Puerto de Sóller holidays

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.

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.