Where to Park in Coll d'en Rabassa (Palma de Mallorca)
Check the options to park in Coll d'en Rabassa, near FAN Mallorca and Cala Gamba, and find out when it makes sense to have your own space.
Parking Situation in Coll d'en Rabassa
Coll d'en Rabassa is one of Palma's neighborhoods with the greatest difficulty parking. Urban growth, the opening of FAN Mallorca Shopping and the boom of bars and restaurants have increased demand, but available spaces remain the same.
Parking Options
1. Street Parking (Free)
Where: Residential streets without ORA
Cost: Free
Advantages:
- Costs no money
Disadvantages:
- Very difficult to find space (10-20 min searching)
- Often have to park far from destination
- Risk of fines if not respecting signs
- Car exposed to elements (sun, rain)
2. ORA Zone (Blue)
Where: Cardenal Rosell Street and surrounding commercial areas
Cost: 1.10€/hour (max 2 hours)
Schedule: M-F 9:00-14:00 and 16:00-20:00, Sat 9:00-14:00
Advantages:
- Higher turnover, easier to find space
Disadvantages:
- Limited time (max 2 hours)
- If you forget to renew: 40€ fine
- Accumulated cost if used daily
- Not suitable for residents
3. Municipal Parking Lots
Where: No municipal parking in Coll d'en Rabassa directly
Nearest: Parc de la Mar Parking (Palma center, 6km)
Monthly cost: 50-70€ (with waiting list)
Disadvantages:
- None in the neighborhood
- Waiting lists of months or years
- 8 of 14 parking lots have closed list
4. FAN Mallorca Shopping
Where: FAN shopping center (Palma-Arenal Highway, exit 10)
Cost: Free first 3 hours, then paid
Advantages:
- Large covered parking
- Free if shopping
Disadvantages:
- Only valid if visiting shopping center
- Not option for residents
- Fills up on Saturdays and holidays
5. Buy Your Own Space
Where: Buildings with garage in Coll d'en Rabassa
Cost: €32,000 (initial investment)
Advantages:
- Your space always available
- Save time (62 hours/year)
- Zero fines
- Can rent it if not using (80-100€/month)
- Appreciates (+5-8%/year)
- Recoverable investment
Most Difficult Areas to Park
Cardenal Rosell Street (commercial area): Saturated ORA
Around FAN Mallorca: Visitor parking, not for residents
Narrow streets of old center: Constant double parking
Near Cala Gamba: Impossible in summer
Tricks to Park in Coll d'en Rabassa
Avoid rush hours (8-9am and 6-8pm): Impossible to find space
Try streets farther from center (less saturated)
If using ORA, set alarm to renew (avoid fines)
In summer, forget parking near beaches (use public transport)
If you're a resident, seriously consider buying a space
When Does it Make Sense to Buy Your Own Space?
Do this calculation:
- Time lost searching: 15 min/day × 250 days = 62.5 hours/year
- Valued at 15€/hour = 937€/year
- ORA fines: 3/year × 40€ = 120€/year
- Extra fuel: ~100€/year
Total annual cost: ~1,157€
Alternatives to ORA in Palma
Park on periphery and use public transport (EMT)
Share space with neighbors (shifts)
Use motorcycle/bike instead of car
Buy your own space (definitive solution)
Conclusion
Parking in Coll d'en Rabassa is a daily problem with no easy solution. If you live or work in the area, buying your own space is the smartest investment: you gain time, peace of mind and equity.