The charming and remote village of Port de Sóller is located in north-west Mallorca and offers visitors a wonderfully scenic location packed with history.
Whether you want to learn more about its fascinating past, enjoy the wonderful buffet of fresh seafood, or experience luxurious sailing trips, Port de Sóller will be the perfect destination.
To find out about this hidden gem, keep reading for a full guide on all the best things to see and do when you visit Port de Soller, Mallorca.
What is Port de Soller Like?
If you enjoy the hustle and bustle of city life, want a big choice of nightclubs and bars, and love beaches that buzz with excitement, Mallorca has many great options.
If, however, you are looking for a more laid-back and relaxing holiday destination with picturesque sea views and rich history, the coastal village of Port de Soller will be your ideal destination.
The traditional fishing village was quite isolated until the Soller tunnel was opened in 1997. This meant the area was largely untouched by the development that swept Mallorca during the ’70s, ’80s, and early ’90s.
The beautiful village is flanked by the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range on one side and the Mediterranean on the other. The west-facing location provides breathtaking sunsets that make evening meals and walks a thing of beauty.
You will be able to enjoy traditional restaurants and bars, as well as more contemporary offerings to suit all tastes.
The marina and beaches are well placed to allow visitors to enjoy the water, and the fresh seafood that comes in every day keeps the restaurants in high demand.
History & Culture of Port de Sóller
The history and culture of Port de Sóller largely revolve around its ocean location. The Tramuntana mountains cut the village off from Mallorca, but the village was accessible by sea.
Because of this, visitors to Port de Sóller will get to enjoy a Mediterranean-influenced break.
As a traditional fishing village, locals and visitors enjoy freshly caught seafood. Beach and marina life are also big draws for visitors, with Port de Sóller providing a range of excellent boat trips and sailing experiences.
With the Tramuntana mountains providing a large barrier, visitors would previously have to get the train or brave the dangerous coast road that was not for the faint-hearted.
The tunnel initially charged a toll for access, but this was stopped in 2018, making Port de Sóller more accessible and affordable.
Visitors who want to explore the area’s history can learn more about the brave resistance of the locals who fought off an attack by pirates from Algeria and Turkey in 1561.
This event is re-enacted every year, and you can learn more about that further in this guide.
Beaches in Port de Soller
As well as offering the charm and culture of a historic fishing village, sun worshippers are also catered to with the two beaches that bookend the bay.
The Playa d’en Repic beach boasts over 250 meters of golden sands, excellent facilities that include sun-lounger rental, cafes, shops, and restaurants along the boardwalk.
The Platja des Traves beach offers visitors easy tram access and sun lounger rentals.
Things to Do in Port de Soller
Visitors will find no shortage of things to do in this great location.
The Mediterranean setting lets travellers make the most of the great beaches and marina. You can enjoy excellent boat and yacht trips along the coastline.
You can explore caves, enjoy sunset trips, or charter yachts for more extensive trips.
Scuba diving is also popular in this location, with everyone from experts to beginners having various options.
Paddleboarding, pedaloes, and kayaks are also available to rent, allowing people to make the most of the beautiful waters surrounding Port de Soller.
The Serra de Tramuntana mountains are perfect for more active holidaymakers, with hiking and cycling opportunities available.
Shorter walks for beginners are available, or you can hire a guide to explore more of the area.
If you are looking for a more laid-back way to see more of the surrounding area, the vintage train and tram rides offer a more serene option that lets you get out of the heat.
Shoppers may not have the selection available in Milan, London, or Paris, but Port de Soller has some small boutiques, souvenir shops, and places to sample local produce.
Hotels in Port de Soller
Port de Soller hotels are ideal for those looking for a luxury getaway, travelling on a budget, or anyone looking for a boutique experience in unique accommodation.
Jumeirah Port Sóller Hotel & Spa
The Jumeirah Port Sóller Hotel & Spa is a 5-star, cliff-top option that offers exquisite views over the village of Port de Soller and the Mediterranean.
This luxury hotel offers you a choice of 121 suites with private balconies or terraces, and you can enjoy any one of the three bars or two restaurants for meals and refreshments.
The two swimming pools, fully-equipped gum, and grand ballroom offer great ways to spend your time in this stunning hotel just a 25-minute journey from Palma International Airport.
Fitness and wellness are big features of the Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa, with treadmills, exercise bikes, weight machines and more available in the 24-hour fitness suite.
You can also use the great exercise and yoga classes or book sessions with a personal trainer to keep in tip shape.
For a more relaxing experience, the spa offers ten treatment rooms, a Hydrapool, and a thermal area at the Jumeirah Port Soller hotel.
Choose from a range of excellent treatments for rejuvenating, refreshing, and relaxing. Local natural products, including oranges, lemons, almonds, and olive oil, are used to improve your well-being.
Aparthotel Soller Beach
The Aparthotel Soller Beach in Port de Soller offers guests a convenient central location, a selection of rooms, and self-catering apartments.
This hotel is the perfect option for families on a budget, as it offers easy access to local beaches, shops, and restaurants.
Guests will also enjoy a 24-hour reception, restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, sun terrace, sauna and jacuzzi.
Air-conditioned rooms are also furnished with en-suite bathrooms, satellite televisions, a balcony or terrace facing the sea or mountains, and a safe deposit box.
Apartments come with a kitchenette area with cooking facilities and a refrigerator, allowing people to cook their own meals.
Es Port Hotel, Port de Soller
The Es Port Hotel (or Hotel Es Port) is a stunning boutique hotel between the Mediterranean and Sierra de Tramuntana Mountain ranges in Port de Soller.
As if the location isn’t impressive enough, the hotel is in a stunning mansion dating back to the 16th century.
The Hotel Es Port is set within 8 acres of beautiful gardens and Mallorcan parkland, and the hotel provides an excellent location for travellers to relax.
The swimming pools, sun terrace, and restaurant all allow guests to relax on the grounds.
The hotel has almost 150 rooms, including WiFi, air conditioning, satellite TV, and complimentary access to the spa. Tennis courts and a gym are also available for more active guests to make the most of.
Guests will love the heated indoor pool as well as a large outdoor pool.
Two restaurants cater for those looking for fine dining or poolside meals, and the Bar Sa Tafona has a gorgeous terrace or cosy fireplaces to enjoy indoors.
The incredible atmosphere and decor complement the architecture, making this boutique hotel a great choice.
Other hotels in and around Puerto de Sóller are Bikini Island and Mountain Hotel, Hotel Eden, the Hotel Esplendido, Fergus Style Soller Beach Hotel, and the Aimia Hotel.
Restaurants in Port de Soller
Port de Soller has many excellent dining options, from hotel restaurants to family-friendly and fine dining.
Visitors with a taste for seafood will be well catered for, with plenty of fresh fish and seafood options every day.
The nearby town of Soller also offers a range of excellent dining options and is just a €1, 5-minute bus journey away.
Some great restaurants to enjoy for those in Port de Soller include;
Randemar
Randemar is located on the Port de Soller seafront and has welcomed big names like Barbra Streisand since its opening.
Seasonal Mediterranean cuisine is served all day, with dinner and lunch available.
The menu contains seafood, meat, pizza, and pasta for guests to choose from, making it an excellent experience for all tastes.
La Sal Restaurant
The Port De Soller located Le Sal Restaurant markets itself as a sustainable restaurant that uses local and organic products.
Enjoy a range of smoothies, yoghurts, sandwiches, eggs, and toast on the breakfast menu. If you are visiting for lunch or dinner, the full menu offers tapas, seafood, salads, pasta, tacos, and burgers.
Suculenta
Suculenta in Port de Soller has been getting rave reviews since it opened in 2021. Being named the “Place to be” in Mallorca by Condé Nast Traveler got tongues wagging, and then after you visit, you will realise why.
The waterfront restaurant boasts a rooftop patio that looks out across the sea and an impressive mountainous backdrop. The stylish restaurant has a sophisticated feel but is still friendly and welcoming.
Seasonal menus make the most of local produce and offer a great range of choices with an excellent atmosphere.
Nightlife in Port de Soller
If you are looking for nightclubs to dance the night away, visit Palma de Mallorca.
You will still be able to enjoy the evenings in Port de Soller with a number of hotel and beachside bars.
Cocktails are a big thing in Port de Soller and enjoy the beautiful sunsets with the mountains at your back and the Mediterranean stretched out in front of you.
You will be able to enjoy a meal at one of the great restaurants in this small town before heading to one of the great local bars or pubs.
Some bars to look out for in Port de Soller include Port de Soller, where you can enjoy table service and outdoor seating.
Bar Blue is a vegetarian-friendly bar with vegan options and is handily located at the last tram stop.
The Bar Depor is another table service option that offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner options in the centre of the old town.
Events in Port de Soller
While Port de Soller is typically a quiet, laid-back location that offers all the charm of a seaside or mountain village with fantastic views, it can still have its livelier moments.
There are events throughout the year in Port de Soller, including the Cavalcada dels Reis Mags in January, Semana Santa in April, and the annual village fiestas in August.
Shopping in Port de Soller
The Es Firó folk festival is held annually in May and is a week long. After the Festa de Nostra Senyora de la Victòria, the village re-enacts the defence against invading pirates.
This festival is loved by people of all ages who dress up for the occasion. Expect lots of pirate costumes, face painting, and ceremonial guns and cannons firing throughout the day and night.
On August 24th, the people of Port de Soller recognise their patron saint Saint Bartholomew. On the eve of the celebrations, they enjoy a ‘Night of Fire’ where fire shows and street parties are held.
Other festivals celebrated in Port de Soller include those for Sant Joan and Sant Pere on June 24th and 29th, respectively.
A boat procession is one of the main features of the Verge del Carmen Fiesta held on August 15th.
Across September and October, Port de Soller welcomes some of the best classical musicians in the world to the Santa Catalina Monastery for the Annual Classical Music Festival.
How to Get to Port de Soller
Access to Port de Soller is significantly easier than it used to be, thanks to the Soller tunnel.
The following tips will help you get to Port de Soller from other areas in Mallorca.
Palma International Airport to Port de Soller
You can get a bus or taxi or rent a car from Palma International airport to Port de Soller.
The 204 bus should cost between €6 and €8 and take around 1 hour and ten minutes. The 204 that goes via Son Sardina will take approximately 30 minutes longer than the other bus option and can cost about €2 more.
A Taxi will typically cost between €35 and €55, but you will get there significantly quicker in just 30 minutes.
Car rental can be another good alternative that takes 30 minutes and can offer convenience for your stay.
Palma to Soller
The train from Palma to Soller costs 18 euros for a one-way trip and 25 euros for a return. Despite only being 27 km away, the trip will take an hour, and you will enjoy spectacular views on the journey.
Soller to Port de Soller
Travelling from Soller town to Port de Soller is quick and easy. Just 4 km away, the 204 bus takes 10 minutes and costs around €1. The tram takes slightly longer, at around 14 minutes and costs between €6 and €10.
Taxis will take between 5 and 10 minutes and be a similar price to the tram.
Alternatively, you can walk between Soller and Port de Soller, which should take around 50 minutes.
Surrounding Areas of Port de Soller
One of the best things about Port de Soller is the picturesque surroundings and the fact that it is relatively protected from big developments.
You can enjoy seeing more of the Tramuntana mountains by taking the train or exploring the many hiking routes. You will also pass through agricultural areas filled with citrus and orange groves.
The Mediterranean also plays a crucial part in making the village attractive. Fishing, boating, sandy beaches, great sea views, and watersports all take advantage of the coastal location.
The mountains, rugged coastline, historic tram, and nearby main town make this a popular place to visit, with lots to see and do nearby and amazing views of the large bay from many restaurants and bars.
Transfer to and from the main airport in Mallorca is relatively straightforward, and travelling into Palma is easy if you want to explore the busier nightlife, a more comprehensive selection of restaurants and bars, shopping and a wide variety of tourist attractions in the region.
