The Port Authority and the ARA Baleares have presented the program of routes through the ports of the Balearic Islands

PalmPorts have been the gateway for people, goods, and ideas throughout the centuries, shaping the history of the Balearic Islands. For this reason, the ARA Baleares and the Balearic Port Authority presented a program of routes this Friday that aims to tell this shared history and highlight an often-overlooked heritage.

The event, part of the Open House Palma architecture festival, began at 6:00 PM with a guided tour led by Juan Carlos Palos from Plaza del Rey Juan Carlos I to the headquarters of the Balearic Port Authority. At 6:45 PM, architect Vicenç Mulet led a special tour to showcase the port building and its influence on the recent transformation of the Port of Palma. The day concluded at 7:30 PM with a talk. Ports, key to a shared history, followed by a sting by Mention.

"The ports explain who we are. Without them, the history of the Balearic Islands cannot be understood," says Jaume Perelló, director of ARA Baleares and moderator of the debate. "With this proposal, we want to recover the maritime, architectural, and social memory of our ports and show how they have transformed in step with our islands."

The conversation included Joan Carles Palos, guide for the Fita a Fita routes; Vicenç Mulet, architect of the Port Authority's headquarters; Toni Ginard, director of the Balearic Islands Port Authority; and Joana Maria Seguí, Professor of Human Geography at the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB).

A year-long cultural program to discover all the ports of general interest in the archipelago.

• Coinciding with the presentation, a program of ten routes was announced, running from December 13, 2025, to November 7, 2026, and encompassing all the ports of general interest in Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera. One of the main new features is the boat trips, which will allow visitors to discover areas not usually accessible to the public: Boat trip to the Portopí lighthouse (Mallorca)
• Boat trip around the port of Maó and its inner blocks (Menorca)
• Boat trip around the port of Ibiza

Unique experiences that make this project an exceptional opportunity to experience the ports from within, amidst heritage, landscape, and history.

Routes in Mallorca

In Mallorca, three routes have been planned focusing on the city of Palma and one on the port of Alcúdia. The first, 'El Born and the Riba Wharf', will take place on December 13, 2025, and will allow participants to trace the maritime origins and changes of the modern city. The second, 'From the Seaside Quarter to the Portopí Lighthouse', scheduled for February 7, 2026, incorporates one of the program's highlights this year: a boat trip to the lighthouse. Finally, on November 7, 2026, the route 'The Portopí Lighthouse and Sant Carles Castle' will explore two key sites in the historical defense of the bay. In addition, the main port of Alcúdia will host its own route on April 4, 2026. All activities are open to visitors. prior registration and they offer a discount for ARA Baleares subscribers.

Routes in Menorca

In Menorca, all routes will revolve around the port of Maó. On October 3, 2026, the main new feature of the Menorcan edition will take place: a boat tour through the inner harbor blocks, an exceptional opportunity to understand the unique structure of this natural and strategic space. That same afternoon, the 'La Colàrsega' route will be offered, dedicated to one of the port's most unique and least-known areas. The following day, October 4, the program will be completed with the 'Cala Sant Esteve' itinerary, a route that combines military heritage, landscape, and maritime history. Residents of Menorca and visitors alike will be able to participate. Register via the provided linkA trip from Mallorca will also be organized for those who wish to attend.

Routes in Ibiza

In Ibiza, the tours will take place on Saturday, March 7, 2026, and will be part of an organized weekend trip. In the morning, the 'Dalt Vila, La Peña and La Marina' tour will conclude with a short boat trip around the port to observe its layout from the sea. In the afternoon, the tour will be completed with the 'El Botafoc' tour, focusing on the recent transformation of the port area and its role in the contemporary city. Registrations are also open to residents of the Pitiusas IslandsThose traveling from Mallorca can sign up later.

Route to Formentera

The Formentera route will take place the following day, Sunday, March 8, 2026, and will be dedicated to the port of La Savina, the true gateway to the island. The tour will explain its evolution, its relationship with the daily lives of the inhabitants, and the transformations that have defined mobility and economic activity in Formentera. Residents will be able to participate through prior registrationThe trip to Ibiza will also include this route to Formentera.