Port Archives - Majorca Tourist Information

Port de Soller

Port de Soller – updated 30 January 2023.

Port de Soller is a picturesque coastal village located in the north-west of the island of Majorca, in a large and protected horseshoe bay separated from the rest of the island by the Tramuntana mountain range. With its stunning natural beauty, charming architecture, and a vibrant atmosphere, it is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

Picturesque harbour

One of the main attractions in Port de Soller is its picturesque harbour, surrounded by lush green hills, and crystal-clear waters. The harbour is home to many fishing boats and yachts and visitors can take a leisurely stroll around the harbour, admiring the views, or stop at one of the many seafood restaurants for a delicious meal.

Church and lighthouse

In addition to its natural beauty, Port de Soller is also famous for its historic architecture, including the church of Sant Bartomeu and the lighthouse of Sa Torre. The church, built in the 17th century, is a beautiful example of Baroque architecture, and the lighthouse, which dates back to the 19th century, provides panoramic views of the town and the surrounding coastline.

Outdoor activities

For those looking for a more active experience, Port de Soller offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and kayaking. There are several trails in the surrounding hills and mountains, which are perfect for exploring the local flora and fauna.

Soller tunnel

Before the Soller tunnel opened in the 1990s, Port de Soller was a difficult place to get to with cars having to travel via the Coll de Soller with tight hairpins every 200m or so. This road is now a popular cycling route with little traffic, especially since the tunnel has not been subject to a toll charge since 2018.

Fishing port charm

The isolated location of Port de Soller at the foot of the mountains and the use of the area as a training base by the Spanish military resulted in the village coming through the over development of seaside destinations in Mallorca during the 70s and 80s relatively unscathed and it retains its traditional fishing port charm.

Pirates

The village’s main role historically was to service the main town of Soller located a few miles inland and to protect its residents from pirates. During the 19^th century when the export of oranges and lemons grown in the area became very profitable, the port expanded significantly and just a decade or so ago, millions of euros were poured into sprucing up the port.

Es Firó

In 1561, Soller’s beach was invaded by fleets of Turkish and Algerian pirates. The town’s residents managed to defeat the pirates using just using wooden swords and hand-held catapults. This epic defence is re-enacted each year in a festival called Es Firó.

Restaurants

The horseshoe bay has a sandy beach and a pedestrianised promenade with many cafes, restaurants and shops in addition to a few hotels, many of the restaurants serve seafood; however, there are more and more high-class eateries opening in the port due mainly to the opening of a 5-star luxury hotel on the hills above the village.

Vintage tram

Soller is an old Mediterranean town, designed around narrow streets with traditional style residential townhouses and is very popular with tourists & day trippers. The town is connected to Port de Soller by a vintage tram, the Tranvía De Sóller; which takes passengers on a lovely journey through citrus and olive groves.

Tren de Sóller

Even if you are only on the island for a short time, the narrow-gauge, Tren de Sóller journey from Palma to Soller should be close to the top on your things-to-do list. One of the most rewarding excursions on the island, the vintage train to Soller is a very popular attraction with a journey time of around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Orange Express

Sometimes known as the Orange Express, the wooden train was originally introduced to transport oranges and lemons from the Soller valley to the capital, replacing a stagecoach service, which crossed the high mountains via the Soller pass on a steep, narrow dirt track, which was exhausting and tediously slow.

Funded by profits of the citrus fruit trade, the Tren de Soller has trundled along the winding 27.3km route to Soller since 1912.

Must-visit destination

In conclusion, Port de Soller is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of Majorca. With its stunning natural beauty, charming architecture, and lively atmosphere, it offers something for everyone, whether you're looking for a relaxing holiday or an adventure-filled escape. So why not pack your bags and head to Port de Soller today!

Port de Soller tours & attractions

fishing port lemons oranges pirates Tren de Sóller vintage tram

The Mallorca Insider

January 30, 2023

Port de Cala d’Or

Cala d’Or

Port de Cala d’Or – updated 30 January 2023.

Port de Cala d’Or is a charming and picturesque marina located on the southeast coast of Majorca, Spain. This small port town is known for its clear blue waters, golden sand beaches, and charming atmosphere.

Golden Bay

Cala d’Or, often referred to as the ‘Golden Bay’ is a very popular holiday resort particularly suited to families located in the southeast of the island.

The name ‘Golden Bay’ derives from the fact that it is located furthest away from the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, which have a disruptive effect on weather patterns and therefore it benefits from increased sunshine hours. It also happens to be close to some of the best beaches in Mallorca.

Marina

The marina is surrounded by a range of shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it a popular spot for a leisurely lunch or an evening out. Visitors can also enjoy a range of water sports, including jet skiing, paddleboarding, and snorkelling, in the crystal-clear waters of the marina.

Cala Llonga

The port is located in Cala Llonga due to space, access and winds. Cala Llonga provides sufficient room for nearly 600 moorings and with the exception of strong easterly winds, it is sheltered and well protected from the weather.

Cala d’Or Yacht Club

The beautiful marina is very well equipped and includes the Cala d’Or Yacht Club, most of which is open to non-members. On the quayside, you will find a good assortment of supermarkets, exclusive shops, boutiques, bars and restaurants.

Modern marina

Port de Cala d’Or has a 30,000 m2 offshore berthing esplanade and provides all of the services you would expect to find in a modern marina including mechanical assistance, technical service, cleaning & hull treatment. The marina is one of the largest in Mallorca behind the more popular marinas of Puerto Portals, Palma, Port Adriano and Andratx.

Scenic coves

The resort is attractive due to its multitude of small scenic coves and sandy beaches, these being Cala Ferrera, Cala Esmeralda, Cala Serena, Cala Gran, and Cala Llonga with each of these having their own distinctive character & main street where you will find the typical assortment of souvenir shops, pubs & restaurants.

Port de Cala d’Or

Each of the coves benefit from charming little beaches framed by cliffs and woodland; however, being small, they do get very crowded during the summer months.

Countryside

Another popular activity in Port de Cala d’Or is exploring the surrounding countryside. The town is surrounded by stunning cliffs, hills, and valleys, making it a popular destination for hikers and cyclists. Visitors can take in breath-taking views of the coast and the surrounding landscape, or explore one of the many charming villages that dot the countryside.

Santyani

The port town is also home to a variety of cultural and historical attractions, including the nearby village of Santanyi, which is known for its weekly market selling locally-made crafts and produce. Visitors can also explore the historic castle of Santueri, which dates back to the 13th century and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Es Forti

Local attractions include the 18th-century historic fort ‘Es Fortí ’ and the ‘Parc Natural de Mondragó’ nature reserve.

Overall, Port de Cala d’Or is a charming and beautiful marina town, offering a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day by the water, a chance to explore the stunning surroundings, or a taste of Majorcan culture, this port town has something to offer for everyone.

Cala d’Or tours & attractions

Cala d’Or Es Forti Golden Bay Marina Port de Cala d’Or

The Mallorca Insider

January 30, 2023

Paseo Maritimo

Paseo Maritimo – updated 14 February 2023.

Paseo Maritimo is a beautiful waterfront promenade in Palma, Majorca. Located on the south coast of the island, the promenade runs along the edge of the sea, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean and the city skyline.

The Paseo Maritimo stretches for over four kilometers and is lined with palm trees, parks, and a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops. The promenade is a popular spot for walking, jogging, cycling, and rollerblading, and is a hub of activity both day and night.

Avinguda Gabriel Roca

Also known as Avinguda Gabriel Roca, this 4 km stretch of promenade is the most popular walk in the city. There is so much to see along the way such as the wonderful harbour with row after row of yachts, Palma Cathedral, Bellver Castle and the stunning Mediterranean Sea framed by pink sunrises or golden sunsets.

What to see

The recommended starting point for a walk along Paseo Maritimo is Porto Pi. You’ll pass a number of attractions such as Tito’s; which is the hottest club in town (some would say, on the island) and Palma’s Auditorium; where you can watch shows and concerts and towards the end of your walk, you’ll pass the 16^th century wall around Es Baluard Museum. The final part of the 4km walk includes the Royal Palace of La Almudaina and the magnificent ‘La Seu’.

Parc de la Mar

Forty plus years ago, the sea came right up to the walls of the Cathedral until the sea was pushed back in the 1970’s due to construction. City planners created an artificial lake called Parc de la Mar at the foot of La Seu, which today provides a great area for concerts and fairs plus a superb photograph opportunity.

The beach

Just beyond the cathedral at Ca’n Pere Antoni, is Palma City Beach. It is a golden, sandy beach that is very popular with the locals and visitors who are staying in Palma and fancy a quick dip in the sea.

Playa de Palma

From Palma City Beach, the wide pedestrian promenade joins the popular resorts of C’an Pastilla to El Arenal, this part of the seafront is known collectively as Playa de Palma. Look out for the ‘Balnearios’; which are a series of open-air huts serving drinks and snacks.

Each year the Paseo Maritimo becomes alive due to the Palma International Boat Show; which takes place at Moll Vell, close to La Lonja and central Palma.

Overall, the Paseo Maritimo is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Palma, Majorca. Whether you’re looking for a scenic walk, a night out on the town, or a peaceful retreat, the promenade offers something for everyone. So, take a stroll along the Paseo Maritimo and experience the beauty and charm of Palma, Majorca for yourself.

Things to do in Palma

Paseo Marítimo

The Mallorca Insider

September 22, 2020