Soller is a pleasant town on the north-west coast of Mallorca. The town lies 3 km/1.9 miles inland from its port, Port de Soller, in the fertile laps of a valley. The bowl-shaped valley houses two other hamlets other than Soller, Fornalutx and Biniaraix. The lush valley covered with orange groves and ancient olive trees lies between the mountains and the sea.
This traditional Mallorcan town is embraced by the imposing Serra de Tramuntana, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is surrounded by dense woodland.
It is a great place to enjoy nature, walking, ecotourism, swimming or to simply get away from the bustle and crowd. The town is well connected with railway, tram and bus services.
A Little Bit of History
Archaeological remains and bronze statues stand proof that Soller has been inhabited since 5200 BC. As the town was located deep in the Tramuntana Mountains, it missed out on much of the Roman occupation.
Classic wood tram in Soller
However, pirates and sea-faring invaders were always a danger to its inhabitants. That is why the main town is situated a couple of miles inland from the sea.
The town suffered a lot from the constant attacks of the Moorish pirates in the sixteenth century. In one particular battle with the pirates in 1561, the Sollerics drove away 1600 pirates from both the inland town and its port.
Port of Soller
This victory is celebrated every year at the Moros y Cristianos Fira & Firo, when the people get dressed up as Moors or Christians and the battle is re-enacted on the beaches.
In the nineteenth century, Soller became a major exporter of olives and citrus fruits, and with the trade came wealth, and many manor houses and public buildings were built.
The Church of St. Bartholomew, Soller
Exports declined in 1865, when a deathly plague struck the orange groves. However, the fruit farms recovered gradually and saw a boost with the demand for oranges and lemons. Soller started trading with the rest of Mallorca, with the construction of the rail link in 1912.
The feast days of Saints Bartholomew (patron saint of the town), Pere, Joan and Antoni are celebrated with great pomp and show.
Other celebrations of note are: Sa Fira and Es Firo, Festes de l’Horta, Festes de Biniaraix and Sa Mostra International Folklore Festival.
The town itself is popular for Sobrasada, pork mixed with spices and paprika, and Hierbas, local liquor.
Where is Soller?
- 17.7 miles/ 28.5 km from Palma De Mallorca, Spain
- 176.4 miles/ 291 km from L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
- 115.6 miles/ 284 km form Barcelona, Spain
- 187.6 miles/ 302 km from Valencia, Spain
- 19.3 miles/ 31.2 km from Palma de Mallorca Airport, Spain
Things to See
- Sant Bartomeu Church
- Balearic Museum
- Placa Espana
- Casal de Cultura Museum
- Can Det Oil Press
- Deia Archeological Museum
- Walking Tour
- Hiking
Beaches
- Es Traves
- Platja den Repic
- Cala Deia
Excursions
- Boat Trips
- Fornalutx
During your visit to this interesting place, you’ll seem to do little but sit outside the cafes in the central square soaking up the atmosphere and the sun.
With the several tapas bars, pastry and ice cream shops, and freshly squeezed orange juice, there is little temptation to move on.
We wish you a fantastic Mediterranean cruise!