Tram 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

Tranvia de Soller

Tranvia de Soller – updated 18 October 2022

The Tranvia de Soller (Tranvía de Sóller) is one of the most well-known tourist attractions in Mallorca. It is a tram nicknamed ‘red lightning’; which connects the beautiful town of Sóller with the Port de Sóller district. The tramway was built in 1913 and has been in continuous operation since then, making it one of the oldest tramways in the world.

Red Lightning

We’re not sure why the tram is referred to as ‘red lightning’, it is neither red, nor very fast. The trams are orange in colour with wooden framed windows, open-sided wagons and wooden benches. The tramline opened in 1913 and some of the railcars and carriages used today date back to this period of time.

Picturesque route

The Tranvia de Soller is known for its picturesque route, which passes through the heart of the scenic Serra de Tramuntana mountains. The tramway runs along a 12-kilometer track and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, including orange groves, olive groves, and the Bay of Soller.

Plaza de la Constitución

The journey from Sóller to the port takes around 15 minutes and passes through Plaza de la Constitución; which is the main square in Sóller and is a very popular meeting place for both locals and tourists. The tram passes cafes and bars with outside seating areas, and you are so close to the tables, it is possible to see what people are eating and drinking.

From the square, Tranvia de Soller passes by numerous orange groves and the old port facilities before reaching its destination.

History

The tramway is also famous for its historic rolling stock, which includes original tramcars from the early 20th century. The tramcars are equipped with wooden seats and overhead fans, giving passengers a glimpse into the past.

The history of the Tranvia de Soller is closely linked to that of the Tren de Sóller (the railway line that has connected Sóller with the island’s capital Palma de Mallorca since 1912 with the tramline opening in 1913 as an extension of the route.

Dual function

Initially, the rail cars served the dual function of transporting both people and goods. Freshly caught seafood was transported one way with coal and ammunition being transported in the other direction to resupply the former submarine and naval base at Port de Sóller.

One of the most unique features of the Tranvia de Soller is its hybrid power system, which allows the tramway to operate both on electricity and on diesel fuel. This system was introduced in the 1980s and allows the tramway to operate even when there is a power outage.

Tourist attraction

In addition to its scenic route and historic rolling stock, the Tranvia de Soller is also popular for its cultural significance. It is a symbol of the town of Soller and its rich history, and it is also a popular tourist attraction, attracting visitors from all over the world.

The Tranvia de Soller is not just a mode of transportation, but it is also an experience. The scenic ride, the historic tramcars, and the unique hybrid power system all contribute to the overall experience of riding the Tranvia de Soller. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for a unique and memorable experience, the Tranvia de Soller is definitely worth checking out.

Port de Sóller

Port de Sóller is a very pretty coastal village located in a large and protected horseshoe bay separated from the rest of Mallorca by the Tramuntana mountain range.

For further information about the tram, please visit the official website.

Tours & Experiences

orange groves Plaza de la Constitución Port de Sóller Red Lightning Sóller Tranvía de Sóller

The Mallorca Insider

September 17, 2020

Plaza de la Constitucion

Plaza de la Constitucion – updated 04 February 2023.

Sóller is a charming town on the island of Majorca, Spain, known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. At its heart lies the Plaza de la Constitucion, a bustling square that serves as the town's main gathering place and a hub of activity for tourists and locals alike.

Church of Sant Bartomeu

Constitution Square is one of the most scenic main squares in the Balearic Islands and is surrounded by modernist buildings and dominated by the Church of Sant Bartomeu, which dates from the 16th Century. The square was built in 1813 and was once used as a bullring with the balconies of the fringing town houses rented out to spectators.

Sant Bartomeu Church was famously renovated in 1904 by a disciple of Antoni Gaudi named Joan Rubió who gave the largely baroque church a beautiful new modernist façade.

Weekly market

One of the most popular attractions in the Plaza de la Constitucion is the weekly market, which takes place every Saturday and is a great opportunity to pick up local products, such as fresh produce, handmade crafts, and souvenirs. Visitors can also enjoy a leisurely lunch or dinner at one of the many cafes and restaurants that line the square, or simply sit and people-watch, soaking up the lively atmosphere of this charming town.

Passeig de ses Fonts

The Plaza de la Constitucion is also a great starting point for exploring the rest of Soller, with its narrow streets, charming buildings, and beautiful gardens. Visitors can take a stroll along the Passeig de ses Fonts, a lovely promenade that winds its way through the town and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Alternatively, they can take a scenic train ride to the nearby town of Port de Soller, where they can enjoy a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Tranvía De Sóller

Plaza de la Constitucion is Sóller’s social hub and is lined with tapas bars, cafes and bars. The Tranvía De Sóller (tram) which travels from Sóller to the port passes directly through the square at regular intervals, which just adds even more charm to this already picturesque main square.

Tren De Sóller

Tourists arriving in Sóller from Palma on the Tren De Sóller (a vintage wooden narrow-gauge train) amass at Plaza de la Constitucion to enjoy the atmosphere and partake of refreshments. At times, it can be difficult to find a free seat at one of the many cafes and bars.

Even if you are only on the island for a short time, the narrow-gauge, Tren de Sóller journey from Palma to Sóller 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 Sóller 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 Sóller valley to the capital, replacing a stagecoach service, which crossed the high mountains via the Sóller pass on a steep, narrow dirt track, which was exhausting and tediously slow.

In conclusion, the Plaza de la Constitucion in Soller is a must-visit for tourists and locals alike, offering a charming and historic setting for a day of shopping, dining, and exploring. So, if you're planning a trip to Majorca, be sure to add Soller and its beautiful square to your itinerary.

Tours

Full day Majorca Tour with Port de Soller and Sa Calobra

There's something really special about this trip to northern Majorca – the way in which you go sightseeing is part of the adventure. That's because you'll travel by coach, train, tram and boat during our exclusive excursion through Soller, Port de Soller, Sa Calobra and Lluc. What's more, you'll have an in-the-know local to show you around. Juan, one of our guides, says, ‘I was born and bred in Majorca, and have lived in the Soller region for years. You'll see special places that most visitors miss out on.'

Hop on the century-old Soller train – think antique wooden carriages with brass fittings – and zigzag your way through the pine-clad Tramuntana Mountains, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's an experience oozing nostalgia. And as the train is electric, it's a more sustainable way to travel. There's also a trip on a tram linking Soller and Port de Soller, during which you'll pass through orange groves and narrow tracks behind homes. And if you want some insider tips, your local guide can recommend the top restaurants for a real taste of the island's cuisine.

With free time to find lunch, it's a great opportunity to sample the produce Soller is famous for – oranges, ice cream and the highly regarded red Soller prawns. The journey from Port de Soller to Sa Calobra is by catamaran. You'll have a little while to unwind on this impossibly beautiful beach, which is hemmed in by cliffs. Further in is the rocky gorge of Torrent de Pareis – nature at its rawest – Book now

The website for Ferrocarril de Sóller is very informative and provides a detailed history about the train and its route, you’ll also find a timetable there with a list of up-to-date prices – trendesoller.com

The Mallorca Insider

September 17, 2020