Soller has experienced this morning what is typically a summer peak scene rather than one seen in mid-February. The Plaça de la Constitució and nearby streets were almost completely overwhelmed by a large number of tourists, highlighting the gradual early start to the tourist season in the Serra de Tramuntana.
Photographs taken around midday show sizeable groups occupying roads and pavements, with vehicle traffic moving slowly and clear difficulties in regular pedestrian flow. This weekend’s high visitor numbers mark a noticeable rise despite the destination still being officially in its off-season.
Local residents have not overlooked this phenomenon. Some have voiced their concern on social media over what they perceive as an increasingly common occurrence happening earlier each year. One user remarked, "Only a crisis or the complete rise in prices will stop this… very sad that this might be the only solution." Others commented directly on day-to-day impacts: "I already have serious parking problems" or "What madness is this?"
Complaints go beyond just mobility and parking shortages. Part of the community connects the early surge in visitor pressure with the rising cost of housing and living standards in Mallorca, a topic that has gained prominence in the public debate in the Balearics in recent years.
This is not an isolated event but the start of a trend that extends almost until November. Afterwards, most businesses close for weeks or even months, leaving the main square nearly deserted and greatly reducing economic and social activity. Some inhabitants describe this cycle as one of alternating saturation peaks and quiet periods, during which the town loses vibrancy beyond its tourist presence and functions as a "bedroom town".
In recent years, local authorities have actively promoted policies to reduce seasonal tourism, aiming to spread visitor arrivals more evenly throughout the year. However, some residents feel that these efforts haven’t eased the pressure during July and August; instead, they have extended tourist flows across the calendar, increasing overall visitor numbers.
Weather conditions have also played a role. This February has seen unusually sunny days and mild temperatures for the season. Today’s temperatures hover around 20 degrees, encouraging day trips and tourism in attractive spots like Sóller.
This weekend’s situation confirms a broader trend noted by various municipalities across the island: the tourist season no longer concentrates solely in summer months but begins earlier and lasts longer. In the dead of winter, with near-spring temperatures, Soller presented once again a high occupancy level that, just a decade ago, would have been exceptional for this time of year.