The fishermen's quarter of Port de Sóller: Santa Catalina

The Port of Sóller, located a few kilometres from the centre of the Valley of Sóller, is the largest natural port on the entire north coast of Mallorca, a unique and special port due to its geographical characteristics, which throughout history has sheltered all kinds of traders, sailors and fishermen. A port that during the 18th century reached its maximum economic and commercial splendour thanks to the export of local products such as citrus fruits from the Sóller Valley. And it was precisely at this time that the local fishermen and maritime merchants began to build the fishermen's quarter of Santa Catalina as we know it today. A picturesque seafaring quarter, with small stone houses and streets named after winds. The local fishermen used to keep their boats in the lighthouses. A magical place full of history that we invite you to discover during your stay in Puerto de Sóller. 

So, after breakfast at the Aimia Hotel, we will set off on foot in the direction of the Port of Sóller quay to begin our visit to the Santa Catalina district. To do so, we will head in the direction of Estanco del Puerto, where the fishermen's quarter begins. Once we arrive here, we will go up the main slope that leads to the hill of the Port. At this point we advise you to go up this "main" street of the fishermen's quarter and after about 30 metres, let yourself get lost in its narrow streets with steps. These streets are perfect for walking and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the fishermen's quarter. A place where you can contemplate the essence of the Mediterranean and discover the tradition and architecture of the place. 

We will walk up the steep streets of the neighbourhood until we reach the top of the hill of the Port of Sóller. Here you will find the Oratory of Santa Catalina, dating from the 13th century and rebuilt in 1550, and the Santa Catalina viewpoint, a fantastic and spectacular place to enjoy the marvellous views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Tramuntana mountain range while enjoying the sea breeze. We will also be able to see and take some photographs of the Sa Creu lighthouse, built in 1864. 

You will also have the chance to visit the Port of Sóller's Museum of the Sea, located in the old Oratory. A seafaring museum with different exhibits, stories, utensils, materials and tools for the construction of traditional boats, fishing elements and models that reflect the historical links that the Port of Sóller has had with maritime trade and fishing activity. A place full of history where you can see traditional and historical elements such as anchors, faluchos and original cannons. And all completely free of charge! 

After visiting the Museu de la Mar, we will continue our visit descending the hill of the Santa Catalina neighbourhood in the direction of the Port along the asphalted road until we come to a small turning on the right. We will take this detour to go down to our next stop, where we will visit our next point of interest: 

The Oratory of Sant Ramon de Penyafort, built in the 13th century. This oratory has now been restored and is used as the headquarters of the Gent Gran del Port de Sóller, a cultural place where the elderly people of the port carry out different leisure and cultural activities. After discovering and feeling the magic of this historic and picturesque place, we recommend you to have a drink in one of the traditional bars in the neighbourhood before going for lunch. We recommend you visit one called Bar la Payesa, one of the oldest and most picturesque bars in the area, a place where local fishermen still go to this day. After this break, we recommend you to enjoy the local gastronomy with a Mediterranean meal made with fresh and seasonal products in the Airecel Restaurant, located in the Aimia Hotel. 
After the lunch break, we will head back to the fishermen's quarter of Santa Catalina, but this time taking a walk next to the moorings. A very pleasant walk that will allow us to observe different types of boats such as sailing boats, yachts, Minorcan llaüts or traditional fishing boats. So we will walk along the quay until we reach the end of the port, where we will find the moorings of the largest fishing boats in the area: the trawlers of the Port of Sóller, known as "ses barques de bou" (trawling boats). There are currently two in operation, and you can see them arrive at the port and unload the fresh fish and seafood caught every day at 5 p.m., except for Sundays and Mondays. 

Finally, after having seen the arrival of the "ses barques de bou" and having learned about the fishing tradition and culture of the Port of Sóller and its fishing district of Santa Catalina, we will return to the centre of the Port of Sóller to enjoy a pleasant walk along the first line of the bay and contemplate the fantastic sunset. A walk that will allow you to enjoy the Mediterranean and the bay of Port de Sóller as well as to take panoramic photographs from different points of the Port and the fishermen's quarter of Santa Catalina and its picturesque houses before returning to the Aimia Hotel. 

One of the greatest luxuries of travelling is being able to discover magical and traditional places, full of history, tradition and gastronomy. Discovering the local people, their way of life, their customs, their gastronomy. Discovering picturesque and special places such as the Santa Catalina neighbourhood in the Port of Sóller. Magical places like this that, without a doubt, end up forming part of our memory album. 
If you are staying at the Aimia Hotel and have any questions or would like more information about this fantastic place in Puerto de Sóller, do not hesitate to ask our reception team! 

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