Puerto de Sóller holidays

How to reach Puerto de Sóller

• Flight time: Flights to Puerto de Sóller arrive at Palma de Mallorca Airport, 34km south. There are regular direct flights available from London and other major UK airports to Palma airport, which typically take about 2 hours 30 minutes. Check out or cheap flights to Majorca and save more on your next holiday.

• Transfer time: The best way to get from Palma de Mallorca Airport to Puerto de Sóller is by taxi or hire car; the taxi journey takes about 30 minutes.

• Price: A taxi from the airport directly to Puerto de Sóller will cost about €85–€100. Car rental starts at approximately €20 per day.

Best time to visit Puerto de Sóller

The best time for your holiday to Puerto de Sóller depends on what you want to get out of your trip, which can be determined by the weather, your tolerance for crowds and how much money you want to spend.

• March to May is a lovely time to visit with the lush valley in full bloom and the area is less crowded. Temperatures are comfortably between 16°C and 22°C and there may be some light rainfall.

• June to August are the busiest months. With daily highs of around 28°C and up to 11 hours of sunshine a day, the beaches are popular and the nightlife intensifies.

• September to November sees fewer tourists but still offers warm weather (20°C to 25°C), making this a good time for outdoor activities. It's also a great time to enjoy local harvest festivals.

• December to February cools down to around 10°C to 15°C, with occasional showers occurring. The streets are quiet, perfect for those looking for a serene getaway.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Spanish and Catalan are the primary languages, but English is commonly spoken within tourist areas.

• Local habits and customs: The pace of life here is laid-back. Respect the afternoon siesta – when many businesses close – by keeping noise to a minimum.

• Currency: The Euro is the official currency. Cash machines are widely available and credit cards are accepted in most establishments.

• Getting around: The historic tram connecting Sóller Old Town and Puerto de Sóller is not only a charming way to travel but also practical. Tickets cost about €9 for a one-way trip. Various bus routes are also useful for exploring the area.

• Electricity and plug types: The standard voltage is 220–240 volts, with two-pin round plugs. UK travellers will need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Spain operates on Central European Time, 1 hour ahead of the UK.

Best things to do in Puerto de Sóller

Puerto de Sóller is a great holiday destination for those who favour mountainous landscapes and a peaceful atmosphere, combined with a bit of history, local culture and outdoor activities.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Mirador de Santa Catalina: Photographers in particular flock to this lookout to capture the far-reaching views of the port and the surrounding mountains.

• Cap Gros Lighthouse: It’s worth taking the full scenic walk to the lighthouse to be rewarded with sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea.

The best districts

• The Marina: At the heart of Puerto de Sóller, this charming promenade with cafés and shops is ideal for enjoying dinner alfresco with a view or an evening stroll.

• Old Town Sóller: A tram ride away, the Old Town is a must-see for those wanting to get a taste of local life, with its quaint streets and authentic Majorcan feel.

Parks and gardens

• Alfabia Gardens: These lush gardens just outside the Old Town of Sóller feature a mix of Moorish, Renaissance and Romantic styles, and a historic house.

• Botanic Garden Sóller: In a beautiful spot near Sóller Old Town, the botanic gardens are dedicated to the preservation of Balearic flora.

Historical monuments

• Church of Sant Bartomeu: The church is a modernist design by Joan Rubió featuring a remarkable facade, which is now considered an iconic symbol of the old town.

• Sóller Marine Museum: Housed in a 16th-century manor house, exhibits of archaeology and art give an insight into Sóller’s local history and culture.

Day trips in the area

• Deià and Valldemossa: These delightful villages are renowned for their artistic heritage and stunning settings, and just a short drive from Puerto de Sóller.

• Sa Calobra and Torrent de Pareis: This area affords one of the most dramatic landscapes on Majorca, with a pebble beach at the end of a torrent carved through the mountains. It takes a challenging drive or a boat trip to get here.

• Tramuntana Mountains: Packed with numerous hiking routes that range in difficulty, the mountains are a haven for nature lovers that also offer breathtaking views.

• Cala Tuent: The secluded cove and crystal-clear waters at Cala Tuent are an ideal place for unwinding away from the more crowded beaches.

Activities for families in Puerto de Sóller

Offering safe sandy beaches and a variety of things to do that will appeal to children of all ages, Puerto de Sóller holidays are a great way to spend some quality family time together.

• Beaches: The family-friendly beaches of Puerto de Sóller feature gentle slopes into the crystal-clear blue water, making them perfect for paddling and sandcastle building.

• Tram ride: Travelling between Sóller and Puerto de Sóller on the historic tram is not only a fun ride for the kids but also offers adults views of the orange groves and the charming streets of Sóller.

• Boat trips: Kids enjoy a boat trip from the port to explore the dramatic coastline. These tours often include the opportunity to swim and snorkel in secluded coves.

• Playgrounds: Children’s playgrounds dotted about the area are well equipped with swings, slides and climbing frames, where children can play safely and make new friends.

Free things to do in Puerto de Sóller

It’s feasible to enjoy holidays to Puerto de Sóller without going over your budget thanks to the variety of free activities available to visitors, which range from beach days and natural explorations to cultural experiences.

• Walking tours: Local volunteers frequently run tours of the surrounding area that operate on a tips-only basis, which focus on the history and culture of the region.

• Hiking trails: Hiking trails are free to all, and there are numerous well-marked paths around the Tramuntana Mountains. These routes vary in difficulty and offer breathtaking views.

• Cultural festivals: Keep an eye out for local festivals and events taking place, especially during the summer months. Such events can include live music, traditional dances and public celebrations, many of which are free to attend.

Nature and outdoor activities in Puerto de Sóller

• Water sports: The clear waters of Puerto de Sóller provide excellent conditions for snorkelling and scuba diving. Other water sports that can be engaged in along the coast include sailing, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking.

• Cycling: The meandering roads and mountain passes around Puerto de Sóller are a massive draw for cyclists of all skill levels, providing everything from easy rides along the coast to challenging mountain climbs.

• Paragliding: For the more adventurous, paragliding offers an exhilarating way to view the stunning landscape from above. Tandem flights are available, providing breathtaking views over the Tramuntana Mountains and the sea.

• Hiking: The area around Puerto de Sóller is a hiker's dream, with trails ranging in difficulty from easy strolls to strenuous treks. Two well-travelled routes include the path to the picturesque village of Deià and the more difficult hike to the summit of Puig Major, Majorca's highest peak.

Local dishes in Puerto de Sóller

Puerto de Sóller’s eating and drinking scene offers a taste of the island’s gastronomic heritage, with traditional Majorcan cooking and fresh seafood at the forefront.

Some typical dishes

• Pa amb Oli: Simple yet beloved, this dish consists of rustic bread rubbed with tomato and drizzled with olive oil, often accompanied by local cheese or ham.

• Tumbet: An island classic, this delicious vegetable dish is made with layers of fried potatoes, aubergines and red bell peppers, covered in a rich tomato sauce.

Tapas dishes

• Frit Mallorquí: Whether including fried liver or other meats, this mix of potatoes, peppers and local herbs is a staple of tapas menus.

• Sopes Mallorquines: This hearty dish made from bread soaked in a broth with vegetables, is normally enjoyed during the cooler months.

Meat dishes

• Lechona Asada: Roasted suckling pig, renowned for its crispy skin and tender meat, is often eaten on festive occasions.

• Arroz Brut: Rice is the base for this flavoursome dish cooked with a variety of meats including rabbit, chicken and sometimes snails, seasoned with local spices.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Gambas al Ajillo: Fresh prawns are sautéed in garlic and olive oil to create this staple of the coastal diet – simple yet irresistible.

• Llampuga con Pimientos: This seasonal fish dish is made with dolphin fish and peppers, and highly favoured during the autumn months.

Sweets and desserts

The local sweets of Majorca are heavily influenced by almonds and other local produce. Almond cake, gató, is often served with almond ice cream, reflecting the island's abundance of almond trees. Another favourite is ensaimadas, a soft, spiral-shaped pastry typically filled with sweet pumpkin jam called cabello de ángel.

Local drinks

• Herbes: This traditional liqueur made from various local herbs is served neat or on the rocks, perfect as a digestif.

• Majorcan wines: The local vineyards produce some excellent varieties, particularly the whites and rosés, which are perfect for enjoying alongside a seafood meal.