Tourist hotspot now has ‘residents only’ zone

There are now strict rules in place at this popular tourist hotspot in Europe following an influx of visitors in the height of summer.

One of the most beautiful towns in Majorca, an island in Spain, has put strict traffic rules in place and it affects tourists.

In the town of Sóller, the local council has introduced a ‘residents only’ zone across 12 of the busiest streets, meaning absolutely no hire cars will be allowed through.

Sóller, found in the north of Majorca, can be incredibly busy in the height of summer, particularly with traffic headed for the port.

In the town of Sóller in Majorca, there will now be a ‘residents only’ zone. Picture: iStock

According to the Majorca Daily Bulletin, Sóller council has put in place a low emission zone across a dozen streets.

For anyone visiting, this means there will be no hire cars allowed in the very centre of the town, unless they are registered by locals.

Thankfully, Sóller is very walkable though and easy to explore on foot, and there’s also a historic tram that runs between Sóller and the port.

The port in Sóller often causes congestion throughout the town and council are enforcing rules to reduce traffic. Picture: iStock

The wooden tram opened in 1913 and has several stops for anyone wanting to hop on and off including Plaza de España, Avenida Cristòfol Colom, and Sa Torre square.

It’s quick too with the journey from Sóller to the port only taking 15 minutes and costs between €7–10 ($12 – $17).

The tram operates to and from the port in Sóller and only takes 15 minutes. Picture: iStock

For anyone doing a longer journey, you can also combine train and tram, suitable for anyone travelling from Palma to Sóller with a return ticket costing €25 ($45).

You can still take a car into Sóller, but instead of driving into or through the centre, you’ll have to park and walk.

The councillor for mobility, Pep Porcel, said the aim is to ensure visitors arriving by car “leave them parked at the car parks which will soon be set up next to the Desvío road.”

All in all, the new rules won’t affect your holiday, but for anyone hiring out a car in Majorca, check where you can drive on the island before setting off as driving in a low emission zone could result in a fine.

The wooden tram opened in 1913 and has several stops for anyone wanting to hop on and off including Plaza de España. Picture: iStock

The recent ‘Spanish tourist ban’ is also unlikely to affect your next break for those just stepping onto Spanish soil for a holiday.

Due to a lack of housing in some Spanish cities, laws have been introduced to stop any more holiday homes being registered.

For anyone visiting and staying at a hotel, an Airbnb, or holiday villas, this won’t change a thing.

While it’s not a ban for anyone seeking a sunny beach break, it could make your holiday slightly more expensive because of a reduced number of accommodation options.

Malaga has put a law in place stopping any more new holiday rentals for the next three years across 43 districts.

In the city of Barcelona, holiday flats have been completely banned with it fully coming into place by 2029.

All of these rules are to benefit locals looking for long-term leases.

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission