My friend and I will be spending 4 days/nights on Mallorca. We're two females, long time best friends in our early 50's (going on 30), and we're all about fun and adventure! We're considering spending our time in Soller, or Port de Soller. We're just trying to decide if its better to stay in town or near the port, and I would appreciate input from those who have been there. We've considered the Cala D'or area for the pretty beaches but we figure we can drive around to see the other areas on the island.

The Port seems less "old village" like Soller does, but at the port we can also get a hotel or apartment with beautiful terrace/sea views. And yet, staying in a charming old home/finca appeals to us as well. I understand you can easily take the tram between the two locations, so I'm just wondering if it makes more sense to visit Soller during the day, and have the nice views of the sea at the port for breakfast and just hanging out at at night with a glass of wine or two, or three. OR, is it nicer/livelier to be in Soller at night, walking the streets, having dinner at rustic cafes, etc., and just visit the port/beach during the day?

Also, how important is A/C if staying in an ocean front home in June? Or are the ocean breezes enough?

Never been to either but I'm taking the family in June. I looked at both and ended up in Soller for the following reasons:

A villa for 8 people was easier to find near Soller. In fact the villa itself was a real factor but with just two people may not be a factor.

We will divide out time between hiking, beach activity and sight-seeing. I'm not a big beach person but do love the views. Note that many places in Soller will have beautiful views of mountains, orange, olive groves etc.

Part of our group will be rock climbing.

Having familiarize myself with the area, I'd say it's really apples or oranges. The two are so close with tram, bus and taxi, I'd go with the place that looks best to you.

Not sure about the air- conditioning. I can't even remember if the villa has it or not...probably since July and August can be hot. I've been traveling to Europe for years even lived overseas and air- conditioning has only been a consideration in mid-summer and in certain areas.

Hey, Loves.

My wife and I visited Mallorca a few years ago. Great island! We were based in a southeast area of the island, but we had a car and explored the entire island over 8 or 10 days. Easy driving there, too.

We visited both Soller and Port de Soller. Did not stay in either as it was part of a day trip. If it was me, I'd prefer to stay in Soller. It has a quaint little old-town area with a beautiful tree-covered plaza surrounded by shops, cafes, restaurants, etc. I could envision myself waking up and strolling to a cafe on the plaza for a coffee, pastry, newspaper, and people watching to start the day!

As you mentioned, Port de Soller is a short tram ride away. It was pretty at the port, but seemed more commercial/touristy (less authentic).

Can't comment on the AC/no AC question as we had AC in our condo.

Fun vacation. Let me know if you have any other questions.

I wrote a trip report on Mallorca. If you're interested, you can probably locate it by clicking on my screen name.

Have fun!

Robbie

I'd agree with Soller : better restaurants and some great small hotels and villa rentals. If you are renting, look for a property in the road to Fornalutx ; the views are incredible.

The weather on this side of the island is cooler and wetter due to surrounding mountains. We have left Deia in February when it was 4oC and trying to snow , we drove to the SE coast we were sat on the beach in 19oC.

Temperatures on Mallorca are regulated by the sea, it isn't a huge island. It rarely exceeds 32oC in high summer, so in June you shouldn't need aircon.

Thank you Robbie, I will look for your trip report. After seeing Soller and Port de Soller, did you feel you wished you had stayed in the Soller? Or were you glad you stayed where you did?

BritishCaicos, good to hear your comments about Soller. As I said, I chose Soller in large part for the villa and its stunning views. BTW it is on the road to Fornalutx.

Thank you for that location information, regarding the road to Fornalutx. Its always so hard to know until you get there and the right location is so important to me. If I decide on a rental in Soller, as opposed to a hotel, I will keep that in mind.

I know both places and the tram too. We actually stayed in a boutique hotel in the centre of Soller (which unfortunately does not exist any more).

What you choose is a matter of philosophy.

Soller is a historic town, not a village. You have town feeling, with grand old houses of rich merchants, plazas, shops, restaurants etc. But you do not have the feeling to be near the sea.

Port de Soller is the ancient harbour of Soller. So, it is as authentic as Soller is, but in another way. The bay of Soller is beautiful, has fine beaches. I have been swimming there in early April when everything else was quite cool, but the sun had nicely warmed up the shallow waters in the bay.

So, the main point is:

Do you want to stay at the sea, in walking distance to a beach, with sea views and sea breeze? And take the tram into town whenever you feel you need town feeling with shops and bars and restaurants?

Or do you want to stay in town with some urban feeling and take the tram whenever you want to go swimming?

Unlike other posters, I will not say what you should do. You must decide according to your preferences. The only thing that I can say is that the tram ride is pretty short. So whatever your decision, you won't make a mistake.

Thank you traveller1959. You gave me some very good observations about the two areas. I think I'll pass this info on to my friend and let her decide, lol.

So she gets the bashing if the decision turns out wrong, lol.

Something like that, lol.

Actually, I have just cooked a Mallorcan Stew today. It is beef cubes cooked in red wine with onions, cinnamon sticks, orange peel and dried plums. Very tasty and easy to prepare.

Sounds delicious! But so does dirt right now, because I am on a very strict diet for this trip!

Hi Lovestosing

Can I ask where you ended up staying please and if you have any advice for me? I googled this question and found your your post.....it sounded like I was writing it.....except I'm travelling with my husband!!

*just one your ;-)