Soller is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the island that offers a different, more tranquil experience than the popular beaches that are normally super busy, especially during high season.
It is a picturesque town located on the northwest coast of Mallorca, surrounded by nature and with a super relaxing vibe.
About Soller
Sóller is a town and municipality near the northwest coast of Mallorca, 3 km inland from Port de Sóller, in a large, bowl-shaped valley that also includes the village of Fornalutx and the hamlets of Biniaraix and Binibassi.
The population is around 14,000. The Tranvía de Sóller tram links Sóller to Port de Sóller
The present-day economy is based mainly on tourism and the expenditure of foreign residents, complementary to the agricultural economy based around citrus and olive groves. Soller is unique compared to towns on the rest of the island due to its geographical isolation, being surrounded by the Serra de Tramuntana. This isolation from all other major towns on the island made it easier to trade with French merchants arriving by sea.
Getting to Soller
Sóller is linked by the historic railway, the Ferrocarril de Sóller, and by a highway with a tunnel, to the Majorcan capital of Palma. The Ferrocaril was built on the profits from the orange and lemon trade and completed in 1911.
The Andratx-Pollença highway also runs through the valley. It takes around 35 minutes by car.
Tickets are available online on the official website and can also be purchased together with the tram linking Sóller to Port de Sóller.
Things to do in Soller
Discover Soller’s Old Town
Soller’s old town is a charming maze of narrow cobblestone streets, lined with colourful buildings adorned with wrought-iron balconies and flowers.
It’s advisable to walk around and get lost in the town, you see most of it in less than an hour. You could finish at Plaça Constitució (Plaza de la Constitución), where you’ll find numerous cafes and restaurants where you can savour traditional Mallorcan and Spanish dishes.
The town’s architecture reflects its history, with influences from the Moors and the Catalans, creating a unique blend of styles. For instance, The Church of Saint Bartholomew, dating back to the 13th century, is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture and is a must-visit.
Visiting Port de Soller, Sa Calobra and Torrent de Pareis
This is one of the best tours to do in Mallorca. The journey comprises a trip to Torrent de Pareis, with some intermediate stops. But do not expect a paradisiac beach or town, this is more of an adventurous tour, taking a train, a tram and a boat.
The journey can be divided into 4 stages, plus one more if you start in Palma and not Soller. You don’t need to go through all of them. For instance, the fastest and simplest trip would be to drive to Port de Sóller, then take the boat to Sa Calobra, and finally walk to Torrent de Pareis.
Stage 1. Tram Sóller – Port de Sóller
The first stage is to take the picturesque tram from Sóller town to the Port. The journey has 12 stops and takes 15-20 minutes. Tickets can be purchased in advance online and also on the train.
The tram was inaugurated on 4th October 1913. The track is 4868 metres long, and one outstanding feature of it is the iron bridge over the Torrent Major which was constructed by Maquinista Terrestre y Marítima. The tram was originally designed for the transport of passengers, but it was also used to transport merchandise down to the port.
Trams numbered 1 to 3, and their trailers 5 and 6 are the originals, dating from 1912, ordered from Carde & Escoriaza in Zaragoza.
Stage 2. Boat Port de Sóller – Sa Calobra
The boat trip takes 1 hour each way and costs €32 per person with return, and €21 for a single ticket. Tickets can be purchased online with a 10% discount, at the train station in Sóller or at the main office at the port. Also in online travel agencies like GYG.
The boats have indoor and outdoor spaces. The latter is a terrace with seats, so you will need suncream. There is a coffee shop downstairs and the crew offers drinks on the terrace as well, such as sangria and beer.
Stage 3. Sa Calobra
Sa Calobra is the name of the small village, where you can get by sea or road. It is 38 kilometres away from Sóller, between El Morro de sa Vaca and El Morro de ses Fel·les, and below Puig Major, a 1,445-metre peak, the highest in Mallorca.
There is not much to do in the town, there are a couple of souvenir shops, a beach bar, a hotel, scattered parking spaces and a few restaurants.
And more importantly, there are plenty of signs around the village to get to the final destination, Torrent de Pareis…
Stage 4. Torrent de Pareis
Following the signs from Sa Calobra, you will walk 200 metres of tunnels on a beautiful footpath, finding stunning views of the turquoise waters from the hills. After 15-20 minutes you will finally reach Torrent de Pareis (“Twin Streams”).
The stream (canyon) begins several kilometres up in the mountains at the confluence of the torrents of Lluc and Gorg Blau. It terminates in a small pebble beach, a mixture of sand and gravel, which is 60 metres long by 25 metres wide. The area can get crowded in summer, with people having picnics, jumping to the water and exploring some of its cliffs.
The full hike along the canyon is of medium/high difficulty and takes approximately 3 to 5 hours downhill and 4 to 6 hours uphill. So it is for experienced and fit hikers. For more information about the hike, you can visit torrentdepareis.info or mallorcaoutdoors.com.
Hike in the Tramuntana Mountains
For those who enjoy outdoor activities, Soller is a gateway to the Tramuntana Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The region offers excellent hiking and biking opportunities, with trails that wind through terraced olive groves, fragrant citrus orchards, and dense oak forests.
There is an extensive network of hiking trails throughout the Tramuntana Mountains, catering to different preferences and abilities. Some of the most popular trails include the GR221, also known as the “Dry Stone Route”, which runs from Port d’Andratx to Pollença, and the hike to Puig de Massanella, the second-highest peak in Mallorca. Many of these trails are well-marked, but it’s advisable to obtain a detailed map or consider hiring a local guide if you’re unfamiliar with the area.
Bear in mind that the full hiking trail spans over 90 km, so you can choose some parts or do it in stages. This post by abcMallorca explains the trails in detail.
Explore Fornalutx
Fornalutx is a picturesque village tucked away in the Tramuntana Mountains on the northwest coast of the island, just 15 minutes away from Soller by car.
It is often referred to as the “prettiest village in Spain.” This title proves to be controversial, but Fornalutx boasts stunning natural scenery, traditional architecture, and a tranquil ambience that makes it a favourite destination for visitors seeking a peaceful retreat.
The village is situated in a valley surrounded by olive groves, citrus orchards, and terraced fields, all set against the backdrop of the Tramuntana Mountains. The lush, green landscape and the traditional stone houses with terracotta roofs create a postcard-perfect setting. The village’s historic centre is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets, stone houses, and charming squares adorned with colourful flowers.
Fornalutx is also an excellent starting point for hikers, as it is located at the entrance to several scenic trails in the Tramuntana Mountains. One of the most popular hikes is the route to Soller.
Visit Museums
Museums are not for everyone, especially on an island known for paradisiac beaches and very warm weather.
However; for those who care, Soller is also rich in cultural heritage. The town also houses several museums, including the Can Prunera Modernist Museum and the Soller Railway Museum, providing insights into the area’s history.
The Can Prunera Modernist Museum, also known simply as Can Prunera, is one of Soller’s cultural treasures and a must-visit attraction for art enthusiasts. It is located in the heart of Soller’s old town, within a beautifully preserved modernist mansion that dates back to the early 20th century.
The Soller Railway Museum, known as “Museu Ferroviari de Sóller” in Catalan, is a museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of the Ferrocarril de Soller, the historic railway that has connected Soller with Palma since the early 20th century.
Restaurants in Soller
We were craving to have some homemade pasta and found an amazing place called Ca’n Llimona. We had a traditional Argentinian dish called sorrentinos (see picture above) filled with ricotta and nuts, delicious!
But there are a few more restaurants worth trying, some of them are the following.
- Ca’n BoQueta. Set in a historic building in the heart of Soller and serves Mediterranean and Mallorcan cuisine.
- Casa Alvaro. A family-run restaurant that offers traditional Spanish cuisine.
- Restaurant Cafe Med. Situated in the centre of Soller, it’s a popular choice for casual dining and Mediterranean cuisine.
- Restaurant Luna 36. Offers a contemporary dining experience with an emphasis on local and seasonal ingredients.
- Restaurant Son Vida. Offers a blend of Mediterranean and international cuisine in a historic mansion in the heart of Soller.
- Agapanto. Located in the nearby Port de Soller, Agapanto is a seaside restaurant known for its fresh seafood and stunning sunset views.
Accommodation in Soller
There are several hotels and private accommodations in both Soller and its Port. Some of them are the following.
- The Salvia (adult only)
- Finca Ca’s Curial (adult only)
- Gran Hotel Soller
- Espléndido Hotel
- Aimia Hotel
And if you are looking for great value for money, you can check the following.
More Pictures
