Chaos in Majorca as cars banned from popular tourist hotspot until end of next October

The serpentine roads are too narrow to accommodate lots of cars. (Image: Getty)

Majorca's council has announced it will extend restrictions for vehicles wanting to drive to Cap de Formentor until the end of October next year.

The island's northernmost point is one of the most famous and popular tourist attractions in Majorca due to its beautiful and spectacular views.

Its popularity has led to a dramatic increase in traffic during the summer months, which exceeds the capacities of the narrow serpentine roads.

As a result, authorities have taken measures to limit vehicle access to the area in an attempt to protect the natural environment and relieve traffic congestion.

The lighthouse at Cap de Formentor. (Image: Getty)

Since 2018, the council has imposed each year access restrictions during the peak summer season.

This year, the restrictions applied to private vehicles, including hire cars, motorbikes, and trucks, from June 1st to September 30th between 10am and 10.30pm daily.

Now local authorities have announced plans to extend the restrictions next year by an extra month.

This means that tourists can only travel to the area by public transport, on foot, or by bicycle from June 1st to October 30th.

The restrictions are in place on the Ma-2210, the road that leads to Cap de Formentor, starting at the roundabout at Port de Pollença.

There are two sections, and slightly different rules apply to each of them.

Section one begins at the Port de Pollença roundabout and ends at Formentor Beach.

To access Formentor Beach, you can use this part of the Ma—2210 during restricted hours, provided that there are parking spaces available in the official car park there.

Section two covers the area from Formentor Beach up to the Formentor Lighthouse (Far de Formentor). This road will be closed to all private traffic.

There are notable exceptions to the restrictions, which apply to peninsula residents and people with limited mobility, as long as they have a permit.

Permits can be obtained by sending a request to the local authorities at the email address formentor@dgt.es.

The application is normally processed in up to three days. Traffic cameras cover the area, and tourists who break the rules face fines of up to €200 (£168).