10 Things to Do in Soller: Hike, Swim and Soak it Up!
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Among the many great areas to stay on the island of Mallorca, Soller is one of our favorites – which says a lot.
There’s so much you can do in Mallorca! And the town of Soller is a great base for experiencing a good deal of it.
On the northwest coast of Mallorca, it’s tucked away in the lush Soller Valley (the “Valley of the orange trees”) within the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It’s got an historic Old Town, loads of restaurants, great accommodation – from rural fincas (or farm estates) to stylish boutique hotels – and orange groves galore. And it’s a great starting point for some spectacular hikes.
A couple of miles out on the coast – connected by a vintage tram – there’s Port de Soller, a seaside resort town with long sandy beaches.
When planning your Mallorca itinerary, you’ll definitely want to include a visit to Soller.
Okay, let’s go discover the best things to do in Soller!
Contents: Visiting Soller
Best things to do in Soller, Mallorca
1) Explore Soller Old Town
Soller’s historic center is a delightful mix of colorful buildings, quaint shops and inviting ice cream parlors and restaurants.
Exploring its winding cobblestone streets is something you must do in Soller!
If you’re staying outside of Soller, this highly-rated Valley of Soller tour combines visiting the mountain villages of Valldemosa and Deia with Soller and Port de Soller (covered next in #2).
Plaza de la Constitucion
The town’s main square is the social hub of Soller.
Sit under a leafy tree and enjoy the people watching. Or linger over a cappuccino or fresh-squeezed orange juice at one of the many cafés lining the square.
Church of Sant Bartomeu
One of the most impressive Soller attractions is the Church of Sant Bartomeu (Church of Saint Bartholomew). It stands proudly on the main square.
While it dates back to the 13th century, the front facade was redesigned in the early 1900s by Joan Rubio. He was a student of the famous Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi.
The exterior is a masterpiece of Neo-Gothic design, using gray limestone from the Soller Valley.
Peek inside its grand interiors to see the stunning Baroque and Gothic altarpieces.
Bank of Soller
Next to the church is the old Banco de Soller, now a Santander bank. Admire the ornate decorative elements of its facade, also designed by Joan Rubio.
Can Prunera
As you stroll through the Old Town, you’ll come across several striking modernist buildings.
Can Prunera is one of them. An early 20th-century art nouveau mansion, it’s now a Museum of Modernism and one of Mallorca’s standout galleries.
See modern art works by Picasso, Miro, Paul Klee and Gauguin, along with its original furnishings.
2) Take the tram to Port de Soller
All aboard! Ride the charming vintage Soller tram that goes to Port de Soller (also known as Puerto de Soller or Port Soller).
While Port de Soller is barely more than a couple of miles away, the ride takes from 15 to 25 minutes, depending on how busy it is.
Officially, the tram goes every hour. But in high season, there are many trams running, so one comes about every 15 minutes or so.
Historically, the tram started up in 1913.
Along with ferrying people back and forth between the two towns, the tram was used to transport boxes of fish from the docks to the market in Soller and oranges from the valley to the port.
Today, it’s mostly a Soller tourist attraction – and one that visitors love!
3) Soak up the sun on the beach in Port de Soller
Once a small fishing village, the port of Soller today is all about fun in the sun.
With long sandy beaches, it’s no surprise that one of the best things to do in Port de Soller is to hit the beach.
The main beach is near the yacht-filled harbor, so it’s busy in the high season.
It’s more than convenience that draws in the crowds, though. With a long stretch of fine light sand and calm water, it’s a great place for all beach lovers, especially kids.
On the other hand, Platja d’en Repic, the other beach in town, is lined with tall palm trees. Its narrow stretch of sand has smooth pebbles leading into the Mediterranean Sea. But it’s a bit quieter.
You can’t go wrong with either. It just depends on your beach style. Both have a selection of restaurants, sun loungers, thatched palapas for shade and showers.
4) Hike to Cala Tuent
When searching “what to do in Soller,” all travel guides point out the area’s great hikes.
One of the best hikes in Mallorca (and our absolute fave) is the hike to Cala Tuent.
Pre-arrange a taxi from Soller – about 20 Euros ($22 USD) – to the Mirador de Ses Barques viewpoint.
After you snap a few pics there, follow the signposts to Cala Tuent. Somehow, we initially missed the sign, took the wrong path and had to retrace our steps after flagging down an old woman driving a car for directions.
Once on the right path, we gently descended through groves of olives and citrus fruits for about an hour. That was followed by a steep ascent up the Coll de Biniamar for another 40 minutes.
Thankfully, the last third of the hike along a narrow snaking path on top of coastal cliffs gave our burning buns a respite. It runs alongside a fabulous coastline, with turquoise water as far as your eyes can see.
It wasn’t long before we saw the pirate lookout of Mola de Tuent and its ancient watchtower in the distance.
And then, below that, the bright pebble beach of Cala Tuent beckoned – an absolute dream for our sore muscles after about 4½ hours of steady hiking on the 7½-mile trail.
However, there are no facilities at Cala Tuent. So carry a towel or sarong to covertly change from your sweaty hiker’s gear into your swimsuits.
After you’re sufficiently cooled by a dip in the translucent water, take the steep 10-minute hike up to Es Vergeret, a café restaurant overlooking the bay.
The sangria on the terrace made us forget we had to climb back down to catch the one-and-only boat at 5:00 pm, for the scenic 40-minute ride back to Port Soller.
The boat comes from Sa Calobra, and we oohed and aahed on the way to Port de Soller, as we passed the dramatic coastline’s soaring cliffs and sea caves.
Note: Be sure to check the boat departure time from Cala Tuent before you set off on your hike. Phone Barcos Azules the day before to ensure the boat is running (and not canceled due to weather).
5) Enjoy a boat trip to Sa Calobra
If all that sounds like too much work, relax on a boat excursion from Port de Soller to Sa Calobra. You’ll marvel at the same coastal scenery on the boat ride there and back as you do on the Cala Tuent to Port de Soller boat ride covered above.
The boat trip to Sa Calobra is about an hour long.
You’ll be dropped off at a small turquoise cove. Swim at Sa Calobra Beach, eat at one of the restaurants and hike a bit through the spectacular Torrent de Pareis canyon gorge.
Alternatively, there’s this top-notch all-day vintage train and boat ride sightseeing tour.
It includes being driven along the wickedly sinuous road to Sa Calobra (where you can walk through a mountain tunnel to the Torrent de Pareis!), a boat ride from Sa Calobra to Port de Soller and the tram ride from Port de Soller to Soller.
It concludes with riding the historic train to Palma de Mallorca (covered next).
6) Ride the vintage train to Palma de Mallorca
An old wooden train rumbles between Palma de Mallorca and Soller.
It’s a fun way to get to Soller from Palma. Or, if you’re staying in Soller, riding the Soller train to Palma makes for a great day trip to the capital.
The historic narrow-gauge railway opened in 1912. And the hour-long scenic journey is a trip back in time – the interiors of the train carriages are made of lacquered wood, with gilded sconces and sash windows.
From Soller, you’ll travel through the pine-clad Tramuntana mountains, rattling through 13 tunnels. (The longest tunnel is almost 1,000 feet!)
7) Hike to Fornalutx and Biniaraix
Want to see the village that’s said to be the prettiest in all of Mallorca? Then hike to Fornalutx.
The Fornalutx hike is more popular than the one to Cala Tuent, probably because it’s shorter and easier.
From Soller, you can hike to Fornalutx then turn around and head back – a nice morning jaunt. (Tip: Have breakfast in Fornaltux.)
Or you can do a loop that includes Biniaraix, like we did.
Now, if anyone tells you the loop should only take about three hours, nod politely but don’t believe them. It’s a 5½-mile loop that took us every bit of 4½ hours.
First things first, learn from our mistake. The best time to go is first thing in the morning. We started mid-day and the sun was searing.
You’ll start the gentle climb up rough cobblestone steps.
As you rise above Soller, you’ll pass through citrus groves – the lemons and oranges hanging heavy on the thick, leafy green branches. The craggy grey and rust-brown Tramuntana mountains towered ahead, with a cloudless Robin’s egg sky above.
After an hour, we entered the authentic mountain village of Fornalutx.
Following the directions of a local, we ambled along cobblestone streets to the tiny main square.
There, we squeezed ourselves into an outdoor café (packed with walkers) for a fresh-squeezed OJ (for George) and fruit smoothie (for Janice).
Next up, we followed a stone path winding skyward through pine and olive trees.
At the top, after a photo opp of Fornalutx below, we took a sharp right onto a snaking asphalt road back down to Biniaraix, another charming little village.
Like an oasis in the desert, our wobbly legs led us directly to a shady café where we ordered nachos (they were delicious!), another refreshing OJ and a chocolate milkshake.
(That milkshake, by the way, was nothing like a milkshake and more like hot chocolate, but it had lots of very welcome sugar!)
The sustenance was much needed – we still had to hike back to Soller. Thankfully, that was along the flat road because our legs couldn’t take much more.
8) Taste Soller’s oranges
Visiting Soller and missing out on its legendary oranges? Unthinkable!
You can sip fresh orange juice, savor orange-infused ice cream, spread tangy orange jam on your toast or sample Angel d’Or, the local citrus liqueur.
Wander through Soller’s valleys and you’re surrounded by citrus orchards as far as the eye can see.
These sun-kissed fruits are Soller’s pride, tracing back centuries, even bringing prosperity through 19th-century exports to France.
For a slice of this zesty history, head to Ecovinyassa, an organic citrus farm just a stone’s throw from Soller, and immerse yourself in the world of oranges.
During a two-hour tour, you’ll get to stroll through the orange groves (and feed the chickens if you wish). Then you’ll be treated to their fresh OJ and a light lunch of bread with sliced tomatoes and olives, followed by toast with different types of orange marmalade and jam.
9) Hike to Son Mico and Port Soller
Did we mention we like hiking?
Here’s another equally fabulous but less popular trek than the ones to Cala Tuent (#4) and Fornalutx (#7).
Start at the Repsol gas station on the west side of Soller.
Cross the MA-11 road, then the Palm-Soller train tracks, and hike past pine trees, olive groves and a working farm. Then keep on climbing.
After about 2½ hours of unhurried hiking, you’ll mosey into the famous Son Mico Café, housed in an impressive palatial home.
It’s practically a mandatory stop for tea and a sweet. The homemade chocolate-pear-almond tart, fresh from the oven, is a little bite of paradise.
After the sugar high kicks in, get back on the road for another 1½ hours to Port de Soller. Don’t miss the friendly white and black mules at the farm on the way!
When you’re ready, hop on the tram to get back to Soller.
10) Shop at the Saturday market
If you’re in Soller on a Saturday morning, Saturday, check out the Farmer’s Market.
It spreads out from the main square into the surrounding narrow streets.
Local vendors flaunt a kaleidoscope of goods – from juicy fruits and fresh veggies to artisanal cheeses, olive oil, jewelry and handbags. Grab a few treats for a beach picnic or pick up unique souvenirs and handicrafts.
It’s a colorful lively scene from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, capturing the essence of local life.
Where to stay in Soller
Finca Ca’s Curial
We adored Finca Ca’s Curial, about a 15-minute walk past lemon and orange trees from the center of Soller.
It’s a family-owned farm estate and one of our favorite hotels in Mallorca in the countryside.
Accommodations are housed in several buildings, offering all the trappings of a modern hotel.
Our king room had a separate living room and garden terrace. We only needed a small kitchen, and we could have moved in.
Ca’s Curial offers an honesty bar, a large pool with Bali-style day beds and breakfasts under the shady trees in the garden.
Perfecto!
Bonus: It’s reasonably priced and good value too.
➡️ Ca’s Curial: Check rates and availability
Finca Can Coll
We’ve also stayed at Finca Can Coll (on our first visit to Soller and Mallorca).
This lovely country house is also just a short walk to the town’s center. It has eight rooms and suites, including three bungalows with private patios in the garden.
➡️ Finca Can Coll: Check rates and availability
Hotel L’Avenida
Set in a century-old mansion, this elegant boutique hotel is very close to the main square in Soller.
Rooms are modern and bright, with four-poster beds and wooden floors.
It also has an outdoor pool and gets top reviews as one of the best hotels in Soller.
➡️ Hotel L’Avenida: Check rates and availability
Where to eat in Soller
Son Mico Café
It’s not quite in Soller, but a must-stop while in the area.
The Son Mico Café is run by French sisters Ines and Isabelle Coll.
They’re famous for making the best homemade cakes and tarts in Mallorca. It could be the French butter they use….
The mountain views are equally divine.
Ca’n Boqueta
This restaurant (recommended by the MICHELIN Guide) is pricey, but worth it.
For dinner, Ca’n Boqueta offers several tasting menus (from 4 to 9 courses), which change regularly. The focus is on local Mallorcan food, with an innovative twist.
Café Bistro Scholl
With old-world décor, this elegant café is a great stop for coffee, homemade pastries and cakes. We enjoyed a light meal at Café Bistro Scholl one evening.
That wraps up our Soller travel guide!
Soller is a true gem in Mallorca.
Both times we’ve stayed in Soller, we were enchanted by its historic tram rides, vibrant Saturday market and quaint cafés. And let’s not forget the valley’s famous fresh orange juice – sweet bliss!
For nature lovers and hikers, especially, Soller is a great spot to spend a few days (at least!) in Mallorca.
More Mallorca travel information
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→ General trip planning: TripAdvisor is a helpful starting point, with loads of user reviews on hotels, restaurants and things to do.
→ Hotels: Booking.com is our go-to for scoring a “wow” hotel – or at least a decent one – often at lower rates than the hotel’s own website. (We especially like Booking.com’s flexible cancellation policy!) You can also find excellent discounted rates on Expedia, especially for hotels in the U.S. and Mexico.
→ Vacation homes, condos and rentals: We prefer and use Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner).
→ Flights: For the best flights, we search on Google Flights first. Expedia and Kayak are then perfect for snagging the cheapest tickets. (They’re often non-refundable, though, so for more flexibility, we book directly with the airline, even if it costs more.)
→ Airport lounge access: We love (and have) Priority Pass for comfy lounge seats, free snacks and drinks, complimentary WiFi and sometimes even showers and spa services!
→ Tours: For the best local food, walking and other guided tours, plus skip-the-line tickets to attractions, check out Viator (a TripAdvisor company) and GetYourGuide.
→ Car rental: Renting a car can be a great way to explore off the beaten path. Discover Cars searches car rental companies for the lowest rates.
→ Travel insurance: SafetyWing is designed for frequent travelers, long-term adventurers and digital nomads. It covers medical expenses, lost checked luggage, trip interruption and more. We also have and recommend Medjet for global air medical transportation.
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Hi! Thanks for such a great travel guide blog.
I’m looking at visiting Majorca this year and the North/West coast sounds like the place for me. I’d like to stay by the beach though, as well as be in a prime spot for all the available hikes in the region.
Could you stay in Port de Soller and still do most of the hikes you suggest here? Which is better to stay in – Port de Soller or Soller?
Thanks!
Hi Katie,
Glad you found this helpful!
Yes, you can certainly stay in Port de Soller and still do the hikes we cover in our article. You’d just need to take the tram from Port de Soller to Soller to access the start for some of the hikes.
As for your question – Soller vs. Port de Soller: Which is better? – that’s a tough one. They’re both lovely. It probably boils down to the beaches. If you’d like to spend lots of time on the beach, and some of the time hiking, stay in Port de Soller. If you’re going to do more hiking and will only spend some time on the beach, then pick Soller.
They also have different vibes.
Port de Soller has a beachy seaside resort town feel. Hotels and apartments are beachy in feel. Soller has an authentic Mallorcan “old town” feel, surrounded by mountains. The fincas, nestled in citrus groves, are unique. And you have more of these charming and highly-rated fincas and other boutique hotel options in Soller.
Hope this helps… And enjoy your Mallorca trip!