DISCOVER PORT DE SOLLER MALLORCA: A TRUE MEDITERRANEAN FEEL!

DISCOVER PORT DE SOLLER MALLORCA: A TRUE MEDITERRANEAN FEEL!

Discover Port de Soller Mallorca: Natural Harbor, Spain, Balearic Islands, The Mediterranean
Discover Port de Soller Mallorca: Natural Harbor
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INTRODUCTION: DISCOVER PORT DE SOLLER MALLORCA

Surrounded by mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, Port de Soller is a captivating destination! This isolated port town on Mallorca’s northwest coast is a haven for travelers seeking sun-drenched beaches, scenic tram rides, and delectable seafood. Did you know that the famous tram has been running here since 1913? As someone who has lived in the area for over a decade, I’m happy to share my inside tips and knowledge of this beautiful beach holiday destination in the Balearic Islands. Let’s dive in and discover Port de Soller Mallorca Spain and find out why it should be on your travel radar this year! 

(To find out more about the Coast of Spain and The Mediterranean, see our related posts: “Best Things To Do In Mallorca and “Discover Deia“)

Discover Port de Soller Mallorca: Crystal Clear Waters
Discover Port de Soller Mallorca: Crystal Clear Waters, Balearic Islands, Spain

WHAT IS THERE TO DISCOVER IN PORT DE SOLLER?

Port de Soller is a beautiful port town located on the west coast of Mallorca. Far from the busy touristy areas towards the southeast, Port de Soller is a quiet town that offers all of the services and amenities that will help guarantee a relaxing vacation. The town is surrounded by mountains on all sides and is the only natural port on this side of Mallorca. It served as a refuge for ships avoiding storms for thousands of years. Due to its geographic location on the island and the surrounding mountains, the town was relatively isolated for most of its history. It has since opened up and developed into a highly sought-after tourist destination. 

Discover Port de Soller Mallorca: View of Town from the Mountains
Discover Port de Soller Mallorca: View of Town from the Mountains

The town has come a long way from the days when it was just an isolated fishing village and a target of pirate attacks. This culminated with the famous attack of 1561 when local inhabitants fought off an invasion of Algerian and Turkish pirates, armed only with wooden swords and small stone catapults. This event is celebrated to this day, with an annual reenactment of the victory during the festival Es Firo.

Discover Port de Soller Mallorca: View of the Bay
Discover Port de Soller Mallorca: View of the Bay, Balearic Islands, Spain

The isolated location of the town, the sheltered harbor, and the surrounding mountains create an idyllic image that attracts thousands of tourists every year. There are many sights to see and all kinds of activities available for both outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. For those looking for a traditional Mediterranean experience with a relaxing pace and Mallorcan flare, this town is a must-see destination.

TIP: Bring your camera.

Discover Port de Soller Mallorca: Beautiful Stone Church
Discover Port de Soller Mallorca: Beautiful Stone Church, Spain

Must-Visit Attractions in Port de Soller

  • Soller Railway and Tram: Experience a nostalgic journey on the vintage train and tram, offering scenic views of the mountains and charming landscapes. The best way to travel between Palma and Port de Soller.
  • Port de Soller Lighthouse: Visit the iconic lighthouse, giving panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding area.
  • Sa Calobra and Torrent de Pareis: Take a short trip to these nearby natural wonders, where you can hike through a deep gorge and take in the coastal scenery.
  • Es Firó Festival: If visiting in May, then you will have the chance to experience this festival that reenacts the 16th-century battle between the Moors and Christians, celebrating the town’s victory over the pirates over 400 years ago.
Short Video Showing the Streetcar arriving in Port de Soller

Top Outdoor Activities and Adventures To Do in Port de Soller

With the mountains nearby and the Mediterranean at its doorstep, there are many activities and adventures available in Port de Soller. Regardless of your fitness level or experience, there are activities for everyone. Here is a small list of suggestions for things to do during your visit. Note, that for many activities, equipment can be rented directly at the beach or from local shops in town.

TIP: I highly recommend a boat tour. The coastline is one continuous wall of jagged cliffs that fall straight into the Mediterranean, providing some of the most breathtaking views you will see on the island. A boat tour is an excellent way of experiencing this firsthand.

Discover Port de Soller Mallorca: Equipment Rental on the Beach
Discover Port de Soller Mallorca: Equipment Rental on the Beach, Balearic Islands, Spain
  • Hiking the Tramuntana Mountains: Explore trails that offer breathtaking views of the coastline and lush landscapes, perfect for nature enthusiasts.
  • Kayaking in the Bay: Paddle through the calm waters of Port de Soller, discover hidden coves, and enjoy the tranquility of the Mediterranean Sea.
  • Scenic Tram Ride: Take a trip on the historic San Francisco-style tram between Soller and Port de Soller, offering an excellent view of the town and surrounding orchards.
  • Boat Tours and Excursions: Take a guided boat tour to explore the coastline, sea caves, and marine life of Mallorca. You can book tours with one of the local companies (for example  Barcos Azules) and discover the coast up close. (Try to book a tour with a snorkeling option and explore the marine life along the coastline up close and personal).
  • Cycling Adventures: Rent a bicycle and hit the scenic routes around the port, perfect for both casual riders and avid cyclists.
  • Paddleboarding: Glide across the crystal-clear waters of the bay on a paddleboard. A great way to experience the coastline and view from the water.
  • Snorkeling and Diving: The underwater visibility is great and provides an exceptional opportunity to explore the local marine life and sea formations in the area.
  • Beach Relaxation: Spend a day laying on the sandy beaches, soaking up the sun and enjoying the peaceful vibe. The beach is directly in the town so amenities are just a short walk away.
  • Cultural Walks and Market Visits: Stroll through the streets, visit local markets, and immerse yourself in the culture and history of Port de Soller.
Discover Port de Soller Mallorca: Hiking Trail, Spain
Discover Port de Soller Mallorca: Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Discover Port de Soller Mallorca: Stand-Up Paddle Boarding

Day Trips Suggestions

Visit Palma: Old Town/Royal Palace/The Cathedral

You can take a day trip to Palma and explore the city’s old town. It features narrow streets and historic buildings such as the Almudaina Palace (the official royal residence on Mallorca of the Spanish royal family), the Cathedral (right near the palace), and the Arab Baths. There are tons of cafes, shops, and markets to visit making it a great relaxing outing.

Day Trip Palma
Day Trip Palma
TIP: Take a ride on the Palma-Soller Train

The best way to make the trip to Palma is to take the Palma Soller Train. Experience riding on a 1912 train that travels daily between Palma and Soller. This one-hour trip will take you about 27km, through 13 tunnels (the longest at 2.9km) and a vertical distance of 200m. This is a great family adventure and a great way to reach the city with the train taking you straight downtown. To reach the train station in Soller from Port de Soller, simply take one of the vintage trams that travels hourly between both towns. 

Visit Alcudia

The old town has a well-preserved medieval wall, in fact, one of the best preserved on the Balearic Islands. There are sections of the wall that you can still walk on today. We walked along one section that stretched almost 400m continuously. The town has a large pedestrian zone with narrow cobblestone streets with shops, cafes, and local markets. There are weekly farmers markets on Tuesdays and Sundays from 8 am to 1:30 pm.

Day Trip Alcudia: Cafe within the walled city.
Day Trip Alcudia: Cafe within the walled city.
Visit Cap Formentor

An ideal day trip idea is to head to the Cap Formentor lighthouse. The end destination is definitely worth it but brace yourself for an exciting trip there as the roads wind through a mountainous area giving stunning views of the coastline and the Mediterranean sea. Bring a camera and make sure to stop at the various lookout points along the way to take incredible shots. If driving is not an option, there are bus tours to the lighthouse available during the high season. 

Road Trip Cap de Formentor
Road Trip Cap de Formentor, Spain

Local Dining and Cuisine

Taste Local Wines

Important to the region’s culture and cuisine, Mallorcan wine pairs beautifully with local dishes, offering a taste of the island’s heritage and culinary scene. Here are five local Mallorcan wines to try when visiting the area:

  1. Macia Batle Blanc de Blancs – A white wine known for its fresh and fruity profile. It typically features notes of citrus and tropical fruits. An excellent choice for pairing with seafood and light Mediterranean dishes.
  2. Ànima Negra AN/2 – A red wine that blends native grape varieties (like Callet and Mantonegro) for a unique taste. Has notes of dark berries, spices, and a hint of earthiness.
  3. Jose L. Ferrer Veritas Blanc – Offers a crisp and aromatic white wine, made using local grape varieties such as Prensal Blanc. Known for its fresh and lively palate, with floral and citrus notes.
  4. Binigrau Nounat – A white wine with a balanced and smooth character. Crafted from a blend of Prensal Blanc and Chardonnay grapes. Features notes of ripe fruit and subtle oak.
  5. 4 Kilos Vinícola 12 Volts – A red wine with a complex and rich flavor profile, featuring notes of ripe fruit and spices.
Try the Mallorcan Wines
Try the Mallorcan Wines

Traditional Mallorcan Dishes

When in the area, make sure to try the following traditional Mallorcan dishes: 

  • Tumbet: Tumbet is a traditional dish consisting of sliced potatoes, eggplant, and red bell peppers. The vegetables are fried and layered, then topped with a tomato sauce before being baked.
  • Sobrassada: Sobrassada is a cured sausage made from ground pork, paprika, salt, and spices. It is typically spread on bread or used in various cooked dishes.
  • Ensaimada: Ensaimada is a circular pastry made from flour, water, sugar, eggs, and lard. It is baked until golden and often dusted with powdered sugar before serving.
Discover Port de Soller: Harbor Restaurant
Discover Port de Soller: Harbor Restaurant on the Mediterranean

Seafood

Being directly on the sea and originally a small fishing village, you will find a large selection of restaurants along the main promenade and side streets of Port de Soller offering a large variety of seafood dishes fresh from the sea. The selection is mouthwatering. Word of advice however is to make sure you reserve a table at the restaurants in advance and avoid disappointment. (I speak from experience!)

Discover Port de Soller: Street Cafes
Discover Port de Soller: Street Cafe, The Mediterranean, Spain

Best Time to Visit and Travel Tips

Peak Tourist Season

The peak tourist season on the island is during July and August when most regions of Northern Europe have their school breaks. With everybody heading to the Mediterranean coast at the same time, it does get busy so be prepared, plan ahead, and book accommodations, rental cars, plane tickets, and tours well in advance.

Tip: If you are looking for a less hectic experience, you might want to consider traveling in May/June or in Sept/October. The weather is still exceptionally nice and you can escape the large crowds.

Transportation options

  • Flying: Port de Soller is about 25km northwest of Palma Airport which serves both domestic and International flights. 
  • Transport on Mallorca: Taxis can be found all over the island, car rentals are also available and there is also the public transport company TIP (or Transports de les Iles Balears), which operates a network of bus routes that services major towns, cities and popular tourist destinations across the island.
  • Tram (Streetcar): As mentioned earlier, from Soller you can reach Port de Soller via tram which leaves hourly during the high season, the trip taking about 15 min. 

Accommodations

The tourist infrastructure in the area is well developed so there is no shortage of accommodations in the area. These range from luxurious beachfront resorts to budget-friendly youth hostels and guesthouses. There is also a bus system that services the island and car rental services as well. However, as mentioned above, summer is the busiest time in the Balearic Islands so I recommend that you book well in advance. Your best bet is to check online for available places and book as soon as you can. Check out the link further below for places available right now.

Discover Port de Soller: View of the Harbor, Balearic Islands, Spain
Discover Port de Soller: View of the Harbor, Balearic Islands, Spain

FINAL THOUGHTS: DISCOVER PORT DE SOLLER MALLORCA

Port de Soller, Spain, is more than just a beautiful location; it’s an experience that appeals to all your senses. Whether you’re hiking in the mountains, tasting the local cuisine, or simply soaking in the sun by the sea, this enchanting town has something for everyone. So, why wait? Start planning your trip to Port de Soller today and embark on an unforgettable adventure in the Balearic Islands. Your Mediterranean escape is just a heartbeat away!

Author at Lookout Point over Port de Soller
Author at Lookout Point overlooking Port de Soller, Balearic Islands, Spain

“Don’t Just Dream It! Do it!”

How about experiencing the Balearic Islands firsthand? Use the map below to inspire you and plan your next Mediterranean vacation right now!

Reg Auge

Reg holds an MBA, is a former Captain in the Canadian military and has worked as a consultant in industry for over 20 years. From his home in Spain, he has spent the last 10 years traveling throughout the Mediterranean, exploring the various countries and regions. He also regularly runs, windsurfs, and kite surfs, maintaining a healthy and active way of life. Captivated by this Mediterranean lifestyle, he began a Blog last year to inspire like-minded souls to learn about and discover this unique region for themselves.

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