Puerto Soller Tourist Information

Puerto Soller (also known as Port de Soller) is a sheltered resort on the west coast of Mallorca. Before the arrival of the Palma to Soller railway in 1912, this was an important outlet for the export of island produce, especially for the citrus fruits grown in the surrounding valleys and terraces. Nowadays the town offers a relaxing holiday away from the island's brasher resorts.

Puerto Soller's most popular beach is the 250-metre long Platja d'en Repic on the western side of the bay. Alongside it runs a wide promenade lined with restaurants and bars. The beach boasts excellent facilities, including showers, lifeguards, sun lounger hire and ramps for disabled visitors. On the eastern side of the bay is the longer Es Travis beach consisting of shingle and sand.

There are various boat trips available from the marina, including an excursion to the beautiful narrow inlet of Sa Calobra, a few miles up the coast. Numerous water sports, including diving, sailing, water-skiing and windsurfing, can also be enjoyed in Puerto Soller. For information about all the activities available, the local tourist information office, situated close to the tramway terminus, is always helpful.

Standing guard over Puerto Soller is the Faro de Punta Grossa lighthouse. If you are feeling energetic, the walk up to the lighthouse from the town is highly recommended. There are some superb views across the turquoise waters of the bay. A couple of miles further along the coast is the viewpoint of Punta Soller, although this is a much more demanding walk. On the other side of the bay is another lighthouse; close to which is the recently opened Maritime Museum perched on the cliff top. The museum looks at the history of Puerto Soller through audio-visual displays and exhibits such as scale models and boat-building tools.

The old town of Soller, situated about 2.5 miles (4km) inland, is notable for the narrow-gauge railway that runs between here and the capital, Palma de Mallorca. It takes about one hour for the train to complete the 17 mile journey, as it passes through some incredible mountain scenery on the way. There is a bus service from Puerto Soller to Soller, but a much more enjoyable way to travel is on the open tram which began operating in 1913. The journey takes about 20 minutes.

At the heart of Soller is the square, Plaza Constitucion, with its age-old trees and pleasant fountains. The square is dominated by the church of Sant Bartolomeu, begun in the 13th century but with a modernista facade designed by a pupil of Gaudi, Joan Rubio. Other attractions in the town include the Casa de Cultura, which houses a fascinating collection of local relics. On the road between Soller and Puerto Soller is an early 20th century manor house, home to the Museum of Natural Sciences which exhibits a collection of bones, fossils, prehistoric rocks and other artifacts. The grounds of the house contain some fine botanical gardens that aim to preserve native plants.

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