Milestones of 2025 to Reconnect Balearic Society with the Sea

Although we live on islands that many describe as paradisiacal, there are still many people who continue to live with their backs turned to the sea.

To change this reality and facilitate access to social and recreational boating, while continuing to write new chapters in Balearic nautical and maritime history, important initiatives were carried out throughout 2025. These included the reopening of museums, the completion and inauguration of major infrastructures, and a firm commitment to bringing the sea closer to society as a whole, promoting knowledge, enjoyment, and conservation. Here we summarize some of the most significant milestones of 2025.

Reopening of the Maritime Museum

After its closure was ordered in early 2024 due to non-compliance with safety requirements, the Maritime Museum of Palma, located at Ses Voltes, reopened its doors in October 2025. After nearly two years, the institution not only resolved all safety issues but also developed a unique museographic project aimed at showcasing Mallorca’s maritime heritage.

The permanent exhibition is distributed across five exhibition halls and an educational space, featuring audiovisual resources that provide an immersive experience for all audiences. The project is built around three main thematic pillars: the preservation of underwater and terrestrial maritime heritage, marine biodiversity, and the creation of a space for reflection and debate on contemporary issues related to the sea.

The museum displays a rich collection of previously unseen archaeological pieces from underwater sites, ship models, and objects linked to traditional maritime trades, all complemented by audiovisual and interactive resources.

First Edition of Setmana Blava

From May 5th to the 9th, 2025, 4,570 students from 91 schools took part in the first edition of Setmana Blava, a program promoted by the Balearic Government with the aim of encouraging children to practice water sports and raising awareness about the importance of protecting the marine environment.

Students in the 5th and 6th grades participated in activities organized at 26 nautical clubs and marinas across all the islands, combining theoretical sessions, with workshops on marine pollution, sea safety, and nautical knots, with practical activities such as sailing, canoeing, and paddle surfing.

Following the strong participation and success of this first edition, the Government is already working to ensure the continuity of the program and to expand its reach in future editions, further promoting nautical culture and a healthy lifestyle.

Club de Mar Renovation

One of the areas undergoing the most significant transformation is Club de Mar Mallorca, which after four and a half years of works and an investment of €95 million, is still under construction, with full inauguration expected in June 2026.

Some areas of the complex, comprising four buildings, are already operational and open to members. Users can find a wide range of facilities and businesses, including restaurants, a gym, spa, nautical companies, clothing stores, jewelry shops, and, of course, the iconic Marsalada nightclub.

In addition, Club de Mar will no longer be exclusively for members and will be open to the general public via a pedestrian walkway connecting its facilities to the newly renovated Paseo Marítimo.

Inauguration of the Paseo Marítimo

This November, Palma’s Paseo Marítimo unveiled its new look after three years of intensive and often disruptive works, traffic restrictions, and mixed public opinion. This port–city integration project, carried out by the Balearic Islands Port Authority (APB), involved an investment of more than €50 million and transformed 3.5 kilometers of waterfront.

According to APB communications, the new promenade prioritizes pedestrians and cyclists, expands green areas, and promotes sustainable mobility by reducing the prominence of vehicular traffic. More than 2,300 new trees were planted, 37,000 square meters of landscaped areas were created, and generous spaces for pedestrians, cyclists, and leisure activities were established. The project also incorporated sustainable drainage systems, smart LED lighting, and electric vehicle charging points.

One of the most significant changes in this redevelopment, initiated in November 2022 by the Port Authority and Palma City Council, was the demolition of the historic pedestrian bridge at the Mediterráneo building and the Paraires bridge. With over 50 years of service as access points to the western and Paraires docks, APB deemed their removal necessary to meet current needs. Their demolition made it possible to widen the land-side sidewalk, gain green space, and free the seafront sidewalk from structural pillars, ensuring continuity for pedestrian and cycling areas.

2026… Club Nàutic Portitxol

In line with the transformation of Palma’s Paseo Marítimo, Club Nàutic Portitxol will also undergo improvement works in 2026, continuing the port–city integration project promoted by APB.

The club has been granted an extension of its concession until December 15, 2040, conditional upon the execution of an investment of nearly €10 million. The project proposed by CN Portitxol includes significant port infrastructure improvements, such as the reorganization of the inner basin, the creation of an outer basin with new pontoons and a breakwater, a new boatyard, upgrades to port facilities, improved buoyage systems, dredging operations, and enhanced safety, health, and environmental monitoring plans.