Plaza de Santo Domingo: The Final Piece on the Paseo Marítimo

Almost finished: A new waterfront section for Palma

When you walk along the Paseo Marítimo early in the morning, the cries of gulls, the gentle sound of the surf and the scent of Lavazza or filtered coffee from the cafés mix together. Right here, at the entrance to the Plaza de Santo Domingo de la Calzada, the clatter of the construction site now almost sounds like final tidying up. The small area is the last piece of the new promenade section — and it shows how urban planning can change everyday life in many small places.

What is being built: steps, ramps and sea views

The narrow road that until now ran directly along the water will no longer be just a thoroughfare. Instead, steps, ramps and multifunctional areas will create new quality places to stay. Three illuminated access points will lead up to the historic fishing quarter Es Jonquet. Wider pavements, new benches and additional trees promise shade on hot days and — with the windows open in summer — will sound more like wellbeing than asphalt.

The new seating steps are small but clever: market shoppers, runners in sweaty shirts and couples wanting to take in a little more sea air will sit here. A compact, lovingly designed playground is planned for the children. Not a large adventure park, but a meeting place where parents can keep an eye on their child while watching the sea or chatting with neighbours.

And history is being deliberately preserved too: the monument of Saint Domingo de la Calzada is being restored, partly financed by EU funds. A little piece of city history therefore remains visible as the promenade becomes more modern — a combination many find reassuring.

How everyday life changes

The reactions are kindly curious. Residents of Es Jonquet exchange a mixed "Finally!" with a small reservation about increased tourist use. A woman who often walks her dog laughed: "Now we have space to stroll, let's just hope the peace isn't completely swallowed by phone cameras." Such sentences sound here between almond trees and the hum of motorboats and show: people want meeting places, but without losing their neighborhood.

In the evenings, the warm, thoughtfully designed lighting at the access points creates a relaxed atmosphere. Not harsh floodlights, but soft light that welcomes walkers, couples and night owls alike. The new planting not only provides shade, but also creates sounds: the rustle of leaves, the occasional chirp of insects, the gentle lapping when the sea hits the quay wall.

Schedule and outlook

The major works are largely complete: surfaces, seating steps, planting containers and the access points are visibly finished. In the coming weeks, fine work will follow — installing railings, finalizing lamps, the last sand on the playground and the restoration work on the monument. Those who pass by now see craftsmen, delivery vans and curious pedestrians trying out the new paths. Not a big spectacle, rather the soothing sound of a city putting itself back in order.

For Palma this is more than a cosmetic intervention. It is a section of waterfront returned: to pedestrians, neighborhoods and small businesses like the baker and the corner café. The connection between Paseo Marítimo and Es Jonquet becomes closer, paths shorter, benches more numerous. Children get a new meeting point, the elderly a few new stories, and the city another piece of quality of life.

In short: Plaza de Santo Domingo de la Calzada — the last construction site on the Paseo Marítimo. Three illuminated access points to Es Jonquet, more greenery, wider pavements, a compact playground and monument restoration with EU funding. Completion: in the coming weeks.