Last month, I had the pleasure of spending a spring weekend in Mallorca, courtesy of Jet2holidays.
As someone who enjoys the process of researching, planning and booking every step of a trip, I haven’t booked many package holidays in my life. But for a weekend escape to the sunny island of Mallorca, why complicate things? I decided on one of Jet2’s Indulgent Escapes, and what a revelation it was! The whole experience was completely seamless and one of the most enjoyable weekend getaways I’ve had.
So this guide covers the Jet2holidays experience, as well as provides a guide to beautiful Sóller in Mallorca. The hotel we picked as part of our Indulgent Escape was the Jumeirah Mallorca, and so I’ve written a separate hotel review to this gorgeous property here.
Disclaimer: This was a gifted trip with Jet2holidays, however as always, my guide is entirely honest and based on my own experience.
The Jet2 Experience
What’s Included
We ended up booking an Indulgent Escape, which is Jet2’s luxury holidays offering.
This means that alongside all the normal inclusions of a package holiday – flights, transfers, and hotel, Jet2 throws in some extras which really elevates the experience.
Extra hold luggage was included (25kg!), as well as 2x £10 vouchers to spend on Duty Free in-flight, as well as complimentary drinks in both directions.
Booking
As soon as the booking email confirmation came through, I downloaded the app to have everything on my phone. Jet2 made everything super straightforward, with the flight bookings, hotel reservation and transfer voucher documents all saved there in one place.
At the airport
We arrived at lunchtime for our flights from London Stansted airport and headed straight through security. As we flew out with just hand luggage, we could go straight to the gate.
To our surprise, a film crew was filming an airport show right by our gate!
Fortunately, before I ended up with an unintentional role in the TV show, boarding started and we were amongst the first on board.
We were pleasantly surprised with the amount of legroom on board, as well as the stretchy rope barriers in the overhead luggage compartments. I’d never seen that before!
Jet2 really feels like a good vibes experience, from the upbeat music played during boarding to the airline personnel. The staff at the airport were all so friendly, as were the crew on board. I noticed that even the ground staff were wishing passengers to have a great holiday as we went up the stairs to the plane. I loved it and really had a Friday feeling!
After take off, the friendly crew invited us to select any drinks from the menu as part of our Indulgent Escapes package, and we settled in for the flight. And then when Duty Free was brought out on the trolley, I had the unexpected joy of perusing the in-flight magazine to spend my voucher.
It was a smooth and comfortable flight, and before we knew it, we were descending over the Tramuntana Mountains at sunset. A magical approach.
Arriving in Mallorca
After customs and heading into arrivals, there were numerous Jet2 staff dotted around and easily identifiable by their bright red jumpers. We were pointed in the direction of the transfer desk. Before we knew it, we were swiftly in our private transfer and being whisked over to our hotel. So wonderfully easy and efficient. No queuing for a hire car or seeking the correct exit for the airport bus, as we usually do!
Jet2holidays definitely prioritise excellent communication which was evident throughout. At the transfer desk, we were handed a guide to the island and a document with a customer service helpline on it, should we need it. Upon landing, the app also updated to have a link directly to a Whatsapp customer service helpline too. So handy, but not that we needed it!
Jet2 staff generally visit hotels throughout the week to check in with guests and ensure their trip is going smoothly. We received a text from our island contact called Sue, to note that she was at hand if we needed anything.
So there we go, the most easy and pleasant journey and experience to Mallorca. Thanks Jet2!
A Weekend Guide to Sóller, Mallorca
Jet2’s flights to Mallorca go on a Friday afternoon to Monday afternoon, which meant we had full weekend to enjoy Sóller. It was absolutely glorious to visit Mallorca in Spring. I’ve only been to Mallorca once before, which was in fact to Sóller, back in 2007 (!) when I was 15. It was a weekend of beach and partying, so it was very nice indeed to return as a fully fledged adult.
I had really enjoyable memories of the tram, and eating in the Port de Sóller. But it was an exciting thought to return to the island to make new memories and see how things have changed, or maybe haven’t!
Background of Sóller and Port de Sóller, Mallorca
Both places are located in north west Mallorca. Sóller is a beautiful, traditional mountain town which has become renowned for the abundant orange groves that fill its surrounding valley. The town really started to flourish in the 19th century when its fragrant oranges were shipped by locals to France. They returned with small fortunes and began to develop the town with its stunning architecture and town square.
Port de Sóller is a picturesque, small coastal village nearby with a large bay and a sheltered harbour. It’s backed by the imposing Tramuntana Mountains, and surrounded by citrus groves.
How to get to Sóller?
Sóller is just a 30-35 minute drive from the capital, Palma, and the international airport. The roads are clearly sign posted and straight forward to drive, but you can also take the historic wooden train from Palma to Sóller. In fact, this is a really popular excursion for those staying in Palma. The 28km railway journey users old narrow-gauge wooden trains dating back to the early 1900s. The route weaves its way across Mallorca’s beautiful countryside.
Whilst I didn’t take the train on this weekend break as Jet2 provided a private transfer, I did back on my trip in 2007 and really enjoyed the scenic views. You can find out more about the train here.
How to get around Sóller and to Port de Sóller?
Sóller is a small town, and it’s very easy to walk around on foot. However, one of the most charming and popular experiences is to take the tram down to the Port. This historic tram dates back to 1912 and weaves its way from the heart of Sóller, through orange and lemon groves, all the way the Port. Taking around 25 minutes, it’s an incredibly pleasant and enchanting ride.
Once in the Port, again, it is very easy to walk around. A large promenade backs the beach, and it takes around 30-40 minutes to walk its entire length.
If for any reason you don’t hop on the tram, then the drive between the two is about 10-12 minutes.
Should you stay in Sóller or Port de Sóller?
You could easily stay in either and have a delightful experience. My personal preference is to stay in the Port and nearer the beach, even for a springtime getaway.
On my last visit in July 2007 (still shudder writing the year out!), my friends and I stayed in a townhouse near the main square in Sóller. It was beautiful accommodation, and lovely to stay in a historical, charming home. But we had to factor in the time and cost to take the tram every day to the beach. And if we missed the timing, we ended up taking a taxi.
Sóller is absolutely charming, but you could probably explore the town in a half or full day. And so on this basis, I’d suggest the Port. Not only have you got the beach, but there are dozens more cafés, bars and restaurants. And if you’re feeling energetic, there are beautiful hikes in all directions, including to the lighthouse on the Cap Gros and a circular route thought ancient olive groves.
Where to stay in Port de Sóller?
Given we stayed at the Jumeirah Mallorca, I am absolutely going to recommend staying here for weekend break. It was an exquisite hotel, with one of the best hotel breakfasts I have ever encountered.
The hotel opens each year in mid-March so it’s perfect for a spring weekend getaway. And with three pools, all of which are heated, you can really enjoy a relaxing break here.
Jumeirah Mallorca is perched on the clifftop, just above the port on its eastern side. It commands quite incredible views in every direction. On one side of the hotel, the Tramuntana Mountain range stretches out majestically, and on the other, the bright blue sea crashes against the base of the cliffs. And then directly in front of the property, the stunning bay and marina of Port de Sóller makes a perfect arc. Jumeirah really offers just most mesmerising views.
We had a Premium Mountain view room and just check out this picture-perfect scene from the bedroom. Breathtakingly beautiful!
Our stay at the Jumeirah was on a Bed & Breakfast basis, so it gave us a great opportunity to explore the Port and the town, and sample some of the delicious local restaurants along the way.
I’ve written a detailed guide to the Jumeirah Mallorca here, but it’s worth noting that Jet2 offerings a great variety of hotels in Mallorca.
Best things to do in Sóller and Port de Sóller?
I’ve already touched on some of these in the article, but taking the tram between the two locations is a must-do on any trip to Mallorca.
Sóller
Whilst in Sóller, you can spend a fair few hours perusing all the charming shops for homemade produce, local gifts and chic clothes. There are no tacky tourist shops here!
I purchased a beautiful glass bottle of locally produced Mallorcan Olive Oil to take home.
Sóller has a magnificent church, the Sant Bartomeu, that dominates the main square, called the Plaza de la Constitución. This is the town’s beating heart, and at the centre of all the action. The square is lined with bars and cafes, all with plenty of outdoor seating for soaking up the sun and taking in the lively atmosphere. Directly adjacent is the impressive Santander Banco building.
A short walk from the square lies the Jardí Botànic, featuring dozens of Balearic flora and fauna. Also worth visiting is the Balearic Museum of Natural Sciences and the fine art collection at Can Prunera.
Our visit in late March blessed us with gorgeous sunny days, and temperatures of around 17°C. I was surprised how warm that felt, and tucked away from any breeze, I would have honestly thought it was in the mid-20s!
Port de Sóller
In Port de Sóller, the beach is the main order of the day in the summer months. In late March, it wasn’t quite warm enough for a sea swim. But it was perfect for a drink in the warm sunshine and watching the waves crashing. There is less shopping on offer in the Port, but in my opinion, more cafes and restaurants to pick from.
Another activity to do near Sóller and the Port is to join an excursion to visit a local Agroturismo. Here you can see how olive oil and orange juice are produced, and even try your hand at it yourself.
Running, hiking and especially cycling are also big draws to the area. There are dozens of famous competitions taking place in Mallorca, including the Half Ironman in May each year. The steep terrain brings hundreds of cyclists to Mallorca every week. And although it’s not my cup of tea, I can certainly see the appeal of cycling through such a majestic landscape.
Greg headed off each morning for a long (hilly) run, and came back with tales of baby goats, interesting locals going out by their daily routines and dozens of photos of stunning viewpoints.
Visiting Sóller and the Port is all about slowing down, sampling delicious local produce and enjoying strolls in the charming laneways of Sóller, and the beautiful beach in the Port. I couldn’t recommend it more!
A Guide to a Weekend in Sóller with Jet2holidays
Before we knew it, our weekend break was over. Three glorious days of eating, drinking and relaxing in the sun!
Our private transfer pick up time was communicated to us through the app. So after a long and leisurely breakfast, our driver was waiting at the entrance to take us back to the airport.
Back at Mallorca airport, Jet2 has its own check-in area on the far right of the terminal. There were plenty of staff on hand to assist with anything we might need. To our delight, there was no queue, so we dropped off our bags (now packed with bottles of olive oil!) and headed through security.
As with our flight out, boarding was prompt and we took off on time. Another smooth and comfortable flight, and we were back in London Stansted collecting our bags.
A weekend break in Mallorca is the ideal getaway, and especially in spring. The crowds are lower, the weather is perfect and it was so quick to get to Mallorca with Jet2.
I hope this guide has been useful for planning a trip to Sóller and Port de Sóller in Mallorca. Hopefully, you feel inspired to book a Jet2 Indulgent Escapes holiday. I couldn’t recommend it more!
For more information, feel free as always to reach out via email and I’ll get back to you as quickly as I can. For other warm weekend getaways, make sure to check my guides to Marbella in Spain, as well as a multi-island Canaries trip to Fuerteventura and Lanzarote.
Disclaimer: As a reminder, my trip to Mallorca was part of a press trip with Jet2holidays, however my guide to Sóller is entirely honest and based on my own experience.
