With the summer fast approaching, many will be looking forward to some well-earned rest and relaxation in sunny climes. One of the most popular European destinations is Spain, with its stunning cities and beautiful island paradises. Majorca is one such destination, a popular haunt for Brits and other globe trotters – attracting a whopping 15.3 million visitors last year.
The largest of the Balearic Islands, Majorca is famous for its crystal blue waters, gourmet food scene and for having more than 300 days of sunshine each year. On the north coast of the island is a small town that has become a magnet for tourists.
Soller sits in the heart of the “valley of oranges” and has been described as a “typical old Mediterranean town.’
Crisscrossed by narrow streets lined by stone houses with clay tiled roofs, its beating heart is Plaza de la Constitución.
Numerous bars and cafes are located on the square, which is dominated by the Sant Bartomeu church.
Fans of Antoni Gaudi may also recognise the features of the Banco de Soller, which was built by his student and collaborator Joan Rubió i Bellver.
Adding to the quaint atmosphere is the old red tram that rolls through the town, offering relaxed tours of the locality.
For sun lovers, there are two beaches at Port de Soller, as well as others scattered nearby along the north coast.
One such beach is Cala Deiá – a secluded rocky cove with clear water and two wonderful cliff-side restaurants.
However, local residents are becoming ever more resentful of the influx of tourists, which they believe is turning their town into a “theme park”.
In particular, locals say the number of tourists is causing huge traffic jams, stretching for kilometres and making it almost impossible for them go about their daily business.
Residents have now launched a newcampaign using AI-generated images to register give voice to their frustrations and anger.
Naming their campaign “Welcome to Sollerland”, an ironic reference to their town as a tourist theme park, the group have posted online images.
These include a child on a beach saying “I used to play here” and an adult in a square saying “I used to have a coffee here” against backdrops of crowded streets and seaside scenes.