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Visiting the Sóller Valley is a fantastic experience that allows us to discover the authentic Mediterranean, its traditions and its iconic landscapes, surrounded by the majestic Sierra de Tramuntana. This makes it, amongst many other things, an ideal destination at any time of year. However, there are certain times of year when visiting this valley of orange trees becomes an even more complete and special experience. Dates such as those we suggest today: Holy Week. One of the most traditional times of the year, when we can fully enjoy the special cuisine of this season, the culture and its most representative traditions.

DAY 1. MAUNDY THURSDAY: PUERTO DE SÓLLER AND PROCESSION NIGHT

The most special Holy Week events begin on Maundy Thursday in Puerto de Sóller. We can reach this spot on the century-old tram from the Alcázar Hotel Sóller, enjoying a charming journey through orange groves, traditional houses and views that gradually give way to the Mediterranean Sea. Once in Puerto de Sóller, we’ll head towards

Santa Catalina, the picturesque fishing quarter, to climb up to the Santa Catalina Viewpoint before the religious ceremonies begin. From here, we can take in the stunning views of the bay and the Mediterranean. Here, we will also have the option to visit the Sea Museum, located at the viewpoint itself. This space offers a journey through the local history of the valley and its port, highlighting the relationship between its inhabitants and the sea over the last 250 years. After our visit to the most authentic part of the port, we’ll head back to the centre to soak up the atmosphere, explore the traditional Thursday market, and enjoy the promenade, its views and a snack before stopping for lunch at the Airecel Restaurant, a place to savour creative Mediterranean cuisine in a very special way. Come the afternoon, the atmosphere begins to change with the arrival of the brotherhoods preparing for the afternoon and evening events, offering a first glimpse into the Holy Week traditions in the Port of Sóller with celebrations such as the Sant Sopar, held at the Port’s Parish Church at 7.00 pm. This event is also held at 8.00 pm at the Parish Church of St. Bartomeu de Sóller. Afterwards, we will head to Sóller by tram to experience the main events of Holy Thursday: the procession of the Sant Crist. We recommend that you position yourselves near the church steps to get a much better view of the processional floats and the performances during this procession.

DAY 2. GOOD FRIDAY: A WALK AND GASTRONOMIC TRADITION

As you know, Sóller is the starting point for numerous hiking trails, and so today we’re suggesting a very special one that’s closely linked to Holy Week: a visit to the Ses Tres Creus viewpoint. To get there, we’ll set off directly from the Alcázar Hotel towards Plaça dels Estiradors and continue uphill towards the municipal cemetery, a spot offering magnificent views of the valley. From there, we’ll follow the GR-221 signposts to Ses Tres Creus. We’ll reach this spot in under 30 minutes, arriving at the summit of Puig d’en Barrera, where, according to legend, the “Sagrades Formes” hid during the attack by Turkish corsairs in 1561. It is also where we can see the monument to the Heart of Jesus at “Ses Tres Creus”, built in the 1940s and still, to this day, unfinished.

On the way back to the town centre, at this time of year, it is ideal to stop at one of the traditional bakeries to sample typical Easter treats such as “panades” or “rubiols”.

In the afternoon, we can attend the Davallament at the Parish Church of Sant Bartomeu, followed by the

Good Friday procession, one of the most moving moments of Holy Week in Sóller.

DAY 3. MARKET SATURDAY. CRESPELLS AND RUBIOLS

On Saturdays, Sóller hosts its traditional market, an unmissable event for soaking up the local atmosphere. Located right next to the Alcázar Hotel, we’ll head inside to explore this market brimming with fresh produce, local specialities and Mallorcan crafts that fill the streets with colour and a festive atmosphere.

After exploring the market, we suggest stopping at one of the traditional bakeries to sample the typical sweets of this time of year: ‘crespells’, made with flour, lard, olive oil, sugar, egg yolk and citrus flavours such as lemon or orange; and shaped like stars, hearts or flowers. Meanwhile, “rubiols”, which are also sweet treats, are crescent-shaped and filled with angel hair, ricotta, chocolate or cream, and represent one of the most special traditions of Mallorcan Holy Week.

In the afternoon, we suggest you enjoy a stroll through the historic centre or relax on one of the terraces in Plaça de Sa Constitució before attending one of the day’s most special events: the Easter Vigil, which takes place at 8.30 pm in the parish church of Sant Bartomeu.

DAY 4. EASTER SUNDAY: THE ENCOUNTER

On this final day, we suggest you get up early to experience first-hand one of Sóller’s oldest and most moving traditions: The Encounter, the procession in which Jesus and the Virgin Mary are reunited following the Resurrection. Whether you are religious or not, we recommend you don’t miss it, as it is a unique moment that only happens once a year in the town. To do so, we will walk to Plaça Constitució to arrive there around 8.40 am and find a good spot from which to watch the procession. We recommend positioning yourselves around the perimeter of s’Alameda, opposite the church, where one of the most special moments takes place.

Little by little, the square fills with people until the silence gives way to the start of El Encuentro, accompanied by the Sóller Valley Band. A brief event, lasting about 20 minutes, but full of emotion and tradition. The day is rounded off with the Easter concert by the Sóller Band, a perfect opportunity to continue enjoying the festive atmosphere in the heart of the town.

After El Encuentro, you might choose to explore one of our neighbouring towns, such as Fornalutx, considered one of the prettiest villages in Spain. A perfect plan for a leisurely stroll, discovering historic spots and rounding off your Easter holidays in the Sóller Valley whilst enjoying the tranquillity and authentic beauty of Mallorca. If you are staying at the Alcázar Hotel Sóller and would like more information about Easter in Sóller, please do not hesitate to ask our reception team, who will be delighted to help answer any questions you may have.