Hiking a Soller Circuit

It didn't occur to us to come to Mallorca until the week before we were flying to Spain! And we didn't decide to base ourselves in Soller until a few days ago. We only cobbled together this program the day before since the weather was not so good. What a great day of hiking it was!

First, we walked, in the rain, on the road from Soller to Biniaraix, to catch the old road up the gorge. What a beautiful gorge! At the top of the gorge we had to do a waterfall crossing without a proper bridge, before connecting with GR221 back down the gorge. We didn't see anyone on the old road going up; on the way down we counted a few hundred people going up and down! The scenic gorge is deservedly popular. We got the particulars of the route from this website and their other programs look good too.

Then we walked on the road from Biniaraix to Fornalutz, to head up to the Mirador Ses Barques, before returning back to Soller. While these trails were not nearly as popular as the GR221 through the Barranc de Biniaraix, there were hikers all over the place, to our amazement. Now we really appreciate how and why Soller is a hiking mecca of Mallorca. It just took us a while to catch on.

Sun-Ling (right) and I board our flight from Valencia to Palma, Majorca.

You can tap your personal credit or debit card to pay for most bus and train trips in Majorca. No need to buy a transit card and put money on it. How cool is that?

The main plaza in Soller with church, cafe umbrellas, and tram tracks.

Starting our hike in Biniaraix under rainy skies.

Looking back to Soller which is surounded by olive and orange groves.

Part of the hike was on the nicely maintained GR221.

Looking across the gorge to the switchbacks of the GR221 trail.

Still raining as we head up through the terraces.

View to a waterfall across the gorge.

I'm a bit soaked after several hours walking in the rain, but I did NOT fall in the creek!

The sun comes out and all is well on the GR221 as we head to Fornalutx.

Sun-Ling spotted a pitcher plant along the trail.

Walking through the narrowest part of the gorge.

A group of hikers goes by us.

The boss of Fornalutz.

Walking up from Fornalutz to Mirador Ses Barques.

View to Soller Port from Mirador Ses Barques.

Heading downhill through the terraced olive groves to Soller.

Almost back to Soller; the church is in view.