What are the ACIRE zones in Palma?
The ACIRE zones (short for Àrea de circulació restringida) are restricted traffic areas in Palma de Mallorca, mainly located in the old town and surrounding neighbourhoods. Their purpose is to reduce traffic in historically or environmentally sensitive areas and to prioritise residents.
What does that mean?
- Access only with authorisation: Entry is generally allowed only for residents, delivery vehicles, taxis, buses or other authorised users.
- Number plate recognition: Cameras record all vehicles entering these areas. Anyone driving without permission risks a fine of €90 or more.
- Active 24/7: Most ACIRE zones are monitored continuously, regardless of the day or time.
Therefore:
- No entry without a special permit! Even if your GPS directs you through these streets – avoid them.
- Hotels located within an ACIRE zone can sometimes register your licence plate – be sure to ask in advance!
- If it feels too stressful, simply park outside the ACIRE zones – for example, in a public car park – and explore the old town on foot.
- Don’t blindly follow other cars turning into side streets – always check for ACIRE signs.
ACIRE zone map
The city of Palma has published a map of all ACIRE zones on its website. However, it is of little help, as it does not clearly show where driving is actually permitted.
That’s why you’ll find a revised and easy-to-read map here, clearly showing which streets are allowed, which areas are restricted, and where most drivers fall into a trap ⛔️
In fact, there are only a few routes in the old town that you are allowed to drive on. If you know them – as you do now 🙂 – there’s really nothing that can go wrong.
Parking in the ACIRE zones
- AParking El Corte Inglés Jaume III
- BParking Via Roma
- CParking Patines
- DAparcament de la Plaça Major
- EAparcament del Mercat de l’Olivar
- FParking Comtat del Rosselló
- GParking Saba sa Gerreria
- HParking Parc de la Mar
Within the ACIRE zones, there is only the Aparcament de la Plaça Major and the second entrance/exit of the Parking Parc de la Mar.
The other underground car parks are also located in the old town (and therefore within the low emission zone), but they are outside the ACIRE zones.
So be careful: whether intentional or accidental – entering an ACIRE zone without permission will automatically result in a high fine. Camera monitoring is active around the clock.
But with the map above, you’re on the safe side 👍🏻
