Sóller is a beautiful traditional town situated in the heart of the ‘valley of oranges’ in the northwest coast of Mallorca. It is a town rich in history, full of beautiful architecture. We will give you some tips and ideas on how you could spend a day or maybe even a weekend exploring, swimming and eating your way through some of the best Sóller has to offer.
Sóller lies 3km inland from its port, Puerto de Sóller, surrounded by mountains. The Modernist town is unique compared to the rest on the island due to its geographical isolation, being surrounded by the Tramuntana mountain range. In the 19th century, the area was isolated from all other major towns on the island, making it easier to trade with French merchants arriving by sea. Sóller became wealthy because of the valley’s rich citrus groves. The oranges were shipped to France from Port de Sóller. Many locals went to work in France and returned wealthy to the town to build some of the striking Modernism/Art Nouveau properties that beauty Sóller today. Sóller is notable for these houses built in the early twentieth century, particularly those on the Gran Via which reflect the fin de siècle French term meaning “end of century” Art Nouveau styles.
The town is made up of narrow streets lined with historic houses of the sixteenth to eighteenth centuries. The focus of the town is Plaça Constitució which is surrounded by cafés and has a fountain in its center. Here you can enjoy a fresh orange juice made with the famous Sóller oranges or coffee. The plaça and surrounding area comes alive on Saturdays when the local market takes place and shoppers and traders create a buzz. The town is a good shopping center if you are looking for typical local Mallorquin products and crafts. Make sure not to miss trying an ice cream from Fet a Sóller or even better visit their shop in Sóller.
Plaça Constitució also hosts the church of Sant Bartomeu, the dominated distinctive valley landmark. The original building dates from some time before 1236. In 1904 a renovation of the baroque 16th-century church (1688–1733) was made. The elements of its earlier Gothic interior were preserved and a beautiful modernist façade was added on. Other attractions around the plaça are the ajuntament (town hall) and my personal favorite Banco de Sóller. This is a remarkable 1912 Modernism/Art Nouveau building with typical details from the artcritical style such as defining ironwork. Behind it is the Catalan architect Joan Rubió i Bellver, a follower of Antoni Gaudí. The bank’s organization was founded in 1889 with the money of emigrants who returned wealthy to Sóller. This truly traditional village can also offer you to visit the restored Modernism/Art Nouveau building, Can Prunera, which houses a fine permanent collection of art (including Kandinksy, Picasso, Warhol, local artists Miquel Barceló and Francesca Martí). The Balearic Museum of Natural Sciences and the Jardí Botànic are on the outskirts of the town. With its 14,000 inhabitants, Sóller is the commercial and cultural center of the Tramuntana Sierra and the starting point of many itineraries following mountain and coastal paths.
Sóller is linked by the historic railway, the Ferrocarril de Sóller, and by a highway with a tunnel, to Palma. Getting to Sóller is easy; you can drive, take a taxi or get there by public transport from Plaza España. Or try one of the most famous attractions and get there the good old fashioned traditional way with the Ferrocarril de Sóller. The Ferrocarril as well was built on the profits from the orange and lemon trade and completed in 1911. It departs from Palma and takes about 1 hour. The journey is an experience in itself as it passes through some wonderfully scenic routes through the countryside and mountains.
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SÓLLER TIPS
Sóller Tennis Club is probably the club with the best views in Mallorca. This club strives to become more than a sports installation. They want to be a meeting point and a social center, where you can meet friends, enjoy sports, and have a good time! Sóller tennis club offers a picturesque opportunity, to have the luxury to practice your favorite sport in a privileged surrounding with unique views. You can choose between 4 paddle courts, 2 with glass walls, 2 with concrete walls. There are 4 tennis courts as well and a spectacular outdoor pool to enjoy during the hot summer days. The pool is open to everyone making it a great family affair!
This is not your average chiringuito (beach restaurant/bar), Patiki encourages us to see them as an extension of our homes, a beach house for us all. You can spend your day on the deck, on the beach, swimming in the Mediterranean, eating, drinking or just be still, the options are plenty. Farm to table right on the beach. Flavorful colorful delicious fresh food that is a celebration of the raw ingredients supplied by neighboring growers. The menu rolls with the seasons, changing every day as they use what they have and create with what is delivered to them.
Es Reco is a relaxed restaurant right on the beach. You can easily spend the entire day here starting with the morning coffee, relaxing while the Port of Sóller slowly wakes up, or a chilled beachfront lunch with the family while the kids play in the sea. Es Reco also offers a happy hour for cocktails before dinner that shouldn’t be missed! Dine while the sun slowly sets in the Mediterian, enjoying Spanish popular dishes such as tapas, grilled meats and fresh fish.
Sollermar invites you to try a slice of paradise by exploring the coastline by boat! This friendly local boat hire business is dedicated to show visitors the beauty of the northern coast of Mallorca and the Tramontana Mountain Range. They provide trips and excursions in picturesque environments. Swim in crystalline waters, enjoy the calas and larger beaches of the northern shore, eat in the beachside mountain restaurants, experience the caves, diving, snorkeling and relaxing, the options are endless. They can provide numerous activities and excursions tailored to exactly what you desire whether it is a birthday party or other event. Barbeque somewhere, hike and choose to be picked up to return via the sea, everything is possible. Sollermar ensures a high level of personal service to make your coastal adventure perfect. You also have the option of hiring a skipper or drive the boat yourself – you have a range of boats to choose from.
Randemar is situated in one of the most privileged areas of the Port de Sóller in an old Mallorcan home just in front of the sea. A dynamic husband/wife team is behind Randemar, where the combination of delicious Mediterranean dishes with stylish and modern décor is met. A mix that enhances the experience and captivates the visitor. The very talented interior designer Cristina Egurrola is the one behind the design.
Roof Top, Terraza Mar i Hotel Eden
Terraza Mar is situated in hotel Eden, and has one of the most spectacular balconies to the “Serra de Tramuntana”. The sunsets can’t get more marvelous than this! Besides the views the atmosphere is electric, how can’t it not be with the 360º views of Puerto de Sóller bay and the valley of Sóller. Relax to the vibrant chill-out music while enjoying exquisite cocktails watching the movements of seagulls, the small typical Mallorquin boats entering the port. If you are after an authentic delight for your senses with a lot of fury of the Mediterranean Sea, then this is the place for you.
Gran Hotel Sóller reminds me of the hotel from the movie “The Grand Budapest Hotel”. It has the same majestic turn of the century vibe to it! It’s pure architectural beauty. Gran Hotel Sóller originally built in 1880 the peak of the international architecture style known as Modernism or Art Nouveau. The Gran Hotel Sóller was built as a small residential palace. Pamper yourself and enjoy a stay in this elegant five-star hotel which has a full spa facility, roof terrace with pool and a meal at C’an Blau Restaurant that has a wine cellar, al fresco dining, and serves Mallorcan cuisine.
Massar Midgley Mahdi
Team Assistant @ BO Mallorca
