Cycling among olive trees in Mallorca

Day 1: Sóller

The route through the olive groves starts in Sóller, one of the most beautiful villages in Mallorca. To get to this beautiful town from Palma, you have several transport options. One of the most picturesque and recommended is the Sóller train, a historic railway dating back to 1912. This wooden train will take you through spectacular scenery, including tunnels and bridges offering breathtaking views of the Serra de Tramuntana. 

Once in Sóller, grab your bike and get ready to explore this charming little town in the Serra de Tramuntana, declared a World Heritage Site in 2011. Sóller is famous for its natural beauty, its orange and lemon groves, and its traditional Mallorcan architecture. Head from the train station towards Plaça Constitució, the heart of the town, where you can admire the church of Sant Bartomeu and the Town Hall.

Your first stop is the Church of Sant Bartomeu, built before 1236 and modified over the centuries. The remains of Romanesque doorways and windows and part of the 16th century walled fortification are visible around the building. This site will take you back in time as you see the mix of architectural styles that tell the story of the church.

Continue on to the Banco de Sóller, built in 1889 by the architect Joan Rubió with money brought back by emigrants. This Art Nouveau building has a double tribune, semicircular doorway and elaborate wrought ironwork on the windows. Take a moment to appreciate the details of this architectural jewel that symbolises the prosperity brought by returning emigrants.

Cycling through the narrow streets of Sóller, you will reach the Posada de Can Prohom. This was the residence of the great agricultural landowners of the Serra de Tramuntana and is an excellent example of 17th-century civil Baroque architecture. Its solid appearance and austere decoration gives you an authentic insight into the life of the rural elite of the time.

You can't leave Sóller without visiting one of the working olive oil mills that produce olive oil from the area's centuries-old olive trees. Schedule your visit, cycle among the olive trees and learn about the massive economic and social impact that this business had in the past and why it is worth continuing today.

Finally, if you have time, head towards the Port of Sóller, which is approximately three kilometres along a cycle path that follows the old tram line. Take in the sea views and the Mediterranean atmosphere before returning to the centre of Sóller. And of course, stop at one of the many cafés and restaurants to sample the local gastronomy, especially the orange ice cream, one of Sóller's main products.

Day 2: Puigpunyent

After enjoying Sóller, it's time to cycle to your next destination: Puigpunyent. This charming village is in the southwest area of the Serra de Tramuntana and will offer you a new perspective of the beauty of Mallorca. With approximately 2,000 inhabitants in the villages of Puigpunyent, Galilea and Son Serralta, this mountain municipality is a jewel worth discovering.

From Sóller, take the Ma-10 road through the Serra de Tramuntana. The route runs through spectacular scenery, with vineyards, orange, olive and almond trees covering the valleys of the municipality. As you approach Puigpunyent, you will notice how the landscape transforms and becomes even greener and lusher.

When you arrive in Puigpunyent, you will be greeted by some of Mallorca's most impressive landscapes. The valleys are filled with vineyards and ancient olive trees, an farming landscape that shows the historical importance of agriculture, wine and olive oil in this area. Traditional agriculture is still alive here, and you can see how the orange and almond trees add a touch of colour and fragrance to the atmosphere.

From the centre of Puigpunyent, you can explore the surrounding area along the many public paths that connect the mountains and valleys. These ancient bridle paths, some of which still have their original cobblestones, are an important heritage and ethnological asset. Get on your bike and follow one of these trails, enjoying the tranquillity and natural beauty that surrounds you.

If time allows, visit Galilea, one of the three towns in Puigpunyent. This small village is stands on a hill and offers spectacular panoramic views of the Serra de Tramuntana. The climb can be challenging, but the views from the top are worth the effort.

End the day among the olive trees by returning to the centre of Puigpunyent, thus completing a route that allows you to explore both the cultural richness and the exuberant nature of this mountain town.

Day 3: Alaró

The third day of our route through the villages of the Sóller Valley takes us to Alaró. This picturesque village has a fascinating history that dates to the 13th century, after the conquest of Mallorca. Evidence of this is Alaró Castle, a bastion of resistance during the Catalan occupation of the Kingdom of Mallorca.

From Puigpunyent, take the Ma-1041 road towards Alaró. As you cycle, you will notice how the landscape changes, offering a mix of mountains and valleys to entertain you on your way. Alaró will treat you to breathtaking views and a welcoming atmosphere.

Park your bike and get ready for one of the most traditional excursions in the area: the ascent to Alaró Castle. You can get there on foot from the village itself, following a path that takes you through beautiful scenery to the ruins of the castle. This castle is not only a symbol of historical resistance, but also a spectacular viewpoint offering panoramic views of the island.

In addition to the castle, Alaró invites hikers to explore the route to Orient, a picturesque valley that belongs to Bunyola. This route will take you through lush forests and idyllic landscapes, ideal for enjoying nature.

An interesting fact about Alaró is that it was the first municipality in Mallorca to have electricity. The power station was inaugurated on 15 August 1901, thanks to the efforts of the brothers Gaspar and Josep Perelló Po. We recommend you visit this monument dedicated to this small step towards modernity in Mallorca. 

To end your route, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the centre of Alaró and enjoy the local gastronomy.  

Day 4: Fornalutx

To conclude your sustainable route through the Sóller Valley, head for Fornalutx, a picturesque village in the heart of the Tramuntana mountain range. This magical place is located in a deep valley that starts at Puig Major and heads towards Sóller and holds some of the most impressive landscapes of Mallorca. Fornalutx is also perfect for hiking or cycling, due to its proximity to the GR-221 path, the Ruta de la Pedra en Sec, which crosses the Mallorcan mountain range from east to west. 

From Alaró, take the Ma-2020 road towards Sóller and then follow the signs to Fornalutx. This route features a mix of challenging ascents and exciting descents, with panoramic views to accompany you along the way.

When you arrive in Fornalutx, leave your bicycle and stroll through its narrow cobbled streets. Admire the traditional architecture and enjoy the peaceful and friendly atmosphere of the village. This is one of the most authentic, well-kept and beautiful mountain villages in Mallorca. In fact, it has received several awards for its conservation and been recognised as one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. 

Its origins date back to the time of the Christian conquest of Mallorca. Its Moorish past is evident from the layout of its streets, which wind between stone houses with red-tiled roofs and balconies adorned with flowers. Don't miss the church of Fornalutx, built in the 13th century, and the main square, where you can sit down for a drink on one of its pretty terraces and enjoy the charm and tranquillity.

If you have time, take a short walk to the Ses Barques viewpoint, which offers a panoramic view of the valley of Sóller and the port. It is the perfect place to soak up the beauty of the spectacular scenery and enjoy your serene surroundings.

With this last stage in Fornalutx, you will have visited some of the most typical, beautiful places in the Tramuntana mountain range and discovered the historical, cultural and natural wealth that this wonderful region has to offer.