What to Do in Soller, Mallorca (Spain) – Tips From an Expat

In this article, I want to share with you my tips for where to stay, where to eat & drink, and what to do in Soller.

I moved to Soller for a job at a dive center.

One of the great things about moving to a new place is that you get to explore it. Everything you do is a new experience: every street you walk on, every restaurant you go to… Everything is new, to you.

But it’s also a great feeling to, after a while, know what the best places are, where you should and shouldn’t go, etc.

I have been in Soller, on the Spanish island of Mallorca, for three months now. And I now finally feel I know enough about this town and its surrounding area to write about the things to do in Soller.

About Soller and Its Port, Port de Soller

Soller is an interesting little village…

The town consists of two parts: Soller and Port de Soller (also called Puerto de Soller, meaning port of Soller).

Soller lies near the northwest coast of Mallorca, some three kilometers inland from Port de Soller, in a lush valley of orange groves, surrounded by the ‘Serra de Tramuntana’ (Tramuntana mountains), a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Well maintained and with its narrow streets, tapas bars, a good selection of bakeries, and an impressive church right in the center, Soller really is a lovely, cozy little village.

Port de Soller, on the other hand, is more of a coastal resort that lives mainly off tourism. It isn’t overrun by tourists though and therefore even in high season Port de Soller has a relaxed, still quite Spanish atmosphere (compared to many other coastal resorts in Spain).

Port de Soller’s beautiful horseshoe bay has a wide selection of restaurants and a great beach.

Both Soller and Port de Soller attract quite a few expats (mainly from other European countries) and it historically had strong ties with France, giving the area a nice international feel.

Although it will get quiet in winter, quality of life here is good both for locals, expats, and retirees.

Also Read: Mallorca, Is It a Tourist Trap or a Beautiful Island?

Things to Do in Soller

Of course one of the main things to do in Soller is simply enjoying the beach, the great weather, and the relaxed, Mediterranean vibe.

But, there are a few more active things to do in Soller as well:

1. Take the Scenic Tram

There is a cute vintage tram that links Soller to Port de Soller.

This tramway is the only working tram on the island and is known locally as the “Orange Express”. Not for the color of the carriages, but because its route meanders from the old town through orange groves on its way to the harbor at Port de Soller.

Hop on the tram in the port and enjoy a beautiful ride that ends in the center of Soller.

If you happen to be in Soller on a Saturday I would recommend taking the tram to Soller on Saturday morning because that is when the weekly market is held in the center of Soller.

2. Book a Boat Trip

You’re on an island and in a coastal town, so of course, there are a lot of water sports activities in Soller.

I’d recommend booking a boat trip to enjoy Soller from the water.

You can book this speedboat tour to explore the northwest coast of Mallorca. They stop at beautiful coves where you’ll have time to swim and snorkel.

Or, if a speedboat isn’t your thing, you can also take this boat to Sa Calobra, which is a scenic little cove perfect to spend a few hours, swimming, taking in the sights, and enjoying local food.

Tip: If you are visiting Soller with friends or family, this private sailing excursion is a great experience! Or read my article about how to charter a boat in Spain.

3. Go Stand Up Paddleboarding

Soller was actually the first place I ever tried stand-up paddleboarding.

The bay of Port de Soller, with its calm wate,r is a great place to learn. You can rent paddleboards in the bay and take a lesson if you’ve never tried it before.

4. Go Scuba Diving

The reason I moved to Soller was to get my divemaster certification, so I have been scuba diving a lot in Soller!

And although it’s not the best scuba diving in the world, there are some good dive sites around Soller with interesting swim-throughs and small caves.

There are several dive shops in Port de Soller, so I’d recommend just visiting them and seeing what dives they offer while you’re there. If you’re an experienced diver, I’d definitely recommend booking a dive that offers some swim-throughs.

5. Go Hiking

Although most people visit Soller to relax by the beach, there are actually a lot of hiking trails around Soller.

The Tramuntana mountains are beautiful and hikes in this area can take you to stunning bays, cute small towns, and lookout points with incredible views.

Yes, the beach and the water might be very tempting, but I can highly recommend at least planning one hike while you are here. 

Alltrails.com gives a good overview of hikes around Soller and their app is very useful to prevent you from getting lost.

Also Read: What to Bring on a Hike and Solo Hiking: Why It’s So Rewarding & How to Do it Safely

6. Visit Nearby Valldemossa and Deia

There are enough things to do in Soller to keep yourself entertained for days, but if you have enough time I would recommend exploring some nearby towns as well.

The two towns I highly recommend are Valldemossa and Deia.

Valldemossa with its rich history, cobblestone streets and nice vibe is perfect to spend half a day.

Deia is smaller and therefore has even more of an idyllic, small-town feel. There are some really nice restaurants in the center of Deia which makes it a great place to go for dinner.

The bay, Cala de Deia, is located a five-minute drive or 30-minute walk from the center and well worth a visit as well. Have lunch or a drink at popular Ca’s Patró March. It can get very crowded there in summer, but it’s worth checking out.

Where to Eat in Soller

There is a good number of restaurants in Soller and Port de Soller to choose from.

These are 3 of my favorites:

1. Casa Alvaro

Casa Alvaro is located in the center of Soller on a quiet street just off the main square.

This is the place to go if you are looking for high-quality tapas.

2. Nautilus

This restaurant is worth a visit mainly because of its amazing views.

Set on a cliff in Port de Soller this is one of the best places to watch the sunset.

3. Randemar

If you are looking for high-quality food in a beautiful, romantic setting you should go to Randemar.

This frontline restaurant is set in an old, converted Mallorquin home in Port de Soller and definitely worth a visit.

Also Read: Popular Spanish Food You Should Try in Spain

Nightlife in Soller

If you are looking for great nightlife, Soller and Port de Soller aren’t the best places to be.

There is a large number of good restaurants in Soller and the port, but there is only a limited number of good bars and one nightclub that isn’t even worth mentioning.

These are, in my opinion, the two best bars in Port de Soller:

1. Cava

Cava is located in the bay of Port de Soller. It is a nice lounge bar with a good selection of cocktails and an impressive number of Gins.

2. Bar Chillout La Base

Hidden behind luxury yachts you find this nice open-air bar.

It started out as a shipping container that had been converted into a bar. Nowadays it’s a nice bar with a modern design and a very relaxed vibe. It’s considered by most locals and visiting yacht owners to be the best bar in town.

With good music, cocktails and a nice terrace this is the place to go to for a late-night drink.

Unfortunately La Base is only open in summer.

Going for a Night Out in Soller

Most likely you’ll spend your evenings in Port de Soller because with its nice promenade and great restaurants, this is the more lively and picturesque part to spend your evenings.

But, if you end up spending the evening in the town of Soller, then go to Plaza de la Constitución.

Plaza de la Constitución is the central square offering several bars and restaurants. Depending on the evening, it can get quite lively here and will give you a much more local, Mallorcan experience than the port which will always have its fair share of tourists.

Again, don’t expect a bustling nightlife, but with the great weather and cheap drinks, you can still have a fun night out.

Hotels in Soller

Soller and Port de Soller offer a large number of hotels with a wide range of prices. But, if your budget allows it, these are four of the best hotels in Soller.

1. Gran Hotel Soller

Gran Hotel Soller is a five-star luxury hotel in the center of Soller.

This hotel is located in one of the most characteristic buildings of Soller, a depiction of the architecture of the town in the 19th century.

Even if you don’t stay here, go and have a look at the impressive building.

2. Hotel Esplendido

Hotel Esplendido is a modern, chic seaside hotel, located in Port de Soller, just off the beach overlooking the port.

Its location is absolutely perfect and the views overlooking the port are impressive day and night.

3. Hotel Es Port

This is one of my favorite hotels in Soller.

Hotel Es Port is located in an old mansion fortified in the 17th century in Port de Soller, only a short walk from the harbor and the beach.

Its quiet location surrounded by beautiful gardens makes this a great place for a relaxing stay in Port de Soller.

4. Jumeirah Mallorca Hotel & Spa

Jumeirah Mallorca is the most luxurious hotel in Soller. Built on a cliff overlooking Port de Soller it has breathtaking views.

With two restaurants, four bars and lounges, two swimming pools, and a beautiful Spa it offers all the luxury you expect from a Jumeirah hotel.

But, these four hotels are definitely the more high-end hotels in Soller. If you are looking for more affordable options I’d recommend checking Booking.com for hotel options and special deals.

Unfortunately though, especially in high season, hotels in Soller can get quite expensive.

I hope this article has given you an idea of what to do in Soller. It really is a lovely town and I am sure you will enjoy it!

Are you thinking about visiting Mallorca? Then also read: Mallorca, Is It a Tourist Trap or a Beautiful Island?

Other Articles to Read Before Going to Spain:

• Things to Know Before You Travel to Spain
• Famous Spanish Food to Try in Spain
• The Best Time to Visit Spain
• 3 Areas for the Best Family Vacations in Spain
• Moving to & Living in Mallorca – What It’s Really Like

 

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