Sóller & Port de Sóller
Sóller is the unofficial capital of the Tramuntana — a lively town (13,000 inhabitants) in a fertile valley, surrounded by orange groves and mountains over 1,000 meters high. While Valldemossa and Deià mainly look beautiful, Sóller actually has urban life: markets, shops, schools, an active local scene.
★★★ The Historic Train (Tren de Sóller)
The highlight of the journey IS the journey: Since 1912, a historic wooden carriage train has connected Palma with Sóller — through the Tramuntana, over a viaduct, through 13 tunnels. The one-hour ride is a time travel and one of the most beautiful railway routes in Europe.
Departure Palma (Estació Intermodal, Plaça d'Espanya): daily 10:10, 10:50, 12:15, 13:30, 15:10 (times vary seasonally). One-way: 25 €, round trip: 32 €. TIP: Sit on the left for the best views!
Plaça de la Constitució
The central square of Sóller is a wonderful ensemble: the neo-Gothic parish church Sant Bartomeu (facade by Joan Rubió, a Gaudí student), the Banco de Sóller (also Modernisme style) and around it cafés with terrace seating under plane trees. A popular weekly market takes place here on Saturdays.
The Tram to Port de Sóller
Another historic means of transport: The Tranvía de Sóller has been rattling along 5 km of tracks through the orange groves from the town center down to the harbor of Port de Sóller since 1913. The open wooden cars are an experience in themselves.
Every 30 min. from Plaça de Sóller. One-way: 10 €. Duration: 20 min.
Port de Sóller
The natural harbor town in an almost circular bay is the perfect counterpart to the mountain town above: a small sandy beach, the harbor promenade with restaurants and cafés, boat tours along the coast (to Sa Calobra!). Port de Sóller is more touristy than Sóller itself, but it has its charm, especially in the evening when the day-trippers are gone and the lights reflect in the harbor basin.
Orange Groves & Ice Cream
The Sóller valley is famous for its oranges — the "Canoneta" and "Navel" varieties have been cultivated since the 19th century and once made Sóller wealthy. In spring, the whole valley smells of orange blossoms. Today, the oranges are processed into marmalade, liqueur, juice, and the famous orange ice cream. The best ice cream: Fet a Sóller (several locations in town and at the harbor).
💡 Tipp
The perfect Sóller combination: In the morning, take the historic train from Palma to Sóller (1h), explore the Plaça and eat orange ice cream, take the tram to Port de Sóller (20 min.), have lunch at the harbor, in the afternoon take a boat to Sa Calobra (1h, from 15 €) or return by train. A fantastic day trip!