The Mallorca Guide
 

Activities and Places to see in Mallorca

Walks, trips and excursions in Mallorca

Barranc-de-Biniaraix

Another great, though more difficult, walk around Soller is the ascent up Barranc-de-Biniaraix. Undoubtedly, this is one of the finest treks you can take along the old stone paths through the Serra de Tramuntana. This 17 kilometre walk starts at the old public washrooms in Biniaraix, a small village some two kilometres from Soller. The trail goes up the Barranc (river gorge) via the Coll de l’Ofre (around 900 metre high) until it reaches the Cuber reservoir. This is a difficult walk and should only be attempted by seasoned walkers who are up to the climbing required.

The trip will take between four and five hours in total. After the first hour you will reach the higher areas of the Barranc gorge with all its stunning scenery. The natural beauty of the mountainous terrain, together with the picturesque farms and clear mountain streams make this an unforgettable walk. If you want to do the Barranc-de-Biniaraix walk with a guide see www.tramuntanatours.com.

Trains from Palma to Soller and Soller Station

Train enthusiasts will love the quaint old train that runs the 28 kilometre trip between Palma and Soller. Built in 1912 to ferry citrus fruit to the ports in Palma, this delightful old narrow-gauged train travels through mountains and lush valleys to the charming town of Soller.

Once you arrive in Soller you will be amazed by the recently refurbished train station cum art museum. The station now exhibits works from both Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró. The Picasso room houses 50 ceramic pieces by the artist. These are the private collection of Pere A Serra, a native of Soller. In the Miró room there are several etchings by the artist, including tributes to Antoni Gaudí. A tapestry by Miró hangs above the station’s central staircase.

Walk from to Soller to Deía

The eight kilometre walk from Deía to Soller (along the Castelló and Rost paths) is a great day out. Easy enough for most walkers (though you do need to take care around areas which have been eroded by run off) the trail takes you through olive groves and pass pine trees down steep terrain and around to Soller. The views of the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea on this 2+ hour’s walk are breathtaking.

There are sign posts all along the paths from Deià to Soller, but here is a brief synopsis of the walk. Starting in Deià on the C-710 road (at kilometre stone 60,200 and 60,300) walk for about 10 minutes along the Castelló path in the direction of Llucalcari. The first few metres of this stretch go down some stone steps and across a housing estate. The stone path is found again on the left (look for the signs) and rises gently between some pine and olive trees. After the first couple of metres of your climb the views out towards Deía and the Llucalcari coast are wonderful. You may want to stop to take a breather and to enjoy the panoramic vista. Once you are ready, you should continue up the hill until you reach the collection of houses known as ‘Son Coll’. From here the route goes down hill for a few metres and continues passed the fork to the Font de Son Coll (also called Ses Mentides). Here you are re-united with the Castelló path and begin climbing once again. Continue over a tarmacked area. The path then climbs through some undulating hills covered with Spanish oaks until you get to the Can Prohom olive grove – the highest point on this excursion. The views of Soller from this high point are truly delightful. While you are catching your breath take a moment to look out for ‘Pi de l’Ensaimada’ in the dry stone wall. This threshing site is named after the ensaimada (a snail-wheel shaped Mallorcan bun).

You will now start your decent into Soller passed the Son Micó houses and the ruins of Castelló chapel. The Castelló path now joins with the Rost path and continues across several small properties with olive groves. Soon the stone path descends sharply and zig zags along until you cross one of the Soller railway’s tunnels. The stone path ends at the Pla d’en Bieleta. Shortly afterwards you come to the first house on the outskirts of Soller. The route finishes at the C-711 road, not far from the petrol station. From Soller you can catch a bus back to Deía. The departure times of the buses back to Deià can vary so it is best to check before you leave Deià. If you want to do this walk with a guide, checkout www.mallorcanwalkingtours.puertopollensa.com  or www.tramuntanatours.com.