Port de Sóller is a stunning bayside town easily accessed from Palma. Due to its breezy accessibility, the port hums with life in the warmest months of the year. Its crescent shaped beach is bordered by a promenade and lined with restaurants, bars and ice cream shops.
The bay sits low below the steep Serra de Tramuntana mountains, providing stunning views in all directions from all vantage points. The port provides laidback luxury and adventure. There’s truly something for everyone in this historic port town. Read below for all things Port de Sóller, from the logistics to the festivals, food and outdoor activities.
How to Get to Port de Sóller
Accessing Port de Sóller is fun and easy. And with the town of Sóller a simple 5–10-minute drive or bus ride down the road, the traveler is provided with a barrage of beauty and entertainment in this area of Mallorca.
Driving
Port de Sóller is an easy 35-minute drive from the center of Palma. Once you get on the Ma-11, it’s a straight shot to the port thanks to the tunnel that was carved through the mountains in the 90s.
You will pass the town of Sóller on your way to Port de Sóller.
Bus
The TIB bus 204 takes 50 minutes from Estació Intermodal in Palma to Port de Sóller. The 203 bus also runs to the port and passes through the highly attractive towns of Valldemossa and Deià. If you plan to stop at one of these towns on the way to Port de Sóller, the 203 can take you there, but be aware that in the summer this winding, scenic road can get jammed with vehicles. The 203 takes 1.5 hours from Estació Intermodal to Port de Sóller.
Bus tickets can be bought online or by simply scanning your bank or credit card on board. A one-way trip costs 2.70€. If you choose to pay cash directly to the driver, the one-way fee is 4.50€.
Tren de Sóller + Tram de Sóller
The Sóller train and tram add one more element of quaint enjoyment to an already exceptional location. The Tren de Sóller runs from Palma to the town of Sóller up to 6 times a day depending on the season.
Once arriving in the town of Sóller, you can transfer onto the tram which will trundle you the rest of the way to Port de Sóller. You can expect to spend an hour on the train and 10-15 minutes on the tram.
A combined train and tram ticket from Palma to the port and back to Palma costs 32€. The short 15-minute tram ride from Sóller to Port de Sóller leaves every hour from 8am to 5pm at peak season and costs 8€ one way (when not bought in combination with the train from Palma). The trips back from Port de Sóller to Sóller run every hour from 8:30am to 5:30pm at peak season. The trains run every month but January.
Only combined train and tram tickets can be bought online. All other purchases must be made at the stations.
Where to Stay in Port de Sóller
Best Location: Hotel Esplendido
Hotel Esplendido maintains a contemporary feel within its vintage façade. It boasts a 9.9 rating for couples, but families alike love the open atmosphere.
Its convenient location on the promenade allows you to take the tram right to the front door and practically step from your room onto the beach. The hotel is fully equipped with plenty of outdoor seating, two pools, a spa center and gym. The bar itself is worth a stay, giving your Port de Sóller vacation the classy though laidback beach vibe perfectly paired with a delicious cocktail.
Best Price: Hotel Marina
The family-run hotel sits on the Platja d’en Repic side of the port and is one of my top choices. Given all that it provides– a free spa, outdoor pool and private balconies overlooking the bay and mountains – it is very reasonably priced.
The hotel itself is fresh and subtle with the white and cool blue hues radiating a beachy vacation feel that keep guests as satisfied in the hotel as out. For me, it’s the bayside terrace that makes this place a gem. Enjoying a breakfast stacked with choices or a sunset cocktail just above the gentle sounds of the bay gives its guests the quintessential Port de Sóller experience for an affordable price.
Best Experience: Hotel Es Port
Hotel es Port sacrifices nothing to bring you an experience as authentic as it is luxurious. The hotel is a 17th century stone mansion surrounded by native gardens.
Take a stroll through the landscape to find a cozy resting place in the shade of a tree or head to the pool, jacuzzi, Turkish bath or sauna for some selfcare. Why not play game of tennis on their clay court or mosey down to the beach, just 200 meters away? Hotel es Port is a truly remarkable hotel experience.
Where to Eat in Port de Sóller
Best Seafood: La Cantina Marinera
If you want fresh fish, go to La Cantina Marinera. It has an open market feel with plenty of open-air seating that allows the sea breeze to authenticate the location.
The fish is prepared simply with side salads and potatoes. There are full seafood tasting plates to be shared or well-prepared meat dishes for the non-fish eaters of the group. The lamb chops are delicious. And so are the appetizers. There are many to choose from, but I recommend the Buñuelos de Bacalao (cod puffs) served with a sweet honey dipping sauce.
La Cantina Marinera is the last restaurant before the naval base on the north end of the bay.
Best Atmosphere: Patiki Beach
Have your feet in the sand while choosing from a variety of creative and healthy options. Patiki Beach sits on the Platja d’en Repic side of the bay. And it sits literally on the sand.
This is my absolute favorite spot to bring friends and family. A laid back, ocean vibe with fantastic cocktails (they have mezcal!) and a menu that is savored by the eyes and tastebuds alike. And, its vegan friendly! I loved the roast Hokkaido squash and the fresh clams. Portions don’t disappoint either.
Most Authentically Mallorcan: Campo Sol
If you are finding the menus lining the Port de Sóller promenade to be a bit repetitive and overpriced, I recommend sneaking back off the beach, down a flower lined street to Campo Sol. A large patio is set amongst the bursting flowers and greenery that is Sóller in the summer.
A wonderful atmosphere to enjoy a romantic evening or la comida. La comida is the traditional midday meal that typically happens between 2-4pm. It’s a set, multi-course meal often served with a “caña” (small beer) or a jug of house wine. Campo Sol also excels at traditional Spanish dishes like paella.
Things to Do in Port de Sóller
The thing about Port de Sóller is that it’s equal parts laidback beach vacation and equal parts adventure. The number of activities to choose from could provide weeks of entertainment.
Relaxing on the beach
Port de Sóller has two beaches – Platja des Traves and Platja d’en Repic. Both are family friendly with soft, white sand, calm waters and beach chair and umbrella rentals. Platja des Traves offers paddle boat rentals, as well.
Renting a boat in the bay
There are numerous boat rental agencies in Port de Sóller. It’s easy to rent a small boat without a boating license for the day, or if you have a license, you can rent larger more powerful boats and explore the rugged coastlines for yourself
Cap Gros Lighthouse
Cap Gros Lighthouse is located on the western edge of the port and can be accessed by the road running above the Platja d’en Repic beach. The area is a great vantage point for sunsets.
Refugi de Muelta
Muelta refuge is located right next to the Cap Gros Lighthouse. This is a great starting or ending point for numerous hikes and a very affordable accommodation option.
Hiking
Numerous hikes cross through Port de Sóller, including the GR221. GR221 is a behemoth 170 km route running the length of the Tramuntana Mountain Range. Choose a section heading west from Port de Sóller toward Deià or east toward Pollença.
I further recommend taking trails from the port to the picturesque towns of Fornalutx or Biniaraix. Another personal favorite is the hike from Port de Sóller into the town of Sóller, which can even be done by mountain bike. All Trails and Wikiloc are two great resources for hiking on the island.
Sa Calobra and Cala Tuent Boat Rides
If you want to spend the day on the secluded Cala Tuent or amongst the steep canyon walls of Sa Calobra, round trip boat rides are available daily to one or both destinations.
Alternatively, I highly recommend taking the 6 km hike along Camí de Sa Costera to Cala Tuent (the most beautiful trail on the island?) You can begin from Port de Sóller or the town of Sóller and then take the one-way trip back to Port de Sóller by boat. This makes for a truly exceptional day.
Last-Minute Hotel Deals In Port de Sóller
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Adventure Tours
Mountain Biking
Mallorca is well-known as a road biking paradise, but it also has a lot to offer when it comes to mountain biking. Tramuntana Tours, easily found on the promenade, can get you set up with everything you need to explore the trails around Port de Sóller.
Rock climbing and Psicobloc
As it turns out, Mallorca is world renowned for its rock climbing. In fact, it has been said that deep water soloing (rock climbing above the ocean) – known as psicobloc in Spain – began in Mallorca. The port has both outstanding sport and psicobloc climbing. I highly recommend Rock and Water tour guides for all your adventure needs.
Diving and Snorkeling
Yes, in Port de Sóller you can scuba, too! If you are new to diving or just honing your skills, the experts at Octopus Mallorca have you covered. They also have daily snorkeling tours and can even help certify you as a scuba instructor!
SUP Boarding
A great way to spend the day in the bay is on a stand-up paddle (SUP) board. Sóller Sup is located right on the promenade and has everything from rentals to SUP courses and sunset boat/SUP excursions.
Fires i Festes
There is no shortage of events to turn your stay at Port de Sóller into an authentic cultural experience. Fireworks, barbecues, bonfires, live music – Port de Sóller has it all.
Els Reis Mags – January 5th
The holidays don’t come to an end until The Three Kings come to town. They ride into Port de Sóller by boat every 5th of January and then lead a procession along the port handing out candy to children and listening to the children’s wishes for gifts. The kings eventually make their way to the town of Sóller where the candy and gift giving continues.
Sant Antoni – January 17th
A post-Christmas and New Year fireworks, bonfire and barbecue extravaganza. Most of the action takes place in the town of Sóller, but for weeks on end all throughout the valley you can catch demon dances while barbecuing your favorite local delicacies.
Carnival – End of February
Carnival is a chance for the children of Sóller to wear funny costumes all week long. But the adults, too, get competitive when it comes to the costume contest. Catch the Carnival parade as it progresses along the seaside of Port de Sóller.
Firo – Second week in May
This is the big one for Sóller. In fact, it’s one of biggest festivals on the island. The party is a celebration and remembrance of Sóller women who defeated the invading Moors in 1561. Thousands gather on the beach of Port de Sóller as the “invading” ships land and a battle rages. It all culminates in four days and nights of wild celebration with local food, wine and even a petting zoo.
Sant Pere – End of June
Port de Sóller’s three-day festival to celebrate the patron saint of fisherman, San Pedro. There’s a full program of events for kids and adults and plenty of live music lasting all night long.
Sant Joan – June 23
A highly enjoyable festival in the port to reign in the summer solstice. You can find bonfires and barbecues lining the beach. A great way to welcome in the light of summer.
Mare de Deu – July 15th
To celebrate the patron saint of all seafaring people, Port de Sóller sends a procession of the saint’s statues into sea by boat. After the statues have been sent to sea, all the town’s electricity is shut off and the beach is illuminated by flares. Families celebrate the saint with quiet picnics on the beach.
Havaneras – September
Thousands come to Port de Sóller for three days of live music that is steeped in history. In the 19th century, fisherman from the Catalan area were exiled to Cuba. The music they brought with them upon their return to Mallorca is known as Havaneras. The music is performed and celebrated amongst the natural beauty of Port de Sóller.
Classical Music – Sept/Oct
Each year Port de Sóller holds a weeks-long classical music festival at The Museo De La Mar: a gorgeous setting for worldclass music.