The season has officially started and it’s time to check the rules. We have a Lifeguard with ‘attitude’ on patrol now and don’t mess with him. The Dog Beach we all greeted with such joy is ‘not so’ according to him. He even went as far as calling it ‘Fake News’. The facts, I believe, is there is a Dog Beach, but it doesn’t extend as far as we were first led to believe. The sooner a printed notice goes up about this the better, as tempers boiled between some dog owners and our zealous lifeguard.
The next on the list for our busy chap is to do with paddle boarding. According to him all should wear helmets and be supervised by an adult, also on a paddle board. This one caused a Social Media storm, and we learnt that rules do exist, but not till you are further out of the bay, rather than lapping at the seashore. Again, the exchanges were heated on this one and everyone is now an expert on their version of reality.
Then the next, was afternoon music playing out over the beach, from one restaurant. This was a problem last year, when the drum and base for the afternoon hours, sent some people off the beach in search of a quieter location. The rules on this one appears straightforward unless the venue has applied for a special license for a one-off event. This one is about to run and run.
The next announcement is to do with the number of small boats who can park freely in the bay. The port of Soller is a ‘Safety Harbour’ and, in storms, local boats head here for shelter. Some, when they find us, don’t want to leave, and remain parked in the Bay for the summer. There is now a numerical restriction of 45 boats, this will be patrolled by the Maritime patrol. Local people have a view on this one and they hate the way the bay becomes a ‘boat park’ in the summer. What about the parking for the summer months? Well ask me another, as the solutions seem to be being plucked out of the air. Whether any of them will see the light of day for this season is debatable. Various bodies are involved in this including the powers that be in Palma.
There is a plan to encourage more use of public transport by providing parking right next to bus stops. The only area where such land might be found is near the garages at the roundabout when you first come into Soller. I have not seen a plan, but I am told it is a feasible option. Well, let’s wait and see, shall we?
We love our seasonal walkers, cyclists, wedding groups, Yoga Ashrams and exercise groups. They are part of our summer and Sollerweb plays a part in being the information source for many who come our way.
This season we have noticed a new trend, and that is in motorcycle tourism. We often have weekend visits from the ‘Harley’ Groups as they travel sedately through the Valley, stop for refreshment in the port and then gently get on their bikes and make a return trip. The new visitor is usually from other parts of Spain, Germany, France and Switzerland. Many are looking to travel in the mountains in a convey and this is causing questions. They love the twists and turns of the Serra and want to test the limits of their bikes. Once this equates to speed, particularly in the dark, then the authorities want to know more. There are conversations going on about what is and not possible. The biker numbers are growing steadily, and I am sure we will hear more about his as the season progresses.
Every new season starts with the questions, and all need proportionate answers. The politicians are getting used to that word now. They are approaching the time when they are allowed to make grand gestures and promises in order to secure our precious vote.
Welcome to the season of 2023 – bring it on…
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miagre1The A1 from the airport is €5 and the 204 to Soller is €2.70 iirc. You need to head to the underground Inter Modal bus station, bay 9 or 10 for the latter. You can pay by just tapping your bank card, be sure to tap when you get off too, it works like a London Transport oystercard. As regards Port Soller it's fine, enjoy. If a bit expensive or touristy, head back to Soller, it's a walk, the expensive tram is a novelty, and you will find plenty of cheap, local off-the-beat bars and eateries, NOT on the main square.
miagre1Bus to plaza España in Palma then a bus to Sóller. I doubt it'll cost more than €15 in total.
The more I read up on Port Soller the more I'm getting worried. Have saved up hard for a weeks holiday in June. Taxi fares from Palma to Soller are so high. Can anyone give me some advice on the cheapest way from the airport to Soller. Beginning to wish I hadn't booked for this trip. Lots of negative reviews regarding closures and extortionate price rises . Any help appreciated.