Sunday in Palma: Paseo Marítimo largely closed on 16 November — tips for residents and visitors

Sunday in Palma: Paseo Marítimo will be largely closed on 16 November

If you plan to be around Palma's harbor on Sunday, 16 November, enjoy your morning coffee with a few minutes of buffer time. The harbor promenade Paseo Marítimo will be temporarily inaccessible in several sections due to a solidarity run organized by the Balearic port authority — for pedestrians mostly a matter of atmosphere, for drivers and delivery services an organizational challenge.

When exactly will the closures apply?

Closure times at a glance: From around 6:00 AM a first section between Avenida Argentina and Calle Monsenyor Palmer in the direction of Andratx will be affected. From around 9:00 AM the route will then be completely closed in both directions — the full closure extends to the roundabout at Porto Pi. The measures are expected to be lifted around 3:30 PM. In short: starting your trip in the morning without planning only works with preparation.

Public transport, taxi, bicycle: what makes sense

The EMT city buses and the red-and-yellow tib regional lines will be diverted. That means stops at the harbor will be served differently for the time being or may not be served at all. If you are flexible, get off one or two stops earlier and walk the rest — Palma's sea air, birdsong and the occasional cry of the seagulls help sweeten the waiting time.

Taxis usually have priority on alternative routes, but expect delays because pedestrian flows and security checks also take time. On such days the bicycle is often the fastest alternative — provided you don't mind short gusts of wind and the smell of salt water.

Car, delivery traffic and parking: practical routes

Detours are signposted for drivers. In practice, signage can cause confusion the first time — especially when several construction sites and events coincide. My tip: drive around the harbor edge on a wider route instead of struggling through the inner lanes. Parking garages in the old town (for example Na Porta de Mallorca) fill up quickly; a short walk to La Lonja or El Born is often more relaxing than 20 minutes of congestion on the Paseo.

Delivery services and tradespeople should adjust their time windows or deliver early in the morning, while the initial partial closure is not fully in effect. If you rely on punctual pickups for work, consider alternative parking areas west of Porto Pi.

What locals can do — and why it’s still positive

Yes, closures are annoying. But solidarity runs also bring a sense of community and attention to good causes. The harbor promenade fills with people who clap, cheer and sometimes spontaneously share a coffee. If you are not dependent on your car, take the opportunity for a relaxed Sunday walk along the boats’ wakes — the cathedral bells can be heard from afar, the sea is roaring, and for a moment the hectic pace recedes.

Practical short list for the day: 1) Allow extra time (20–40 minutes). 2) Use public transport but check timetable changes. 3) Prefer a bike or short walks. 4) Head for parking garages and walk the rest. 5) Pay attention to announcements from the local police — they direct and inform on site.

Final advice

Do not follow your navigation blindly when detours are signposted. And bring a bit of patience — the situation should return to normal by late afternoon. For those staying on the Paseo Marítimo: enjoy the special Sunday atmosphere. For everyone else: plan, bypass, take a deep breath — and maybe stop briefly to support the run before everyday life returns.