Some choices don’t divide into right or wrong; they are just options of extraordinary. That’s what it feels like when you weigh a life between Port Andratx and Sóller—two Mallorca’s icons. If you’re scouting the best places to live in, you’re not simply choosing a postcode; you’re choosing a pace, a horizon line, and a circle of people who speak your language. Perhaps you’re already plotting how you’ll move to Mallorca in 2025, with intention and style. Here is the guide that meets you where you are: discerning, curious, and ready to write a new chapter on the island. Port Andratx or Sóller? Let’s have a look!

Port Andratx Overview

Port d'Andratx is a pictures que and lively port town located on the southwest coast of Mallorca. It's known for its stunning natural harbour with crystal-clear waters, up scale atmosphere, high-end amenities, and vibrant maritime activity. Originally a fishing village, it has evolved into a popular luxury destination, particularly for those interested in nautical activities and exclusive residential tourism.The Club de Vela, one of the best marinas in the Balearic Islands, draws sailors and superyachts, while nearby covesCala Llamp, Camp de Mar, and Sant Elm offer pristine bathing and chic beach clubs within minutes. On a summer evening, the masts sketch a photogenic skyline, only here the high-rises are pines. The silhouettes defined by hillside villas with infinity pools, a blend of organic architecture, modern design, and Mediterranean influences. The topography creates drama—cliff lines, terraced plots, and west-facing sunsets that look staged for cinema. Architecturally, Port Andratx ranges from white-cube contemporaries on La Mola to Mediterranean estates in Mon port, and sea-view apartments that put you within a lazy stroll of the marina. The union of modern lines and coastal tradition is part of Port Andratx’ magnetism—and probably a major reason it consistently rates among the best places to live or stay in Mallorca. While maintaining its charm, Port d'Andratx, with high-end restaurants, a sophisticated ambiance, and easy access to Palma, attracts an affluent international clientele, including entrepreneurs, athletes, and creative individuals, especially from the world of film and music. The feeling is elegant yet relaxed, with a service system designed for people who value time and comfort: private drivers, mooring managers, home concierges, spa therapists who know your schedule better than your calendar app. A discreet, celebrity-friendly environment with a low-key, upscale vibe is ideal for rich and famous. Many of them have been spotted enjoying the charms of Port d'Andratx, with some even owning property in the area, like Claudia Schiffer and Peter Ustinov.

Drive (or glide by the iconic vintage train) into the Serra de Tramuntana, and the mood shifts from glossy maritime glamour to lush, painterly calm. 

Sóller, a pictures que town in northwestern Mallorca, is nestled in a fertile valley known as the "Valley of Gold" surrounded by the mountains. It unfurls in an amphitheater of citrus groves. History runs through the valley like an underground river: 19th-century trade with France brought prosperity and a love of patisserie. The town thrived on exporting oranges, lemons and wine to France, and the construction of the railway and tunnel significantly improved its connectivity. The Ferrocarril de Sóller still trundles from Palma through orange groves. The historic train to Palma invites to enjoy scenic views of the landscape, while the historic tram that glides you to the port offers coastal views and access to beaches. Located a short distance from the town, Port de Sóller is a friendly natural bay with sandy beaches, a lighthouse, and a lively promenade. Its family-friendly atmosphere and calm waters make it a popular destination for swimming and sunbathing.

Sóller is known for its relaxed, bohemian atmosphere, especially around the pictures que port, as well as a strong sense of community, and a blend of cultures. It displays a mix of architectural styles, notably influenced by the Art Nouveau movement, as well as traditional Mallorcan and French Baroque elements. Modernist mansions and historic buildings dating back to the 14th century distinguish the town’s architecture. The artistic Neo-Gothic Facade of Bank of Sóller was designed by famous Catalan architect Joan Rubio i Bellver, Gaudí's partner.

The 16^th-century Church of Saint Bartholomew features a combination of Baroque, Modernist, and Neo-Gothic styles. It is located in the place where everything happens in the town: Parque de la Constitució. The heartbeat of Sóller, this square features a fountain, lines of other historic buildings, orange trees, and lovely restaurants. Try the legendary Sóller orange ice cream!

If you are daydreaming over Sóller homes for sale, you can be captivated by the stone fincas wrapped in bougainvillea, the townhouses with shuttered windows and encaustic tiles, the terraced plots with old olive trees keeping their secrets. It’s no mystery why so many people place Sóller among the best places to live in Mallorca; it offers art, agriculture, and accessible sea in a single, gentle radius.

Beyond the postcard, Sóller is also practical: schools with strong community roots, artisan shops that prioritize quality over novelty, and an outdoor culture that treats the UNESCO-listed mountains as both playground and teacher. The valley has a quiet magnetism that rewards those who listen — writers, designers, chefs, and families who want to move to Mallorca not for status, but for soul.

Lifestyle Comparison

The contrast between these destinations isn’t just aesthetic; it’s experiential. Poetically speaking, one hums with a marina’s choreography; the other ways to a valley’s heartbeat. If you’re triangulating between a Port Andratx property and Sóller homes for sale, think of the lifestyle you are looking for.

Nightlife, Culture and Social Scene

• Port Andratx: Nightlife in Port d'Andratx is relaxed and sophisticated rather than a bustling scene.  It is not a clubbing mecca but you can party well, dine, drink, dance or just enjoy the atmosphere. Evenings can begin with terrace martinis and slide into late dinners where the sea is close enough to flirt with your candle flame. The calendar leans toward gallery previews, yacht soirees, and impromptu table-hops where deals and stories get traded with equal zest. Some bars with live music or venues offer transition into a more lively atmosphere later in the evening. Local events like the “Correfoc” during the festivities of the Virgen del Carmen bring an energetic vibe. Innovative sounds, first-class celebrations, and stylish socialising have turned M TWO Mallorca into one of the hottest locations on the Balearic Islands. One of Mallorca’a biggest and most renown exhibition spaces for contemporary art, is the CCA Andratx (Centre of Comtemporary Art) situated in an impressive old finca in beautiful natural settings near the old town. CCA offers a wide selection of changing exhibitions, activities and events to indulge in. You can visit HMH Gallery, the art oasis in Port Andratx, Sa Taronja, a multi-cultural centre (with two galleries, a theatre, a dance hall, 12 artists studios, sound studio, gardens, a multipurpose events room, bar and restaurant), or Studio Weil, an artistic jewel.
• Sóller: Again, don't expect a bustling nightlife. Nights are convivial but unhurried. Expect concert series in cloisters, open-air films, village festas, and the kind of conversations that stretch across a bottle of local wine. It’s more constellation of candles than a floodlit spectacle. But you can still have a fun night out, and enjoy a variety of options, from charming restaurants and cocktail bars to lively pubs and scenic rooftop terraces. The Port has no shortage of nice bars including vibrant Mini Bar, George’s Cocktail Bar, Albatros, Stop Bar, Coupage, etc. (however, no disco/karaoke). The Festa Blanca, a magical white party by the sea, brings summer vibes, seaside beats, and an unbeatable sunset atmosphere to the Port de Sóller.  Local events include Es Firó (a perfect example of a Spanish festival in all its glory, the Battle of the Moors and Christians), San Pedro (celebrations for patron saint of fishermen St Peter), and Mare de Deu del Carmen,a celebration honouring the Virgin of Carmen. A key part of the fiesta is the maritime procession where a statue of Carmen is carried from a church service at the harbor to a waiting flotilla of boats. The fishing vessels accompany the Virgin's boat as it sails around the bay. This is a beautiful and moving spectacle, especially when the town's lights are dimmed, and the only illumination comes from the flares lit along the shoreline.

Festival de Música Clásica  is a big hit, drawing a steady stream of international artists, who play in the ethereal atmosphere of Santa Catalina monastery.

Explore the Michelin-recommended Restaurante S'Amfora known for its creative cuisine. It’s an event!

Beaches and Sea

• Port Andratx offers a mix of small, accessible bathing areas within the port itself and larger, sandy beaches with amenities like sunbeds and umbrellas in nearby resorts like Camp de Mar and Sant Elm. The port is a working harbour with swimmable pockets, but the real showstoppers are nearby coves. Cala Llamp’s clear calm waters, rock platforms and beach club are just moments away. The secluded coves like Cala d'Egos provide opportunities for swimming, diving, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. Camp de Mar mixes a sandy bay with a scenic “island” restaurant reached by walkway.

• Sóller: Port de Sóller has two main beaches, both situated within the natural harbor and offering calm, clear waters, making them ideal for families and water sports. The main beach, Platja des Traves, is a 800-m stretch of sand and fine pebbles, equipped with all amenities. The other beach, Platja d'en Repic, is known for its golden sand and clear water, making it suitable for swimming and water sports like kayaking and paddle surfing, according to Visiting Mallorca. It also has a promenade with restaurants and shops, and amenities like showers and umbrella rentals.  For drama, hike (amazing scenic views!) or take a boat (a relaxing 45 min journey) to Cala Deià, or troll the coastline toward Sa Calobra (hairpin turns, dramatic scenery, and the "Tie Knot" (Nudo de Corbata) 270-degree curve) - here the sea feels like a secret you earned!

Hiking, Cycling and Nature

• Port Andratx: The area is known for its beautiful scenery, including coastline, mountains, valleys, and forests. Coastal trails wrap headlands. Cyclists love the rolling roads and scenic routes along the coast. When it comes to mountain biking, the Tramuntana Mountains provide challenging terrain for experienced cyclists. Bike rentals: Bicycle rentals are available in Port d'Andratx and surrounding areas.  The golf course in Camp de Mar and deep-sea fishing charters add variety to the outdoor menu.
• Sóller: This is Tramuntana country — a fantastic destination for hiking, cycling, and enjoying nature. Think GR-221 stone paths, the Barranc de Biniaraix, and a lattice of routes that reward both casual wanderers and seasoned trekkers. Cyclists climb and descend mythic passes; painters set up easels where light gets soft and generous. The Coll de Sóller, a mountain pass, is a popular and challenging cycling route, though bikes are banned from the tunnel. Bike rentals are readily available in Sóller, making it easy to explore the area on two wheels. Speaking of nature, it’s worth mentioning the Sóller Botanical Garden, a great place to experience local flora, and Ecovinyassa, the orange groves ideal for a taste of the local produce and culture.

Gastronomy and Markets

• Port Andratx: The gastronomy “andritxola” is rich in products of the land and the sea. It is a Mediterranean, peasant and seafood cuisine. You can expect elevated seafood, global tasting menus, wine cellar lists with a sense of theatre. You’ll find refined dining that pairs well with linen jackets and sunset reservations. Visit markets in nearby areas for island produce. The Andratx Market held every Wednesday in the central part of the town, is one of the most important local markets in Mallorca.
• Sóller: Given its location and abundant fruit trade, you'll find that fresh Mediterranean cuisine is the most popular. Enjoy Sóller prawns, hand-picked vegetables and a variety of orange desserts - all of which have put Sóller on the foodie map. Farm-to-table - before it was a trend! Citrus, almonds, olives, and daily catch translate into rustic plates with finesse. Bakeries are a siren call; cafés serve as living rooms where time politely loosens its grip. Béns d’Avall, a Michelin star establishment, offers a tribute to Balearic cuisine with stunning coastal views. It has also been awarded a Michelin Green Star for its sustainable practices (in 2025, only three Mallorcan restaurants have been awarded the Michelin Green Star). The Soller market is one of the most traditional and popular markets on the island, held in the town every Saturday.

Wellness, Sports and Family Rhythm

• Port Andratx: Port Andratx is considered a safe and family-friendly location. While known for its luxury, it retains a charming, relaxed atmosphere that appeals to families. Wellness is curated: private trainers, spa rituals, pilates with views that lengthen your breath. International schools are reachable in the southwest corridor, making family logistics smooth. Golfers love coming to Andratx, and there is an obvious reason for that; the 18-hole Golf d’Andratx course, by far one of the most beautiful golf courses on the island situated in stunning settings with the Tramuntana rising in the background. There are plenty of water sports offers, and several sports centres with a wide range of facilities and services to meet the needs of all sports and leisure enthusiasts. Port Andratx offers a relaxed family rhythm with a blend of maritime activity and leisurely enjoyment, particularly during the day.
• Sóller:  The Soller area offers a relaxed family rhythm as well, with a focus on outdoor activities and enjoying the natural beauty of the valley and coast. Wellness is elemental: mountain air, sea swims, long walks. The community is multigenerational; kids go by bike to friends’ houses, and festivals weave families into the valley’s fabric. Families spend time exploring the town, hiking in the valley, watching spectacular sunsets (Cap Gros Lighthouse is a popular spot), or and relaxing on the beaches with options for water sports and boat trips. Several stables offer horseback riding lessons and tours. In both places, you will feel why they rank among the best places to live in Mallorca. If your inner compass is already pointing to a Port Andratx property, you likely crave polished convenience. If your heart lingers on Sóller homes for sale, you might be seeking beauty that unfolds quietly, and then never let’s go.

Accessibility and Connectivity

The island’s scale makes both enclaves highly liveable, but the routes differ in ways that matter.

• Airport access: Port Andratx is roughly 35–45 minutes from Palma de Mallorca Airport via the MA-1, a straightforward motorway glide. Sóller lies about 30–40 minutes away through the MA-11 and the Sóller Tunnel, a quick bore that replaces once-sinuous mountain drives.
• Public transport and “charm factor”: Sóller’s vintage train links Palma to the valley in around an hour, and the tram adds 15–20 minutes to reach the port —an experience as beloved by residents as by visitors. Port Andratx relies on road transfers and private drivers, which dovetails with its service-oriented lifestyle.
• Local mobility: In Port Andratx, golf carts and scooters make marina-to-villa living effortless; parking is a prize in the harbour core. In Sóller, many daily needs are walkable; e-bikes flatten hills, and the tram is part of the local rhythm.

If your plan is to move to Mallorca with frequent work trips in mind, both options are airport-easy — but Sóller offers a poetic alternative for Palma days. Conversely, if your calendar runs on restaurant openings and boat days, the motorway convenience that supports a Port Andratx property will feel like a superpower among the best places to live in Mallorca. When it comes to a car-free lifestyle, Sóller edges it with walkability, tram, and train; Port Andratx is still comfortable with drivers and scooters smoothing the gaps.

Property Market Deep Dive 2025

Choosing between these markets is partly an aesthetic question, and partly a portfolio decision. Understanding how each performs, and how each feel to live in, will clarify the path if you plan to move to Mallorca 2025 with confidence.

Port Andratx: Supply, Pricing and Product

• Typical pricing: Quality villas commonly trade in the €4–7 million range, with exceptional frontline or landmark estates reaching over €10–20 million. Apartments near the harbour command premiums for terraces, views, and parking.
• Price per square meter: Prime homes frequently achieve €10,000–€15,000/m², depending on view corridors, orientation, and architectural pedigree.
• Supply dynamics: Buildable land is scarce; strict coastal regulations and topography protect sightlines and cap density. This scarcity underpins long-term value for a Port Andratx property, especially in La Mola, Monport, and Cala Llamp areas.
• Design language: Demand is strong for glass-forward contemporary architecture with passive shading, stone accents, and indoor-outdoor living — wine rooms, spa and gyms, cinema lounges, and smart-home ecosystems are a Must.
• Rental profile: High-season weekly rates are formidable, supported by yacht traffic and proximity to Palma, though many owners prioritize privacy over yield.

Sóller: Character, Renovation and Value Creation

• Typical pricing: Renovated townhouses often start around €1.2–€2.0 million, while valley fincas with land, views, and guest casitas can reach over €3–5 million. Port de Sóller frontline apartments and duplexes add a premium for the beach-on-foot lifestyle.
• Price per square meter: Finished properties frequently land around €6,000–€8,500/m², with exceptional heritage or panoramic mountain-sea hybrids exceeding that range.
• Renovation potential: The valley is a canvas for thoughtful restoration — exposed beams, original tiles, limewashed stone, and contemporary kitchens that respect historic bones. Heritage guidelines are strict in the UNESCO area, but sensitive projects can unlock significant value for buyers exploring Sóller homes for sale.
• Lifestyle dividend: Gardens with citrus and old olive trees create everyday magic; pools are common on larger plots but not obligatory when the sea is minutes away.
• Rental profile: Year-round demand from hikers, cyclists, and slow-travel families supports steady occupancy beyond summer.
• The comparison is clear: a Port Andratx property optimizes for global prestige, privacy, and sunset drama; Sóller prioritizes authenticity, renovation upside, and a narrative of place. Both sit squarely among the best places to live in Mallorca for different psychologies of luxury.

Micro-Neighbourhoods

Zooming in on specific areas is useful if you’re refining your shortlist among the best places to live in Mallorca. 

Port Andratx and surrounds:

• La Mola: Think cliffside drama, spellbinding sunsets, and landmark villas. This elevated residential area provides breath-taking panoramic views of the Mediterranean, and boasts a secluded, exclusive ambiance.
• Cala Moragues: Attracting high-end buyers, one of the most sought-after areas offers a peaceful atmosphere, lush greenery, and stunning views of the Mediterranean and the island Sa Dragonera. Its properties are often built into the hillside, maximizing views and privacy.
• Calle Castanyetes: Known for its luxurious properties and stunning views, the exclusive residential area is characterized by a sophisticated ambiance, high-end villas, designer properties, and a high concentration of wealthy residents.
• Cala Llamp: Sea platforms, a stylish beach club, and blue-on-blue vistas. Tucked around the corner from Port Andratx, a tranquil bay with excellent infrastructure offers privacy, and proximity to premium amenities, and magnificent view of the Port and Sa Dragonera.
• Camp de Mar: Golf, sandy beach, services and various water sports available, shallow waters ideal for families with kids, a small islet accessible by a wooden walkway, which houses a restaurant with scenic views.
• Sa Dragonera and La Trapa: While not directly within the port, these destinations are easily accessible (boat, hiking trails), and offer stunning natural beauty and historical interest. Sa Dragonera is a natural park with hiking and birdwatching, while La Trapa is a valley transformed into a garden by Trappist monks.
• Mont Port: The picturesque countryside surrounding Port d'Andratx with hiking trails offering coastal views and glimpses of Sa Dragonera.
• The old fishing port located near the promenade retains its working port charm, where fresh fish can be purchased from fishermen. 
• The Lighthouse and Sailing Club: Landmarks connected by a promenade lined with shops and restaurants, offering beautiful sea views.

Sóller valley constellation:

• Town core: Narrow, winding streets, beautiful squares, historic buildings, townhouses with courtyards, walk-to-café living, and tram access to the bay. The most desirable residential areas include particularly the leafy avenues of Gran Via and Carrer de Sa Mar, and the area around Carrer de Sa Lluna.
• Estiradores and Alqueria del Conde: These neighbourhoods provide a more residential feel within the town.
• Port de Sóller: The port is a separate area, a coastal settlement known for its harbor, sandy beaches, restaurants, lighthouses, and apartments that put the promenade at your doorstep. A beautiful location with easy access to the sea!
• Fornalutx and Biniaraix: Storybook stone villages, hiking trailheads, and fincas that make it feel like a retreat. Ideal for a traditional Mallorcan experience!

Exploring these areas in person or via virtual tour helps the subtleties bloom, whether you’re weighing a Port Andratx property or sketching possibilities from Sóller homes for sale, as you map how to move to Mallorca. Homerun Brokers are here to help.

Buyer Profiles

Understanding who thrives where helps clarify your own fit — beyond budgets and façades.

• Port Andratx:
  • Profile: Yacht owners, global executives, founders between exits, athletes, and public figures.
  • Priorities: Privacy, turnkey architecture, service infrastructure, and sunset-facing terraces that host polished gatherings.
  • Vibe: International, curated, and quietly competitive — people who buy a Port Andratx property tend to be connoisseurs of time.
• Sóller:
  • Profile: Artists, designers, chefs, eco-minded families, remote professionals who rank peace over performance.
  • Priorities: Sense of community, heritage detail, garden space, and access to wild landscapes.
  • Vibe: Bohemian, grounded, and generous — buyers scanning Sóller homes for sale often seek a place that is beautiful without trying.

Both segments include investors and second-homers aiming to move to Mallorca; they simply weight the ingredients differently. It’s less about status and more about the soundtrack you want your days to play.

Buyer Profiles

Port Andratx: International executives, yacht owners, high-profile buyers prioritising privacy and exclusivity.

Sóller: Artists, eco-conscious families, and professionals valuing authenticity and nature.

Decision Guide

Use these lenses to decide where you would like to be for:

1. Your daily horizon: Marina and sunset theatre: Port Andratx.
2. Mountain-green mornings and citrus air: Sóller.
3. Your social metabolism: High-gloss, reservation-forward: Port Andratx.                                
4. Spontaneous, festival-forward: Sóller.
5. Architecture that moves you: Glass, stone, and contemporary minimalism: Port Andratx.         
6. Heritage respect, artisan detail, and natural textures: Sóller.
7. Movement and transport: Chauffeur ease, motorway logic: Port Andratx.                                
8. Walkability, tram romance, Palma by train: Sóller.
9. Value creation: Scarcity-premium, “blue-chip” stability: Port Andratx.         
10. Renovation upside, character-led appreciation: Sóller.

In a nutshell: If your dream day is boat-out by noon and cocktails by a flame-orange horizon, prioritize a Port Andratx property. If your ideal rhythm is market mornings, trail afternoons, and dinners under a trellis of stars, focus on Sóller homes. Both are undeniably among the best places to live in Mallorca in 2025; the question is which one makes you feel more like yourself as you move to Mallorca on your own terms.

Investment Outlook

The medium-term horizon favours both locales, albeit for different reasons.

• Port Andratx: Scarcity is structural — limited plots, demanding terrain, and vigilant planning. Stable demand is diversified (Europe, the US, the Middle East), and buyers accept a quality premium for view certainty, privacy, and marina adjacency. Expect design-forward refurbishments and energy-efficiency upgrades to command attention. Wellness amenities (saunas, cold plunges, gyms) are now baseline expectations in the upper tier. If you’re stewarding a Port Andratx property, value is preserved by meticulous maintenance, and the kind of turnkey readiness, which lets new owners’ step from car to champagne in one smooth arc.

• Sóller: The UNESCO context maintains charm while guiding growth, which underpins long-term desirability. Sensitive restorations that honour local methods — lime mortars, reclaimed stone, handcrafted carpentry — earn both neighbour goodwill and market interest. Gardens and water rights can be decisive; so, can orientation in winter, when sunlight is a season-long amenity. For buyers shortlisting Sóller homes for sale, expect continued demand from remote professionals, wellness travellers, and families seeking deep roots. Seasonal rentals benefit from shoulder seasons anchored by hiking and cycling.

Practical notes can be useful whether you’re comparing the best places to live Mallorca in a spreadsheet or a sketchbook:

• Permits and heritage:
  • Port Andratx: Coastal and height rules are strict; plan lead times and lean on local architects accustomed to cliff engineering.
  • Sóller: Heritage protections are exacting but navigable with the right team; approvals reward patience and authenticity.
• Moorings and boats:
  • Port Andratx: Club de Vela is coveted; plan early for berth logistics.
  • Port de Sóller: More modest fleet scale; excellent for family boats and day trips.
• Seasonality:
  • Port Andratx: High summer is electric; winters are tranquil yet well-serviced.
  • Sóller: Year-round hum thanks to resident community and outdoor enthusiasts; summers feel lively without losing the village soul.

Both paths remain compelling as you prepare to move to Mallorca in 2025. The island increasingly rewards buyers who lead with taste, patience, and a sense of place.

When your shortlist spans a Port Andratx property and Sóller homes for sale, remember you’re not choosing perfection — you’re choosing the flavour of your future among the best places to live in Mallorca, and how you’ll move to Mallorca in a way that feels deeply, distinctly yours.

Compare our latest listings in Port Andratx and Sóller. Schedule a virtual tour to discover which area fits you best.  Your Mediterranean story starts with the right setting — and the rest unfolds as beautifully as the island of Mallorca itself.