See More Of Mallorca

Situated in a valley, Sóller is sheltered by the Serra de Alfàbia mountain massif and overshadowed by the lofty Puig Major (1,445 m/4,740 ft). Its name reputedly derives from the Arabic word suliar, meaning golden bowl and is famous for its many orange groves.

Arabs, who settled here in the late 8th century, built canals and irrigation ditches and the town grew rich thanks to its plentiful supply of oranges and the vineyards and olive groves, planted on the slopes of the Serra de Tramuntana. In exchange for its oranges and wine, it imported goods from France and links between the town and France remain strong.

Plaça Constitució is a lively square and the centre of Sóller. Mature trees, fountains and lively cafés give the place its unique atmosphere. Notable buildings include the Modernista castle-like Banco de Sóller, which is the work of Joan Rubió i Bellver, a disciple of Antoni Gaudí, and the Neo-Gothic church of Sant Bartomeu, also designed by Rubió. Particularly eye-catching is the vast rosette window on the church façade, carved in stone, and the Baroque sculptures contrasting with the dark interior.

Environs Port de Sóller, situated 5 km (3 miles) from Sóller, is a pleasant although crowded resort with numerous seafood restaurants next to the harbour and by the beach. Here, you can enjoy a boat trip along the coast, or go for a hike to the nearby lighthouse.

Train From Palma To Port De Sóller

The most enjoyable way to travel from Palma to Sóller is aboard the "Red Arrow", an electric narrow-gauge railway line, which opened in 1912. After passing through farmland, the 27-km (17-mile) route winds its way through the steep peaks and valleys of the Serra de Tramuntana. The line is justifiably regarded as one of the most attractive in Europe, and the narrow-gauge rolling stock, musty carriages and clanking engine only add to the experience.

Palma

A trip aboard this vintage electric train is a real delight. The line was originally built to transport fruit to Palma from Sóller at a time when the journey by road took an entire day.

Bunyola

This is the last stop before passing through the dizzying Serra de Tramuntana mountains. This typical Mallorcan town, towered over by its church, enjoys an idyllic location in a beautiful verdant valley.

Mirador Pujol d'en Banja

Two special tourist trains, leaving Palma daily at 10:50am and noon, stop briefly at this viewpoint to provide a splendid view of Sóller, the surrounding mountains and the coastline.

Sóller

After a one-hour ride the train reaches Sóller. From here a vintage tram running through the busy town centre takes you to Port de Sóller.

Port de Sóller

The journey from Sóller to Port de Sóller takes 15 minutes. The tram route runs along the beach and ends at the harbour. Trams run much more frequently than the train.

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