The council of Mallorca has stepped in to restore order to access routes leading to Cala Varques in Manacor, amid growing pressure from summer visitor numbers. The Department of Territory and Mobility, headed by Fernando Rubio, has moved to close off part of the old Ma-4014 road to prevent vehicles from parking in the area. Officials say the intervention follows guidance from highways engineers and is aimed at improving safety along this busy stretch of coastline.
In recent years, the disused section of road had effectively become an informal car park, particularly during the peak tourist season. Hundreds of visitors heading to Cala Varques would leave their vehicles there, creating difficulties not only for traffic flow but also for local residents who rely on the route to access the main road between Porto Cristo and Portocolom.
To curb the problem, the council has installed concrete bollards at one end of the road, blocking access to both vehicles and pedestrians. At the opposite end, white and red markers have been positioned as a deterrent against further parking. A barrier is also due to be installed, allowing entry only to residents of the surrounding area.
Highways officials said stronger measures were necessary after earlier attempts to discourage parking proved ineffective. They warned that misuse of the leftover road section posed safety risks, particularly as it encouraged pedestrians to walk along the carriageway in an area with limited visibility.
Attention is now likely to turn to vehicles parking along the main road, as drivers continue to seek access to Cala Varques. Manacor’s mayor, Miquel Oliver, welcomed the move despite not being formally informed in advance, noting that the council had long called for action to ease congestion and protect the natural environment. He added that traffic authorities would need to step up enforcement to prevent roadside parking, acknowledging that the new restrictions may make access to the cove less attractive.