 |
An island within MallorcaA huge orchard of oranges and olive groves |
Sóller is located in de NW of Mallorca, in a valley of the Sierra de Tramuntana which opens onto the sea. The climate, the scenery, the mountain air, and its urban amenities make Sóller a fascinating place which captivates thousands of visitors every year. Isolated by mountains, the valley of Sóller can only be reached by the winding country road over the top of the mountain, the “Coll de Sóller” ,by a tunnel if you are in a hurry,or by a memorable journey on the famous Palma-Sóller train. tr This electric train has been travelling the lovely countryside to the valley of oranges and olive groves for the last eighty years.
The export of oranges and lemons to the South of France from Sóller Port and the production of olive oil led to a flourishing commercial and cultural trade.The most apparent influences of this trade is reflected in the lovely manor houses and farms whose facades show an elegance which is unusual in buildings of this type in Mallorca.
Apart from its Port, Sóller also includes l’Horta de Sóller, Biniaraix and l’Alqueria del Comte, temporary homes or summer retreats of writers and artists attracted by the peace, the light and the way of life of this verdant valley.
Museums
-
Casal de Cultura. Calle Sa Mar. Open from 11h to 13h and from 17h to 20h. Closed Saturday, Sunday & public holidays.
-
Balearic Museum of Natural Sciences & Botanical Gardens. Camp de’n Prohom. Opening times workdays 10h.-18h. Sunday and Holidays 10h.-14h.
-
Sta. Catherine’s Oratory and Sea’s Museum built in the 13th century.
-
Parish Church of St Bartholomew. Open from Monday to Friday from 11h to 13:30h and from 16h to 18h, saturday from 9h to 13h.
-
Sóller Port. Just 2 kilometres from Sóller itself, it is the only port of any importance on the north westerly corner of Mallorca. Taking advantage of a natural bay, sheltered from the open sea, the Port has several attractive beaches and marinas which still preserve the atmosphere of a turn of the century seaside resort. Its wide range of hotels and hostels are in great demand by visitors throughout the year.
Worth seeing in the Port: - Sa Torre Picada, watchtower on the Costa de la Atalaya which vas built to varn the inhabitants of Saracen attacks.
- L’Oratori de Sant Ramon de Penyafort de estílo neoclásico, se construyó a mediados del siglo XVII. Es ahora una sala de exposiciones
- Sa Figuera, od farmstead in the mountains.
-
Biniaraix. Small village on the outskirts of Sóller – a village from a fairy – tale vith the loveliest houses and gardens and streets paved with stone steps. St. Mary’s Church dates from 1634.
Excursions
The valley of Sóller enjoys a gentle climate, typically Mediterranean, with a damp yet balmy winter, a warm, dry summer and very pleasant springs and autumn. The average temperature throughout the year is 17ºC With a maximum of 35ºC in summer and a minimum of 7ºC in winter.
Sóller is a nature love’s dream come true and the perfect setting for rambling, hiking and climbing with plenty of choices for all ages and skills. Some tempting suggestions – Sa Torre Picada, Sa Capelleta, Es Mirador de Ses Barques, Binibassí and Fornalutx, Biniaraix and Fornalutx via Es Marroig, Es barranc and l’Ofre, Ses Tres Creus, from Sóller to Deia by the Camí de Castelló, Muleta and the Lighthouse, Cala tuent and Sa Costera, Coll de Sóller – Es teix – Valldemosa (the Archiduke’s road), Lluc via el Barranc de Biniaraix, Camí de Sa Figuera which runs from the Port to Sóller, etc.
Some of the loveliest views of the town and the mountain rage can only be seen from the sea. From spring to autumn, and occasionally in winter, there are many cruises from Sóller Port. To La Calobra and Cala San Vicente or on to Deia, La Foradada and even down to San Telmo, at the most westerly point of the Sierra de Tramuntana. The shipping companies that organise these trips are: Tramontana. Tel. 971 63 31 09 y Barcos Azules. Tel. 971 63 01 70.