The idyllic Spanish town of Sola, located in Mallorca, is often welcomed as one of the island's most beautiful spots, imposing a car rental ban in its center. The move comes as local councils aim to tackle issues arising from the town's popularity, such as traffic congestion and parking issues.
According to the Majorca Daily Bulletin, the council is taking steps to limit the number of vehicles in town centres by creating a dedicated zone for cars owned and registered by residents.
Tourists who want to drive to Solar are encouraged to park outside these zones and walk. To meet this, new parking lots have been set up.
However, one frequent visitor to Soller expressed concern, saying, “I don't think there's a problem with parking, but without parking, it could be a nightmare.” Ta.
There was also a call to limit the number of car rentals on the island. Othman Ktiri, CEO of car feed company Ok Mobility, said earlier in an interview with Maysca Daily Bulletin. Tourists will arrive at their destination, leading to greater disruption.
“We don't bring a single car to the islands thinking it won't be hired. Furthermore, not all employed vehicles serve tourists, but also many residents. It's there.”
Visitors are encouraged to use public transport to visit Solar. Trains run regularly from Parma, the island's capital, with a tram running from the centre to the port, stopping along the beachfront. Mallorca also has buses, with additional services running in the summer months.
These changes are taking place amid growing concerns about tourism overrhythms in the Balearic Islands, particularly Mallorca, and last year welcomed 17.8 million visitors, including 2.3 million Britons. . The rising costs and lack of local property due to holidays have sparked protests at the island and other Spanish tourist hotspots like Tenerife.
Visitors to Spain face the “Big Brother” rule and require that they provide 42 pieces of personal information. Many local councils are also tightening on illegal holidays, and have introduced strict registration and inspection rules.
It comes after the boss of the JET2 airline suggests three ways to help stop anti-tourist protests on the island.
Jet2 boss Steve Heapy says the best way to do this is to crack down on illegally rented accommodations. There are reportedly at least 7,000 illegal holiday apartments in the Balearic Islands.
Tour and holiday companies say unlicensed accommodations have caused massive “trafficultivation of tourists.” Heapy has reportedly told local government officials should visit Airbnb's facilities and ask them to see their tourism license, safety and health certificates and tax returns.
In 2023, approximately 12.5 million tourists visited Mallorca.
