Whilst the tourists are away and it's not so toasty in the Balearics, there is normally plenty of construction work taking place. This year it's Magaluf's turn for major works as the promenade, or at least half of it, is being repaved and widened.
Work began last November and started at the right end of the beach if you look out to sea. I've walked and mainly jogged this far along the promenade a number of times in the summer the path can get quite crowded. If I am jogging, I'll often hop up onto the wall to navigate traffic, and then remind myself to get out earlier in the day next time.
Above is the view from the apartment, slightly zoomed in. I've been working close to this window and watching (hearing!) the work get closer. Some days I've had to close the windows and turn the music up. Construction work can start before 8am and this task seems to require a lot of scraping and hammering by heavy machinery.
The other day I was chatting to a fellow Hiver on the phone (which is my camera) whilst I watched a tractor flatten the Lifeguard tower and drive away. Luckily, this wasn't just a random act of vandalism and just a few hours later a new tower stood in it's place.
I'm no lifeguard tower expert but I'd say this is one is a huge improvement. It's bigger, both wider and taller, and has a sturdy looking door at the back that actually locks.
The folks in charge of delivering the new tower have also made sure that it wont be going anywhere without being dug out from the inside first. I'm sure the tourists will do their bit to help!
With my rental contract extended yesterday for another year, I suspect the other half (3rd) of the promenade will be repaved at the end of this summer. If I'm working from home at this point then earplugs will be required - worth it for the views? Probably 😊
Palmanova
The next town along the coast to the north (towards Palma) is Palmanova, and the three beaches in this large cove have also had some improvements. These beaches have also had new lookout towers but Palmanova's promenade was already in pretty good shape, leaving mainly just 'nice to haves' to include. You can probably get a feel as to the standard of the resort from the recent additions which include lockers (big and small) and, my favourite item from another beach nearby, showers with a seat.
Boxes for valuables are a nice addition to a day at the beach, not the mostly sightly of things though.
Instructions in 3 languages, as long as you didn't lock your phone away?
Last year there were complaints that the sunbeds and walkways to the water were not in place early enough in the season. This year it looks the local council listened have made sure the resort will be fully operational by easter. Right now the sea is well chilly, but those who dare can be rewarded with an equally chilly shower, sitting down.
The final image shows staff packing up for the day at a new Chiringuito. I recognise the shack as it's owned by a chain who have also plonked one of these huts at a popular seaside spot nearby in Costa de la Calma.
As you can probably guess, the drinks and snacks served here are relatively expensive and you'll not see many locals taking advantage of the short walk from sunbed to booze - including me!
Although the tourist season brings mess and night-time noise I do look forward to there being more activity and life close by, before becoming irritated by long supermarket queues and a lack of parking 😜 Some people are never happy ay 😁
Cheers all, have a good day
Ash