The Sóller Valley, known as the Valley of Oranges, is a unique municipality not only because of its privileged location, but also because of the products, recipes and culinary traditions that define this corner of the Serra de Tramuntana. These have become one of the main attractions when visiting this picturesque spot on the northern coast of Mallorca.
Today, some establishments that are part of Sóller’s gastronomic identity have managed to preserve their traditions. Artisan ice-cream parlours, bakeries and traditional pastry shops keep recipes and preparations passed down from generation to generation alive. For this reason, at Gran Hotel Sóller, we propose a route that will take us from the centre of Sóller to the Port of Sóller, with different stops along the way to enjoy some of the area’s most representative flavours.
CA’N PAU: ARTISAN ICE CREAM SINCE 1986
Our first stop will be the artisan ice-cream parlour Ca’n Pau, one of the few artisan ice-cream shops located right in the heart of Sóller, specifically in Plaça Constitució, just a five-minute walk from Gran Hotel Sóller. The establishment was founded by the well-known Pau Arbona Colom and Catalina Tugores Pons, who since 1986 have remained committed to homemade production and natural ingredients.
At Ca’n Pau, you will find two types of artisan ice cream: fruit-based varieties, in the form of sorbets made without milk, and cream-based ice creams prepared with milk and/or cream. One of its main distinguishing features is the use of fresh fruit, which is prepared directly in the workshop located above the ice-cream parlour. This results in ice creams with a dense texture and a unique flavour that changes throughout the season.
Among its offerings are flavours closely associated with the Valley, such as orange sorbet made with oranges from the Sóller Cooperative, as well as lemon, strawberry and different seasonal varieties. They also make granitas using fresh fruit, including watermelon, melon, orange, lemon and raw almond.
One of the things that most surprises visitors about Ca’n Pau is undoubtedly its ability to experiment with new flavours. Over the years, they have created such original ice creams as sobrassada, salmon and Sóller prawn. Some of these flavours have won over their customers and are still available today, such as their tutti frutti, made with candied fruit.
All of this makes Ca’n Pau much more than just an ice-cream parlour. Its commitment to natural, locally sourced products makes it an essential stop for anyone visiting the Sóller Valley.
“SA FÁBRICA DE GELATS DE SÓLLER”
We continue our route with Gelat Sóller, which has been producing its own ice cream in the municipality since 1994. It is one of the options you will easily find both in Sóller and the Port of Sóller, as well as at various locations around Mallorca.
Its flavours include varieties particularly connected to the local area, such as Canoneta orange, a traditional orange variety closely associated with the orchards of the Sóller Valley, as well as different creations made with local citrus fruits.
PETIT CAFÉ FROZEN YOGURT
After exploring the centre of Sóller, we will continue our route towards the Port of Sóller, where we will find Petit Café Frozen Yogurt, a different kind of ice-cream experience that is perfect for enjoying by the sea.
Its speciality is natural frozen yoghurt, handmade without added sugar, which can be accompanied by a wide variety of toppings to customise it to your taste.
Among its most special creations is La Reina de la Casa, one of its signature offerings, made with two of the most representative citrus fruits of the Sóller Valley: orange and lemon. A fresh, flavourful combination that has become one of the establishment’s most distinctive options and undoubtedly deserves a prominent place on our route.
If you would like to accompany your frozen yoghurt with something else, Petit Café also offers a menu of coffees, smoothies, juices, crêpes, sandwiches and salads. It is an ideal place to take a break during your visit to the Port of Sóller and enjoy its seaside atmosphere.
TRADITIONAL BAKERIES AND PASTRY SHOPS IN SÓLLER
In addition to its ice-cream parlours, Sóller has a long tradition of bakeries and pastry shops that form an important part of the municipality’s gastronomy. As we make our way through the town centre, we can find establishments such as La Lareña, whose history dates back to 1852. It offers a variety of traditional Mallorcan pastries, including its homemade ensaimadas, as well as cocas, empanadas and traditional breads.
Another bakery is La Confiança, located on Carrer de la Lluna, which offers a wide variety of filled ensaimadas, as well as panades, cocarrois, savoury cocas, rubiols and crespells, together with different types of bread such as llonguet.
We can also visit Can Panxeta, which has been recognised as a Mestre Artesà Forner i Pastisser (Master Artisan Baker and Pastry Chef) and received the Guardó al Comerç Centenari (Centenary Business Award), recognising the tradition and craftsmanship of this establishment. Here, you will find a wide variety of breads, ensaimadas and artisan pastries, as well as specialities such as orange empanadas, fruit tart and chocolate bread.
Without a doubt, these are places that add great value to our Valley.
TIPS FOR ENJOYING THE ROUTE
To enjoy this route through Sóller’s traditional ice-cream parlours and pastry shops, we recommend starting in the town centre and taking your time, making the most of the opportunity to stroll through its streets and discover some of its most emblematic corners.
From Gran Hotel Sóller, most of the first stops are just a few minutes away on foot, allowing you to complete a large part of the route by walking. To continue the journey to the Port of Sóller and enjoy options such as Petit Café, you can take the traditional tram. It is an ideal way to travel through the Sóller Valley among the orchards while experiencing one of the municipality’s most characteristic attractions.
If you are staying at our hotel and would like further information, please do not hesitate to ask our reception team, who will be delighted to assist you.