Mallorca's wooden boats face a fight for harbour space
Mallorca's traditional wooden boats face costly berths, the Balearic Socialist Party (PSIB) says: it wants coastal law to secure space for them in ports across the Balearic Islands. On 1 October 2026, the party tabled an amendment that also responds to calls from the Traditional Boats Association of Portocolom, Mallorca.
Space to moor and maintain boats
The proposal would give the Balearic Islands government, island councils and municipalities up to one year to draw up a plan for conserving traditional boats. Maritime heritage groups and boat users would help identify what is needed.
The PSIB wants room for boats to moor, be brought ashore and be maintained, with existing facilities used first. It also calls for clear criteria when allocating places and support, giving particular attention to non-profit groups and projects that preserve the boats and make them accessible to the public.
Berth costs and the wider plan
The PSIB says berth prices are too high and accuses the Balearic Islands government of overlooking older wooden boats in its port reorganisation plans. It has urged the conservative People's Party (PP) to back the amendment. According to the PSIB, boat associations also want affordable rates and areas they can manage.
The amendment goes beyond berths. It calls on public authorities to encourage low-impact activities without motors, including rowing, small-boat sailing and open-water swimming. It would also allow agreements for training and sharing knowledge, without giving anyone exclusive rights over shared spaces.
Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com