If you’ve only got a few days to discover Sóller, here are Sóller’s top sights: must-see museums, monuments and sights – in no particular order. Most can be done by walking. It was hard to pick ten – so here are eleven!
1. Train and tram
No visit to Soller is complete without a jaunt on the rickety wooden train from Palma to Soller, or vice versa. The historic electric train takes a route north from the capital across the plains, winding through the breathtaking mountain scenery and 13 tunnels of the Serra de Tramuntana, finally ending in the picturesque railway station of Sóller. Work began on the railway in 1911 on the profits of the orange and lemon trade, which at the time was booming. Try and get a seat in the first-class carriage – either the first or last one, depending on the direction you’re travelling. The price is the same these days as on the rest of the carriages. Speaking of price, the trip isn’t cheap: €12.50 oneway and €19.50 return.
If you’re going to Palma, check out our Top Ten Sights for a day out.
The tram (at €6), meanwhile, takes you from Soller down to the Port in 15 minutes. It’s worth one trip – after that you will find that, if there are two of you, a taxi costs less.
2. Cemetery
Now a trip to cemetery may not sound like a fun day out, but Soller’s cemetery is an Art Nouveau wonderland of spectacular tombs, robust mausoleums and winged angels, all set in a beautifully landscaped garden and with sweeping views over the Soller valley and beyond to the sea.
The first and second levels of the terraced cemetery are connected by a stairway which gives way to a plaza and, throughout, there are pine and cypress trees, making Sóller’s cemetery one of the lushest on the island. It’s a true city for the dead.
And the dead look back at you from almost every tomb, in faded black and white photographs. Most poignant are the pictures of children, lives cut short over a hundred years ago. Yet it’s not a sad place. The graves are well tended, fresh flowers are everywhere and candles are placed by the living at the foot of many of the tombs.
There’s potent symbolism – floral motifs, skulls, bats and incense burners. And there are touching epitaphs– in Catalan, Spanish, French, Latin and English, ranging from the oratorical–“Oh Christ, our only hope”– to the ordinary – “In memory of a most loving mother”.
Watch out for a wonderful marble set piece (1918) by Barcelonan sculptor Josep Llimona i Bruguera of the dead Christ, the mourning Magdalene, St John and a female figure symbolising grief.
To get there, just take Pau Noguera street going uphill behind the church
For more information and images, there’s an article, clicking here.
3. Botanic Gardens
With shaded paths, soaring palms, and prickly cacti, Sóller’s lush Botanic Gardens is a delight. But it is so much more than a pleasant day out. Thanks to the endeavours of a dedicated team of botanists and biologists, a seed bank is being developed which will ensure the survival of Mallorca’s native plants.
For more information and images, there’s an article, clicking here.
4. Walk to Deia
Soller to Deia: One of our favourite walks, this one takes in Sóller and charming little Deia and enjoys sea views most of the way. Finish up by heading down to the beautiful cove for a swim, food and drinks. Catch the bus back to Sóller. But in high season get there early as it can get full and leave you stranded. Timetable here.
5. Walk to Fornalutx.
You can’t miss the delightful walk to picture-perfect Fornalutx, which clings to the mountainside overlooking the lush Soller valley of orange groves. Takes you via the hamlet of Biniaraix.
6. Can Prunera
Townhouse Can Prunera, on Calle Luna, 90, is an Art Nouveau confection from 1911, restored to its former, gaudy glory. Quite spectacular, if a bit bereft of life. Also includes a creepy doll museum and an art collection with one or two worthy pieces.
7. Alfabia and Raixa Houses and Gardens
A short drive through the tunnel takes you, firstly to Alfabia (just at the toll booth). The exuberant gardens are drenched in water and steeped in history. Here, among the baroque fountains and shaded glades, you’ll find reminders of Mallorca’s Moorish past. Closed Sunday. A five-minute drive down the road towards Palma, where you’ll find the Italianate splendour of the Raixa estate, which also houses an interpretive centre for the whole Tramuntana region. From Tuesday to Saturday from 10 to 15, between march and October (generally!)
8. Explore an orange grove.
The orange grove “Sa Vinyassa”, with 18.000 m2, is a beautiful spot, under the impressive rocks of the Alfabia ridge, between Fornalutx and Biniaraix. Here you can enjoy a peaceful stroll and sample freshly squeezed organic orange juice and a snack. Admission is 10 euros. More information here.
9. A drink with a view
A little above the Port, perched on a high cliff with some of the best views on the island is the reasonably priced Bar Nautilus. It’s a sublime spot for sunsets and cocktails, though arguably not the best food in town. If driving from Sóller to the Port, take the tunnel and follow signs for the Jumeirah Hotel. Pass the hotel and park on the bend in the road.
10. Go sailing
Sóller’s enticing horseshoe bay harbours the only port on this rugged northwest coast so there are plenty of options for taking to the waves: from pedal boats with slides on the back and cute kayaks to sleek cruisers for ten. Click here for all the options.
11. Drive the coast road
If you only do one drive while in Sóller, this is the one you want. It takes in stunning sea and pine-clad mountain views, passes through the lovely jumble of honey-coloured houses that is Deiá, gives you the chance to visit two imposing cliff-top country estates, and offers a moment of contemplation at an isolated mountain monastery. Further along you can brave the tourist crowds in the undeniable postcard-perfect Valldemossa. Then it’s a across a sweeping plane and over a craggy ridge and down into the staggeringly gorgeous Banyalbufar.