Palm Garden is located in the "golden valley " of Soller, a town with several hundred years of history, on the western coast, 30 km from the Mallorcan capital city of Palma.Soller is also the final destination on the infamous "Red Lightning" train route from Palma. This, the last privately-run train service in Spain, dates back to early 1900. One should make it a point to experience the nostalgia of this antique train at least once, chugging along through the many tunnels short and long, beside citrus orchards and groves of almonds and olives, crossing hundreds of years old viaducts, and over a beautiful natural coutryside. [ »» Impressions ]
With an auto, tunnel passage is possible to reach Soller and has been since 1997. A bit longer, more adventurous and rich in sightseeing offerings would be the original serpentine road over the mountainous Coll de Soller.
Soller, with some authentic arabian origins, means sunny shell since it lays in a shell-like formation between the highest peak of the Balears, the Puig Major, and the bay of Port de Soller. Proudly embedded in lush fertile orchards, Soller is also known as Huerta (fruit garden), with sun in addition being found in its name.
Trekking is popular, with many a path passing by century-old olive trees and leading up to many a peak to provide breathtaking views over the landscape or the Mediteranean. Between Soller and Port de Soller are less than 4 km reachable per foot, bike, scooter, auto, or the tranvia (tram). The port is well protected nautically, and offers diverse entertainment for tourists and natives alike.
Where riches and open seas could be found, as was the case in Port de Soller, then piratery was often not too far away. Such a combination was responsible for the entire harbor being reduced to ashes and rubble in 1561. Having to fend for themselves, the citiyens developed a successful defense system, which is celebrated to this day each second week of May with an historic reenactment of the battle between the christianos y moros. The bay, nearly a perfect circle, proudly boasts defense mecanisms and lighthouses.
Other popular festivals in Soller include the biannual Sa Mostra, every second July, where several folkloric dance groups from as far away as the Fidji or Easter Islands or Mongolia or Africa are invited to perform during a weeklong exhibition taking place primarily in the plaza. Another well-known fiesta worth experiencing is the St. Bartolome firefest at the end of August- but beware of the demons!
Recreationally, Soller also has much to offer. Sports such as fishing, bathing, swimming surfing, snorkeling, diving, waterskiing, sailing, kayaking, exploration of caves, mountain & rock climbing, canyoning, horseback riding, tennis, race & mountianbiking, golfing and inline skating are just some of the possible undertakings.
Or, as previously expressed, just plain old fashioned relaxation is also very high many lists!
Whatever your pleasure, enjoy it in Soller!