Valldemossa and Soller Sea and Mountain Tour Mallorca

The Serra de Tramuntana and the west coast

The Serra de Tramuntana runs for about 90 kilometres along the north-west of Mallorca and includes the island's highest peaks, rising above 1,400 metres. In 2011 UNESCO listed it as a World Heritage Cultural Landscape for its dry-stone terraces, ancient paths, water channels and mountain villages, shaped by centuries of farming on steep slopes.

The coach route follows the west coast and climbs through this landscape, with views of cliffs dropping into the sea, pine forests and silver olive groves, some with trees many centuries old. Your guide shares the history and traditions of the mountains along the way. For travellers looking for a Tramuntana mountains tour without driving the narrow, winding roads themselves, this trip is the easiest and most relaxing choice.

Sóller, the town of the orange valley

Sóller lies in a wide valley surrounded by mountains and filled with orange and lemon groves, which made the town rich in the 19th century through the export of citrus fruit to France. That wealth shows in the elegant Modernist buildings around the main square, Plaça de la Constitució, including the striking facade of the parish church and the bank building next to it.

During your hour in Sóller, stroll the shady streets, watch the vintage wooden tram rattle through the square on its way down to the port, or sit on a terrace with a fresh orange juice, the local speciality. Many visitors ask whether a Sóller day trip is worth it: with its setting, architecture and relaxed pace, it is one of the most charming towns in Mallorca.

Valldemossa, the mountain village

Valldemossa sits at about 400 metres above sea level in a green valley of the Tramuntana, and is often named the prettiest village in Mallorca. Its steep, cobbled lanes are lined with honey-coloured stone houses, green shutters and pots of flowers, and the bell tower of the old Carthusian monastery, the Real Cartuja, rises above the rooftops.

The monastery was founded in the 14th century and later became famous among artists and travellers who stayed in its cells; it can be visited inside for a separate fee if you have time. In your 50 minutes, wander the lanes, enjoy the views over the valley terraces and try the local coca de patata, a soft, sweet potato bun sold in the village bakeries. It is the perfect final stop of the day.

Planning your day: pickup and timing

With our default option, the coach picks you up in the Calvià area, in Camp de Mar, Peguera, Magaluf, Santa Ponsa, Palmanova, Illetes or Cala Major, from about 08:00, and includes a panoramic drive of around 25 minutes. The whole day lasts about 8 hours. Other options offer pickup in the north, the east and the Arenal area, or a shorter tour starting in Palma at 11:00 and returning around 16:15.

Sometimes the order is reversed, visiting Valldemossa first and Sóller second, depending on parking times in Valldemossa. Lunch is not included, so plan to eat in Sóller or bring a snack. The best time to visit Valldemossa and Sóller is spring and autumn, when the mountains are green and the towns less crowded; February brings almond blossom to the valleys.