Es Firó - Festival of Moors and Christians (Moros y Cristianos)
One of the biggest festivals of the year in Mallorca and definitely one of the noisiest. It runs over four days with events being held in both Sóller and Port de Sóller.

© Ilona Antina Photography

© J. Rains

© Kai Pilger

© J. Rains

© J. Rains

© J. Rains

© J. Rains

© J. Rains

© J. Rains

© J. Rains
Charming beach resort on the west coast of Majorca
Port de Sóller is a picturesque little village situated in a large horseshoe bay on the west coast of Mallorca. The seaside retreat was, until recently, one of the island's best-kept secrets. Surrounded by dramatic mountains and overlooking the sea, it is one of the few places on the island where you get both stunning scenery and breathtaking views. Being on the west coast, it's also one of the best spots to catch a beautiful Mallorcan sunset.
Tucked at the foot of the Serra de Tramuntana, Port de Sóller was once hard to reach before the tunnel to Sóller opened in the 1990s. On the flip side it has managed to avoid the overdevelopment seen in other coastal parts of Mallorca during the 70s and 80s, retaining its traditional charm.
The bay is lined with a sandy beach and a pedestrianised promenade where you can wander past cafés, restaurants and shops with the occasional hotel tucked in. The place still feels like a working fishing harbour at its heart and you’ll find plenty of seafood on the local menus. At the same time, new places have added a fresh touch with stylish restaurants and cocktail bars popping up in recent years. A luxury hotel on the hill above the bay has helped bring more attention to the area and the seafront has had a tasteful makeover.
Just a short trip inland takes you to Sóller itself, a charming town that still celebrates Mallorca’s heritage. You’ll find rustic stone buildings, a lively Saturday market and lovely little art galleries. The vintage tram ride between the two is a gentle journey through lemon and olive groves and is a lovely way to take in the landscape.
Port de Sóller, being a historic town, participates in many traditional events throughout the year.
The main one event takes place in the second week of May, featuring the reenactment of a battle between the invading pirates (the Moors), and the Christian folk of Sóller. Expect Christian and pirate fancy dress, face painting, wooden sword fighting and the sound of gunshots and cannons going off throughout the afternoon and into the evening.
Sóller’s patron saint, Saint Bartholomew, is celebrated every 24 August. The evening before is known as the ‘Night of Fire’, expect street parties and fire shows followed by a public holiday.
The Verge del Carmen Fiesta (16 July) features a procession of boats in the bay.
Sant Joan is celebrated throughout Mallorca (24 June) followed by Sant Pere (29 June), both of these festivals are a time for locals to celebrate with friends and families.
The Annual Classical Music Festival takes place in the Santa Catalina Monastery and attracts some of the best international musicians every autumn.
One of the biggest festivals of the year in Mallorca and definitely one of the noisiest. It runs over four days with events being held in both Sóller and Port de Sóller.
Due to its geographically isolated position, Port de Sóller has a rich seafaring history, trading goods by sea rather than by road. In 1561, fleets of Turkish and Algerian pirates attempted an invasion, landing on Sóller's beach only to be repelled by the brave and fearless locals. The events is re-enacted every year in the annual folk festival Es Firó.
The port started to expand in the 19th century when the export of citrus fruits grown in the area became big business.
In 1997, the Sóller tunnel was built creating a more direct route for visitors. Since then, the town has gone from strength to strength in terms of tourism, with boutique hotels and high end restaurants opening in the area as a consequence.
You can visit the 17th century Torre Picada - once a watchtower - with an easy hike that offers some of the best views of Port de Soller and its surrounding scenic countryside. The churches of Sant Ramon de Penyafort and Santa Caterina are two important historical landmarks in the village.
A small maritime museum resides in an ancient monastery, you can find out how Port de Sóller has stronger links to the sea than many other towns and villages in Mallorca. When it was historically easier to transport goods by sea rather than land, this town became particularly obsessed with all things sailing.
More museums and art galleries can be found in the neighbouring town of Sóller.
Port de Sóller is one of the only places to offer a sandy beach along the entire north-west coast. There are actually two beaches within the horseshoe bay.
The Port of Soller offers the only sandy beaches on the west coast of Majorca. This lovely little resort offers two beaches along it's horseshoe bay, all with golden sands and clear blue seas.
Cala Deia is a very beautiful small rocky cala with clear waters and rock pools, one of the few beaches on the west coast of Mallorca. It's quite a rugged beach here so you might need to bring a chair or a lilo to lie on.
One of Mallorca’s most talked about treasures, Sa Calobra, forms an unusual cove found at the head of a gorge of the Torrent de Pareis. It’s curious location and dramatic surroundings have inspired artists for many years and still do today.
Offering a distinctly different experience from the more typical Mallorcan beaches, Banyalbufar is carved into the dramatic foothills of the Serra de Tramuntana. This small bay bears a few signs of regular usage, with terraced slopes and protective structures that blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings. Once difficult to access, Cala Banyalbufar is now easily reachable via a windy round, allowing all to discover its quiet beauty.
The closest beach to Palma is at Ca'n Pere Antoni. This stretch of golden sandy beach starts just beyond the cathedral. A promenade and cycle path runs along its length but behind these lies the main road that takes you to Palma airport.
Portixol is found just to the east of Palma's cathedral and is home to a little bay within which a little sand and shingle beach known as D'es Portitxolet Beach resides. The water is generally calm here due to the sheltered nature of the bay.
Port de Sóller's promenade is lined with plenty of family-friendly restaurants serving up modern and creative Mallorcan inspired cuisine - look for fresh fish, pizza, pasta and more. If you want to dine near the beach itself the views of the twinkling lights make for most romantic settings.
If you're after a more chilled out vibe there are places with bright and contemporary interiors and an Ibiza-esque feel. At these places the food ranges from tapas to pizza and grilled local meats, vegetarians are also catered for.
Head up above the port to the cliffs for spectacular sunset views - enjoy a cocktail on the terraces and watch the sunset.
Port de Sóller boasts a variety of charming cafés catering to diverse tastes. There are those offering delightful desserts for sweet treats, pastries and an inviting atmosphere and even those targeting cyclists and coffee enthusiasts.
Perched on the cliffs above Port de Sóller, Cap Roig at the Jumeirah Mallorca Hotel offers an exceptional seafood dining experience with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. Specialising in locally sourced fish and shellfish, the restaurant works closely with local fishermen to ensure every dish highlights the very best of the sea.
Israeli-oriental fusion cuisine with a breath-taking view of the Port de Sóller Bay and the Tramuntana Mountains.
Perched on the ninth floor of the Jumeirah Mallorca, Es Fanals offers a fine dining experience with breathtaking views over Port de Sóller, where the rugged mountains meet the tranquil Mediterranean. This Michelin Guide-featured restaurant celebrates the gastronomic treasures of the Balearic Islands, with tasting menus crafted from the freshest local produce and expertly presented under the guidance of Chef Javier Lopez.
A Mediterranean menu specialising in fresh fish, seafood and rice dishes.
Agapanto Restaurant, located in Port de Sóller, Mallorca, offers a genuine Mediterranean dining experience. Here, the Mediterranean “diet” is more than just food - it reflects a way of life, including the culture, traditions and social habits of the region. Sharing meals is central, making every visit a relaxed and social experience.
Randemar is not just one of the prettiest spots in the vividly beautiful Port de Sóller, it’s also managed to earn itself a solid reputation over the past two decades. The owner lovingly transformed his family home into a stylish, modern restaurant with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Expect trendy Mediterranean cuisine to dominate the menu paired with an elaborate drinks list.
Located in Port de Soller, George’s cocktail bar is charming, has outdoor seating and serves great food.
Visit this casual, no frills wine bar for excellent local tipples and a great view over the port of Soller.
Offering some of the best views in Port de Sóller, this bar serves drinks and typical tapas.
Port de Sóller is the kind of place where you naturally slow down and take it easy with a drink in hand and views to enjoy. The cafés, bars and restaurants are lively from morning through to evening making it easy to unwind. You can also try activities like canyoning or coasteering for a bit more excitement.
Being a small village, shopping is pretty limited. You will find local produce in many of the shops opposite the promenade and there are a few little boutiques, shoe shops and some tourist souvenir shops within the small town. Do travel to the inland mountain town of Sóller for their weekly market, which takes place every Saturday.
The town's tram is a tourist attraction in itself. It travels from Port de Sóller to the inland village of Sóller. Passengers can admire the olive, lemon and orange groves that have serviced the trade from the port for centuries. Once in Sóller you can take the vintage train to Mallorca’s capital, Palma - the views out over the mountains and the valleys are simply divine.
When we think of things to do, we think activities, which mostly take place on the water. There are boat trips, yacht charters and scuba diving available.
Enjoy an evening cruise along the northwest Mallorcan coastline aboard one of a selection of 50ft vessels, as the mountains transform from pink to orange to red.
Enjoy a fun full-day or half-day boat trip aboard this spacious Regal 3300 motor boat.
Choose this exceptionally spacious luxury sailing yacht for a full-day or half-day trip around the Balearic Islands. With three lounging areas, it's the perfect place to rest, relax, and enjoy your time on the water.
Enjoy a fun full-day or half-day boat trip aboard this sporty Beneteau Flyer 7.7 Sportdeck.
Enjoy a fun full-day or half-day boat trip aboard this intimate Forza 37 motor yacht.
Enjoy a fun full-day or half-day boat trip aboard this exquisite Sunseeker Manhattan 55 motor yacht.
The Serra de Tramuntana has become a bit of a hot spot for cycling in recent years and Port de Sóller receives its fair share of cyclists.
There are some good loops starting from the port, but also some steep climbs like the legendary Sa Calobra within easy reach. One thing is for sure, hill climbs are aplenty in this area, it’s definitely not something for the faint-hearted!
With undulating roads and an altitude gain of almost 2000m this relatively short ride, at just 75km, will get your lungs and your legs pumping.
Starting and finishing in Port de Soller this ride has a half way point in Cala Deia where you ahve the chance to stop for some lunch, a snack or even a dip in the sea to cool off.
Cycling from Port de Soller along the coast and through Deia, you will then travel on to Valldemossa before heading back inland and finishing over the Coll de Soller.
The southern end of the Sierra Tramuntana does not have the epic climbs of the north, however this rolling ride provides no less than six different summits as well as some of Mallorca's most scenic roads.
The road to Sa Calobra is one of the reasons so many cyclists come to Mallorca. With an average gradient of 7% (maximum gradient is 12%) and a height gain of 668m over 9.4km it is sure to test the most professional thighs.
A cycling tour with Mills and Honey isn't just about cycling, it's about immersing yourself in the landscape, culture and flavours of the island.
There is an assortment of hiking routes available for all levels of ability within close proximity of Port de Sóller.
A climb of less than an hour from the port brings you to Cap Gros lighthouse, famous for its panoramic views of the bay. Alternatively, the mule track between Sóller and Deia might appeal to the more experienced hiker, where you will be rewarded with rock gardens and olive groves. Walks further afield into the Tramuntana mountains are also plentiful. To get the most of the area we recommend hiring a guide or joining an organised hike.
This trip actually begins in Palma, where one takes the electric train that joins Palma to the 'valley of the oranges' - Soller.
This route includes an attractive ascent on cobbled paths via the Mont-Reials path and a descent via the Rocafort joined by a stretch of the Castello path. This walk captures some of the best views of the Soller valley.
The family was reunited and the sun was blazing as we left Soller for Fornalutx on the hunt for lunch.
Leaving Soller and hiking through the Serra de Tramuntana valley this trail follows cobbled paths that lead to a unique sequence of cliffs, crags and stone slopes. The area was declared an asset of Cultural Interest in 1984.
Valldemossa is located near the west coast of Mallorca. This walk was mapped out by Archduke Ludwig Salvatr during tours of his estates by mule.
Valldemossa is located towards the west coast of Mallorca. The bus line to Valldemossa, Deia and Llucalcari allows access to some fantastic places of interest, the woods and mountains, and some tranquil coves to swim in.
Daily trips for certified divers in a great diversity of dive sites
Swim in the crystal clear waters on the north-west coast and discover its stunning underwater world on this snorkelling trip
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Short-term rental accommodation can come in the form of villas and fincas or apartments, all being a good option for enjoying this laid-back coastal town. Whether you’re after a sea view, a spot near the beach or something tucked away in the hills, there’s a wide range of options to suit your style. With the freedom to come and go as you please and space to truly relax, it’s a great choice for couples, families or anyone looking to soak up the charm of Mallorca in a more independent way.
These lovely apartments share a great view of the Tramuntana mountains, and have all been tastefully decorated, giving you the feel of a home from home.
There is a wide range of hotels on offer in Port de Sóller, from budget-friendly to modern luxury. It should be duly noted that this area proudly presents some of the best boutique hotels on the island.
From charming historic mansions set in peaceful gardens to stylish beachfront stays with beautiful sea views, you’ll find spas, swimming pools and fitness rooms, as well as boutique hotels with unique décor. Whether you prefer classic elegance or a more contemporary feel, there’s something here to make your stay both comfortable and memorable.
Luxury hotels in Port de Sóller offer a high-end experience with stunning views over the Mediterranean. Expect sleek modern design top-quality service and all the comforts you could hope for including gourmet dining spa facilities and stylish rooms. These places are ideal if you’re looking to relax in total comfort whilst soaking up the beauty of the coast.
If you're visiting Port de Sóller on a budget there are several comfortable options that don’t compromise on charm or location. You’ll find simple bungalows in garden settings - great for families - as well as modern seafront hotels close to all the main shops and restaurants. These stays offer good value and a relaxed base for enjoying the town and surrounding area.
Ca's Xorc Luxury Retreat is the place to stay if you're looking for somewhere that's rich in history but with all the modern amneties. Breathtaking views, gourmet cuisine and a relaxing environment, the ideal place for a peaceful stay in a beautiful location.
Stay in a former convent with characterful rooms, a tranquil courtyard and stunning views over the valley. Enjoy breakfast on the terrace, a dip in the pool or a massage in your room.
Just a stone's throw from the beautiful beach and promenade of Port de Soller, this colourful, chic, hotel is located on the western coast of Mallorca, between the sea and the Tramuntana mountains. The hotel is ideal for a relaxing private retreat with a view, or as a departure point for discovering the fascinating natural surroundings.
Elegant, eclectic and very chilled out, this hotel offers hip metropolitan living in a beautiful mountain setting: sumptuous retro chic interiors, funky bathrooms and big squashy beds.
This unique bed & breakfast offers eco-friendly accommodation in one of the most beautiful natural setting in Mallorca.
Located in Port de Sóller (Mallorca), only a few metres from the sea. Its modern, simple and functional architecture is designed to provide guests with spaces for relaxation in a pleasant, calm environment.
Car hire is a viable option in Mallorca and Port de Soller is a 40 minute drive from Palma airport. Or take the worry out of getting from the airport and book a transfer.
There is a direct buses from the airport. Check for times.
Experience luxury and convenience with this company. Arrive at your yacht charter, sunset tour or boat trip in unparalleled style in a Rolls Royce Ghost.
The established company have been offering a reliable, reasonably priced, private transfer service in Mallorca since 1993.
Great quality service at rates that are irresistible. This company exclusively transfer you around Mallorca without having to pay an excessive price.
Taxi PMI is the Association of Taxi Drivers of Palma de Mallorca, who provide visitors with an efficient and reliable airport transfer service, whilst also eliminating the need to stand in a queue and wait for the next available taxi.
With offices in Alcudia and the airport, Majorca Airport Transfers has a large fleet of taxis, minibuses and coaches to suit all group sizes.
This taxi & transfer company operates out of Palma, covering the whole of Mallorca Island.
Set on an 8,300 m² flat, sun-drenched plot, this fully renovated finca blends authentic Mallorcan charm with modern comfort - complete with two beautifully appointed guesthouses, a saltwater pool, solar power, and breathtaking views of the Tramuntana mountains. Located just outside the historic village of Binissalem, in the heart of Mallorca’s celebrated wine country, this is a rare opportunity to purchase a tranquil rural home that’s move-in ready and built to a high standard.
Experience the ultimate in comfortable living with this exceptional property located in the desirable urbanization of Crestatx, nestled between Sa Pobla and Pollensa. Boasting a prime location in a residential area with high demand, this fabulous plot features a charming small house that offers plenty of possibilities for extension to meet your future needs.
Located in the tranquil urbanisation of Crestatx in Sa Pobla, this property is perfect for those seeking a natural and well-connected environment. With a functional design, the home is spread over two floors, offering comfortable and practical living spaces for families or friends to enjoy.
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See allLatest News & ReviewsThe island hosts all sorts of events, including agricultural fairs in the spring and autumn, live music and DJs in the summer, religious fiestas and international sporting events. Some of the most popular are the Mallorca 312 cycling race in April, the Copa del Rey sailing regatta in July and the Moors vs Christians mock battle in September.
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