiece, but clever infrastructure for everyday life.

Who is it for?

The project is aimed at older people, families with small children, people with disabilities and those in need of care. I spoke with representatives of a local self-help group – "Many forego beach visits out of fear, even though they would love to go," said an activist. The hope is that these measures will reduce barriers.

A few practical questions remain

Of course there are technical and logistical points: Who will maintain it? When are lifeguards on site (on Mallorca 10 a.m.–6 p.m. in summer is common)? How will buoys and accesses be protected from vandalism? The city speaks of a pilot character – first test, then expand.

Funding and timeline

In internal meetings construction should start in spring so everything is ready by summer. It is spoken of a modest budget; figures will be discussed in the city council. More important than the exact sum is currently the question of long-term maintenance of the area.

My impression

As someone who often walks along the promenade, I find the approach reasonable: small interventions with big impact. It is not a large prestige project, more a piece of normality that could bring people back to the beach. If all goes well, Cala Estància could become a model for other beaches in Palma.

What matters now: clear responsibilities, regular maintenance, and enough lifeguards. Then the first barrier-free bathing place on the island could work – and that would be a good, very practical step toward more participation.