10 Best Things to Do in Soller and Surroundings (Mallorca)

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!

Best things to do in Soller, Mallorca

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.

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

One of the most popular things to do in Soller is to hop on the 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 a fun one!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 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

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.

Where to eat in Soller

Son Mico Café

It’s not quite in Soller, but a must-stop while in the area.

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.

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Photo credits: 5, 7 to 10, 13 to 19, 22 to 25, 27 to 30, 32 to 34 © Janice and George Mucalov, SandInMySuitcase

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