hike

Soller Valley

Grade: Easy
Distance: 4 miles (7 kilometres)
Ascent/Descent: 240 metres
Duration: approx. 2½ hours

The Soller Valley excursion is designed for those who are new to Soller and gives the walker an overview of the valley and its beautiful surroundings.

Starting from Soller, head up through the orange and lemon groves to the hamlet of Binibassí, whose houses date back to the 16th century. Binibassí affords stunning views across the valley to Biniaraix. From here, continue to ascend to the picturesque village of Fornalutx. On the way, the citrus trees make way for the terraces of olive trees, the main source of income for the valley in the 14th and 15th centuries. There were as many as 60 olive mills in the Soller area, now only 2 functioning olive oil presses remain.

In Fornalutx, stop for an orange juice and then continue on a trail that zigzags up into the mountains to the start of the Aleppo pine forest, which marks the arrival at the highest point of the excursion, around 300 metres above sea level. From this point, begin your descent, passing the ‘Sa Capelleta’ chapel, before returning to Soller.

Port Soller to Cala Deia

Grade: Easy
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Ascent: 200m, Descent 260m
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Return: 20 minutes by car

This excursion is a perfect introduction for those that are new to hiking in the valley and would like to learn some of its history and experience the surrounding landscape.

Starting in Port Soller, head along an ancient cobbled path that used to act as a trade and communication route. This path leads up the mountain, winding through private olive groves and affording spectacular views down onto the harbour below. From there, take a quiet road that leads onto an earth track and to the highest point of the tour at 220 metres, reaching the fabulous Son Mico estate.

Make a stop here for a freshly squeezed orange juice. Delicious homemade cakes are also on offer for those not counting the calories. After a 20 minute break, continue on the trail which traverses along the mountain, through a forest of holm oaks and pines, catching glimpses of the dramatic coastline below and the beautiful village of Llucalcari.

The path eventually descends to the cove of Cala Deia, which is a lovely swimming spot, so don’t forget your swim wear. There is a great beach cafe providing cold refreshments and light lunches, at reasonable prices. Alternatively, you can pack a picnic for the beach. Be collected by private vehicle from the beach and returned to Soller / Port Soller in the early afternoon.

Orient to Soller

Grade: Medium
Distance: 11 miles (18km)
Ascent / Descent: 450m/780m
Minimum: 4 people

A 50 minute drive by private transport takes you from Soller to Orient’s hidden and lush valley, boasting its own micro-climate. It is hard to imagine that Soller is only 3 miles away as the crow flies. Orient is renowned for producing some of the best apples and cherries on the island.

The walk starts from Orient village and passes through the private estate of Coma Sema, a beautifully maintained old finca surrounded by well-tended grounds.

Until the 1950s, Coma Sema, one of the largest farms in the area, used to employ more than 100 women as olive pickers during the winter months. The olives were hand-picked and taken by mule back to the farmhouse where they were loaded into the olive press.

From the farmstead, meander on forest tracks through holm oaks and aleppo pines before starting to ascend to the Coll des Bosque, situated at 800 metres. From here, make your way down through lime stone slabs and carex grass to the Torrent d’Almedra, which brings you out at the Cuber reservoir, an area rich in birdlife. Walk around the reservoir and meet up with the GR221 path that leads up to the Coll de L’Ofre (875m). From here it’s a spectacular descent via the pilgrim’s steps through the Barranc de Biniaraix and back to Soller.

Valldemossa, Archduke’s Trail

Grade: Medium
Distance: 8 miles (13 kilometres)
Ascent/Descent: 650 metres
Duration: approx. 4½-5 hours

This circular walk starts in Valldemossa, a beautifully preserved village, which is a 30 minute transfer by minivan from Soller and Port Soller. It rewards the walker with magnificent views over the western coastline and offers an insight into the life of one of the island’s famous residents, Archduke Ludwig Salvador.

Shortly after arriving in Valldemossa, enter the Muntanya del Voltor, a preserved woodland and join the Cami de ses Basses. Pass onto land which once formed part of the Son Marroig estate of the Archduke and is now public land and ascend a mountainside covered in holm oak trees with views over Valldemossa.

The path continues to the Mirador de ses Basses, from where you can see the village of Banyalbufar and then descends into the Cairats Valley. Here, see evidence of the people who once lived in the woods. There are the ruins of stone homes, a lime kiln and several charcoal hearths. The guide will explain the significance and the history surrounding them.

Near the top of the valley, pause at the cave of the hermit monk who lived there in the eighteenth century. There is the chance to explore inside the cave.

Shortly after, join the Archduke’s trail. The purpose-built stone path snakes around the ridgeline for nearly 2 kilometres. It towers high above the cliffs offering unrivalled views to Port Soller to the north and Sa Foradada and Banyalbufar to the south. Looking to the east, see part of the central island plain and Palma. The highest point reached on the path is the Puig es Caragoli at 945 metres.

At the end of the ridge the trail winds its way down through a rocky lunar landscape and into the holm oak forest of the neighbouring valley, descending on old mule tracks. By mid-afternoon, completethe return to Valldemossa where you will have time for refreshments before returning to Soller / Port Soller.