Guided Tasting Tour in 16th century House and Olive Oil Factory

A Deep Dive into Mallorca’s Olive Oil Heritage: The Guided Tasting Tour at Can Det

Imagine stepping into a 16th-century family home in Mallorca, where centuries of tradition meet passionate craftsmanship. This one-hour private tour costs around $30.23 per person and takes you into the heart of Mallorca’s olive oil history at the oldest working olive mill on the island. Led by welcoming family members, this experience combines cultural storytelling, hands-on observation, and delicious local fare, making it a standout for those seeking genuine, authentic Mallorca experiences.

What we really love about this tour is how it seamlessly balances educational insight with sensory indulgence—your eyes will feast on historic architecture and a 1,000-year-old olive tree, while your palate is treated to a brunch of Mallorca’s best flavors. Second, the personal touch from the family owners, who welcome you into their home and share their land’s story, adds a warmth that’s hard to match.

The one potential consideration? The location is about a 45-minute drive from Palma, which means planning transport or timing your visit accordingly. But for those who appreciate a scenic drive through Mallorca’s countryside, this becomes part of the charm.

This experience is perfect for anyone curious about olive oil production, history buffs, or travelers who want a more personal, off-the-beaten-path encounter with Mallorca’s traditions. It’s especially recommended if you enjoy tasting local foods in a cozy, family-run setting.

Key Points

• Authentic Setting: Experience Mallorca’s oldest working olive mill in a 16th-century family home.
• Educational and Tasty: Learn how olive oil is made, then enjoy a delicious tasting of local products.
• Personal Touch: Hosted by welcoming family owners dedicated to preserving tradition.
• Stunning Views: Overlook the Sóller valley while savoring Mallorca’s flavors.
• Limited Duration: Just about an hour, making it easy to fit into a day of sightseeing.
• Good Value: At $30.23, it offers a rich mix of culture, history, and food, often booked 16 days in advance.

Exploring the Tour in Detail

Starting Point and Location

The tour begins at Carrer d’Ozones, 8, Sóller, a picturesque town in Mallorca. The drive from Palma, about 45 minutes, is a scenic journey through olive groves and orange orchards—an ideal way to transition from city life to rural Mallorca. The tour ends right back at the same meeting point, making logistics straightforward, especially if you’re based in or near Sóller.

What the Tour Includes

This private experience takes you into Can Det, a family-owned house that dates back to the 16th century. The hosts, whose family has cultivated olives and citrus for generations, open their home and land for you to explore.

You’ll start with a walk through the historic house and garden, soaking in the architecture and tranquil surroundings that have remained relatively unchanged for centuries. Then, you’ll see the traditional olive oil pressing process, which has been preserved in its original form. This is particularly fascinating between October and January when you might witness live olive harvests and oil production, depending on the season.

Learning About Olive Oil Production

The owners share their family history tied to olive and citrus cultivation, giving you context about their land and business. This personal narrative is what makes this tour special. You’ll learn about how olives are harvested, pressed, and turned into the oil that has been a part of Mallorca’s culture for hundreds of years.

A key highlight is an audiovisual presentation explaining the traditional method of pressing. The meticulous process, involving stone mills and cold pressing, is a stark contrast to modern industrial techniques, preserving the artisanal charm of Mallorca’s olive oil.

Tasting the Flavors

After the educational part, it’s time for the tasting session. The hosts serve a brunch featuring Mallorcan bread, ‘ramallet’ tomatoes, olives, almonds, orange jam, and their own freshly pressed olive oil. The local orange juice, produced on site, complements the experience perfectly.

According to reviews, this tasting is more than just a snack—it feels like a small feast. One guest called it “a whole meal,” emphasizing the generous spread of local products. The atmosphere in the family dining room, with its cozy ambiance and welcoming hosts, elevates the experience.

Scenic Views and Atmosphere

Throughout the tour, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Sóller valley, with lush greenery and mountain backdrops providing a peaceful, idyllic setting. The garden and house grounds are described as imposing and beautiful, perfect for a relaxing moment amid natural beauty.

Seasonality and Additional Options

The tour runs year-round, but if you visit between October and January, you may get to see the oil production process in action, depending on olive harvest timings. For those interested in an extended visit to the olive or orange plantations, arrangements can be made in advance for an extra cost.

Accessibility and Group Size

This is a private tour, so only your group joins, ensuring a personalized experience. The hosts are noted for their hospitality, and Service animals are allowed, making it accessible for more travelers.

What Guests Say: Authenticity and Hospitality

From glowing reviews, it’s clear that this tour consistently delivers a warm, informative, and delicious experience. Guests rave about the knowledgeable guides and the authentic family atmosphere. One reviewer mentioned that even with a late arrival, the family went out of their way to include them, which speaks to their commitment to visitor satisfaction.

Many appreciate the quality of the tasting, describing the food as “delicious,” with “more than enough local products.” Several reviews highlight the scenic setting, the history of the family business, and the chance to learn and taste in a relaxed, genuine environment.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Plan your transportation—the drive from Palma takes about 45 minutes and is quite scenic, but consider timing and parking availability.
• Book at least 16 days in advance to secure a spot, especially during peak harvest months.
• Be prepared for a short but rich experience—an hour flies by when you’re learning about olive trees, tasting oils, and enjoying homemade treats.
• If you’re visiting in season, ask about the possibility of witnessing live olive pressing.
• Bring your appetite—the brunch is substantial enough to serve as a light lunch.
• For those interested in additional land visits, contact the hosts ahead of time.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This guided tasting tour is an ideal choice for food lovers, history enthusiasts, and travelers seeking an authentic family experience in Mallorca. It’s perfect if you want to understand the tradition behind a staple of Mediterranean cuisine while enjoying stunning views and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The combination of educational storytelling, delicious local food, and a historic setting makes it well worth the price for anyone eager to connect with Mallorca’s land and its people.

Travelers who appreciate small-group or private tours that go beyond the usual sightseeing will find this particularly rewarding. It’s a compact, meaningful experience that offers a real taste of Mallorca’s heritage—literally and figuratively.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour, making it easy to fit into a day exploring Mallorca.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is at Carrer d’Ozones, 8, Sóller. It’s important to factor in transportation time from Palma since it’s about a 45-minute drive.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, it’s a private experience, so only your group will participate, allowing for a more personalized visit.

What’s included in the tasting?
Guests enjoy Mallorcan bread, tomatoes, olives, almonds, orange jam, and the host’s own olive oil and orange juice—a generous sampling that many say feels like a full meal.

Can I see olive oil being produced?
Depending on the season, especially between October and January, you might witness live olive harvesting and pressing. Check with the hosts in advance for specifics.

Are there any additional land visits available?
Yes, for an extra fee and if booked in advance, you can arrange visits to orange and olive plantations.

Is the tour suitable for children or travelers with mobility issues?
While most travelers can participate, the tour involves walking through historic houses and gardens. It’s best to clarify with the hosts beforehand for specific needs.

Is parking available?
Parking can be tricky, so plan extra time. The hosts recommend arriving a little early to find suitable parking.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, making it flexible if your plans change.

This tour blends cultural learning, culinary delights, and stunning scenery into a memorable experience that offers genuine insight into Mallorca’s land and traditions. It’s best suited for those who appreciate authentic family-run experiences and want to indulge in Mallorca’s flavors while soaking up the landscape.