Sóller: Olive Oil Guided Tour and Tasting at Can Det Estate

Sóller: Olive Oil Guided Tour and Tasting at Can Det Estate
Location: Balearic Islands, Spain
Rating: 4.5/5 (26 reviews)
Duration: 1 hour — Check availability for specific start times
Price: Varies depending on booking, typically offering good value for a memorable experience

A quick look at this experience
This guided tour takes you to the historic Can Det estate in Sóller, set in the stunning Serra de Tramuntana. For about an hour, you’ll learn about olive cultivation and oil production while enjoying a tasting of local products and orange juice. The tour is limited to a 12:00 daily session, making it a neat, manageable detour during your Mallorca trip.

What we particularly like is the chance to savor olive oil from trees over 1,000 years old — that’s a real taste of history — and the opportunity to visit a 400-year-old estate with an impressive garden and traditional oil mill. The fact that the tour is accessible and includes a brunch of authentic Mallorcan fare adds to its appeal.

One potential consideration is that transportation to the estate isn’t included — so you’ll need to arrange your own way there. Still, for those wanting a focused, hands-on experience with local culture, this tour hits the right notes.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy culinary traditions, are interested in history and culture, and want a relaxed, authentic taste of Mallorca. It’s especially good for those who appreciate small-group tours with knowledgeable guides.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Learn about traditional olive cultivation and oil production methods both historically and today.
• Historic Setting: Visit a 400-year-old estate with lush gardens and a traditional oil mill, offering insight into Mallorca’s heritage.
• Tasting & Brunch: Sample estate-produced olive oil, typical Mallorcan bread, tomatoes, olives, almonds, and orange jam, paired with fresh orange juice.
• Educational Value: Gain knowledge about the family’s history and the significance of olive trees over a millennium old.
• Accessible & Flexible: Tour is about an hour long, wheelchair accessible, and offers free cancellation if plans change.
• Small Group: The tour is private, providing personalized attention from your guide.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Can Det Olive Oil Tour: An Inside Look

Setting the scene
As you approach the Can Det estate, a large signal with the words “CAN DET” marks the entrance. It’s a quiet spot, surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Serra de Tramuntana, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. The estate’s historic house, dating back over 400 years, looks like a scene straight out of history books — stone walls, traditional architecture, and a sprawling garden filled with citrus trees and native plants.

The guided experience
Your guide, whose explanations are in English, begins by sharing stories about the family’s long-standing connection to the land. We loved the way they explained the traditional cultivation of olives, citrus, and the process of making olive oil. It’s clear this isn’t just a business; it’s a living heritage.

Visiting the historic house and garden
Walking through the estate, you get a real sense of how life was once lived here. The house itself is 400 years old, offering a glimpse into rural Mallorca’s past. The garden is equally impressive — trees, plants, and flowers that have thrived for generations — and it provides a peaceful backdrop for learning about the estate’s history.

The traditional oil mill
Next, you’ll visit the oil mill—a crucial part of the experience. Here, the guide explains how the estate’s olive oil is produced using traditional methods. Seeing the stone mill and old tools gives you a tangible connection to centuries of craftsmanship. We appreciated the detail that the estate’s olive trees are over 1,000 years old, which really adds a sense of living history to the taste.

Tasting session
The highlight for many is the tasting. You’ll sample estate-produced olive oil—a product that’s been made in the same traditional way for generations. Accompanying this are Mallorcan staples like rustic bread, “ramallet” tomatoes, olives, almonds, and a sweet orange jam. To wash it all down, you get a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, directly from the estate’s groves.

Several reviews highlighted the quality of the tastings. One noted, “The olive oil was exceptional, with a flavor that truly reflected the history and care of the estate.” Another mentioned how the local products made the experience feel authentic and delicious.

Who is this suitable for?
This tour suits those interested in culinary traditions, history buffs, and anyone wanting a relaxed, family-owned feel of Mallorca. If you enjoy learning about local agriculture and want a memorable tasting in a scenic setting, this is a perfect choice.

Detailed Breakdown of the Experience

Location and Access
The Can Det estate is situated in Sóller, a charming town in the Serra de Tramuntana. While the tour doesn’t include transportation, the estate is easy enough to reach by car or local transport. Once there, a visible sign marks the entrance, making it straightforward to find. The 12:00 tour begins promptly, so arriving a little early helps.

Tour Duration and Group Size
The experience lasts about an hour, making it ideal for fitting into a busy day of sightseeing. It’s a private tour, so you’ll enjoy personalized attention and detailed explanations from your guide. This small-group setup enhances the experience, making it more conversational and tailored.

The Tour Itself
The itinerary moves smoothly from the historic house to the gardens, then to the traditional oil mill, culminating in a tasting session. The guide provides ample context about the estate’s history and the cultivation of ancient olive trees that are over a millennium old.

The Historic House & Garden
Walking through the 400-year-old house offers a tangible connection to Mallorca’s rural past. The garden is an idyllic space, filled with citrus trees and native flora that you might recognize from old postcards or local markets.

Olive Oil Production
Seeing the traditional stone mill and hearing about centuries-old techniques adds educational value. Many reviews appreciated the hands-on explanation of how the estate’s olives are transformed into oil, emphasizing the craftsmanship involved.

Tasting & Snacks
The tasting is both educational and flavorful. Estate-produced olive oil has a distinct, rich flavor that’s quite different from mass-produced oils. The accompanying Mallorcan products — bread, tomatoes, almonds, and jam — serve to showcase the local produce. We loved the fresh orange juice, which ties the experience to the estate’s own groves.

Value & Cost
While prices vary, many visitors find this a good value considering the depth of the experience and quality of the tastings. It’s a short activity, but packed with authentic insights and sensory delights. The inclusion of a guided tour, tastings, and a scenic setting makes it a worthwhile investment for those interested in Mallorca’s food and history.

Why Choose This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who aren’t just after touristy sights but want a deep dive into local traditions. If you’re curious about olive oil production, enjoy culinary tastings, or simply want a peaceful, scenic break in Sóller, this tour offers a lot. It’s especially appealing if you’re traveling with a family or a small group, as the private nature encourages questions and interaction.

However, do keep in mind that transportation isn’t included, so planning your own way there is necessary. Also, the tour is limited to the 12:00 slot daily, so it’s best to reserve ahead.

Final Thoughts

For anyone craving an authentic taste of Mallorca’s rural heritage, the Can Det estate’s olive oil tour hits the mark. It combines history, culture, and local flavors in a compact, well-organized experience that feels both educational and enjoyable. The chance to see centuries-old trees and traditional production methods makes this a memorable highlight for food lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

If you’re looking for a relaxing, intimate tour that offers a genuine connection to Mallorca’s agricultural roots, this is a wonderful choice. It’s a lovely way to appreciate the island’s landscape, history, and culinary traditions all in one sitting.

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FAQs

Is transportation to the estate included?
No, transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own way to get there, whether by car, taxi, or local transport.

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins at 12:00 noon daily. It’s a fixed schedule, so arriving a few minutes early helps.

How long does the tour last?
The guided visit lasts approximately one hour, making it easy to fit into a day of sightseeing.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for a variety of travelers.

Are children or families welcome?
While not explicitly stated, the family-oriented nature and small-group setting suggest it’s suitable for those traveling with children, especially if they’re interested in history and food.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes a guided explanation, a tasting of Mallorca’s typical products, and drinks (including orange juice).

What is the focus of the tasting?
You’ll taste estate-produced olive oil along with traditional Mallorcan bread, tomatoes, olives, almonds, and orange jam.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and booking is flexible with the option to pay later.

This tour offers a genuine, flavorful slice of Mallorca’s rural life, perfect for curious travelers eager to connect with local traditions in a scenic setting.