Hiking from Sóller: Wanderlust

With its narrow streets and Modernisme buildings Sóller is one of the most beautiful towns on Mallorca. Situated amidst lush orange and lemon orchards against the backdrop of the Tramuntana it’s also most popular with hikers. Following winding trails into the mountains or stunning paths along the coast. From easy walks to exciting tours, here are nine recommendations for hiking from Sóller.

1. Sóller Garden Route

Lesser-known yet of stunning beauty is the Sóller garden route. A circular hike through a unique cultural landscape. Along terraced olive and citrus groves, past secluded villas and blooming yards. And with ever changing views of mountains and sea. Not quite as challenging as some of the Tramuntana climbs but just as rewarding.

2. Fornalutx

This Sóller valley hike takes you through the orchard of Mallorca. Passing small country houses and lush gardens with palm and citrus trees. Following narrow paths and ancient dry stone walls to the picture book village of Fornalutx. After a short ascent the road meanders back down to the small hamlet of Biniaraix. Welcoming you with delicious products made from the local citrus fruits.

3. Mirador de Ses Barques

The view over the bay of Port de Sóller from above is spectacular. And makes the long ascent more than worthwhile. Partly in serpentines, partly straight ahead the path leads up the mountain slope. Reaching the Mirador at 400 meters, you may treat yourself to a slice of gató on the large terrace of the café.

4. Torre Picada

The ancient watchtower is part of a network of observation posts that formed an early warning system around the entire island. Not far from Port de Sóller the climb takes barely half an hour. But once you arrive at the Torre Picada a rare panorama of the Tramuntana mountains unfolds. And to your feet the Mediterranean spreads out in all shades of blue.

5. Sa Muleta

The loop trail from Port de Sóller to the Refugi de Muleta and the lighthouse Far de Cap Gros is another popular hike. A mostly relaxed walk of little more than two hours that leads across ancient cultivated land, past centuries-old olive groves, with donkeys and quietly grazing sheep. Only to surprise you with unique vistas of the circular harbor bay and its surrounding high peaks.

6. Barranc de Biniaraix

The hike from high altitude Cúber down to Sóller is a spectacular descent through the Biniaraix canyon. Follow the trail along the water reservoir to the Coll d’Ofre. There, it branches off onto the old pilgrim’s path that leads all the way down to Sóller. The beautifully terraced slopes, the ancient olive orchards and the wild stream bed make it an unforgettable tour. Rather than hiking from Sóller we’d recommend to take the TIB bus 231 and start at the Cúber.

7. Cornador Gran

Looking up at the mountain ridge it is hard to imagine how you can ever climb Es Cornadors. The highest mountain top is a steep rocky triangle that seems rather unaccessible. Taking the pilgrims’ path through the Barranc de Biniaraix you finally take a right and follow the sign to the Cornador Gran. From the top, the panorama of the surrounding Tramuntana mountains is simply breathtaking.

8. Cala Tuent

Hiking from Sóller to Cala Tuent you get the rocky peaks of the Tramuntana to one side and the shimmering turquoise sea to the other. The path winds picturesquely through the unique Mediterranean landscape. Starting at the Mirador de Ses Barques the hike is fully signposted. Bring your swim suit for a bath before the boat takes you back to Port de Sóller.

9. Painters Path

You can do this easy hike either way. It offers some breathtaking vistas that inspired many local painters. If you start at Deià, you get the sun from behind and enjoy even more beautiful colors. Walk down to scenic Cala Deià and just follow the coastline to the tiny village of Llucalcari, one of the most enchanted places on the island. Now, the route continues via Béns d‘Avall to Sóller.