The beautiful rural town of Soller, in the West of Mallorca, is becoming increasingly popular with holidaymakers looking for a place to enjoy traditional Spanish hospitality. Soller’s location by the mountains makes it a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts, and its heritage and history draw cultural travellers. While Soller’s accommodations vary in style, its hotels have become well known. Hotel style options include some luxury accommodation with a wellness spa and swimming pool, distinctive Mallorcan townhouses, and modern boutique style hotels.
From historical buildings to pirates to the citrus trade, Soller has some stories to tell. Travellers can learn about its history at the local museums, all within easy reach of Soller hotels. On the road to Palma, there’s the natural science museum, which sits amid beautiful botanic gardens. Originally founded by a group of naturalists, the museum exhibits a collection of Balearic artefacts. There’s also the Ca’n Prunera Museum of Modernism, whose architecture and art collections are worth a look. Its displays include furniture, paintings, and sculptures by local artists.
Soller comes to life during its festivals, when visitors can celebrate Mallorcan culture and history with the locals. The Es Firo festival in May, commemorating a 1561 battle between pirates and townspeople, comprises dances, traditional costumes, and reenactments. There’s also the midsummer Fiesta Sant Joan, which brings bonfires and dancing to the town.
One of Soller’s main attractions is its location and easy access to the surrounding lush mountain landscapes. Tramuntana Tours is one of several companies offering organised hikes and bike rides to help visitors discover more of West Mallorca. The company offers pick-ups from Soller hotels, convenient for guests wanting to explore the beautiful countryside or follow a coastal trail. Famous routes in the area include the Dry Stone Route, which runs from Andratx to Pollensa. Road cycling and mountain biking are also great ways to see the region around Soller, where the trails vary in difficulty – following an experienced guide is recommended on some routes, especially those that run through private land.
Visitors can enjoy a scenic tram ride from Soller down to its port and enjoy the beach and promenade, or book a visit to the nearby Ecovinyassa Citrus Farm. Soller also hosts a lively market each Saturday in the centre, a great place to find local produce, crafts, artisanal products, and souvenirs. Good transport links via bus and vintage train means connections to Palma in just under an hour, and a great option for a day trip. The scenery en-route is spectacular, and Palma’s attractions will entertain all ages. Palma Cathedral, Bellver Castle, and an aquarium are among the highlights.