Portopetro gets a new square with underground parking – completion planned by year-end

A new meeting point above the harbor

If you have strolled through Portopetro in the last few days, you’ve surely noticed something happening on the small rise above the harbor. The construction site for a new square with an underground garage is not to be missed. You’ll be dealing with mud, dust, and excavator noise – but in the end, a piece of the cityscape should emerge here that people will enjoy using.

What is planned

Plans include an open square with permanent seating areas, play areas for children, new green spaces and a small viewpoint from which you can look directly onto the water. Below the square an underground garage for up to 20 cars will be built. For the place, which is often full in summer, this should relieve the load – at least near the harbor.

The numbers – and who pays

The project costs around 950,000 euros. The largest part is covered by a tourism grant; the remainder is borne by the municipality of Santanyí. That doesn’t sound cheap for 20 parking spaces, but the mayor and planners argue that the square itself, with a play area and a view, enhances the public space – and that’s not just luxury in a coastal municipality, but part of the long-term development.

When will it be finished?

Officially: by the end of the year. Realistically? If the weather cooperates and there are no major surprises, it could work. As a resident, I see workers coming and going, deliveries early in the morning (around 7 a.m., much to the annoyance of some early risers) and occasionally curious tourists taking photos. The completion will bring relief to some residents – and a new viewing terrace for walkers.

What people are saying

At the corner kiosk, the woman who has been selling croissants for 20 years says: “Finally something green, not just parking spaces.” A fisherman laughs and hopes the viewing point won’t drive the fish away. I’ve also heard voices saying: “Why so expensive?” – a legitimate question that shows public buildings are scrutinized.

In short: Portopetro will get a new small square above the harbor by year-end – with greenery, a play area and underground parking for about 20 cars. It remains exciting to see whether the project delivers the promised gain in quality of stay or whether it becomes just another parking lot. I’ll keep a close eye on it.