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

A Journey into Mallorca’s Olive Oil Tradition: A Review of the Guided Tasting Tour at Can Det

If you’re exploring Mallorca and have a curious palate or love learning about local traditions, this guided tasting tour at a 16th-century house and olive oil factory might be just the thing. It’s a chance to step inside history—literally into a family-owned mill that’s been around for centuries—and see how Mallorca’s beloved olive oil is made, all while enjoying some tasty local bites.

What really caught our eye about this experience is its deep roots in tradition combined with genuine hospitality. The owners invite you into their historic home, sharing stories and their family’s history, which makes the tour feel personal rather than commercial. Plus, the delicious brunch of Mallorcan bread, tomatoes, and fresh orange juice is a delightful way to end the visit, turning it into more than just a tasting—it’s a true flavor of Mallorca.

That said, one thing to keep in mind is the location—it’s about a 45-minute drive from Palma, so if you’re relying on public transport or tight schedules, plan accordingly. The tour is especially suited for those who appreciate cultural insights paired with food, and who enjoy a relaxed, intimate experience away from large group tours.

If these points sound appealing, this tour offers a memorable peek into Mallorca’s culinary and cultural traditions, all in a stunning setting. It’s a worthwhile choice for anyone wanting to connect with the local way of life, especially if they love food, history, and a bit of scenic beauty.

Key Points

• Authentic Family-Run Mill: Experience the history of Mallorca’s olive oil in a 16th-century house.
• Hands-On Learning: Discover traditional olive oil pressing methods and see historic tools.
• Tasty Brunch: Enjoy local Mallorcan bread, fresh tomatoes, and orange juice from the estate.
• Beautiful Landscapes: Soak in views overlooking the Sóller valley.
• Personalized Experience: Private tour with only your group, guided by knowledgeable hosts.
• Value for Money: Around $30 for roughly an hour of engaging cultural and culinary discovery.

What to Expect on the Tour

The experience begins at Carrer d’Ozones in Sóller, where you’ll meet your hosts and start your journey into Mallorca’s olive oil history. The tour lasts about an hour, and since it’s private, you’ll get a more personalized feel. The owners of Can Det, a family with generations of tradition, will warmly welcome you into their historic home, dating back to the 16th century, complete with its impressive garden and the old olive mill.

Once inside, you’ll get a detailed explanation of traditional oil production methods. The owners will share the story of their family business, which is linked to the land and the ancient olive trees that surround the estate. If you’re visiting between October and January, there’s a chance you might see the olive harvesting process in action, depending on the season and availability.

An audiovisual presentation will complement the live explanation, showing how olives are pressed to produce the golden oil Mallorca is famous for. This visual aid really helps you understand the full process, from tree to bottle, and connects you to the land and labor behind each drop.

Following the educational part, it’s time for the tasting—a highlight for many. You’ll sit down in the family’s dining room and sample their own extra virgin olive oil, paired with Mallorcan bread, “ramallet” tomatoes, olives, almonds, and orange jam**. The hosts serve local orange juice that’s freshly pressed from their estate’s trees, adding a sweet, citrusy touch.

Many visitors note that the tasting is generous—it’s more than just a sip or two. As one reviewer put it, “the food was so good, it was more like a full meal.” This makes it not only a culinary experience but also a value-packed outing, especially considering the price of around $30.

The Highlights That Make This Tour Special

• Historic Setting: The 16th-century house and garden are stunning backdrops, giving you a real sense of Mallorca’s past.
• Family History: The owners’ stories and personal touch make this more than a typical tasting.
• Traditional Methods: Seeing the preserved oil production system and possibly witnessing harvesting if in season adds authenticity.
• Local Delicacies: The brunch, featuring Mallorcan bread, tomatoes, and homemade jams, is a simple but delicious way to taste local flavors.
• Spectacular Views: Overlooking the Sóller valley, the scenery alone makes this worth the trip.
• Personalized Experience: Only your group participates, which means questions are encouraged and you get more attention.

How the Experience Feels in Practice

The reviews consistently mention how welcoming the hosts are—many describe their guides as “very knowledgeable” and “warm.” A common theme is the attention to detail and the genuine passion of the owners, which makes the tour feel authentic and heartfelt.

Some reviewers appreciated the ability to stay longer and chat after the formal part of the tour, especially if it’s not busy. One mentioned that despite arriving late due to traffic, they were still warmly welcomed and included, which speaks to the flexible, friendly atmosphere.

The scenery is another highlight. The estate’s views over the Sóller valley provide a peaceful, scenic backdrop for your tasting and really elevate the experience beyond just learning and eating.

While many loved the quality of the food and the story behind it, some noted that the tour doesn’t include a walk through the olive groves or the actual harvesting process unless it’s in season and specifically arranged, which might be worth asking about if that’s a priority.

Practical Tips

• The tour is about an hour long, so it’s perfect if you want a quick but meaningful cultural experience.
• Arrive on time—though the hosts are flexible, late arrivals might miss part of the experience.
• The meeting point is accessible by public transportation and close to Sóller, but parking might be tricky, so plan ahead.
• The tour is private, so it’s ideal for couples, small groups, or anyone seeking a more intimate setting.
• The price reflects a solid value considering the personalized tour, educational content, and generous tasting.
• If you’re arriving from Palma, remember it’s a 45-minute drive, but the scenic route is part of the experience.

Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re a foodie who loves discovering authentic local flavors, you’ll appreciate the chance to taste Mallorca’s premium olive oil paired with homemade bites. History buffs will enjoy the chance to see a 16th-century house and learn about family traditions that have lasted generations. It’s also perfect for travelers who want a relaxed, personal experience rather than a large group or overly commercialized activity.

For those interested in seeing the actual olive harvesting or olive grove, be aware that this tour mainly showcases the historic mill and family-produced oil, not a farm visit. If that’s a priority, you might want to look for additional arrangements.

This experience is especially suited for visitors who enjoy scenic views, authentic storytelling, and a good, honest taste of local culture without needing a long day of touring.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not specifically tailored for kids, the experience is family-friendly and involves no strenuous activity. Children who enjoy tasting and learning about food will probably like it, but it’s best to check with the hosts if you have very young children.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts around 1 hour, making it a good quick stop that still offers plenty of depth and flavor.

Can I see how the olive oil is made?
Yes, you will learn about traditional methods of pressing and production, with the possibility of witnessing live harvesting from October to January, depending on availability.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers the guided tour, the story of the family and their land, the traditional methods explanation, tastings of their olive oil and local products, and the brunch in their dining room.

Is the tour private?
Yes, it’s a private experience, so only your group will participate, giving a more personalized and relaxed atmosphere.

How do I get there?
The tour begins at Carrer d’Ozones, 8, Sóller. It’s accessible by public transport, but parking could be limited, so plan accordingly.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour. Last-minute cancellations won’t be refunded, so make sure your plans are firm.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a mix of culture, history, and good food in a setting that feels authentically Mallorca, this tour hits the mark. It offers insight into a family’s centuries-old tradition, served with warmth and generosity, all set against the stunning backdrop of Sóller’s landscape. The value for the price is clear, especially considering the personal attention and quality of the tastings.

This experience is particularly well-suited for travelers who appreciate storytelling, scenic views, and local cuisine over a large, commercialized setup. It’s a chance to connect with Mallorca’s land and people in a truly meaningful way—an outing that’s as much about the stories and scenery as the olive oil itself.

Whether you’re a food lover eager to learn the secrets behind that perfect oil or someone simply wanting a peaceful, authentic slice of Mallorca, this tour offers a memorable and heartwarming experience.