Paseo Marítimo in Palma closed on Sunday: How to avoid stress at the harbor

Major closure at the port: What Palma can expect on Sunday

On the coming Sunday you should either get up early or set off later. The city of Palma has announced a multi-hour closure of the Paseo Marítimo – the reason is a solidarity run organized by the port authority. For drivers, commuters, cyclists and pedestrians the usual calm at the harbor will change between 6:00 and around 15:30.

Times and section: What you should know

The police describe two phases: From 6:00 the stretch between Avenida Argentina and Calle Monsenyor Palmer in the direction of Andratx will first be restricted. From around 9:00 there will then be a full closure in both directions from the roundabout at Porto Pi to Avenida Argentina. Expected end: around 15:30. During this time expect police checks, barriers and many people by the water.

How to best bypass it

If you want to avoid the harbor area, Via Roma and Camí dels Reis are good alternatives if you are coming from the center. Those arriving from the west often find quick detours via the roundabout at Porto Pi. Tip from experience: plan at least 20–40 minutes extra. On Sundays the small access at Avenida Argentina can seem full overnight – at least it feels that way when the first spectators arrive.

EMT, tib and public transport

Several city lines of the EMT as well as the regional buses of tib will be rerouted. Stops may be moved or skipped. Before you set off: quickly check the EMT app or the tib website. Nothing is more annoying than standing in the sun and realizing the bus is taking a different route. By the way: on Sundays some drivers are used to spontaneous detours – pay attention to loudspeaker announcements.

On foot and by bike: often more relaxed

On foot or by bike you usually get through better, even if it will be busy by the water. Spectators gather around the auditorium and the yacht club; the spray, seagull cries and the clatter of boats form the Sunday backdrop. If you're taking it easy, allow time for a detour and a coffee in a quieter side street – the small bar on Calle Sant Magí welcomes guests.

For residents and small businesses

For the neighborhood such a run is ambivalent: temporarily more traffic, but pleasant visitor flows for cafés and kiosks. The solidarity for which people are running is a good thing in itself – and the local economy can benefit. A little patience helps: those who avoid the access routes not only help themselves but also the emergency and rescue services.

Practical checklist

Before you set off: check the EMT app and tib information. If possible: take the tram, grab your bike or go on foot. At least: plan a 20–40 minute buffer, target parking early, use alternative routes (Via Roma, Camí dels Reis).

My personal tip: on such Sundays I leave the car at home and take the tram or bike. Less stress, more sea in your ears and maybe a nice photo of the run – and a good cup of coffee in a quiet side street as a reward. In the end the community wins: sport, solidarity and a bit of harbor atmosphere.