Visiting Sóller, between sea and mountains in Mallorca
Located on the northwest coast of Mallorca, Sóller is a small town surrounded by olive groves and mountains, known for its Mediterranean charm. Between lively streets, orange orchards, and direct access to the sea, it appeals equally to nature lovers and travelers looking for authenticity.
A historic center with a rich heritage
The heart of Sóller centers around the Plaça de la Constitució, a lively square lined with cafes and dominated by the Sant Bartomeu church, whose modernist facade catches the eye. Nearby, the historic Ferrocarril de Sóller station serves as the departure point for the famous wooden train connecting Palma to Sóller since 1912. A walk through the narrow streets reveals 19th-century mansions that reflect the economic boom tied to citrus farming.
Port de Sóller and its beaches
A few miles away, reachable by tram or on foot, the Port de Sóller is a former fishing port transformed into a pleasant seaside resort. It features a lively promenade, seafood restaurants, and a sandy beach. Less crowded, the Es Repic beach offers a quieter setting.
Hiking in the Serra de Tramuntana
Sóller serves as an ideal gateway for exploring the Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The trail leading to Fornalutx, frequently cited as one of the prettiest villages in Spain, crosses typical Mallorcan landscapes. For a more demanding hike, the Barranc de Biniaraix offers a spectacular route through gorges and terraced olive groves.
Gardens and orange orchards
The Sóller valley is famous for its citrus groves. The Jardí Botànic de Sóller showcases local flora and functions as a conservation center for Mediterranean plants. For a firsthand look at orange cultivation, local farms offer tours and tastings of regional products.
Mediterranean and sweet flavors
Sóller is renowned for its citrus fruits, which appear in sorbets, jams, and pastries like the ensaïmada, a light brioche dusted with powdered sugar. Sobrassada, a traditional cured sausage from Mallorca, is often served with local honey. To drink, a granissat de taronja, a type of orange granita, cools things down on hot days.
Where to eat?
- Ca’n Boqueta (Center): gourmet cooking inspired by local ingredients.
- El Guia (Center): a historic spot serving traditional Mallorcan dishes.
- Randemar (Port de Sóller): ideal for seafood with sea views.
Where to stay?
- Gran Hotel Sóller (Center): an elegant hotel housed in a historic building.
- Finca Ca’s Sant (Outskirts): a guesthouse surrounded by an orange orchard.
- Hotel Espléndido (Port de Sóller): a comfortable seaside property.
When to go?
The best time to visit Sóller is in the spring and fall, when temperatures are comfortable and nature is in full bloom. In May, the Fira i Festes de Sóller celebrates the local victory against Moorish pirates with historical reenactments and festivities.
How to get there?
Sóller is accessible from Palma by train, taking about 1 hour for $21* one way, or by car via a scenic road crossing the Serra de Tramuntana. Buses also connect the town to surrounding villages. There is no direct flight to Palma from North America: plan on connecting in Madrid, Barcelona, or another European hub.
How to get around?
The town center is easy to explore on foot. To reach the port, the historic tram makes for a scenic ride. A car comes in handy for exploring the outlying areas and reaching trailhead parking lots.
This coastal town in the north of Mallorca has quite a bit of charm. It is made up of two parts: the port, which is lively with plenty of shops, restaurants, and boat excursion departures. Then there is the upper town, which you can reach by taking an old tram. This tram goes through orchards of orange and lemon trees, and the ride up is really nice. In the upper town, there are a few monuments like the church in the main square, and some viewpoints looking down over the port. You can sit at a terrace and have a lemon or orange juice to cool off. From the station, you can take an old wooden train that goes through the mountains to reach Palma. Spectacular views!