A Complete Guide to Mallorca’s Stunning Port De Sóller
Nestled on Mallorca’s northwest coast, Port de Sóller is a picturesque seaside town framed by the Tramuntana mountains. Once a quiet fishing village, it has transformed into a popular destination. Thanks to its scenic crescent-shaped bay, historic tram, relaxed Mediterranean charm and vibrant marina. It attracts visitors looking for a mix of beachside relaxation, scenic exploration, and authentic Mallorcan culture. Whether you’re planning a day trip, or considering it as a base to explore Mallorca, this guide will give you everything you need to know. It is without question one of my favourite places on the island.
Despite its increasing popularity, Port de Sóller has retained its authentic charm. It offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and Mediterranean lifestyle.
For more tips on Mallorca, click here.
A Brief History of Port De Soller
Once a small fishing village, Port de Sóller flourished due to its natural harbour. This is one of the few on Mallorca’s rugged northwest coast. Historically, it became a key trade port, especially with France, as the Tramuntana mountains made overland access challenging. The famous Sóller train and tram, built in the early 1900s, helped connect the town with Palma, boosting tourism and commerce. Today, Port de Sóller is a sought-after coastal retreat that blends maritime heritage with modern luxury.
General Overview of the Area
Location: Northwest Mallorca, within the Tramuntana mountain range (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Vibe: Relaxed, scenic, and slightly upscale with a strong local character.
Who It Appeals To: Ideal for couples, families, and nature lovers. It attracts those seeking tranquillity, scenic beauty, and a base for hiking or exploring nearby villages.
Prices: As a premium resort, property prices and hotel rates reflect this and tend to be on the higher end. This is particularly true with waterfront accommodation and hillside villas with sea views.
When Is The Best Time to Visit
High season (June–September) Perfect for beach lovers, the port is bustling, with restaurants and beaches filling up, particularly in August.
Shoulder seasons (April–May, September–October) Ideal for visiting, with pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and a more relaxed atmosphere. Great for exploring, hiking & sightseeing.
Winter (November–March): Very quiet, with some businesses closing for the season, but a great time for hiking and experiencing a more authentic, local feel. Perfect for a quiet escape to enjoy some winter sunshine and changeable weather.
Beach Days
Port de Sóller has two main beaches, both offering golden sands and calm waters although smaller than some of Mallorca’s other well-known beaches.
Platja d’en Repic is the larger of the two. It is a sandy, family-friendly beach with shallow waters—perfect for those looking for a relaxing swim. The promenade here is lined with restaurants and cafés, making it a great spot for a seaside meal or stroll.
Platja des Traves is located closer to the port, further along the promenade, this beach is slightly smaller but still offers sunbed rentals and a relaxed vibe. The tram even runs right behind it, adding to its unique charm.
Local Attractions & Activities
Ride the Sóller Tram & Train to Palma: Hop on the tram from the port to Sóller and take the historic wooden train from Sóller to Palma. This is the town’s most iconic feature and has connected Port de Sóller with the town of Sóller since 1912. Originally used to transport citrus fruits from the valley, today it offers a scenic ride through orange groves and charming streets.
Go Cycling or Hiking For those who love hiking and cycling, Port de Sóller is a gateway to the Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The GR221 Dry Stone Route passes through the region, offering breathtaking trails to Fornalutx, Biniaraix, and beyond. Trails lead to Deià, Mirador de ses Barques, and Torre Picada, offering stunning coastal views. Adventurous cyclists can take on the challenging Coll de Sóller – A classic route over a mountain pass with spectacular views. Several shops in Port de Sóller and Sóller town offer high-quality road and e-bike rentals, making it easy to explore even for beginners.
Relax on the Beaches Both beaches offer golden sands, calm waters and sun loungers for hire.
Boat Trips & Water Activities Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy snorkelling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and even diving with a local PADI-certified centre. I highly recommend exploring the coastline by boat as it offers a unique perspective of Mallorca’s natural beauty. Allowing access to secluded spots like Sa Foradada, Cala Tuent, and Sa Calobra.
Snorkelling While Port de Sóller’s beaches have relatively calm and clear waters, they are not the best for snorkelling due to the sandy seabed. However, for those looking for great snorkelling spots, nearby coves and rocky areas offer better underwater visibility and marine life. Take a drive to Cala Tuent, A quiet, crystal-clear bay about 45 minutes by car or boat, with rocky seabeds teeming with fish. Or Cala Deia A beautiful rocky cove 20 minutes away, perfect for snorkeling among marine life and underwater caves. Rocky outcrops near the historic tower of Torre Picada also provide good snorkelling conditions.
Sóller Town Whilst the port is fantastic, the town is not to be missed. This charming inland town with a lively square and rich history linked to citrus farming is the heart of the valley. Only a 10 minute drive from the port or a 45 minute walk. Take in its picturesque streets, and stunning architecture make it a fantastic place to explore. Wander around the beautiful Plaça Constitució, visit the impressive Sant Bartomeu Church, and enjoy the charming streets lined with boutiques and cafés.
Sóller Market A great market every Saturday from 10am-2pm located in Soller town. Browse local produce, such as cheeses and olive oil. Find gifts and handmade crafts, or just simply sit in the square and soak up the bustling market atmosphere.
Sóller Botanical Garden & Museum of Natural Sciences.
Orange & Lemon Groves Sóller is famous for its citrus fruits. Visit a finca for fresh orange juice or marmalade tasting. Or visit an orchard like Ecocirer for an eco-tour.
Deià Just 20 minutes by car, Deia is a bohemian artists’ village. With stunning views and the beautiful Cala Deià, a scenic rocky cove perfect for snorkelling.
Fornalutx: 15 minutes by car, Fornalutx is a small, postcard-perfect mountain village often referred to as “Spain’s prettiest village.
Best Port De Soller Hotels
Whether you’re looking for luxury or boutique charm, Port de Sóller has some fantastic accommodations:
Jumeirah Port Sóller Hotel & Spa – A luxury five-star clifftop retreat with breathtaking sea views and a world-class spa.
Bikini Island Resort – A fantastic boutique hotel set back up the hill benefitting from great views and one of my personal favourites. It is beautifully styled with a relaxed Hawaiian atmosphere.
Read more about it in our favourite boutique hotels blog.
Hotel Espléndido – A stylish boutique seafront hotel with a modern-vintage aesthetic, offering spectacular Mediterranean views perfect for couples.
Hotel Aimia – A relaxed, mid-range well-rated hotel with excellent service.
Hotel Salino Sóller – Simple and affordable budget-friendly hotel with sea views.
Best Restaurants
Patiki Beach A farm-to-table concept serving fresh, seasonal dishes in a fantastic spot right on the beach.
Kingfisher A great spot for seafood and Mediterranean cuisine with harbour views.
Nautilus A wonderful restaurant located up the hill with spectacular views. Enjoy a fresh compact changing menu that never disappoints.
Neni Mallorca A stylish rooftop dining experience within the Bikini Hotel. The Israeli fusion dishes offer something a bit different, with incredible sunset views.
La Romaguera My favourite restaurant in Soller town, offering a wonderful selection of tapas dishes with a modern twist in a beautiful backstreet townhouse.
Read our post Best Restaurants in Soller for more details and inspiration.
Summary
With its stunning scenery, rich history, and fantastic food, Port de Sóller is one of the most special places in Mallorca. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural exploration, this charming port has something to offer every visitor.
Planning a trip to Mallorca? Check out more of our Mallorca area guides to discover the best places to visit, stay, and eat on the island.
