Road Trip: Palma to Sóller

Mallorca’s Palma to Sóller road trip is one of the island’s most iconic drives, offering stunning mountain scenery, charming villages, and breathtaking coastal views. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a foodie looking for the best ensaïmada in Mallorca, this route has something for everyone.
Distance: +30 km
Drive Time: +40 minutes
Best For: Nature lovers, photographers, couples, families
🚗 Route Overview & Highlights
Stop | Distance from Palma | Highlights |
---|---|---|
Palma de Mallorca | 0 km | Historic old town, Cathedral, shopping |
Valldemossa (Optional Stop) | 17 km | Beautiful mountain village, Chopin Museum |
Coll de Sóller Viewpoint | 27 km | Stunning Tramuntana mountain views |
Sóller Town | 30 km | Orange groves, historic tram, local markets |
Port de Sóller | 35 km | Seaside promenade, seafood restaurants, beach |
🌆 Starting Point: Palma de Mallorca
Begin your journey in Palma, Mallorca’s capital. Before hitting the road, grab a coffee at one of the city’s charming cafés and take a stroll around La Seu Cathedral, the Old Town, or the Paseo Marítimo waterfront.
💡 Pro Tip: Fill up your tank before leaving Palma—gas stations are scarce in the mountains!
🏞️ Scenic Drive Through the Serra de Tramuntana
The drive from Palma to Sóller takes you through the UNESCO-listed Tramuntana mountains, a landscape of winding roads, dramatic cliffs, and lush valleys.
🚏 Optional Stop: Valldemossa (17 km from Palma)
A quick detour brings you to Valldemossa, one of the most picturesque villages in Mallorca. Known for its cobbled streets and historic monastery, Valldemossa is a great place for a morning coffee and a taste of the famous coca de patata (Mallorcan sweet bread).
📌 Must-See in Valldemossa:
✔ The Royal Carthusian Monastery where composer Frédéric Chopin once stayed
✔ The charming stone streets & boutique shops
✔ Panoramic viewpoints overlooking the valley
🚙 The Sóller Tunnel vs. The Scenic Route
Before reaching Sóller, you’ll have two driving options:
1️⃣ Sóller Tunnel (Quick & Easy Route)
✔ Distance: 30 km
✔ Time: ~30 minutes
✔ Cost: Free (since 2018)
✔ Best for: Those who want to reach Sóller quickly without winding roads.
2️⃣ Coll de Sóller (Scenic Mountain Route)
✔ Distance: 30 km
✔ Time: ~40–45 minutes
✔ Best for: Adventure seekers & photographers who love mountain views.
✔ Why take this route? 57 hairpin turns, panoramic views & fewer tourists.
📌 Must-Stop: Coll de Sóller Viewpoint
If you choose the scenic route, make a stop at the Coll de Sóller Viewpoint, one of the best panoramic spots on the island.
🏡 Arrival in Sóller – The Orange Valley
Nestled in a valley filled with orange and lemon groves, Sóller is a charming town famous for its modernist architecture, local markets, and historic train.
📌 Things to Do in Sóller:
✔ Take a ride on the vintage wooden tram to Port de Sóller
✔ Visit the Sóller Market for fresh produce & local delicacies
✔ Explore the Can Prunera Modernist Museum
✔ Enjoy an orange juice or gelato made from Sóller’s famous oranges
🌊 Optional Stop: Port de Sóller
If you have extra time, continue 5 km to Port de Sóller, a stunning horseshoe-shaped bay lined with seafood restaurants, cafés, and a scenic promenade.
📌 Must-See in Port de Sóller:
✔ Relax at Platja d’en Repic Beach
✔ Have fresh seafood at a harborfront restaurant
✔ Hike to the Cap Gros Lighthouse for breathtaking views
🚗 Driving Tips & Practical Info
✔ Best Time to Go: Spring & autumn for mild weather and fewer tourists
✔ Road Conditions: Well-maintained but winding; drive cautiously
✔ Gas Stations: Fill up in Palma or Sóller—few options in between
✔ Parking: Sóller has paid parking lots near the center & free street parking outside town
✔ Car Rental: Book your rental with DiscoverCars.com for the best deals
🚘 Road Trip Summary: Palma to Sóller
Stop | Highlights |
---|---|
Palma | Historic center, shopping, cathedral |
Valldemossa (Optional) | Monastery, Chopin Museum, cobbled streets |
Coll de Sóller Viewpoint | Mountain landscapes & panoramic views |
Sóller | Historic tram, orange groves, local market |
Port de Sóller (Optional) | Beach, seafood, lighthouse |
Book Your Road Trip Today!
✔ Find the best car rental deals at DiscoverCars.com
✔ Explore Mallorca’s hidden gems on your own schedule
✔ Enjoy the freedom of the open road!
🔗 More Road Trip Guides? Check out:
📍 Road Trip: Palma to Valldemossa & Deià – A journey through Mallorca’s artistic villages.
📍 Road Trip: Sóller to Sa Calobra – Drive through Mallorca’s most scenic coastal roads!