Village in Mallorca, poised between sky and sea, showcases the jewels of the Balearic Islands
In the charming town of Sóller nestled within the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, a real dive into the past awaits visitors. The vintage train journey between Palma and Sóller, dating back to 1912, offers a scenic tour through breathtaking natural landscapes, while the village itself boasts traditional architecture and unspoiled surroundings.
One unique aspect of Sóller is the production of 100% natural cosmetics, specifically handcrafted olive oil soap. A prime example is Jabón de Mallorca olive oil soap, made by Fet a Sóller. This soap combines pure olive oil with finely ground clay and essential oils, resulting in a mild, moisturizing, and replenishing product. The entire process is handcrafted in Sóller, emphasizing traditional artisan methods and natural ingredient use.
Raw materials for these artisanal soaps are locally sourced, including olive oil, clay, and essential oils. The production process integrates natural Mediterranean elements, reflecting the cultural and environmental landscape of Sóller and the wider Majorca area. While large-scale commercial or synthetic cosmetic manufacturing is absent in Sóller, the focus is clearly on artisan, small-batch, natural production.
Aside from the artisanal olive oil soap, the local market in Sóller's Plaça de la Constitució offers an artisan offering 100% natural cosmetics made from Sóller virgin olive oil, sweet almond oil from Majorca, and plants picked in the Tramuntana.
The train journey aboard the Belle Époque-style train transports passengers into a timeless atmosphere, offering a view of typically Majorcan landscapes, including fields of almond, lemon, and olive trees, and pine forests. The wooden train traverses 13 tunnels carved into the rock, adding to the journey's charm.
The train journey connects Palma to the Valley of Sóller, taking approximately an hour, and costs around 40 euros round trip. Upon arrival in Sóller, visitors can explore the village center, consisting of a few narrow alleys that converge towards the main square, the Plaça de la Constitució. Under the umbrellas in the Plaça de la Constitució, locals and visitors sit for hours to soak up the village's atmosphere and enjoy the view of the church that dominates the square.
Sóller takes its name from the Arabic word "Sulliar", meaning "valley of gold", due to the abundance of lemon trees in the region. The village is also home to a beautiful white sand beach in Sóller Bay, bordered by restaurants with their feet in the water. A wooden tram slowly crosses the Plaça de la Constitució, adding to the village's charm.
For those seeking a genuine taste of artisanal, natural cosmetic products with authentic local craftsmanship in Sóller, these olive oil soaps are a prime example. The vintage train ride between Palma and Sóller offers a perfect complement to this unique experience, immersing passengers in the rich history and stunning natural beauty of Majorca.
In Sóller's vibrant local market, located at Plaça de la Constitució, artisanal cosmetics made from natural ingredients like Sóller virgin olive oil and almond oil from Majorca are available, creating an ideal alternative for travelers seeking a home-and-garden lifestyle product during their travel or in-flights. Following the peaceful journey on the vintage train, passengers can step off at Sóller and immediately immerse themselves in the artisanal lifestyle, exploring local artisanal soap shops while strolling through the village's charming home-and-garden setting, surrounded by the typical Majorcan landscapes of almond, lemon, and olive trees, and pine forests.
