Exploring Mallorca: Sóller and Port de Sóller

In the northwest of Mallorca between the rugged Tramuntana mountains, the sun-soaked citrus groves and the glittering waters of the Med, lie two of Mallorca’s most beautiful destinations: Sóller and Port de Sóller. Connected by an iconic vintage tram, the traditional old town and horseshoe-shaped bay are a must for any Mallorcan itinerary. And with easy access from Palma, they’re equally perfect for a day trip or a longer escape.

From how to get there to the best things to do, here’s everything you need to know about visiting the charming towns of Sóller and Port de Sóller.

Visiting Sóller

A trip to Mallorca isn’t complete without visiting the beautiful town of Sóller. The town’s setting is stunning, with mountains peaking above medieval townhouses and bright oranges and lemon trees scattered across the valley.

Set in a stunning valley surrounded by the Tramuntana mountains, the town is framed by mountain peaks, historic townhouses and groves of bright orange and lemon trees.

Top things to do in Sóller

Explore Sóller’s Old Town

Sóller’s Old Town is as charming as they come, with narrow cobblestone streets, traditional townhouses and heaps of character. The town’s main square, Plaça Constitució lies at the heart. Lined with cafés, restaurants and historic buildings, it’s the perfect place to sit back and soak up the atmosphere, especially in summer, when children play in the centre while locals and visitors sip café con leche, enjoy a glass of vino or cool down with a freshly squeezed zumo de naranja.

Visit on a Saturday and you'll experience the square at its liveliest during market day, when stalls selling fresh citrus fruits and colourful flowers fill the square.

Head off the main square and you’ll find yourself getting lost in the narrow, cobbled alleys lined with medieval townhouses and charming boutiques selling everything from bohemian style clothes to hand-painted pottery.

Discover Sóller’s churches and museums

When you’re not simply wandering the streets and soaking up the atmosphere, there’s a fair few sights in Sóller to see, too. Sant Bartomeu dominates the main square, a beautiful 13th century church with a mix of Gothic, Baroque and Modernist architecture. Take a peek inside to admire its Baroque and Gothic altarpieces and stained-glass rose window.

For a little more culture, be sure to check out Can Prunera, a modern art gallery where you can browse work by artists including Picasso and Warhol. Another must-visit is the Balearic Museum of Natural Sciences home to fascinating collections covering zoology, botany and geology. Next door, you’ll find the museum’s botanic garden, that makes the ideal spot for a scenic stroll.

Visit the Citrus groves

Sóller is famous for its citrus groves which are scattered across the valley. If you’ve got a morning or afternoon to spare, make your way to Ecovinyassa Citrus Farm, just a 10-minute drive from Sóller’s centre.

Enjoy a peaceful wander amongst the orange and lemon trees, learn about Sóller’s citrus-growing tradition and finish with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice overlooking the beautiful valley.

Enjoy outdoor adventures

With the Tramuntana mountains as its backdrop, Sóller is a paradise for outdoor adventures. From gentle trails winding through olive groves to more challenging mountain climbs, there’s something for everyone.

And when you’re done exploring Sóller, take the iconic tram to Port de Sóller and discover the town’s equally idyllic waterfront.

Visiting Port de Sóller

Thanks to its vintage wooden tram, which has become famous in Mallorca, you can travel from Sóller to Port de Sóller in around 10–15 minutes. It’s a journey that’s as picturesque as it is useful, with little wooden carriages offering views across the valley. The tram ride itself is probably Sóller’s and Port de Sóller’s most famous attraction, so expect queues to board and plenty of tourists snapping photos. It’s certainly not the cheapest mode of transport at €10 each way but it’s one of those Sóller must-dos that you kind of feel like you have to – and of course, you’ll be glad you did.

Port de Sóller may not have Sóller’s cobbled streets and traditional charm, but it’s beautiful in a completely different way, with a stylish marina dotted with shimmering white yachts and striking turquoise waters that contrast with the lush mountains they sit beside.

Top things to do in Port de Sóller

Explore the waterfront

The waterfront is where the majority of the action happens in Port de Sóller, with cafés, bars and restaurants spilling out onto terraces all along the horseshoe-shaped bay. It’s the perfect place to relax with a drink and people watch as visitors wander along the seafront promenade and boats come and go in the marina.

The promenade winds all the way around the bay, so there’s plenty of choice when it comes to places to eat and drink, with many offering beautiful sea views. Come in the evening and there’s a real buzz as the tables fill up with people wining and dining.

Relax on the beaches

Port de Sóller’s beaches are one of its biggest draws. There are two main beaches here, Platja d’en Repic and Platja des Través, both with beautiful mountain backdrops and calm waters that make them great for families. 

If you fancy exploring further afield, you can also get a boat from Port de Sóller and explore more of Mallorca’s coastline. Popular beaches nearby include the pebbly shores of Sa Calobra and the unspoilt bay of Cala Tuent.

Soak up beautiful views

Wit hits rugged mountains and sparkling waters, Port de Sóller is stunning. But for the best views, make sure you walk up to Far des Cap Gros. Although it’s uphill it’s not too challenging and it’s well worth it for the gorgeous views across the bay.

How to get to Sóller and Port de Sóller

One of the great things about visiting Sóller and Port de Sóller is that they’re both really easy to get to. Whether you’re driving, taking the bus or hopping aboard the vintage train, there are a few different ways to get there.

By historic train

Getting the historic vintage wooden train is the most iconic way to travel to Sóller and Port de Sóller. The train departs from Plaça d'Espanya in Palma and takes you on a journey through the mountains, calling at Sóller and then Port de Sóller. The journey takes around 1 hour and although it isn’t the cheapest way to get there, it’s definitely the most scenic.

Best for: first-time visitors and scenic views

By bus

If you’re just looking for the quickest and cheapest way to reach Sóller and Port de Sóller then the bus is your best bet. You can catch the bus (tib204) from Estació Intermodal in the centre of Palma, and it takes around 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. The bus stops in Sóller first and then continues to Port de Sóller, with the bus stops located just a short walk from the centre of the town and the port.

Best for: budget travellers and those short on time

By car

If you’re renting a car, it’s easy to drive to Sóller. The journey from Palma takes around 25–30 minutes via the MA-11, with Port de Sóller another 10 minutes or so beyond the town.

Driving gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and stop off at viewpoints and villages along the way. Just bear in mind that parking in Sóller and Port de Sóller can be limited, particularly during the busy summer months, so it’s worth arriving early if you want to find a space.

Best for: flexibility, families

Personal recommendation

"I’d recommend staying in Port de Sóller for a few days and taking a day trip into Sóller. Spend the day exploring the old town, wandering through its cobbled streets and stopping for a pre-dinner drink in Plaça Constitució. It’s the perfect spot to sit back and watch the vintage tram wind its way through the heart of the town.

Port de Sóller has so many good food spots. Beach House Port de Sóller is a lovely place to start the day – grab a delicious smoothie and enjoy it overlooking the beach, or head to Reynés Cycling Café for a morning coffee. And if you’re in the mood for something sweet, don’t miss Mister McCoy’s Island Ices for an ice cream.

The sunsets in Port de Sóller were a lovely surprise. Take a stroll along the waterfront and you’ll find crowds gathering along the walls by the promenade, watching as the sun slowly dips below the water - it’s a beautiful spot to end the day!

And while you’re in this part of Mallorca, make time to explore some of the island’s other beautiful towns and villages, too. Fornalutx, Deià and Valldemossa are all well worth adding to your itinerary."

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