Road through the mountains to Soller

[Barlow122]

Hi
We are thinking about a trip to Soller as part of our holiday. We are hiring a car and are thinking about taking the scenic route through the mountains. It looks full of twists and turns. Would the direct, but less scenic route be better for us non locals?
Many thanks

[Nick]

But then you would miss the fantastic views! It's only about an hours steady drive and well, well worth it. Plus you can't really go wrong direction wise.

I've done it several times and it's a fantastic drive.

[Tetley]

I would agree, you must go the scenic route, the views in places are excellent. As long as you drive steady, you'll have no problem.

[Rosie34]

Originally Posted by Barlow122

Hi
We are thinking about a trip to Soller as part of our holiday. We are hiring a car and are thinking about taking the scenic route through the mountains. It looks full of twists and turns. Would the direct, but less scenic route be better for us non locals?
Many thanks

The scenic route every time But I would imagine the coaches coming in the opposite direction might be a bit problematic at this time of year - but it's worth it I will always remember the first time we took this road and the surprise at going round a bend not long out of PP and the mountains just were there and so breathtaking - it never fails to amaze

[allanglens]

Like many of the mountain routes it is very scenic, and a great drive - if you are a passenger! But if you are driving you may find it somewhat stressful.

[clinkham]

If you are worried about the roads, don't be. You might want to set off at the crack of breakfast to enjoy the ride before the tourists arrive in their coaches. Forward planning would help to identify the viewpoints where you can stop to admire same. If you are not prepared you could 'overshoot' the small number of parking spots.
Lluc monastery is a very pleasant break in your journey.
If you are not keen of mountain roads avoid taking the right turn to Sa Colabra, or the OMG road. However, it is great to be able to brag that you made it to the bottom and, importantly, all the way back up – the road is a cul de sac. Sort of once you have started you have to finish.

Don't know of current situation in Soller, but drive into Port Soller at your peril. Parking is available but very difficult to find and because the 'front' is now pedestrianised traffic is reduced to fighting for space on the small back streets. Once more forward planning would be helpful.
There is parking beyond the backstreets if you can make it to the waterfront at the far end of the port.
As you approach Port Soller from Soller you are faced by a (free) tunnel that takes you around the back of P.Soller. Its exit deposits you in the aforesaid back streets.
Maybe someone will be able to confirm this, immediately prior to the entry to the tunnel there is some car parking on the left. If we hadn’t been drawn into the tunnel by the line of traffic we were in, maybe we could have explored that. Would have saved a lot of stress.
An alternative way to Port Soller is to park in Soller and use the tram.
The easy way back to PP from Soller is towards Palma via the tunnel (not the tunnel into Port Soller) and pick up the motorway. You don’t have to retrace your steps over the mountains. Have your credit card ready for the toll booth. Cost earlier this month was 5.05 Euros.


Despite a bit of doom and gloom above, Lluc, Sa Colabra, Soller and Port Soller are well worth the effort to visit.


Another possibility is to drive to Bunyola, and take the train to Soller and thence the tram to Port Soller.

[jeffmac]

Just returned from p.p. went to soller by hire car,we went there via motorway and returned mountain route very scenic good for photos but very hot up there good road but very twisty (hairpin bends) took twice as long the mountain route but glad we tried it. jeffmac

[Barlow122]

Thank you all very much indeed for this fantastic advice. We will def do this route

[lovemallorca]

Originally Posted by Barlow122

Thank you all very much indeed for this fantastic advice. We will def do this route

It is a lovely day out. The centre of Soller town is a great place for lunch - With the trams rumbling through the middle of the cafes and restaurants in the main square.

Soller and Port Soller are seperate places, and it may be more fun to park in the town and get the tram the short distance into the Port.

Beware that the car parks in the town are small and do get full. Actually, driving into the town, it is easy to think that it is a ghost town, as the main square only becomes visible once you park up and walk in. (Bring some change as it is pay and display)

There is actually a small multi-storey in Port Soller, but you may need to go up and down the backstreets to find it.

The trip over the mountains is much more fun than going via the motorway. I don't think that it could described as hard, although you will probably be sick of turning the steering wheel and changing gear by the end of the day!

If you return around 5pm, the road is much quieter, and it is easier to stop at any viewpoints that you may miss earlier.

One other thing - We always take a bag of carrots as there is a family of donkeys on the stretch shortly after the Lluc turning!