Sóller Day Trip from Palma, Spain: 6 Must-Do Things
Sóller was one of those places we’d always heard about, but hadn’t quite made the time to visit – until now. And honestly? We’re already planning when to go back.
Just 30km from Palma, this little town in Mallorca’s northwest is everything you want from a Mediterranean day trip: relaxed, beautiful, and somehow both lively and peaceful. Surrounded by the Tramuntana mountains, Sóller feels slightly tucked away from the world – in the best way.
A Brief History of Sóller
Long before the trams and tourists arrived, Sóller was known for its rich valley, dotted with olive trees and orange groves. The Moors saw its agricultural potential early on, and later, in the 1800s, many locals emigrated to France to seek their fortunes. They returned with money, style, and a bit of French flair that’s still visible in the Art Nouveau buildings around town.
The iconic Ferrocarril de Sóller – the wooden train that still runs today – started operating in 1912, linking Sóller with Palma. It helped open the town up, without losing its distinct charm. You can still feel that independence when you wander the lanes and see local life ticking along at its own pace.
What struck us the most was how genuine it felt. This wasn’t a tourist trap. It was a lived-in town with old men chatting in the square, kids on bikes, and locals doing their Saturday shopping.
Getting to Sóller on the Ferrocarril
We set off really early for the day visit to maximise our time in Sóller and we’re glad we did. It’s a popular route, so our tip is to get there as early as you can to beat the crowds and enjoy the journey at its quietest.
Let’s talk about the Ferrocarril de Sóller, the historic wooden train that runs from Palma to Sóller. From the moment we stepped onboard, it felt like we were joining a cast of characters about to set off on a murder mystery journey in an Agatha Christie novel – all polished wood, narrow compartments, and an air of quiet suspense. We’d heard the journey was special, but honestly, it was more than just a scenic route. It was an experience.
The train itself is beautifully preserved – polished wooden seats, brass fittings, sliding glass windows and it leaves from its own small station next to Plaça d’Espanya in Palma. As soon as we boarded, we felt like we’d stepped into a time capsule. There was something very Agatha Christie about it all – the gentle click-clack of the rails, the narrow carriages, the landscape unfolding slowly through open windows.
As we passed through olive groves and tunnels carved into the Tramuntana mountains, the views just kept getting better. The train makes a stop at Bunyola, a picturesque town nestled in the hills. It’s not a long stop, but it gives you a glimpse of traditional Mallorca life. And don’t forget to have your camera ready – some of the best photos of the mountain ranges are taken from the window right around this part of the journey.
Not long after, the train also pauses at the Mirador Pujol d’en Banya, a scenic viewpoint on the slope of the same name. This short technical stop (check with the Palma ticket office for confirmation on your day) gives you around ten minutes to hop off the train and admire the sweeping landscape below. It’s the kind of stop where everyone instinctively reaches for their phones or cameras – the view really is that good. We first leaned out of the windows like excited kids, trying to photograph every new vista. It was peaceful, old-fashioned, and weirdly romantic. Then, we stepped out to soak up the vibe. Everyone is in awe of the landscape. Truly worth the stop!
Here are some helpful information on getting to Sóller using the Ferrocarril:
- Departure point: Estació Intermodal, Palma
- Journey time: About 1 hour
- Tickets: Around €18-25 one way; booking ahead is smart in high season
- For tickets and more information, visit the official website: https://trendesoller.com/eng/index
It set the tone for the whole day – calm, nostalgic, and quietly memorable. Honestly, we’d do the journey again just for the ride.
And when we finally arrived in Sóller, stepping off the train was a moment in itself. The station opens out into views of the surrounding mountains and classic Mallorcan buildings – it was simply stunning to see for the first time. It made us genuinely excited to explore, and gave the whole trip a real sense of anticipation and discovery.
💡Travel Gentlemen Tip: Sit on the left side for the best mountain views heading there
6 Top Things To Do in Soller
We crammed a lot into our day trip without ever feeling rushed. Sóller’s compact size means you can get a real flavour of the town in just a few hours, but trust us, you’ll be tempted to stay longer. Here’s what filled our day, along with a few highlights we’re still thinking about.
1. Ride the Vintage Tram
This is the historic Sóller Tramway, in operation since 1913. As if we hadn’t had enough of riding a train already, we couldn’t resist hopping on the bright orange tram that runs down to Port de Sóller. It’s one of the town’s icons – slow, clunky in the best way, and charmingly old-fashioned.
We found a spot in the open carriage near the back, which let us take in the mountain air and soak up views of citrus groves and old villas. It’s a short ride (about 15 minutes) but truly worth it to get a glimpse of the town and see what people are up to in the streets. Kids waved from balconies, the tram rattled over cobbles, and we just grinned our way down to the coast. It feels like a mini adventure all on its own.
Tickets can be purchased at the small kiosk next to the tram stop in Sóller or at the station itself. As of our visit, the fare was €8 one-way or €12 return – and yes, it’s cash or card.
💡 Travel Gentlemen Tip: Ride the tram early in your visit while you still have the energy to explore both the town and the port. It’s also a great way to get your bearings and take a few memorable photos.
2. Soak in the Sea Breeze at Port de Sóller
After arriving on the tram, we wandered down to Port de Sóller, and the sight of the bay immediately slowed us down. This gently curved harbour, backed by pine-covered hills, is one of the most photogenic places on the island.
We didn’t stop for lunch, but we did pause for a drink at a small waterfront spot called Bar Es Mirall, which offered a shady table and a great view of the marina. You’ll find plenty of options along the promenade for a glass of wine, a cold beer, or just a soft drink. People were doing everything from sketching and sunbathing to reading and paddling in the shallow water – the vibe was easy-going and unhurried.
We wandered the beachside for a while, shoes off and feet in the sea, soaking in the relaxed energy around us. People were reading, sketching, enjoying a beer or soft drink at cafés, and kids were paddling in the shallow waters. It was the kind of place where everyone was doing their own thing – without the noise or hustle of more touristy spots. The whole port had an easy rhythm to it, with just the right amount of life to feel friendly without being overwhelming.
💡 Travel Gentlemen Tip: For a quiet moment with a view, grab a drink from a beachside café and sit facing the boats – the far end of the port near the marina tends to be more peaceful and scenic.
3. Tuck Into a Wholesome Brunch at Miga de Nube
Tucked away on Carrer de sa Lluna, Miga de Nube is a delightful slow café and creative atelier that quickly became one of our favourite stops in Sóller. From the moment we stepped into its lush garden, shaded by lemon and olive trees, we felt a world away from the bustling town centre. The atmosphere was serene, and the staff welcomed us with genuine warmth. We hadn’t pre-booked, but we were lucky – after a short 10-minute wait, we were seated with no fuss. The team was friendly and very accommodating.
We opted for their signature brunch offerings: creamy avocado toast topped with pickled radish, accompanied by a vibrant açai bowl brimming with fresh fruit and granola. Their specialty coffee, brewed to perfection, complemented the meal wonderfully. For those with dietary preferences, Miga de Nube offers a variety of vegan and gluten-free options, all made with local, organic ingredients.
Beyond the food, the café houses an art atelier featuring hand-painted everyday objects and refurbished furniture, adding a unique artistic touch to the dining experience. It’s a perfect spot to relax, enjoy wholesome food, and appreciate local art.
If you’re planning a visit, we recommend checking their official website for the latest menu and opening hours.
View on Google Maps
💡 Travel Gentlemen Tip: Arrive mid-morning for the best chance of a garden table without booking. Don’t forget to take photos and share them on Instagram!
4. Step Into Sóller’s Art Nouveau Past at Can Prunera
We love art, so we couldn’t miss Can Prunera – a beautifully restored Art Nouveau house just a few streets from the centre and only a 1-minute walk from Miga de Nube. It’s one of Sóller’s most important modernist buildings, full of elegant details and period charm.
Inside, you’ll find an impressive permanent collection that includes works by Miró, Picasso, and local Mallorcan artists, as well as modernist furniture and design. We also wandered through the sculptured garden, a calm space dotted with artworks and shaded seating – perfect for a quick breather.
We didn’t go for the guided visit due to time, but it’s worth knowing they’re available if you want deeper insight into the building and collection.
Can Prunera is open year-round, with longer hours in spring and summer (up to 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays). It’s closed on Mondays during the winter months. General admission is €6, reduced to €3 for students, pensioners and groups, and free for children under 12.
For more information and to get tickets, visit here: https://canprunera.com/en/visit/
View on Google Maps
💡 Travel Gentlemen Tip: Visit in the late morning or mid-afternoon when the museum is quietest — and don’t skip the garden out back.
5. Discover Local Treasures on Sóller’s Boutique Streets
We hadn’t planned to shop – but then again, we hadn’t planned to find the perfect espadrilles either. Sóller has a surprising number of local boutiques tucked into its narrow lanes. Most of them cluster around Carrer de Sa Lluna, the pedestrian street that runs parallel to the main square; if you only have an hour, stick to this street and the two perpendicular lanes Carrer de la Victòria and Carrer de Sant Bartomeu.
You’ll spot espadrille shops (yes, you can try them on – just know your size and preferred style), artisanal soap makers, olive‑oil specialists, craft‑beer outlets, and tiny galleries selling Mallorcan prints and ceramics. Because everything is so central, it’s easy to compare prices: walk the length of Sa Lluna first, then loop back to buy – many shops are happy to hold an item for 30 minutes while you decide.
Don’t rush it. Prices vary slightly, so it’s worth walking around before committing, but with all the shops located within a couple of compact blocks, you can cover a lot in very little time. Prices vary slightly, so it’s worth walking around before committing. And if you’re short on time, most of the best shops are located around Carrer de Sa Lluna, the main shopping street.
💡 Travel Gentlemen Tip: For a more focused shopping trip, start from Carrer de sa Lluna and branch off to smaller streets nearby – almost every boutique worth visiting is within a five‑minute walk of the main square, so you won’t waste time zig‑zagging across town.
6. Watch the World Go By in the Main Square
After an hour of boutique‑hopping on Carrer de sa Lluna and soaking up Art Nouveau at Can Prunera, we needed a breather. Café Central on Plaça de la Constitució couldn’t have been better. The square is Sóller’s living room: both locals and non-locals enjoying tapas and sandwiches, cyclists refuelling, waiters delivering soft drinks and cervezas, plus visitors juggling cameras and phones to take photos of the square and the nearby church.
We sat back with our red wine and let the rhythm of the place do the entertaining. Every thirty minutes the vintage tram clanged through, tourists leaned out for photos, and locals barely looked up – business as usual. Between tram bell rings you catch snippets of Mallorquín, Spanish, German, and English; it’s a mini world tour in one busy rectangle of sunlight.
Give yourself at least fifteen minutes here – longer if your return train isn’t due yet. It’s the perfect reset before tackling the port or heading home, and it’s the moment that makes you feel like you belong in Sóller, not just visit it. Another cafe we can recommend is Cafè Es Firó on Plaça de la Constitució. This is another cafe that just exudes local life in Sóller.
💡 Travel Gentlemen Tip: Nab a table under the plane trees facing the tram tracks. Slather on sunscreen (or throw on a hat) and order a cortado and a fresh‑squeezed Sóller orange juice – you’ll thank us while you wait for the next tram or your train back to Palma (the station is a three‑minute stroll away).
When is the Best Time to Visit Sóller?
Sóller enjoys a Mediterranean climate – hot summers, mild winters, and over 300 days of sunshine a year.
- Spring (Mar–May): 18–24°C / 64–75°F. Everything’s green and the crowds are manageable.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): 27–33°C / 80–91°F. Hot, sunny, and bustling.
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): 20–28°C / 68–82°F. Still warm, with golden light and quieter streets.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): 12–18°C / 54–64°F. A peaceful time with fewer tourists and a slower pace.
If you’re aiming to combine sunshine with space to explore, April to early June or September are your best bets.
In Summary
Sóller really does tick all the boxes – scenery, food, atmosphere, and just the right amount of activity for a day trip. Whether you’re into art, history, food, or just want to sit and soak up the Mediterranean sun, this little town delivers.
We’ll remember the buzz of the square, the breeze from the tram, and that cold orange juice as we try to cold down from wandering around town. If you’re in Palma and looking for a special day out that doesn’t feel rushed – Sóller is definitely the one.
We’ll be back.
