Port de Sóller Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchor in 5–10m on mud and sand in the SW sector of the inner harbour, away from the marina berths and ferry channel. The harbour entrance is narrow (100m wide) and the internal basin provides near-all-round shelter. The Tramuntana mountains behind Sóller reach 1,400m and provide complete protection from N/NE winds. In strong Llevant (E/NE), there can be some swell at the harbour entrance but the inner basin remains calm. Set the alarm at 100m to account for mud's lower initial drag resistance.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Port de Sóller is primarily mud and sand with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 4–12m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (84m chain at 12m depth).
2. Drop into the wind or current and pay out chain steadily as the boat drifts back — do not allow chain to pile on top of the anchor.
3. Set firmly in reverse. Apply moderate throttle astern for 30–60 seconds. The chain should tighten and the boat should stop moving back.
4. Take a GPS bearing. Note your position once set and compare to the scope calculator to confirm adequate chain for the depth.

Recommended anchor types for this bottom: SPADE, Rocna, CQR, Delta. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Port de Sóller are excellent — all-round protection means minimal boat movement in normal conditions.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 100m radius before going below for the night. 100m for mud bottom at 4–12m. Mud gives excellent holding once the anchor is buried but requires more time/distance to set initially — apply reverse throttle for at least 60 seconds before trusting the hold.

Usable year-round for refuge. Summer: comfortable in all conditions. Tramuntana conditions (Oct–Apr) make it the safest option on the NW coast.

Navigation Hazards

• Ferry (Denia–Sóller) uses harbour twice weekly — check schedule and keep channel clear
• Narrow harbour entrance — assign bow watch and radio harbour on Ch 09 before entry
• Mud bottom needs longer to set — allow full reverse engine to bury anchor

Rules & Regulations

• Anchoring fee: Free (anchoring). Marina berths available if preferred: approx €35–80/night depending on boat size.
• Key restrictions: Maintain 50m clearance from the ferry berth and marina dock. Speed limit 3kt in harbour. VHF Ch 09 for Port de Sóller harbourmaster.

For a full overview of Spanish anchoring rules, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Available
• Restaurant: Multiple restaurants on the waterfront. Tram to Sóller town (15 min, runs every 30 min) for additional provisioning.
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. This is the Balearics' best 'any weather' overnight anchorage — if a Tramuntana forecast puts other anchorages in doubt, make for Sóller.
2. The historic electric tram to Sóller town is a genuine experience — leave the dinghy at the quay and ride up.
3. Water and provisions available from the waterfront — one of the few anchorable places in the Balearics where reprovisioning is possible without leaving by car.
4. The harbour can be entered at night (well lit) making it a good destination when caught out by late afternoon Tramuntana.