The Complete Guide to Life in Palma - The Paseo Maritimo

24 November 2018

Palma Neighbourhood Guide - The Paseo #

Puerto de Palma, Club Náutico and Paseo Marítimo - the breadwinning boulevard of boats

If you didn’t notice the power of the ports whilst flying into the island of Mallorca, all you need to do to grasp the reality of the Paseo Marítimo is make your way up to Bellver Castle. From there you can gaze across the bay and soak in the riches.

As far as the luxurious world of yachting is concerned, Mallorca isn’t only the most sought-after hub in the Mediterranean, its intrigue and charm is known all around the world. The frontline is known for its nightlife and thrives off tourism.

AM Guide to the Marinas #

There is only one word when it comes to sightseeing on the seaside strip of Palma — yachts. Let’s drive from the airport and identify the marinas. Unconventionally, we’ll go from east to west:

Moll Vell — Translates to Old Wharf and has recently been rejuvenated with posh building of restaurants, offices, and a rooftop bar.

La Lonja Marina Charter — A marina for private charter yachts only.

Real Club Nautico de Palma Marina — RCNP is the oldest and one of the most famous ports, not only in Palma, but in the Balearic Islands altogether.

Muelle de las Golondrinas — A public quay where you can admire the beautiful, traditional Mallorquian style boats.

Paseo Maritimo Sign

Although not quite a marina, up next is a quay where you can find catamarans that do afternoon and sunset cruises around the bay during summer months.


Port de Mallorca Marina, the centremost port with as many as 200 berths.

Pantalán del Mediterraneo and Marina Palma Cuarentena, two of the most private and exclusive marinas in Palma and unless you’re guest or crew, getting inside to check out the boats is unlikely.

After another strip of boats, you’ll reach Club de Mar, where you can awe at the high-rollers, the 50+ metre yachts.

Dársena de C’an Barbara
, a tiny little marina across from Club de Mar where you’ll typically find ribs and speed boats.

Finally, Puerto Palma, home to the cruise liners and ferries.

There are also three shipyards amongst the marina’s:

  • Audax Marina, home to a 100-ton travel lift and a 12-ton crane.
  • Astilleros de Mallorca, which can undertake any repair or maintenance work on yachts up to 70 metres.
  • Servicios Técnicos Portuarios, commonly referred to as STP, the big man of the shipyards able to take in yachts up to 120 metres in length with travel lifts maxing out at 1000 tons!

Food & Drink #

Breakfast and/or brunch with a view?
Enjoy “casual dockside dining” at The Boat House, located between Real Club Nautico and Port de Mallorca.

AM Brunch Recommendation: Huevos Rancheros, paired with a Bloody Pirata, of course!

Culturally diverse lunch?

Okay readers, this is an AM must visit! Mercat 1930 Gastronomic Market is the frontline’s newest gem! Since their grand opening in August 2017, this gastromarket has brought daytime excitement back to the Paseo Maritimo, most commonly revered for its nightlife. Inside you’ll find a range of food such as thai, sushi, delightful mini burgers, to tapas, Spanish style finger food.

Kitchen hours are Sunday to Thursday noon to midnight, Friday and Saturday noon to half past midnight.

Culturally diverse lunch?
Okay readers, this is an AM must visit! Mercat 1930 Gastronomic Market is the frontline’s newest gem! Since their grand opening in August 2017, this gastromarket has brought daytime excitement back to the Paseo Maritimo, most commonly revered for its nightlife. Inside you’ll find a range of food such as thai, sushi, delightful mini burgers, to tapas, Spanish style finger food.

Kitchen hours are Sunday to Thursday noon to midnight, Friday and Saturday noon to half past midnight.

Friends Burgers Sharing Dinner Lunch

Drinks and dancing, anyone?

Found yourself on the front and looking for a place to cut up some rugs? If it’s a Thursday night, you’re in luck! Check out Garito’s if you’re into techno/dance music.

Shopping and/or Markets #

For shopping enthusiasts, we at AM recommend heading to the Borne or through the cobble streets of the old town as the front can be a bit ‘touristy’. With that being said, there are a few nice shops mixed amongst the bars and restaurant worth popping into.

Sports & Recreation #

Chartering a yacht can be rather expensive. AM has an alternative. Why not save the money and do a day-trip on a catamaran? You’re in the perfect spot! Attraction Catamaran, located between Muelle de las Golondrinas and Port de Mallorca, costs €55 or €65 with a transfer (2018), and includes a five-hour tour of Palma Bay during the daytime or at sunset, serving paella, roast beef, salad, chicken wings, fruit, water and soft drinks.

AM Reminder: This catamaran excursion only runs during the summer months starting in April, ending at the end of October.

For all the parents reading, Real Club Nautico Port, or RCNP, is home to a sea school, or escuela de mar in Spanish, for kids in which they can participate in canoeing, swimming, and sailing.
Contact
: www.rcnp.es

The most affordable option is to lace up your trainers, hop on your bike, or maybe even your roller-skates, and cruise along the seafront.

Palma Paseo Maritimo Boardwalk

Art & Culture #

Just across from Moll Vell Marina stands an old, castle-like gothic building. It’s no surprise that back in the 15th century, this building was home to Mallorca’s Merchants Association. These days Sa Llotja is typically used an art exhibition venue and more often than not, open to the public for free! Inside this beautiful building you can admire vaulted ceiling and stupendous pillars.

Fiestas & Annual Highlights #

Balearics Day is an awesome annual event held every March for locals and tourists to enjoy (mostly) traditionally dressed stall attendees serving food, selling crafts, playing music and dancing along to it. When you see the red, yellow and purple bunting strung along the palm trees from the Borne to Avenida Argentina, the event is coming!

Palma International Boat Show, is a five-day event growing exponentially every year. Hosted at the end of April, you can expect to see around 600 hundred boats, 100 being super-yachts. Why not enjoy a glass of Prosecco whilst intermingling with the ‘other half’? Entry is an incredibly affordable six euros.
Contact: www.boatshowpalma.com/en/

Paseo Maritimo Boats

AM Sneaky Annual Highlight — San Sebastian takes place in January, and although isn’t entirely on the ‘front’ in Palma, it’s worth mentioning because this is one event you just cannot miss! Getting amongst the fire throwing, devil dancing, drum thumping fiesta is unforgettable experience you have to see for yourself, trust us.

Living on the Paseo #

Sipping on a cup a tea whilst looking out across the Mediterranean don’t sound like a terrible way to start the day, now does it? Sure, seafront accommodation isn’t known for being the most affordable, but with so many incredible apartments on offer overlooking Palma Bay why not inquire. If your heart is set on the view, the Mediterranean dream, renting an apartment with some friends is certainly the affordable option. Whether you’re looking to rent or buy, Mallorca has plenty well established rental companies aching to help you find your perfect nest.

AM Top Tip: Consider contacting a landlord directly to avoid the agency fee. Just look for an alquilar, or rent in Spanish, sign posted in a window and make the call yourself. What better time to learn the language than now?

Charm factor #

Sailboats rocking side by side, morning sun dancing across the small little ripples on the water, and palm trees outlining the island’s edge… what could be more picturesque? The Paseo’s charm factor is undoubtedly the captivating romance that comes along with life at sea.

Paseo Maritimo From Above

24 November, 2018

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