Coffee on the Rambla

the majority of the city's flower sellers ply their trade

Even if you were walking round Palma, Mallorca blindfolded you'd know when you'd arrived at the picturesque plaza, la Rambla dels Ducs de Palma. It's the 'market place' where the majority of the city's flower sellers ply their trade and the scent is almost overpowering.

This week, for the first time ever, you'll be able to take a coffee on a terrace in the square. Previously not allowed, the council has changed its regulations so that cafes can put chairs and tables into the Rambla in an effort to revitalise the area which has recently been called the 'Rambla of the Dead' because it's like a ghost town after 19.00!

The Mayoress of Palma, Aina Calvo, ceremonially sipped the first coffee on the terrace of the Rambla 10 cafe the other day to get the scheme started and it's thought that another 8 bars will have terraces pretty soon.

The opening of the new terrace coincides with the closing of the fountain on the square. It's got a leak, so the council have drained it to seal the joints and repair the base so it can be put back to its former glory soon.

Published 17 September 2009 Stephen White.