Soller is one of the better-known old towns in Mallorca. Set in “El valle de los naranjas” (The Valley of the Oranges) on the north west coast, the town is 3 kilometres from the Port de Soller and the villages of Fornalutx, Biniaraix and Binibassi are close-by. The population in this area is around 13,000.
Soller has a distinct character. In the past the town was cut off by the mountains from the rest of the island and journeys to Palma or other towns meant long walks or donkey rides over the winding mountain paths. There was much trade with the South of France with oranges and olives making up the main exports. The French influence on the local culture is still apparent to this day.
Today however Soller is linked by an historic railway, the Ferrocarril de Soller, as well as by the highway which runs through a toll tunnel through the mountains. So Palma is an easy 20 minute drive away. There is also a highway that runs along the Traumuntana from Andratx to Pollensa – this is a mountain road with stunning views and well worth driving along, albeit not the best option if you are in a hurry to get somewhere!
The centre of Soller, the Plaça Constitució, is a colorful location with many cafés. The tram passes through the Plaça on its way to the main station which also incorporates a museum of Picasso and Joan Miro. Other prominent buildings in the Plaça include the church of Sant Bartomeu, the town hall and the Banco de Soller. There are some grand mansions in Soller too demonstrating the wealth the town has enjoyed through its history.
Soller has an air of culture and sophistication to it. The town plays host to a week-long international folklore festival every July (see Aires Sollerics), and there are classical music and other cultural events throughout the year.
There is plenty on offer to holiday makers and people looking to move permanently to Mallorca. The Port of Soller is close-by with its beaches, excellent seafood restaurants, and its harbour offering a range of leisure boating opportunities. The surrounding mountains provide some of the most beautiful scenery on the island with wonderful walks and country drives.
In terms of property Soller itself offers a classic and characterful old town setting. There are traditional townhouses, renovated apartments and also new build apartments built in a traditional style. Outside of the town there are some very beautiful country houses. There are also “olivars” – old farm worker cottages, many of which have been restored and turned into comfortable and charming mountainside homes.
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