Sóller lies in a valley northeast of the Serra de Tramuntana. The surrounding mountains are part of this mountain range, which is designated a World Heritage Site. The town and its immediate surroundings bring together a range of interests: Modernist architecture, museums, railway heritage, hiking trails and cuisine featuring citrus fruits. This variety gives you several ways to assess Sóller as a destination for your stay.
Railway heritage and links to the port
Sóller’s former railway station has marked the arrival of the train from Palma since 1912. The Ferrocarril de Sóller was officially inaugurated on 16 April 1912. The wooden train runs from Palma station at Plaça d'Espanya to Sóller station. Along the route, it passes through tunnels, over bridges and by viewpoints, with forests lining the way. If you plan to include the train journey in your trip, check the timetable in advance, as schedules may change.
Another distinctive historic link is the electric tram between Sóller and Port de Sóller, which opened on 4 October 1913. Port de Sóller is about four kilometres from Sóller and is considered the largest natural harbour on Mallorca’s north coast. This gives you another nearby point of interest to include in your travel plans alongside the town in the valley; the distance is a guide, not an indication of journey time.
Modernist architecture and local history
Can Prunera is a Modernist house museum in Sóller. The house combines Art Nouveau architecture with the Serra collection of modern and contemporary art. The Church of Sant Bartomeu has a striking Modernist façade, added in the early 20th century. The Modernist Banco de Sóller was built in 1889. Along with the historic centre, which brings together three emblematic buildings in the heart of the town, these buildings offer different starting points for exploring Sóller’s architectural history.
Museums and collections
The Museo de Sóller is housed in a former manor house. Its ethnographic collection focuses on traditional life in the valley and includes old objects, furniture and historical documents. Those interested in the relationship between everyday life and local history will find a different focus here than at Can Prunera. Check current visitor arrangements separately.
The railway station also has a cultural side in addition to its railway operations: it hosts temporary exhibitions and a room dedicated to Miró and Picasso. The exhibition programme may change; check the current visitor arrangements before your visit. The Sóller Botanical Garden preserves native plant species from the Balearic Islands as well as plants from other island regions around the world. The Sóller Natural History Museum is located in a historic country estate on the outskirts of town and focuses on the geology, botany and fauna of the Serra de Tramuntana and other Mediterranean islands.
Hiking trails and landscapes
Sóller is a starting point for various hiking routes and trails. Before heading into the surrounding countryside, check the route conditions. An old dry-stone route to the Barranc de Biniaraix begins in the nearby village of Biniaraix; the ravine is designated an Asset of Cultural Interest. Here too, it is advisable to check conditions before setting out on a hike. This lets you base your decision to go on an excursion on the specific route and its current conditions, rather than assuming a particular walking time or level of difficulty.
Citrus fruits and cuisine
The valley’s citrus fruits also feature in sweet specialities, including almond gató with orange ice cream and an artisan aromatic citrus liqueur. Sóller prawns are considered one of the town’s great culinary specialities. They are grilled or served in seafood rice dishes; restaurant offerings vary, so it is worth checking current menus.
A fair at Plaça Constitució features local food. During the food days, several establishments offer special menus in which orange is the main ingredient. The event takes place seasonally in March or April, depending on Easter. If you would like to plan your trip around this culinary offering, check the event dates before making your plans. Alongside architecture, railways and landscapes, there are also specific food-related experiences to choose from, without limiting your stay to a single theme.
Discover more destinations: Biniaraix, Port de Sóller, Santa Margalida, Binissalem, Sa Pobla, Porto Cristo Novo, Fornalutx, Santa Ponsa.
For the main travel overview: Mallorca.
