Manuel Galán Massanet

“Slow” Projects and Characteristics of the Municipality of Artà

Year of certification: 2021.

Environmental Protection and Energy

Artà’s environmental policies combine landscape conservation, responsible waste management and energy efficiency. The Parc Natural de la Península de Llevant is a central part of the municipality’s natural heritage, linking biodiversity protection with the conservation of the surrounding landscape.

Separate waste collection, introduced in 2014, and wastewater treatment form part of the municipality’s environmental infrastructure. Solar installations at the municipal theatre and sports stadium, energy-saving measures at the Town Hall and improvements to public lighting illustrate its approach to reducing energy consumption.

Urban Quality and Resilience

The protection of the historic centre and surrounding countryside is a priority in Artà’s urban planning. Improvements to streets and public spaces aim to preserve the town’s character while supporting everyday life.

Following the floods of 2018, the municipality reported restoring damaged green areas and replanting with native species, productive plants and fruit trees. These interventions connect the recovery of public spaces with landscape restoration.

Digital infrastructure also supports access to information. Fibre-optic connectivity and QR codes providing information about public buildings are among the measures documented in the certification dossier.

Slow Mobility

Artà’s mobility initiatives encourage walking and alternatives to private car use. The School Routes project promotes journeys to school on foot, while Healthy Routes, developed with the Balearic Government, connects active mobility with public health.

Bicycle parking at schools and municipal buildings supports everyday cycling. Traffic and parking restrictions in the historic centre, alongside measures in Colònia de Sant Pere, seek to reduce vehicle pressure and make public spaces more welcoming for pedestrians.

Agriculture, Local Products, and Traditions

Agriculture and craftsmanship are important expressions of Artà’s identity. The agricultural cooperative, established in 1979, supports local farming and the promotion of products from the surrounding countryside. The certification dossier also highlights local food in school catering and initiatives encouraging awareness of local production.

The former railway station provides a setting for the promotion and sale of local crafts through the Artà brand. This initiative gives visibility to artisans and traditional skills, while the Regional Museum contributes to the preservation and interpretation of local heritage.

Popular celebrations, music and traditional dances connect this heritage with community life and its transmission between generations.

Social Cohesion and Health Services

Artà’s social policies include support for community associations through dedicated grants and activities for young people at the municipal youth centre. These spaces and organisations provide opportunities for participation and social interaction.

The certification dossier also records measures to improve accessibility in public buildings, support the integration of residents from minority backgrounds and strengthen access to healthcare. The development of a new health centre was among the projects identified at the time of assessment. Health education campaigns organised with the Balearic Government complement this approach.

Slow Tourism and Hospitality

Artà brings together historic architecture, rural landscapes, local crafts and cultural traditions. Its tourism approach offers opportunities to discover the municipality through its heritage and its connections with local life.

Tourist information services and