A breathtaking and highly popular town in Majorca, Spain, has introduced exclusive zones restricted to residents, implementing strict new access regulations. These measures aim to control traffic congestion and preserve the town’s charm, particularly during peak tourist seasons. Visitors will need to plan accordingly as certain areas are now off-limits to non-residents, reflecting broader efforts across Spain to manage overtourism and protect local communities.
A picturesque town in Majorca has rolled out stringent traffic regulations that will impact British visitors. Soller’s local authorities have established designated “residents-only” areas in certain sections of the town to curb the overwhelming congestion that occurs every summer.
The restrictions cover twelve of Soller’s most heavily trafficked streets, prohibiting rental vehicles from entering these zones. The town has also introduced a low-emission area encompassing these streets. For tourists, this means that hire cars will not be permitted in the central part of Soller unless they are registered to local residents.
Situated in the northern region of Majorca, the largest and most visited island in the Balearics, Soller experiences a surge of visitors and heavy traffic during the summer months, especially from vehicles traveling toward the port.
Under the newly implemented regulations, tourists can still access Soller by car, but they will need to park outside the central areas and navigate the town on foot.
Visitors planning to rent a car in Majorca should check designated driving zones before setting out, as entering a restricted low-emission area could lead to fines.
Fortunately, Soller is a walkable town, making it easy to explore on foot. Additionally, a historic wooden tram has been connecting the town to the port since 1913, stopping at notable locations such as Plaza de España, Avenida Cristòfol Colom, and Sa Torre Square.
For those looking to travel between Soller and the port, the tram journey takes just 15 minutes, with fares ranging between seven and ten euros (£5-8).
Travelers can also take a scenic train ride from Palma, Majorca’s capital, to Soller, with round-trip tickets priced at approximately 25 euros (just under £21).
This is part of a broader effort to address Majorca’s ongoing struggle with overtourism. Among the strictest policies introduced so far, the island has significantly reduced the size of guided tour groups, capping them at 20 participants— a sharp decrease from the previous limit of 70.
