Torre Picada — Attraction in Sóller

Beautiful mediaeval defensive watch tower with amazing views. In answer to many reviewers about getting inside or it being locked, the tower and land around are indeed privately owned (although the structure is a legally protected listed building under Patrimonio), to which access is restricted. It is understandable that entry to the tower is very limited: it is a very delicate structure, with difficult access and very narrow, steep, unlit spiral staircases, no facilities, no possibility of remodelling the interior and therefore absolutely unsuitable for general public access. However, once a year, flares are lit in coordination with the other watch towers that encircle Mallorca, whereupon it is sometimes possible to visit the interior with prior arrangement by invitation. The main advantage of visiting the Torre is to admire the surrounding views, which are broadly the same from the outside vicinity of the tower as from the roof - saving you an uncomfortable, dusty and slightly claustrophobic climb to the top!

For those interested, the locked metal outer door opens onto an enclosed courtyard looking out to sea; paths lead to a water cistern and then nothing in particular, except for the sheer drop below. From this otherwise featureless courtyard, a set of ancient exterior steps lead up to the single fortified main access door, and immediately onto a narrow spiral staircase which, after a few flights, in turn opens onto a large, impressive but featureless domed roof magazine / gunpowder store, occupying the entire base of the tower. The wooden slatted spiral stairs continue up to a large, domed, open "living" area on the main internal floor, containing several niches, of which a couple lead to external openings, including the main balcony equipped with rope and pulley system, plus a couple of very small window openings. One of the larger niches contains the open fireplace which has a long narrow chimney opening onto the roof terrace. Another side passage leads onto a further, narrow, spiral staircase, this time, made of stone and whitewashed cement, which in turn opens onto the roof terrace - which is relatively featureless, apart from an old (early 19th century?) canon and the chimney. Naturally, the roof offers spectacular 360° views and is ideal for observing sunset, moon rise, and the Soller valley from S'illeta to the Port and beyond towards Estellenchs. And, of course, direct line of sight views of the adjoing watch towers along the coast - which are clearly observable when the beacon flares are lit. Note: access to the Torre is on foot, there is no...

Well signposted from the road Carrer de Belègica, a short walk up from the TIB bus stop on the roundabout. As others have said, Google Maps will try and take you through a hotel so ignore this. It takes 40mins from the path leading off Carrer de Belègica and is fairly steep so be prepared to sweat. Well worth it though. We went for sunset on Friday and saw nobody apart from some goats. The tower is cool but the view is spectacular. I'd suggest walking across the rocks a little towards Port de Sóller for the best...

A good hike if you have the time and will or just don't want to sit around waiting for the next train to Soller. Didn't see a soul on the road. Nice view. Weirdest shortcut in the middle of the hiking track there, you can check it on the pictures. Seems to be someone's yard you're crossing but there are signs, so I guess it's ok.. Weird though. Interesting plants along the way. I rather enjoyed it, although there is nothing special in the Torre...