El Tirador (Velodrome)

El Tirador Velodrome Palma, Spain: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Attractions

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

El Tirador Velodrome, located in Palma, Mallorca, stands as a testament to Spain’s rich cycling heritage and early 20th-century architectural innovation. Established in 1903, it is the oldest surviving velodrome in Spain and among the oldest in Europe, recognized for its historical significance and its role as a hub of sporting and social life in Palma. Today, El Tirador is at the heart of ambitious rehabilitation plans that aim to transform it into a vibrant urban park, preserving its legacy while integrating it into the city’s modern landscape. This guide provides detailed, up-to-date information on El Tirador’s history, visiting hours, tickets, accessibility, and travel tips, ensuring an enriching experience for all visitors (Ultima Hora; Diario de Mallorca; Wikipedia).

Origins and Historical Evolution
Architectural and Heritage Features
Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Current Status and Future Transformation
Practical Travel Tips
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Traveler Tips
References

Origins and Historical Evolution

Early Beginnings

The site of El Tirador Velodrome was historically used by the carders’ guild from the 14th century, primarily for washing and stretching cloth. The name “Tirador” comes from the Old Catalan verb “tirar,” meaning “to stretch,” and references its traditional use (Wikipedia).

With the growing popularity of cycling in Mallorca, the Veloz Sport Balear club acquired the land in 1898. Construction was completed in 1903, and the velodrome was inaugurated that August during Palma’s annual fiestas, immediately becoming the epicenter of Spanish track cycling (Majorcan Villas; Ultima Hora).

Golden Era and Sporting Prestige

El Tirador hosted the Spanish National Speed Championship in 1904 and, later, the Middle Distance Championship, drawing elite cyclists such as Guillermo Timoner and Tour de France winner Jacques Anquetil. The velodrome also served as a social and cultural gathering place, hosting concerts, fairs, and public events, further cementing its place in Palma’s history (Ultima Hora; Wikipedia).

Decline and Closure

By the late 1960s, the focus of Spanish cycling shifted to newer venues, and El Tirador ceased hosting top-tier competitions, closing definitively in 1973. The site fell into decades of neglect, serving various municipal uses but largely left to deteriorate (Ultima Hora; Wikipedia).

Preservation and Heritage Status

Despite years of abandonment, El Tirador survived as the only intact historic velodrome in Spain. In 2015, Palma City Council expropriated the site, and by 2020, it was protected as a heritage asset (“Bien de Interés Cultural”). Major clean-up and stabilization efforts began in 2021, paving the way for rehabilitation (Diario de Mallorca; Ultima Hora).

Architectural and Heritage Features

Distinctive Design

El Tirador is notable for its original oval track, constructed with early reinforced concrete and wood, and its elegant, open-air grandstands. The track’s dimensions (about 250 meters) adhered to international standards of the era, and its banking was designed for high-speed racing (Wikipedia; alcudiapollensa.blogspot.com).

The “Templete” Pavilion

A highlight of the velodrome is the “Templete,” a pavilion designed by renowned Mallorcan architect Gaspar Bennàssar. This structure, along with the grandstands and original track, will be preserved and restored as part of the ongoing rehabilitation project (Mallorca Noticias).

Urban Integration

The velodrome’s central location near the Es Fortí and Sa Riera neighborhoods makes it easily accessible and historically significant within Palma’s urban fabric. Its open design has long facilitated community engagement and social gatherings.

Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Current Status (2025)

General Access: As of July 2025, El Tirador Velodrome is closed to the public due to restoration and safety concerns. The site can be viewed externally from surrounding streets.
Anticipated Reopening: Upon completion of the urban park transformation (expected 2028–2029), the site will reopen as a public green space, with free general access. Some guided tours and special events may require tickets (Cronicabalear).

Ticket Information

Admission: Free entry is anticipated for the park and historic track area.
Special Programs: Guided tours and events may require advance booking and a nominal fee.

Accessibility

Physical Access: Future park designs include accessible paths, ramps, and facilities for visitors with mobility challenges.
Public Transport: EMT Palma buses (lines 3, 5, and 20) stop nearby, and the velodrome is a 15-minute walk from Plaza España (EMT Palma).
Cycling: Dedicated bike lanes support sustainable access.

Facilities

Once reopened, amenities will include landscaped paths, interpretive signage, restrooms, and shaded seating. No on-site cafés are planned, but nearby streets offer dining and shopping options.

Current Status and Future Transformation

Rehabilitation and Urban Park Conversion

Palma City Council has launched a comprehensive project to convert El Tirador into a flagship urban park, as part of the Metropolitan Forest initiative. Key features of the project include:

Restoration of Heritage Elements: The original track, grandstands, and Templete will be preserved and integrated as historical landmarks.
Ecological Landscaping: Native Mediterranean flora, shaded walkways, and botanical gardens will enhance biodiversity.
Connectivity: New pedestrian bridges over the Riera stream will link Es Fortí with General Riera, improving citywide access (Mallorca Noticias; Moneo Brock).
Community Spaces: Playgrounds, gathering areas, and event venues will foster social and cultural activities.

Timeline

Planning and Design: Underway from 2025, with a €227,000 contract awarded for detailed plans and public participation.
Construction: Scheduled to begin in late 2026, with reopening projected for 2028–2029. Budget: €3 million (Cronicabalear).

Practical Travel Tips

Best Times to Visit: Once reopened, visit during spring or autumn for mild weather and fewer crowds. Early mornings or late afternoons offer the most comfortable conditions (globalhighlights.com).
What to Bring: Comfortable footwear, sun protection, and water.
Photography: Personal photography is welcome; professional shoots or drones require city permission.
Safety: Palma is safe, but keep valuables secure, especially during busy events (Travel Like a Boss).
Cultural Etiquette: Respect signage, do not climb on the track, and dispose of litter responsibly.

Nearby Attractions

Plaça d’Espanya: Main transit hub and gateway to Palma’s historic quarter.
Mercat de l’Olivar: Local market with fresh produce and tapas.
Carrer de Blanquerna: Pedestrian street with cafés and boutiques.
Canódromo Park & Sa Riera Park: Additional green spaces nearby, ideal for outdoor recreation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is El Tirador Velodrome open to visitors in 2025?
A: No, the site is closed as of July 2025 due to restoration. Exterior views are possible; full reopening as a park is expected after 2028.

Q: What will the visiting hours be after reopening?
A: Anticipated to be daily from sunrise to sunset.

Q: Will entry be free?
A: Yes, general access will be free; guided tours or events may require tickets.

Q: Is the site accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, the future park will feature accessible paths and facilities.

Q: How do I get there?
A: By EMT Palma buses (lines 3, 5, 20), walking from Plaza España, or by bike.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Guided tours will be offered for special events and by appointment once the site reopens.

Summary and Traveler Tips

El Tirador Velodrome embodies Palma’s enduring sporting and cultural heritage. From its early days as a cycling mecca to its upcoming rebirth as a green urban park, the site offers a unique blend of history, architecture, and community spirit. While currently closed, restoration will soon allow visitors to explore its storied past, enjoy new green spaces, and participate in guided cultural activities. For the latest updates on visiting hours, tickets, and events, refer to official Palma tourism resources and the Audiala app (Mallorca Noticias; Ultima Hora; Diario de Mallorca).