Day trips from Soller

Times are approximate (approx.), by car and without traffic. In summer and at weekends they can grow considerably. Bus timetables change every season: check tib.org.

Biniaraix is a hamlet of steep lanes and stone steps about 2 km (approx.) from the centre of Soller, at the foot of the Biniaraix ravine. Fornalutx is about 4 km (approx.) away and is often named among Mallorca's prettiest villages: stone houses, stepped streets, geraniums and views of the Puig Major.

• Getting there: a few minutes by car or taxi. On foot from Soller there are paths between the orange groves; the Biniaraix ravine route is summarised in our hiking in Soller guide.
• What to see: the Fornalutx square, the church, the steep streets and the terrace cafes.
• Best season: spring and autumn. In summer go early, before the heat.
• Tip: park at the edge of the village and walk in; the streets are narrow.

Deia is about 10 km (approx.) from Soller on the Ma-10. It is a stone village above a valley that falls to the sea, long known as a haven for artists and writers.

• Robert Graves house: the English writer lived here; his home, Ca n'Alluny, is now a museum. Check opening hours and tickets before you go.
• Church and cemetery: a short climb on foot through the village; the views are worth it.
• Cala Deia: a small pebble cove at the end of a narrow road with very limited parking. You can also arrive by boat from Port de Soller (see boat trips).
• Tip: parking in the village is hard in summer; arrive early or take the bus.

Valldemossa lies beyond Deia, about 30-40 minutes (approx.) from Soller. The highlight is the Royal Charterhouse (Cartoixa), where Chopin and George Sand spent the winter of 1838-1839. The village has flower-lined lanes and shops and is also known for the coca de patata pastry.

• What to see: the Charterhouse, the church, the old town streets and, a little further on, Son Marroig and Miramar.
• Best time: early morning or late afternoon; coaches arrive around midday.
• Tip: combine Valldemossa with Deia on one route (see one-day loops).

Between Deia and Valldemossa the Ma-10 passes the Son Marroig estate (once the home of Archduke Ludwig Salvator of Austria, with a viewpoint and gardens) and the Miramar area. They are short visits with coastal views. Check opening hours and tickets before you go, as they change by season.

Further along the coast to the southwest, Banyalbufar and Estellencs are villages of farming terraces above the sea. Banyalbufar's terraces are of Moorish origin and were used for vines and vegetables. This is a long half-day trip: the road is slow and winding.

• Time from Soller: 45-60 minutes approx. to Banyalbufar.
• Tip: best if you already know Deia and Valldemossa and want to keep following the Ma-10 towards Andratx.

North of Soller the Ma-10 climbs into the heart of the Tramuntana. The Cuber and Gorg Blau reservoirs sit by the road in the municipality of Escorca and make good photo and rest stops. Nearby is the Puig Major, Mallorca's highest peak (1,445 m), which cannot be climbed because it has military installations.

• Mirador de Ses Barques: on the Ma-10 above Soller, with views over the Port. There is a small car park on a bend and a restaurant. Note that it is not a Puig Major viewpoint; it comes earlier, close to Soller.
• Tip: a good first stop on the way to Lluc. For trails in the area see hiking in Soller.

The Sanctuary of Lluc is Mallorca's religious heart, home to the image of the Moreneta and the boys' choir Els Blauets. The surrounding area, with trails, woodland and picnic spots, is a good summer choice because it is cooler than the coast. It is about 40-50 minutes (approx.) by car from Soller on the Ma-10, passing the reservoirs.

• What to see: the sanctuary, the museum and the gardens.
• With children: an easy outing with space to walk.
• Tip: check museum and service times before you go.

The Ma-2141 drops from the Ma-10 to Sa Calobra over roughly 12-14 km (approx.; sources give different figures) and is one of Mallorca's most famous roads. It has many tight hairpins and a loop of about 270 degrees, the nus de sa corbata ("tie knot"), where the road passes under itself. It is narrow, and buses and cyclists share it in summer.

• Driving: take it slowly, use low gears on the descent, and expect the Sa Calobra car park to fill early in high season.
• What to see: the tunnels leading to the mouth of the Torrent de Pareis and the gorge beach.
• Alternative: the boat from Port de Soller avoids the bends and the parking (see boat trips).

Cala Tuent is reached by a turn-off in the same area of the Ma-2141 and is quieter than Sa Calobra. For details on the cove, facilities and safety, see the beaches guide.

Palma is about 25 km (approx.) and 35 minutes (approx.) by car through the Soller tunnel, which is about 3 km long and has been free since 29 December 2017. The tunnel sometimes closes at night for maintenance; the alternative is the Coll de Soller road (Ma-11A).

• Train: the most special way to go, on a historic railway; see Soller train.
• Bus: TIB runs a Soller to Palma service; check tib.org.
• What to see: the cathedral, the old town, the Almudaina Palace and the seafront promenade.

• Valldemossa, Deia, Soller (the classic): leave Soller early on the Ma-10 towards Valldemossa and visit the Charterhouse in the morning. Have lunch in Deia, spend the afternoon at the Robert Graves house or Cala Deia, then return to Soller on the same road. Doing it in this order leaves Deia for the gentlest part of the day.
• Lluc and the reservoirs: Cuber and Gorg Blau, Lluc monastery, and back to the Mirador de Ses Barques at sunset.
• Sa Calobra: drive the Ma-2141 early, walk to the mouth of the gorge, lunch at the harbour and head back before the afternoon rush.
• Soller valley: Biniaraix in the morning, lunch in Fornalutx and the Port de Soller at sunset.
• Palma by train: no car needed; train out and bus back (or the other way round).

General advice: leave early, do the busiest places first and keep the viewpoints for the afternoon.

• TIB bus: links Soller and the Port with Deia, Valldemossa and Palma; for lines, timetables and bookings check tib.org. Tramuntana buses can be full in summer.
• Train and tram: train to Palma and tram to the Port.
• Boat: Sa Calobra, Cala Tuent, Sa Foradada and Cala Deia, in boat trips.
• Taxi: for trips the bus does not cover, see taxi and transport.
• On foot: Biniaraix and Fornalutx can be walked; see hiking.

• Leave early: the Ma-10 fills with coaches and cyclists by mid-morning in season.
• Expect bends and limited overtaking; do not trust map times in July and August.
• Fill up before you set off and carry water.
• Check the weather and any road closures first; see weather in Soller.
• Parking in Soller and the Port: parking in Soller. Getting to Soller: getting there.