Tourists visiting Majorca are facing significant disruptions as the island struggles with what locals are describing as “out of control” traffic jams.
With the peak summer season in full swing, the island’s roads have become heavily congested, causing widespread delays and frustration among both residents and visitors.
The situation has become so severe that local authorities have issued warnings to tourists, advising them to plan their journeys carefully to avoid getting stuck in the gridlock.
The unprecedented traffic issues are largely attributed to the surge in tourist numbers this year, combined with ongoing road construction projects and an increase in illegal holiday rentals that have drawn more visitors to less accessible areas.
“There cannot be more private cars. The solution is not more Uber or more taxis as we will just have more traffic jams”, said Biel Moragues, president of one of Mallorca’s taxi driver associations.
Moragues was also critical of Othman Ktiri, the CEO of OK Mobility.
“That guy says that, if necessary, he’ll bring all the hire cars needed”, he added. “Yes, another way of increasing the traffic jams that tourists and residents suffer.”
The island’s public transport system has also been overwhelmed by the influx of tourists, with buses and taxis struggling to keep up with the demand. This has left many visitors with no choice but to rely on rental cars, further exacerbating the traffic issues.
“Public transport cannot meet the demand we have, just as the road network, water consumption and housing cannot”, Moragues said. “In the end, everything is out of control. We lack taxi and bus drivers. We are faced with a serious problem with the model. There are so many components that are failing.”
In addition to the traffic jams, Majorca is also grappling with other challenges related to the tourism boom.
Overcrowding in popular tourist spots has led to long lines and wait times, and there have been reports of tourists behaving badly, including a recent incident where German police officers allegedly beat up a taxi driver in Palma.
As Majorca’s tourism industry continues to thrive, local authorities are under pressure to find solutions to the growing traffic and overcrowding problems.
In the meantime, tourists are being urged to stay informed about the latest travel conditions and to allow extra time for their journeys to avoid getting caught in the chaos.