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Latest update: 16 February 2024
Sóller and Port de Sóller are in the northwest of Mallorca, in the Tramuntana Mountains. You can easily combine the two in a day trip. Sóller is the town, Port de Sóller is the seaside resort. My advice for things to do: start in Sóller and then relax and enjoy some food in Port de Sóller.
Things to do in Sóller and Port de Sóller
It’s fall season when I’m in Mallorca. I notice that the island gets quieter by the week. The further out of season, the fewer tourists. It is so tranquil in Montuïri, where I’m staying. In Sóller and Port de Sóller, I learn where everyone is apparently hiding: here! So let’s take a quick look at what you can do in both places: 9 tips for things to do in Sóller and Port de Sóller in Mallorca, plus suggestions for hotels and parking.
Tip 1 – Take the train from Palma to Sóller
The train ride between Palma and Sóller is one of the tourist highlights of Mallorca. Since 1912, the train travels this almost 30 kilometers long route. Every now and then, the train slows down so that you can take pictures of the beautiful scenery. The train departs next to the Estació Intermodal station in Palma. Check the train schedule here; they differ per season! Count on an hour of travel time. The last stop is the center of Sóller.
The train connection was once made so that Palma and Sóller could trade with each other. The train was then mainly used to transport oranges, hence the nickname: the Orange Express. Many oranges and other citrus fruits still grow in the Sóller region.
Tip 2 – Grab a drink on the Plaça de la Constitució
In the town of Sóller, you will mainly see ancient houses and very narrow streets in the center. The Plaça de la Constitució is the square with the fountain and outdoor seats everywhere. It also has the Sant Bartomeu de Sóller church. There is actually not much else to do in Sóller (except on Saturdays when there is a market). So go for a walk, roam the shopping street, and come back to the square for a drink, tapa, and people-watching. Or, try a free walking tour with Freetour.com: the tour is free, but you are expected to tip the guide.
Tip 3 – Visit the Sóller Botanical Garden
Everything is more fun when the sun is out. That applies to a visit to the botanical garden too, so because of the rain, I skipped it. The Sóller Botanical Garden was created in 1985 and opened in 1992. There is also a small museum dedicated to the natural sciences on the scene. You can buy tickets here.
Tip 4 – Take the wooden tram from Sóller to Port de Sóller
A wooden tram connects Sóller with Port de Sóller. The tram was already in use in 1913, not for the tourists but for the locals and transport. There are about five kilometers between the city and the port. It is not the fastest mode of transport: a ride takes about half an hour. However, it is a nice ride because you drive right through the town, the mountains, and the coastal area. So it’s not about the speed; it’s about the experience. It’s one of the main things to do in Sóller and Port de Sóller.
The tram runs regularly, but you can check the times here just to be sure.
Get more tips for a perfect Mallorca holiday!
Tip 5 – Plan a beach day in Port de Sóller, Mallorca
In Port de Sóller, you will mainly find outdoor cafes and the beach. You can check out the harbor or walk the entire length of the boulevard. It’s pretty long, so that’s enough exercise to treat yourself to a nap on the beach afterward!
Tip 6 – Watch lighthouses in Port de Sóller
The entrance to the sea from the bay of Port de Sóller is ‘guarded’ on both sides by a lighthouse. Facing the ocean, you will see the white Far des Cap Gros on the left and the Far de la Creu on the right. The gray Far de la Creu lighthouse has been there for over 150 years. There is a newer black and white copy right next to it, as the old one is rather run down and dangerous. You are not allowed to enter the lighthouses, but you can enjoy the beautiful view over the bay.
Tip 7 – Have an extensive lunch at Patiki Beach in Port de Sóller
Port de Sóller has so many restaurants and cafes. It’s hard to choose. I go for Patiki Beach, and it turns out to be an excellent choice – a bit of a fluke, but that’s perfectly fine by me. The menu is light and fresh, and they mainly serve dishes to share. The plum desserts are incredibly delicious.
Google Maps location Patiki Beach
Tip 8 – Dining at NENI in Port de Sóller
Have you ever been to one of the NENI restaurants? We have one in Amsterdam, for example, and the food is so good! And guess what? There is also a NENI restaurant in Mallorca, in Port de Sóller. Booking in advance is a must. Enjoy your dinner!
Tip 9 – View over Port de Sóller
This tip is actually not in Sóller or Port de Sóller in Mallorca. So you have to make a detour for it. But from the Mirador ses Barques, you have a beautiful view of Port de Sóller on clear days. It is still far away though: make sure you have a good zoom lens. So mark the location on your Google Maps to make a short stop when you happen to drive by.
The best hotels in Sóller and Port de Sóller
Because both Sóller and Port de Sóller are popular among tourists, you have plenty of hotel choices. I’m just a ‘day-tripper’ here, but these options on Booking.com look good:
Sollér hotels
- Finca Ca’s Curial: beautiful finca with a pool overlooking the mountains.
- Hotel Finca Ca N’ai: these rooms!! Don’t you want to live here?
- Lluna Aqua Soller: near the center, cozy rooms.
- L’Avenida: sleeping in a mansion, ok! Let’s go!
Port de Sóller hotels
- Hotel es Port: indoor and outdoor pools, a hot tub, and rooms with rustic details.
- Agroturismo Muleta de Ca S’Hereu: a modernized agriturismo, a little further from the beach, but oh so beautiful.
- Sol Port Soller: small, cute, affordable rooms.
Parking in Sóller and Port de Sóller
By car to Sóller? Try these parking spots:
Do you want to park in Port de Sóller?
- Parking Lepanto (free in low season)
- Always free on the road (limited space)
- Parking Repic Beach (free in low season)
Are you still looking for a rental car? Then try Sunny Cars or EasyTerra.
More Mallorca inspiration?
Useful links for your Mallorca trip
- Accommodation. All-time favorite: Booking.com. Rather stay in a hostel? Try HostelWorld.
- Activities. You book the best tours and activities with GetYourGuide and Viator. You could also check out WithLocals. Book ‘free’ walking tours at Freetour.com or GuruWalk, and for bike tours, try Baja Bikes.
- Attractions and museums. Get a 5% discount on museums and attractions with the coupon code KIMOPREIS22 at Tiqets.
- Boat. You can get to Mallorca by boat from Barcelona and other places on the Spanish mainland. Balearia also sails between the other Balearic islands. But be sure to compare prices!
- Car rental. Compare prices at Discover Cars and Rentalcars.
- Flights. Be sure to check out Vueling, but do compare all your options! Definitely check out Skyscanner and Kiwi.
- Money. Your debit and credit cards may not get accepted everywhere. You could opt for a Revolut card as an additional card when you travel.
- Package deals. Rather go on a catered trip? Maybe Expedia or CheapOair have got a good deal for you.
- SIM card. Beware of unexpectedly high calling and internet costs. Buy a local SIM card when you arrive, or arrange one online via Airalo.
- Travel guides. I love the practical travel guides from Lonely Planet, buy them at Amazon. And I love this guidebook: 111 Places in Mallorca that you shouldn’t miss. Buy it at Amazon.
- Yoga retreat. Or, what about a yoga retreat on the island?
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First published: March 2022. Updated since!
