Day Trip from Palma to Soller in Mallorca

Last updated: 17 July 2023

It feels like it’s almost eternally summer in the Balearic Islands.  As the regional capital city, Palma, is filled to the brim with sun-seeking tourists, we head west to the town of Soller in Mallorca for a slower pace of life with an urban edge. 

With a mountainscape of picture-postcard beauty and countless hiking routes directly from town, Soller is a great day trip from Palma. 

Soller or Port de Sóller?

Easily confused is Soller and Port de Sóller, however both are worth a visit. The former, old town Soller is a blissful escape from the rat-race set up high amidst the bowl-shaped valley and orange groves. Port de Sóller is a picturesque little village situated in a large horseshoe bay enclosed by a fortified harbour wall.  A visit to the latter is an opportunity to embrace the sunshine along the lively waterfront promenade or walk around the bay out to the lighthouse. For history lovers, discover the history of seafaring through ancient naval pieces, models, historical photographs and documents at Museu de la Mar. 

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Things to do in Soller & Port de Sóller

Stroll and Sunshine

If all you want to do is soak up the day-tripper atmosphere and the sunshine, then Plaça Constitució in Soller is the place to go.  With several cafes, tapas bars, pastry shops, ice-cream, and freshly juice bars, there seems little temptation to move on. 

If you’re anything like us, you’ll want to explore. We suggest popping on your walking shoes, grabbing an ice-cream from Sa Fabrica de Gelats and stroll through the streets and discover the beautiful architecture and culture of Soller. 

The Can Prunera museum on Calle Luna in Soller pays homage to two of Spain’s most famous modern artists, Pablo Picasso and Joan Miro who shared a close friendship. Part of the permanent exhibition contains photographs, ceramics and some personal letters exchanged between the artists over many decades of their friendship. 

Time your visit to Soller over a weekend and you will see a local pop-up market where much of the centre-city roads are cordoned off to make the area pedestrian friendly. Also expect some local shopkeepers to also put their own stalls out onto the street. If you’re not one for crowds, avoid Saturdays in Soller. 

When you’ve had enough of the rustic stone facades and green shutters, why not stop in to La Cuina d’en Marc where a local chef utilises seasonal regional produce into delightful dishes.

Local Beer 

Microbreweries are popping up all over Mallorca with the fizz of a fermentation tank.  Many located in small villages in the west of the island, utilising natural resources from the UNESCO World Heritage site, Serra de Tramuntana mountain range which forms a 90km backbone through north-west of Mallorca.

Sullerica in Soller, is just one of these microbreweries.  A member of the Global Association of Craft Beer Brewers, Sullerica has created a beer with orange blossoms, a nod to the blossoming orange trees that fill the air of the valley every May.

Friday afternoons is the time to visit, where you can visit the factory, learn some beer history, a bit about the brewing process, and taste four different types of beer accompanied by a typical Mallorcan snack. Email to reserve your place.

Explore the Outdoors

Between October and May, this area of Mallorca becomes a sea of lemon and orange trees growing in the valley basin, naturally protected by the mighty surrounding peaks.  The mountain paths with breathtaking views of Soller are popular with hikers and those with an eye for art nouveau houses and quaint market squares. 

From the mountaintop sanctuary of Lluc, hikers can explore the old pilgrim trails that link Lluc with the nearby towns of Inca and Pollensa. For the more serious explorers, some of the best known peaks on the island such as the Puig de Massanella, Puig de Tomir, and Puig d’en Galileu, can be accessed from here. 

If you’re starting your journey from Port de Soller, consider hiring a mountain, hybrid, or electric bike and discover the beautiful Tramuntana mountain range on two wheels. Self guided is possible, or there are guided tours available for riders of all levels. 

Our Marco Polo guide book also recommended a visit to Ecovinyassa. An 18,000m² orchard and home to 2500 citrus trees under the impressive rocks of the Alfabia ridge. Sample freshly squeezed orange juice, or the tart organic orange jam or marmalade made from fruits grown onsite. 

On the Water

With proximity to the coast, there are plenty of water-based activities to keep you entertained. From diving, yacht and boating trips all available from Port de Sóller.

In a spectacular setting of nature, test your balance with some relaxing Standup paddleboarding, kayak on or dive into the crystal clear waters where the mountains meet the Mediterranean.

Visit Stunning Nearby Towns 

Enjoy a 4-hour tour of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Serra de Tramuntana with a local guide from the comfort of your own car. However should you be a more independent traveller and wish to self guide, we recommend stopping at Fornalutx and Bunyola.

Fornalutx

Fornalutx is known to be a pretty mountain village looking down into the valley and makes a great side trip from Soller. 

Fornalutx is regularly ranked as one of Spain’s most beautiful villages and it’s not hard to see why, with honey-coloured stone houses with red tiled roofs cascading down the mountain, this picture-perfect hilltop medieval village will command your attention.  Drawing people in with the sweet aroma from orange and lemon trees give off a refreshing clean scent to the air, the rustic architecture and its picturesque 17th-century church, despite the hundred metre climb up the cobbled streets to reach the large leafy square of the village. 

While you’re in town, be sure to discover Plaça d’Espanya, the communal heart of the village, flanked by the church Esglesia de Fornalutx.  

Bunyola 

10km from Soller is Jardines De Alfabia in Bunyola, right in the heart of the Tramuntana mountain range. The complex includes a house with the main facade, created by Joan d’Aragó, an important baroque architect of mid eighteenth century, and English-influenced gardens featuring wide avenue with a pergola and water fountains. 

Alongside goats, peacocks, ducks and other poultry, real farm-to-table food enthusiasts may want to visit the black pigs who are raised onsite for meat. The traditional “matanza” method is carried out here, a calm death where the pig is massaged to maintain a calm state and prevent adrenaline flowing into the muscle — which can change the flavor of the meat. The meat is then used to make Sobrassada, a cured sausage.  

Holy Places 

The Church of Sant Bartomeu

The distinctive landmark which dominates the town’s main square on Plaza de la Constitución in Soller is the church of Sant Bartomeu or Església de Sant Bartomeu. First built in the 13th century, the church has undergone significant additions added in 20th century owing to Rubio, a disciple of the great Spanish architect Gaudí. Inside, it’s a tad on the somber side, the Gothic interior was preserved, just as the People wanted it. Don’t miss the luminous rose window or the Last Supper reproduction. 

Monastery of Lluc

An hour by car from Soller is the Monastery of Lluc. Nestled high in the mountains, this 13th century sanctuary is considered to be the most important pilgrimage site on the island.  It is possible to spend the night in one of the basic but comfortable rooms. Opt for a mountain view room for the beauty of sunrise, sunset and the silence of night. 

Getting From Palma to Soller

There are a number of ways to get from Palma to Soller.  

Once used for transporting transport citrus fruit to the city, a narrow-gauge train dating back to 1912 connects Palma to Soller and has been repurposed for tourism. As the most popular method of transport, it’s the only one of its kind in the world, the 27km route takes just under an hour as the Ferrocarril de Soller tours through 13 tunnels in the Soller Valley and wonderfully scenic countryside. it is particularly charming between October and May when the citrus trees are ripening. 

To take public transport from Palma, the 211 TIB bus takes around 45 minutes, traversing the island via the Ma-11. One way €2.95 or €5.90 return. 

Hire a Car. Our preferred method of transport for this trip, the area is surprisingly accessible from Palma just a 20 minute drive through narrow roads and hairpin turns on the striking MA-10 coastal route between the scenic villages of Santa Maria, Valldemossa and Deia.  

Getting Between Soller and Port de Sóller

You can certainly drive between Soller and Port de Sóller, however most people opt for the vintage electric open-window tram which trundles between the two. The tram makes four stops around the horseshoe bay of Port de Sóller from La Payesa to Sa Torre before heading up to Soller. 

Where to Stay in Soller

If you’re not doing a day trip from Palma to Soller, you’re going to need somewhere to rest your head for the night. You can either opt for the quaint medieval village of Soller, or the more lively Port de Sóller to spend the night, whichever is most convenient to your schedule. 

Accommodation in Port de Sóller

Simple (£) – Los Geranios is a decent option for those on a budget.  The property is beachfront, and rooms furnished with a modern touch also include a private balcony. There’s also onsite parking available. 

Solid (££) – Hotel Esplendido – An elegant vintage hotel on the esplanade and access to a private beach.  Featuring a rooftop terrace, spa and sunbeds beside the pool which overlooks the ocean boulevard below. 

Swanky (£££) – Those seeking a taste of luxury should look no further than the five-star Jumeirah Port Soller hotel. Utterly indulgent, overlooking the turquoise waters, rooms are decorated in a tasteful palette of dark timber, cream, beige and stone. 

Accommodation in Soller – Old Town

Simple (£) – Situated on the bustling main thoroughfare of Carrer de sa Lluna in the centre of Sóller. Lluna Aqua Soller offers room service, concierge. Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen TV fridge, ensuite and a desk. While the location is ideal, however if you’re self-driving, it’s best to look elsewhere because the public parking nearby costs €30/day.

Solid (££) – Hotel El Guia is located n the old town of Sóller, a short walk to shops and the local market. The property features a shared lounge with a fireplace and a restaurant serving local dishes. If you can, secure a room with a view of the mountains. There’s free bicycle storage although car parking is nearby at ~ €10/day.

Swanky (£££) – Hotel Salvia is a restored 19th-century mansion in the old town. The boutique adults only property is set in gardens, has a seasonal pool and elegant rooms furnished with antique furniture, some suites have four poster beds, while others have roll top tubs.