The Allure of Palma’s Paseo Maritimo: A Blend of Leisure and Culture

5 min readJun 14, 2023

Paseo Maritimo: A haven for leisurely ambles, cycling, gastronomic delights, and vibrant nightlife

The Magic of Palma’s Paseo Maritimo

The ‘Paseo Marítimo’, or ‘Passeig Marítim’ in the local Catalan dialect, is a captivating promenade that elegantly traces the edge of Palma’s waterfront. This expansive avenue, complete with a pedestrian-friendly walkway and a bicycle lane, is a cherished spot for both visitors and residents.

A saunter along the Paseo Maritimo is a joy to the senses. Majestic palm trees form a verdant corridor past iconic structures and a harbour teeming with yachts. The vista is a living canvas, with the blush of dawn and the glow of dusk crafting daily masterpieces on the horizon.

The seafront promenade extends from the military port near Porto Pi to the airport, for those who fancy a long walk. But when we mention Paseo Maritimo, we’re focusing on the roughly 4km stretch from Porto Pi to the quaint fishing village of Portixol. This section is closest to the city centre. By day, it’s a popular spot for exercise; by night, it morphs into a hub for dining and dancing.

The Rich Tapestry of Paseo Maritimo’s History and Culture

The promenade officially bears the name ‘Avenida Gabriel Roca’, in honour of the chief engineer of Palma’s port from 1940 to 1962. Roca was the driving force behind the planning and creation of the Paseo Maritimo and also chaired Mallorca’s tourism board for seven years.

The Paseo Maritimo now skirts the Cathedral ‘La Seu’, but the scene was quite different four decades ago. Originally, the sea lapped right up to the Cathedral’s walls. In the 1970s, a new road and boulevard were constructed, pushing the sea back.

To preserve the enchanting effect of a reflecting pool, city planners created an artificial seawater lake. This area, known as Parc de la Mar, lies along the scenic route of the Paseo Maritimo. Throughout the year, it hosts concerts, open-air cinema, and artisan fairs.

Paseo Maritimo’s Main Attractions

From quaint fishing boats to opulent superyachts, observing the myriad vessels along Palma’s bay is a tranquil way to while away an afternoon. Each spring, the port hosts the Palma Superyacht Show, featuring yachts available for sale and charter.

Starting from the Porto Pi end, you’ll encounter the renowned nightclub, Tito’s, which first opened its doors in the 1920s; Palma’s Auditorium, which hosts a diverse range of shows and concerts; and the hip neighbourhood of Santa Catalina, which truly comes to life in the evening.

Don’t miss the 16th-century fortress wall surrounding the Es Baluard Contemporary Art Museum. Further along, you’ll catch sight of Bellver Castle in the distance. Soon after, the Royal Palace of Almudaina will appear, followed by the Cathedral, equally impressive in daylight and when lit up at night.

Activities in Paseo Maritimo

The route is perfect for a leisurely walk, bike ride, or rollerblading. You can rent a bike from several stations in Palma, and rollerblades from the Roll&Roll skate shop in Avenida Argentina.

Treat yourself to an ice cream or cocktail en route, or reserve a table for a scrumptious seafood meal at a seafront restaurant. As the sun sets, the atmosphere shifts from serene to lively as music bars and nightclubs swing open their doors.

From Latin rhythms to electronic, pop, and rock, the Paseo Maritimo offers a diverse musical landscape. At the westernmost end, El Garito, situated by Ca’n Barbara marina, is the go-to spot for dance and electronic music. For live music and fantastic cover bands, the Irish bar, Shamrock, draws an enthusiastic crowd and stays open until 5am. Most bars offer free entry, allowing you to sample each venue at your leisure.

Related: Free activities in Palma

Gastronomy at Paseo Maritimo

Mar de Nudos, with its chic ambiance and stunning Cathedral views, serves up the finest Asian and Mediterranean cuisine. For serene port views and delectable seafood dishes, El Pesquero is a top recommendation for lunch or dinner. C’an Eduardo, another seafront establishment with Cathedral views, is renowned for its delicious paellas and ‘fideuàs’.

Ikatza, the restaurant at the 5-star Hotel Victoria Gran Meliá, delights guests with contemporary Basque cuisine and panoramic bay views.

Accommodation Options at Paseo Maritimo

You can choose from large hotels like the 5-star Hotel Victoria Gran Melia and the 4-star Hotel Costa Azul, or opt for a luxurious stay at one of the boutique hotels such as the Calatrava Hotel or the 5-star Leading Hotels of the World, Es Princep.

Events at Paseo Maritimo

In late April, the port buzzes with excitement for Palma’s Superyacht Show. Throughout the summer, Parc de la Mar hosts open-air cinema, along with numerous fairs and festivals during the year.

Life at Paseo Maritimo

This location is truly desirable, offering proximity to the city’s action while providing the tranquillity that comes with sea views.

The area primarily features apartments rather than houses. Luxury penthouses with rooftop terraces and private pools are available. Naturally, properties closer to the seafront command higher prices.

During the bustling summer months, the ability to stroll along the Paseo Maritimo is a welcome respite. The walkways and parks are child-friendly, and restaurants and cafés remain open all year round.

If you’re seeking advice on buying, selling, or renting a property in this or any other area of Mallorca, don’t hesitate to check out our selection of reliable and professional real estate agents on the island.

We hope you’ve found this article about Palma’s Paseo Maritimo helpful and that it leads to many memorable stays in Mallorca. We always appreciate your feedback, so please share your thoughts with us here. Enjoy your time in Mallorca!