Sóller sits in an orange-filled valley between mountains, with postcard corners that make you reach for your phone every few steps. From the airport it’s straightforward: Ma-19, ring Palma via Ma-20 and join Ma-11 to the tunnel. It’s quick, well signed, and you feel the island “open up” as you enter the valley.
If you come by car, you have total freedom. Spend the morning in the old town, have lunch at the port and, if you fancy, head to a viewpoint for sunset or hop to Fornalutx. With Autos Mallorca it’s easy to get going: express pick-up 5’ from the airport, no queues. Plus full cover with no excess, no card holds, unlimited km, full-to-full and free additional drivers. Translation: less admin, more trip.
No car? The heritage train from Palma is adorable and the tram to the port is an experience in itself. You’ll be tied to timetables though and won’t get as far in a single day. Buses work, but to combine old town + port + viewpoints in one day, a car plays in another league.
For parking, keep it simple: perimeter car parks and walk. The centre is best on foot and the same applies at the port; leave the car one street back and stroll 5–10 minutes along the seafront. Time well spent.
Old-town walk: main square, Sant Bartomeu, Bank of Sóller & Sa Lluna
Think 90–120 minutes at an easy pace. Start at the Plaça de la Constitució. There’s always life: kids, terraces, the hum of a pretty town. Opposite stands the Church of Sant Bartomeu, mixing Gothic, Baroque and a very photogenic Modernist façade. Pause and take it in.
On one side is the Bank of Sóller, a Modernist gem with Gaudí-esque touches. The ironwork, the reliefs… both stops sit close, each worth your time.
Then wander down Carrer de Sa Lluna. It’s the street of temptations: crafts, oils, citrus and an ice-cream shop selling gelat de taronja that begs for a photo. If it fits, pop into the Mercat Municipal. Seeing ramellet tomatoes, trencades olives and bags of almonds sets the culinary scene.
Handy tip: leave the car outside, enjoy this on foot and, if you want to drop to the port, take the tram. On the way back you’ll be glad of no-excess cover when manoeuvring narrow streets.
Living Modernisme: Can Prunera museum & stately homes
Five minutes from the centre, Can Prunera is a Modernist mansion turned museum. Unexpected in a small town: patterned hydraulic floors you’d want at home, staircases made for photos and stained glass that stops you in your tracks. Allow 45–60 minutes.
If rain threatens, this visit saves the morning. In summer, check times the day before and avoid the hottest hours to dodge crowds.
Port de Sóller: tram, viewpoints & boat to Sa Calobra
Riding the tram down to Port de Sóller is part of the plan. It creaks, it hums, it runs past orange trees and drops you by the promenade. Alternatively, drive down skirting the valley; it’s quick and you can stop wherever you like.
The port invites you to stroll. Platja d’en Repic is the classic for a quick dip or lunch with a sea view. Climb to the Santa Catalina viewpoint and, in 10–15 minutes on foot, the whole bay is at your feet. Right next door, the Museum of the Sea is small, quirky and fits the climb perfectly.
Sea like a millpond? Consider the boat to Sa Calobra. You skip the bends and the cruise is gorgeous. It’s not always possible, but when it is, it’s a winner. If there are several of you, rotate driving: with free extra drivers it’s easy to share and still enjoy sunset.
For parking here, same idea: easier on second lines. Head a couple of streets back and you’re set. With full-to-full you control fuel costs with no end-of-day surprises.
Market, ice-cream & local buys (Sóller oranges & co.)
In Sóller, the orange borders on religion. Freshly squeezed juice tastes different—you’ll notice from the first sip. Spot a citrus ice-cream? Try it. For a snack, a pa amb oli with ramellet tomato, good oil and cheese is the perfect pause between strolls.
For edible souvenirs, the Mercat and Sa Lluna are safe bets: jams, small bottles of oil to gift and almonds for a homemade gató. Souvenirs that won’t gather dust.
Nearby trips: Fornalutx, Biniaraix & Jardins d’Alfàbia
By car you’re in Fornalutx in 10–15 minutes. Often listed among Spain’s prettiest villages: cobbles, window boxes, charming slopes. Parking gets tight at peak times, so a compact really helps.
Five minutes away is Biniaraix. Tiny and delightful, it’s the gateway to the Biniaraix Gorge (part of the GR-221). Even without a long hike, a short walk among orange trees and dry stone is therapeutic.
Heading back towards Palma, the Jardins d’Alfàbia are a perfect stop: water, pergolas, palms and that calm only well-kept gardens give. Half an hour that resets the day.
2025 tips: parking, possible restrictions & weather
Mallorca is regulating mobility in historic centres more closely. Translation: read the signs on arrival and avoid last-minute manoeuvres. Use official car parks and save time.
Weather rules. In autumn and spring, always pack a light layer; wet stone can be slippery and viewpoints get breezy. In summer: hat, water, sunscreen—non-negotiable.
On the MA-10 you’ll find bends, cyclists and tempting viewpoints. Stop where it’s allowed; you’ll enjoy the scenery more. Worried about tight car parks? No-excess cover takes the weight off.
Hire without surprises: optimise your visit with Autos Mallorca
Logistics can work in your favour. With Autos Mallorca you leave the airport in 5 minutes on the shuttle, link the motorways and hit the Ma-11 before you know it. No card holds, unlimited km, full-to-full and, if you’re a group, free extra drivers to share the Tramuntana bends. Plans changed? Free cancellation up to 24 h. Reviews echo this: “hassle-free process, friendly staff” and very new cars.
Quick car-choice tip:
- Compact for stress-free village parking.
- Estate/MPV if you’re travelling with kids and kit.
- Convertible if sunset drives along the coast call your name.
FAQs
Car or heritage train?
With a car you can see it all in a day and add nearby villages. The train and tram are wonderful if you prioritise the experience and don’t mind adapting the plan.
Where to park for the centre without circling?
Use perimeter car parks. At the port, second lines plus a short stroll works best.
How long do I need for Sóller and the port?
Half a day for the essentials; a full day if you add Can Prunera, viewpoints and a leisurely seaside lunch.
Is the boat to Sa Calobra worth it?
Yes, when the sea is calm. You skip the bends and the cruise becomes part of the memory.
What should I pack?
Water, sunscreen, a light layer, grippy shoes and a power bank.
