Port of Sóller
Port of Sóller (or Port de Sóller, in Catalan), originally a small fishing village, developed as a commercial port due to its large sheltered bay and the importance of the Sóller valley for citrus cultivation. The history of the port is linked to the orange trade and its isolation, which was only overcome by the arrival of the railroad and the highway.
Port of Sóller is a locality and natural harbor on the northwest coast of Mallorca. It is located in the municipality of Sóller, protected by the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, and is known for its horseshoe-shaped bay and peaceful atmosphere. It is a very popular tourist destination, combining natural beauty with history and culture.
Location of the port of Sóller, or port de Sóller
Port of Sóller is a coastal town located in the northwestern region of Mallorca, about 3 km from the municipality of Sóller, to which it is connected by road and a historic tram. Port of Sóller and the town of Sóller are part of the Serra de Tramuntana comarque.
Marina
It has two mooring areas, “Port of Sóller” and “Marina Tramontana”, with a capacity for around 900 boats, of which 160 are reserved for transit boats.
Port of Sóller no longer functions as a commercial port in the traditional sense. Although it historically had significant freight traffic, it is now mainly dedicated to fishing and recreational activities. The infrastructure previously used for commerce has been adapted for recreational boating and tourist activities.
Historical development of the port of Sóller
The Port of Sóller, originally a small fishing village, became an important commercial port thanks to its strategic location and the export of citrus fruits, especially oranges, from the Sóller valley. Its history is linked to the sea, from its use as a base by the Greeks, Phoenicians, and Romans, to its role as a strategic port for trade and defense against pirate attacks.
The Port of Sóller was a small fishing village that served as protection for the city of Sóller, located inland. In the 19th century, the expansion of citrus exports, especially oranges, boosted the development and popularity of the port, turning it into an important commercial center. Today, the port is a major tourist destination, with a solid infrastructure and modern facilities, restaurants, bars, and beaches.
Connection with Sóller
Port of Sóller is connected to the town of Sóller by road and a famous historic tram. The century-old tram is the most picturesque way to connect the two places, offering a 15-20 minute journey that combines sea and mountains. The distance between Sóller and Puerto or Port of Sóller is just under 5 kilometers, and can be covered by car via the road that includes a tunnel.
Accommodation in Puerto or Port of Sóller
Port of Sóller, located on the northwest coast of Mallorca, is a picturesque natural harbor known for its peaceful and exclusive atmosphere. It offers a wide variety of accommodation options, from boutique hotels to mid-range lodgings, with a special charm that blends in with its natural surroundings.
In addition to hotels of different categories, Port of Sóller also has a wide variety of apartments and vacation homes available for rent in the area, ideal for families or groups. Likewise, for nature and countryside lovers, there are accommodation options in farms and rural houses in the surroundings of Port de Sóller.
Recommendations: Consider the location of the accommodation in relation to the beach, the port, and the activities that interest you. Some hotels offer spectacular views of the sea and mountains. Evaluate the services offered by the accommodation, such as a swimming pool, spa, restaurants, activities, etc. It won’t be difficult to find the accommodation you are looking for. There are options for all budgets….
Attractions and activities in Port of Sóller
Port of Sóller is a charming destination with a mix of history, culture, and outdoor activities. It offers beaches, promenades, hiking, museums, and a picturesque tram that connects to the town of Sóller. It is also known for its classical music festival and the “Moors and Christians” festivities.
Beaches: Platja des Traves is a family-friendly beach with basic amenities and nearby restaurants and bars.
Sóller Tram: A historic tram connects the port with the town of Sóller, offering a picturesque journey through mountainous landscapes.
Excursions: Sea excursions to nearby places such as Sa Calobra, Torrent de Pareis, and Cala Tuent are organized from the port.
Hiking: The Camino de Mallorca GR221 offers hiking trails with views of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains.
Maritime Museum: Located in the former monastery of Santa Catalina, this museum displays naval models and objects related to maritime history.
Santa Catalina neighborhood: A charming fishing district where you can enjoy local cuisine.
Chopped Tower: An old watchtower offering panoramic views of the port and coastline.
Cap Gros Lighthouse: A historic lighthouse with stunning views of the coast and sea.
Marina Tramontana: A small marina with numerous restaurants nearby.
Gastronomic Specialties in Puerto or Port of Sóller
Port of Sóller is known for its rich gastronomy, especially its fresh fish and seafood, as well as the famous red prawns of Sóller. In addition, you can enjoy typical Mallorcan dishes and international cuisine with local touches.
Sóller red prawns: This local product is highly prized for its flavor and can be enjoyed on terraces overlooking the sea.
Fish and seafood: The port offers a wide variety of fresh fish and seafood, which are prepared in various ways, such as grilled or in paellas.
Mallorcan Cuisine: In addition to fish and seafood, you can find other typical Mallorcan dishes and products such as Mallorcan soups, tumbet, Mallorcan frito, botifarrón, sobrasada, ensaïmada, pamboli, and coca de trampó.
International cuisine with local touches: Some restaurants offer international dishes with local ingredients and influences from Israeli, Lebanese, and Mediterranean cuisine.
Orange desserts: As this is an orange-producing area, there is no shortage of desserts made with this fruit.
Fairs, festivals, and the Sóller Market
The Sóller Market is a traditional market where you can find fresh local products. The Port of Sóller hosts the Classical Music Festival and the “Moors and Christians” festival. The Orange Fair is an event that celebrates the Sóller orange, with special dishes and tastings. In detail, in Sóller and Puerto or Port of Sóller we have the following fairs and festivals:
Fira and Es Firó: Held on the second weekend of May, they combine an agricultural and craft fair with a reenactment of the battle against the Moorish pirates.
San Pedro festivities: On June 29, the patron saint of Port of Sóller is celebrated with religious and popular events in the seaside neighborhood.
Orange Fair: Held between late April and early May, with gastronomic events and cultural activities centered around oranges.
Fiestas de l’Horta: Held in July in the neighborhood of l’Horta in honor of the Virgin of Victory.
Sóller Market: Held every Saturday in the square and surrounding area, offering a wide variety of local products.
Municipal Market: Open Monday through Saturday, with fresh, local products.
Street Market: Held on Saturdays and Sundays during high season, with food, crafts, clothing, and other stalls.
Other events to enjoy in Sóller and Port of Sóller include
Correfoc: A street parade with devils and figures with fireworks that is part of the Sóller festivities.
International Folklore Festival: Held in the second half of July.
Classical Music Festival: Held in October.
Recommendations
There are many things to see and do in Sóller, and much to see and do in Port of Sóller, two beautiful localities in Mallorca. We suggest exploring Port of Sóller and enjoying its seafront restaurants; visiting the Weekly Market to buy fresh, local produce; trying local specialties, such as red shrimp, sobrasada, and ensaimada… and taking advantage of the restaurant offerings serving international and traditional gastronomy to enhance your dining experience.
Port of Sóller: An important tourist center
The Port of Sóller (Port de Sóller) is an important tourist resort and natural harbor on the west coast of Mallorca, Spain. It is located about 3 km from the town of Sóller, in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, and is notable for its horseshoe-shaped bay, its beaches, the Chopped Tower and the tram that connects it to Sóller, making it a very popular destination that you should not miss visiting at least once during your holidays in Mallorca.
And that’s it for this brief guide to Port of Sóller, Mallorca. We hope it helps.
By the way: Are you coming to Mallorca on a tourist trip? If you find it helpful, you can also check out our travel guide to Mallorca and more tourist information about the island
