Palma on Sunday: Triathlon and Cycling Tour Bring Atmosphere — and Road Closures

Palma on Sunday: Sport, Church Bells and Closed Streets

Sunday in Palma will be sporty — and a little slower paced. From early morning until early afternoon parts of the Paseo Marítimo around the Port de Palma will be closed because a triathlon is taking place. Between 07:00 and around 14:00 the stretch between the Congress Palace and Carrer Monsenyor Palmer will be closed in both directions. If you're used to the smoky scent of morning coffee on the terrace, you'll also hear the clatter of race numbers, the whistles of marshals and the distant roar of the surf — typical Palma, but with a sporting event. More background on similar closures is available in Sunday in Palma: Paseo Marítimo largely closed on 16 November — tips for residents and visitors.

Which streets are affected?

The organizers and the city police have clearly marked the routes. The main affected streets are:

Paseo Marítimo (between Monsenyor Palmer and Manuel Azaña) – closed in both directions; Avenida Argentina (between Paseo Marítimo and Carrer Annibal) – restricted traffic, also in both directions; Carrer Joan Maragall (between the motorway on-ramp and the s'Àncora roundabout) – also closed.

In short: the classic coastal road becomes a running and cycling course, and cars have to go around. For further information on closures and detours over weekends see Palma at the Weekend: Closures, Detours and What Residents Should Know.

Bus services: detours and patience

This also means changes to public transport. Many lines will be diverted; the lines L1, L18, L23, L25, L31, L35 and A1 are expected to be affected roughly between 07:00 and 14:00. Line L30 is expected to resume normal service only from 14:00. So if you usually rely on these bus lines, check the timetable before leaving — or allow a little extra time. Taxis are often harder to find on such days; at the taxi rank a queue can form like at an ice cream shop in August. Context on how large sporting events affect traffic is in TUI Palma Marathon: Road closures, frustration — and how Palma could deal smarter with the traffic chaos.

Cycling tour for European Mobility Week

Parallel to the triathlon there is a large cycling tour — a positive sign for Mobility Week. The meeting point is at 10:30 on Plaza Juan Carlos I. The route goes along the Ramblas and the Camí de Jesús to Sa Riera park. There may therefore be additional delays in the city center, especially where groups of cyclists meet normal traffic. Expect lots of bike bells, cheerful groups and the occasional conversation about new bike lanes — typical for a city slowly reclaiming more space for people.

Practical tips from the neighborhood

A few locally tested tips: the metro is often the most relaxed option on days like this — if it serves your route. Otherwise it's worth parking a bit farther away and walking or taking a bus for the rest. Bring water, wear comfortable shoes and expect volunteers and marshals to kindly point the way. If you want to save time, plan to leave earlier; if you want to stay relaxed, enjoy the scene: applauding spectators, hardworking athletes and the feeling of being part of a city event.

Conclusion: Yes, there will be closures and detours. But there will also be good spirits, determined athletes and cyclists taking over the city. A bit of planning is enough, and Sunday in Palma remains sunny — maybe with fewer cars, but with more joie de vivre.