The Palma Paseo Maritimo Redevelopment project or Passeig Maritim Nou (New Paseo Maritimo) project is continuing to prove to be an eyesore on Palma’s waterfront with works expected to extend into 2024.
This extensive makeover of the beautiful Balearic Island waterfront promenade is set to redefine the city’s landscape, but not without considerable disruption to those visiting the area.
This article will guide you as to what’s happening here, the impact on local hotels and businesses, and what holidaymakers should anticipate during this period of transformation.
If you are planning a holiday in Palma, whether arriving on a cruise at Palma Port or staying in a waterfront hotel, find out what to expect from your visit.
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The Scope of the Palma Paseo Maritimo Redevelopment
Palma’s Paseo Marítimo comprehensive redevelopment promises to transform this area into a more pedestrian-friendly, environmentally sustainable, and culturally enriching hub.
From modernized infrastructure to revamped public spaces, the project aims to enhance both aesthetic appeal and functionality.
This ambitious project, estimated to cost €37+ million, aims to breathe new life into this iconic landmark, enhancing its appeal to locals and visitors alike.
The primary focus is on modernizing infrastructure, expanding pedestrian areas, and improving traffic flow.
Six lanes of traffic have now been reduced to four (two in either direction).
Plans also include the creation of new green spaces, outdoor recreational areas, and updated urban furniture, all designed to elevate the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the promenade.
What’s more, thousands of trees will be built along this waterfront stretch making this a greener and more welcome gateway to Palma city.
However, this information isn’t of much use to you if you are visiting Palma on a possibly once-in-a-lifetime holiday.
So if you are arriving in Palma on a cruise ship, be prepared to meet considerable road and building works but it is possible to avoid it to a degree.
You can still walk to Palma City along the Paseo Maritimo. The works are not too bad after about 200 metres and there is a nice waterside walkway.
See what it is like in January 2024 here.
Alternatively, the best way of getting around the key sights in Palma is to grab a ticket aboard the Palma City Sightseeing bus, which you can purchase here, and zoom past the works and straight to the best sights before departure:
Timeline and Phases of Construction
It was hoped the redevelopment project would take place in sections.
Instead, the entire Paseo Marítimo has taken place a the same time closing businesses and affecting holidaymakers in hotels.
The first phase involves upgrading utilities and infrastructure, followed by extensive landscaping and the creation of pedestrian zones.
The Palma Paseo Maritimo redevelopment project started in 2023 and is hoped to finish in October 2024.
You can see the artist’s impressions and more information on the official website here.
Impacted Hotels Along the Paseo Maritimo
Several prestigious hotels along the Paseo Maritimo will be directly impacted by the redevelopment.
On the Mallorca Under the Sun YouTube Channel, you will have seen that I took a walk along Palma’s Paseo Maritimo and noted the following hotels impacted by the Palma Paseo Maritimo Redevelopment:
- Hotel Victoria Gran Meliá Victoria
- Melia Palma Bay,
- Hotel Palma Bellver,
- Hotel Mirador
- Hotel Cosa Azul
While these hotels remain operational, they are trying to ensure guest comfort and accessibility are maintained throughout the construction period.
They also cannot guarantee that work will take place during your stay.
Should holidaymakers be advised about works on Palma’s Paseo Maritimo?
You should be advised about building work if work is taking place next to your hotel.
But this is a little difficult to predict if construction work will impact your holiday.
While It looks like work is taking place across the entire area, the reality is that building work on the Paseo Maritimo is not taking place everywhere all of the time.
If your holiday is badly affected by building noise, then do read this article about what to do if your holiday is ruined by building work here for more information.
What it’s like visiting the Paseo Maritimo during its redevelopment
For holidaymakers planning to visit Palma de Mallorca during its redevelopment, there are several things to consider.
While certain sections of the Paseo Maritimo might be temporarily inaccessible, the city has put in place numerous measures to ensure a pleasant stay.
Alternate routes, clear signage, and additional tourist assistance points will be available.
But the reality is that many restaurants and bars you would have liked to enjoy may well be closed.
Some businesses will be on a type of furlough until the works have been completed.
If work is taking place on Palma’s Paseo Maritimo by your hotel during the day, then they should finish at around 6 pm.
There are however plenty of things to do in Palma de Mallorca which you can read about here.
You can also get around pretty much normally on the Paseo Maritimo.
Check out my Getting Around guide here.
Finally, the redevelopment of the Paseo Maritimo in Palma de Mallorca marks a significant milestone in the city’s ongoing efforts to enhance its urban landscape and tourist appeal.
But it’s not without criticism or impact on the businesses in the area, or the holidaymaker’s experience.
Let me know what you think in the comments.
