Visit Port-de-Soller
Port-de-Soller is on the north-west coast of Mallorca about 3 kilometers from Soller which sits in a large valley inland of the coastal town. Port-de-Soller has been built around a stunning horse-shoe shaped bay with mountains all around. It really is a stunning setting!
The Tramuntana mountain range that surrounds the bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore Port-de-Soller
To get to Port of Soller from Soller there is a charming tram linking the two. The famous tram is called the Tramvia de Soller and should definitely be taken at least once during your stay.
Port-de-Soller is one of the best resorts on the island of Mallorca. Its bay is simply fabulous and all around the bay are a pleasant variety of restaurants, bars and hotels. The mass-tourism of the southern coast of Mallorca has been avoided and this resort is lively but not excessive.
Around the bay there is large sandy beach and an attractive marina and a pleasant pedestrian walkway runs all around the edge. All around are great spots to eat or sit and admire the views with a drink. These are great at any time but an al-fresco evening meal watching the sun go down over the bay is wonderful.
It was once easier for trade to pass via the sea to France than through the mountains inland to Palma-de-Mallorca and so Porto Soller developed close links with France. The French influence can be seen in the architecture, for example the fine frontage of the Hotel Esplenido.
Sights to look out for include the two churches of Port de Soller, the Sant Ramon de Penyafort and the Santa Caterina. The Santa Caterina sits in the higher part of town and offers great views over the town and bay below. It was built in 1280 and once served as a leper colony. It has been recently renovated and is now home to the Museum of the Sea.
Take a walk around the bay to the lighthouse and get some great views over the port. Alternatively walk out to the Torre Picada a watch tower which was built to look out for pirates. In 1561, before the building of the watch tower, Turkish and Algerian pirates attacked Port-de-Soller but the residents bravely fought them off.
This victory is celebrated every year in the annual Es Firo folk festival. From the Torre Picada you get some of the best views of the town.
Port de Soller is a very popular base for walking, cycling, sailing and diving. The building of a luxury 5 star hotel by the Jumeirah group also means that Port de Soller has become a popular destination for those seeking a luxury holiday. The Jumeirah Luxury Spa and Hotel sits in the hills above Port-de-Soller.
Places to visit nearby
Take a boat trip to one of the nearby coves. This stretch of coast is really beautiful and unspoilt by the high rise accommodation of the south coast. Close by and particularly lovely is the Sa Calobra bay which featured in the film 'Cloud Atlas'.
It is easy to get to by ferry boat from Port-de-Soller which takes about one hour. There is also a bus or you can drive though the road is not for the faint-hearted. Mallorca is very popular with cyclists and the ride to and from Sa Calobra is considered to be one of the best cycle rides in the world!
Another popular boat trip is the trip to Cala Deia, a beautiful cove below the lovely village of Deia. The trip to Cala Deia passes fabulous cliffs and the secluded cove is idyllic. It is also home to two very popular restaurants.
The village of Deia itself is beautiful and has a stunning mountain location. The walk from Puerto Soller to Deia is very beautiful. Alternatively there are regular buses between the two and taxis in Mallorca are reasonably priced.
Be sure not to miss a trip to Soller, either by tram, bus or taxi or it can be walked. The walk takes about 45 minutes. Soller is a beautiful and lively town with various Modernista buildings and a lovely main square with a remarkable church.
You can find more local travel ideas in the Balearic Islands guide.
Map of Port-de-Soller and places to visit
Port-de-Soller places to visit
Soller
Soller is one of Mallorca's nicest towns and the Port de Soller is set in a beautiful bay.
Soller guide
Fornalutx
Fornalutx is considered to be one of the most beautiful villages of Spain. It occupies an idyllic spot surrounded by mountains.
Fornalutx guide
Deia
Deià was once the home of Robert Graves and his grave is here. Deia is one of the most beautiful villages of Spain.
Deia guide
Valldemossa
Valldemossa is a hill town with a monastery where George Sand and Frederic Chopin once stayed.
Valldemossa guide
Lluc
Lluc is a remote village in the mountains of the sierra Tramuntana and Mallorca's most important place of pilgrimage.
Lluc guide
Palma Cathedral
Palma Cathedral is a stunning 14th century Gothic cathedral in Palma-de-Mallorca. It occupies a dramatic position above the Parc de la Mar and the seafront.
Palma Cathedral guide...or see all our recommended places to visit in Balearic Islands