Sóller holidays

"In the centre of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range in the north of Majorca, surrounded by the highest peaks on the island, is one of its most unique spots. Sitting in a beautiful bowl-shaped valley of orange groves is Sóller. A town of steep, narrow streets and old mansions, its wealth was created in the 18th and 19th century by fruit plantations. Connected to Palma by a famous railway that takes a stunning route through the countryside, its added attraction is Puerto de Sóller, a centuries old town built around a natural harbour, that is a 5km tram ride away."

Town vs coast

Mountains or beach? In Sóller, you don’t have to pick. Set in the ‘Valley of Gold’, the town is wrapped in orange groves and olive trees, with the coast just down the road. The buzz centres around Plaza de la Constitución, where café tables spill into the square and the eye-catching Church of Saint Bartholomew steals the show with its Art Nouveau façade. If you’re here on a Saturday, there’s a market to wander around, too. When you fancy a change of scene, the coast’s an easy tram ride away with Port de Sóller’s curve of sand, a marina full of boats and a slower, seaside feel.

Trains times two

Trains aren’t usually the headline act on holiday, but in Sóller, they’re kind of a big deal. There are two to try, and both are a little bit special. First up is the vintage tram – it looks a bit like the ones in Lisbon, but here it’s bright red. It rattles right through the town centre, past the main square, and all the way down to the port and beach. Then there’s the wooden railway to Palma. This one’s a classic, with old-school carriages that wind through the mountain tunnels, citrus groves and farmland. And we’ve got a fun fact for you – this train was originally built to help farmers transport their produce to the city, but these days it’s all about soaking up the views.

Beach days

You’re in Mallorca, so beach time is a given. Port de Sóller ticks all the boxes with its horseshoe-shaped bay, golden sand and palm-lined promenade. The mountains wrap right around the bay, so you’ve always got the feeling you’re on an island. Plus, there are plenty of cafés and restaurants just steps from the sand, making it easy to switch between sunbathing and snacking. Just along the bay from here, you’ve got Playa d’en Repic. It’s essentially the quieter end of Port de Sóller, stretching out on the opposite side of the marina. Expect the same calm, clear waters, but with a slightly more laidback feel.

Hiking holidays

With the Tamuntana Mountains so close, you’ve got the perfect excuse to pack your walking boots. There are lots of routes to choose from, from circular walks around small towns, through olive groves, and to the Cap Gros Lighthouse. From Sóller, you can also walk directly through orange and lemon orchards to the unique village of Fornalutx, or Biniaraix, with its steep cobbled streets. It’s quite high up, and the views are super worth it.