Soller, Spain
According to CachedHealth, Soller is a small resort town in Mallorca, famous for its orange groves and Art Nouveau architecture. In the 19th century, the city became rich on the export of these fruits, the proceeds built many luxurious mansions that have survived to this day, and oranges are still at a premium here: in Soller they make the best orange ice cream and other desserts in Spain.
Many tourists come here just to ride on an old train from Palma de Mallorca. However, the city itself is notable for the leisurely atmosphere of the Spanish province, as well as holidays and festivals that can be found here almost all year round.
How to get to Soller
The nearest airport to Soller is located in the capital of the island Palma de Mallorca, where Aeroflot direct flights from Sheremetyevo and Es Seven from Domodedovo operate from Moscow, and Ural Airlines join them in the season. The journey takes 4 hours 45 minutes, the cost of tickets is from 300 EUR round trip.
A taxi from Palma de Mallorca airport to Soller will cost 60-70 EUR.
From airport to city
Bus number 1 runs from the airport to the center of Palma de Mallorca, the final stop is Plaza de España, the journey takes 10-15 minutes, the fare is 3-5 EUR.
From sq. In Spain, an old train runs to Soller every day – Tren de Soller. This is not only transport, but also a local attraction: a train of the 20th century, with completely preserved interiors. From April to October, it goes 6 times a day (the first one at 10:10, the last one at 19:40), from November to May – 4 times a day (the first at 10:00, the last one at 18:00). On the way, an hour, the fare is 18 EUR one way and 25 EUR both. Also from sq. Spain (Estacio Intermodal station) buses of the Tib carrier run to Soller (off. site). On the way 35 minutes, ticket price 4-5 EUR.
Transportation
Soller is a small town, within the center it is convenient to move around on foot. A 20th century tram runs from the railway station to the port and back. It runs from 7:00 to 0:00, the interval is 30 minutes, after 20:00 – up to an hour, the fare is 7 EUR. A taxi ride around the city will cost 3-7 EUR.
Trams in Soller are called orange expresses. It was on them that in the 19th century they carried oranges to the port, which brought prosperity to the city.
Soller Hotels
Soller has a large selection of hotels, mostly “fours”. The most luxurious in the city is the Gran Soller 5 * hotel with its own spa, art gallery and one of the best Mediterranean restaurants in the city. Staying there will cost from 218 EUR per day for a double room.
Accommodation in a 4 * hotel will cost 150-200 EUR for a double room. There are few “three rubles” in the resort, and they are taken apart first, so you need to book several months in advance, the cost is 100-150 EUR for two per day. There are also few hostels, a bed in a room for four with a bathroom on the floor – from 40 EUR per day per person.
Beaches
The beaches of Soller are concentrated around the port, from the city to them 15 minutes by bus or tram. The coast is sandy and narrow, the best beaches are Es Traves and Playa d’en Repic in the northwestern part of the resort. They are the most beautiful and equipped with sun loungers, showers and other infrastructure. The only drawback is that it is very crowded, especially in the high season.
The sea is shallow, there are no strong waves, and in 2018 clean fine sea sand was brought here, and this place has become almost ideal for families with children.
What to try
Soller’s restaurants serve mainly Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine. Edalni are concentrated on the square. Constitution, adjacent streets and in the port. Dinner in a restaurant will cost 50-80 EUR for two, excluding drinks, prices are slightly higher in port establishments. You can have lunch in a cafe or a snack bar for 10-15 EUR per person, including drinks.
One of the resort’s most popular restaurants is Es Canyis in the port, with a terrace overlooking the sea. It is worth ordering fish, shrimp and tuna tartar there.
Soller is famous for its orange desserts. You should definitely try orange sorbet or ice cream in any establishment. Orange fresh is also cooked flawlessly here.
Attractions and attractions in Soller
Acquaintance with the city usually begins with Constitution Square – this is where the main attractions are located. The 13th-century church of San Bartomeu (Plaza Constitucio s/n) rises here, it was decorated in the Baroque style in the 17th century, and after another 300 years, Antonio Gaudí’s student Joan Rubio Belver built an extravagant modernist facade. Next to the church is the 19th century Soller Bank building (Plaza Constitucio, 21), also designed by Joan Rubio Belver. The structure is distinguished by textured walls made of white stone and carved wrought iron bars on the windows.
A 5-minute walk from Constitution Square is Plaza España, with the Ferrocarril de Soller railway station (Pl. d’Espanya, 6), from where the Orange Express trams leave for the port.
The station building itself was built at the beginning of the 17th century for military purposes. A market opens here on weekends, where you can buy souvenirs and Spanish delicacies, as well as listen to street musicians.
Port de Soller is the city’s most popular promenade with a length of about 3 km, there are many restaurants and souvenir shops, and on the streets of Cristofor Colom and Gran Via in the city center you can see Art Nouveau mansions and estates built during the heyday of Soller, at the beginning of the 20th century.
Museums
Museum of Natural History (off. site in English) – one of the most popular in the city, it is located in the Botanical Garden (off. site in English). There is a collection of fossils, rare plants and animals from the Balearic and Canary Islands.
The Museum of Historical and Cultural Values (Carrer de sa Mar, 13) occupies an 18th-century mansion; here you can see antique furniture, utensils, tools and other historical artifacts found in these parts.
Gallery Can Prunera (off. site in English) is a collection of paintings by Spanish artists. Among others, works by Picasso, Matisse and other famous masters are exhibited here.
Leisure
Soller has hiking, cycling and motorcycle trails, many of which pass through the Sierra de Tramontana. The trails are marked, there are signs everywhere, but unprepared tourists should take a guide with them – there are many private properties in this area that you need to go around.
Weather
The climate in Soller is Mediterranean, with moderately hot summers and mild and occasionally rainy winters. In the mountains all year round it is a little cooler than on the coast, it even snows every few years. The beach season lasts from May to October, but sometimes the water remains warm until November.
