Barranc de Biniaraix: a walk from Sóller train station

The Barranc de Biniaraix is an old stone-paved mule track on the GR221 that climbs from the hamlet of Biniaraix, about 2 km from Sóller, towards the Ofre valley. You can start walking at Sóller train station itself: the return trip to the upper part of the gorge takes around 3 to 4 hours with roughly 400 metres of ascent (approximate figures). It is a moderate walk, best done between autumn and spring.

What is the Barranc de Biniaraix?

The barranc is a narrow gorge cut by the Biniaraix stream in the Serra de Tramuntana. The Camí des Barranc climbs through it: a stone path with steps, dry-stone walls, small bridges and olive terraces. For centuries it was the main route between the Sóller and Fornalutx valley and the valleys of l’Ofre, Cúber and Orient, and the path pilgrims took on foot to Lluc.

Today it is part of the Consell de Mallorca’s Dry Stone Route (GR221), on the Muleta to Tossals Verds stage. The gorge has been protected as a site of cultural interest (Bé d’Interès Cultural) since 1994.

Biniaraix, the starting point

Biniaraix is a small hamlet of Moorish origin, split between the municipalities of Sóller and Fornalutx. It has steep cobbled lanes, the Plaça de la Concepció with its church, and an old public washhouse. The Camí des Barranc starts right beside the washhouse.

The route step by step from Sóller station

Sóller station is on Plaça d’Espanya. Walk down the steps through the Can Maiol building and you are a few minutes from Plaça de la Constitució, the centre of town. For more on what you will pass, see our Sóller page.

1. Sóller to Biniaraix (about 2 km)

From Plaça de la Constitució, head up Carrer de sa Lluna and follow the signs for Biniaraix. The way runs past country houses and citrus groves on quiet lanes and tarmac paths. Allow 20 to 30 minutes.

2. Up the gorge to Es Verger (about 2.7 km)

In Biniaraix, look for the washhouse and join the stone path waymarked as GR221. At first it runs between olive groves and terraces. Then the valley narrows (the section called s’Estret) and the path climbs in steps and bends beside the stream.

After about 45 minutes of climbing you reach a junction with a red GR221 sign pointing back to Biniaraix and on to l’Ofre and Cúber. Close by is the Font des Verger, a small water spout, and the Es Verger area, where the olive groves give way to natural woodland. For most walkers this is the natural turning point: it is roughly 350 metres above Biniaraix.

Every time you turn round on the way up, the Sóller valley opens out further below, with terraces and olive trees in the foreground.

3. Back to the station

Return the same way. The steps are hard on the legs and the stone gets slippery when damp, so take the descent slowly. Back in Biniaraix, walk to Sóller by the same lanes or through the Biniaraix market gardens.

For experienced walkers: on to the Coll de l’Ofre

From Es Verger the GR221 keeps climbing to the Coll de l’Ofre, at about 900 metres. From Biniaraix that is roughly 4 km with close to 700 metres of ascent. Beyond it you can continue to the Cúber reservoir. This is a full mountain day that needs good fitness, plenty of water and a clear plan for getting back in time.

Route at a glance (approximate)

Times are walking times without long breaks and vary with pace, heat and ground conditions. Figures come from official and hiking-guide sources, which do not always agree.

The Fornalutx option

If you would rather avoid so many steps, combine Biniaraix with Fornalutx. The two villages are linked by paths and tracks (Camí des Marroig and Camí des Creuer) with good views over the valley. A wooden signpost in Fornalutx gives 1 h 10 min to Biniaraix this way. There are steep gradients and some tarmac.

A practical idea is a loop: leave Sóller towards Binibassí and Fornalutx, climb to the Camí des Marroig and drop down to Biniaraix before returning to Sóller. That is about 10 km. Alternatively, walk up the lower part of the gorge and then cross from Biniaraix to Fornalutx.

If your legs give out, the TIB bus linking Fornalutx, Biniaraix, Sóller and Port de Sóller can get you back. Check the current line and timetable on the TIB website before you set off.

When to go

The best time is autumn to spring. Summer is hot and much of the path has little shade; in July or August, start very early. After heavy rain the stream runs and the scenery changes, but the stone is more slippery. Winter days are short, so plan your daylight and return time carefully.

Safety tips

• Footwear: walking shoes or boots with good grip. Polished paving is slippery, especially when wet.
• Water: at least 1.5 litres per person, more on hot days. The Font des Verger exists, but do not rely on it.
• Heat and sun: hat, sun cream and an early start in the warmer months.
• Weather: check the forecast. Avoid the gorge in storms or heavy rain.
• Pace: the descent on steps is slower than it looks. Save some energy for the way back.
• Respect: close gates behind you, stay on the path through private farmland and take your litter home.
• Emergencies: call 112.

A day trip to the Barranc de Biniaraix by train from Palma

The Sóller train drops you at the start of this walk, with no car and no hunting for a parking space in Biniaraix, where there are very few.

Getting to Palma station: the Sóller train station is next to Plaça d’Espanya in central Palma. Many city and intercity bus routes stop at the square, and it is a short walk from the old town. If you are staying in Palma, it is easy to reach on foot or by public transport.

The journey: the ride takes about an hour, calls at Bunyola and crosses the mountains through 13 tunnels to Sóller. You start walking as soon as you step off the train.

Getting back: the last train to Palma leaves Sóller earlier than the last trams, and departures are not very frequent. Before you set off, check the time of your return train on the timetable page and leave a margin. If you have time to spare, the tram leaves from the same Plaça d’Espanya for Port de Sóller.

You can buy your train ticket here. For other ways to get there, see how to get to Sóller from Palma.

FAQs

How long does it take to walk up the Barranc de Biniaraix?

From Biniaraix to the Es Verger area and the Font des Verger takes about an hour of climbing, with roughly 350 metres of ascent. If you walk from Sóller station, add 20 to 30 minutes each way. The full return trip takes around 3 to 4 hours including short stops.

Is the Barranc de Biniaraix walk difficult?

It is a moderate walk. There are no technical sections, but it climbs steadily on stone steps and the descent is tiring on the legs. In the wet it is noticeably harder. Carrying on to the Coll de l’Ofre, at about 900 metres, is a demanding hike that calls for mountain experience and good fitness.

Can you walk from Biniaraix to Fornalutx?

Yes. The two villages are joined by paths and tracks such as the Camí des Marroig and Camí des Creuer. In Fornalutx a signpost gives 1 h 10 min to Biniaraix. Expect steep sections and some tarmac. A loop of about 10 km links Sóller, Binibassí, Fornalutx and Biniaraix.

When is the best time to walk the gorge?

Autumn to spring. Temperatures are milder and the light is good for walking. July and August are hot and the path has little shade, so start at sunrise if you go then. After heavy rain the paving is slippery, and in winter you need to plan around the shorter daylight hours.

Do you need to pay or book to walk the gorge?

No. The Camí des Barranc is part of the GR221 and is free to walk. It crosses private land, so stay on the waymarked path, close gates and keep off the terraces. If you arrive by train, all you need is your ticket and a plan for your return time.