Summer Super Sundays

open every Sunday

A mere 10 years ago I had a very disappointing weekend break in Palma de Mallorca. Disappointing because nearly every shop closed its doors at 13.30 on Saturday afternoon until Monday morning, and many museums and restaurants were closed all Sunday.

How times have changed, nearly all the shops are open all day through with no siesta, and Palma's museums now close together on a Monday. Even better, from this year all the shops in the historic centre of Palma will be able to open every Sunday from April to October inclusive.

It's an initiative promoted by the Palma 365 Days Foundation whose aim is to encourage year round tourism to the city and in particular weekend breaks and Cruise line arrivals. The scheme is limited to the heart of the tourist area where, the cultural and gastronomic attractions are to be found, around the Borne  (photo) and Jaime III areas, and there's a good chance that the Porto Pi shopping mall near the port will be included too.

The Foundation has estimated that this extra day's opening could be worth €15 million over the year! Let's hope it's a success.

Published 15 February 2012 Stephen White.