The Train de Sóller, inaugurated in 1912, holds the title of the oldest train in Mallorca. Its route connects Palma with Sóller, with a stop in Bunyola. This charming vintage train has its station just 75 meters from the Plaza España Intermodal metro and bus station. The station retains its historic charm and has a café with a terrace offering typical Sóller products. It is a centenary railroad that departs from the Mallorcan capital to enter the green and leafy Tramuntana Mountains before reaching the town of Sóller.
The impetus for building this railroad arose from the success of the Sóller orange trade in the early 20th century, which generated the need for an accessible route to Palma. The construction of a 2,856-meter-long tunnel through the Sierra de Alfábia took four years. The train ride takes passengers on a scenic route through the Serra de Tramuntana, making stops in the municipalities of Son Sardina and Bunyola, and passing through tunnels and viaducts, the most picturesque being the one known as Els Cinc Ponts.
After leaving the last tunnel, the picturesque village of Sóller reveals itself among the green orange groves of the valley of the same name. From Sóller, visitors can continue on to Port de Sóller on the old streetcar, which runs every hour. More than a means of transport, the Tren de Sóller is one of Mallorca’s main tourist attractions. Aboard this century-old train, you experience a sense of calm as you travel through the most unknown part of the island, which explains its great popularity among tourists.
If you do not plan to take the Sóller streetcar, you can still capture this unique experience in photographs, as the Ferrocarril de Sóller is one of the main postcards of the island. Make the most of your stay in Mallorca with Ideal Property Mallorca and live this unique railway experience.
Route
SOLLER TRAIN
- Palma de Mallorca Station
From the moment you cross the threshold of Palma Station, you are enveloped by an atmosphere of nostalgia and elegance that takes you back in time. This unique railway station is a haven of peace amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, offering a unique experience from the heart of Palma de Mallorca.
Located next to the emblematic Plaza de España, the station has a modernist building with three sections, depots and ample track space. From the platform, covered by a canopy that offers shade and shelter, you can watch the train coupling manoeuvres, accompanied by the sound of the trumpets of the guards and the whistles of the locomotives, a ritual that has been repeated for more than a century.
Before leaving, you should not miss the exhibition “50 Landscapes of Mallorca“, a collection of paintings that adorns the walls of an old coach house, showing the vision of renowned local and foreign artists on the island’s nature.
- A Journey through Time aboard the Sóller Train
It’s time to embark on this exciting journey. As you step into the carriage, you enter a world of lacquered wood, sash windows and leather and metal seats, maintaining its original charm since its inauguration. Versatile seating allows you to choose between sharing the journey with your fellow passengers or enjoying a private space, while in first class, comfortable sofas elevate the experience even further.
The one-hour journey takes you back to another era and another Mallorca, where time passed calmly and the train represented progress and modernity.
- A scenic journey through the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range
On leaving Palma, the train passes through the urban suburbs to enter the Mallorcan countryside, where carob and almond trees paint the landscape with their colours. The journey takes you past the large rural houses that preside over the estates, as you enter the majestic Serra de Tramuntana mountain range.
Along this stretch you can distinguish large rural houses that preside over the different estates: Sa Font Seca, Son Termes, Son Amar, Raixa and s’Alqueria Blanca.
- The road to Bunyola
After passing the stops on the Santa Maria and Caubet roads, the train enters a Mediterranean pine forest, reaching the village of Bunyola. Its station, with more than a hundred years of history, preserves its original splendour, surrounded by gardens and lemon groves.
Leaving Bunyola, three buildings stand out: Sa Torre or Villa Francisca, in Modernist style; s‘Alqueria d’Avall, a typical Mallorcan mountain estate, and the Alfàbia farmhouse, a house dating from the times of the Arab domination surrounded by Andalusian-inspired gardens.
- We immerse ourselves in the Serra de Tramuntana, a World Heritage Site.
Leaving Bunyola behind, we enter the characteristic olive groves of the Serra de Tramuntana, recognised as a World Heritage Site. The centuries-old olive trees cling to the slopes, cultivated on dry stone terraces, called “marges” in Catalan.
- The journey to the Valley of Sóller
The train goes through tunnels carved into the rock, crossing the rugged geography of the island until it reaches the highest point of the route. The lamps are lit inside the carriages, while it is pitch dark outside. Pushed by the piston that makes up the convoy, the air howls like a ghost trapped inside the mountain. If we open our window slightly, that damp breeze, redolent of moss and bracken, blows cold, as the blackened walls of the tunnel glide swiftly past just inches from our faces. From there, it descends gently towards the valley of Sóller, offering spectacular views of orange and lemon groves, towering mountains and breathtaking panoramic views.
- Photo Carousel
Each tunnel exit offers a new perspective of the valley, the village and the mountains, creating a unique experience that unfolds before your eyes.
- At the viewpoint of Pujol d’en Banya
The special train (ask at the ticket office at Palma station) makes a brief technical stop on the slope of Pujol d’en Banya. Enjoy ten minutes to admire and photograph the landscape from the viewpoint.
- Passing through the charm of the route
The train advances over the curved viaduct that crosses the Torrent dels Montreals, known as “els cinc ponts“. It then enters the “500” tunnel, with its almost 180º turn that surprises on exiting, revealing the valley on the left.
- Arrival in Sóller, an Art Nouveau town
The convoy approaches Sóller, passing through orange groves. On arrival at the station, the town is noted for its oranges and its 19th-century export history, which influenced the local culture. On alighting from the train, travellers are greeted by the sight of the railway installations and the electricity sub-station.
To reach the Plaza de España, where tram stops and the tourist office are located, they pass through Can Maiol, a 17th century house with various functions over the years, which retains its traditional charm and houses art exhibition rooms.
The journey continues with the many sightseeing opportunities in Sóller, from its modernist buildings to its church, squares and cobbled streets, inviting travellers to explore.
TRANVIA DE SÓLLER
- From Sóller to Port de Sóller aboard a historic tramway
Sóller’s tramway, inaugurated in 1913, is more than just a tourist attraction; it is a historic link between the mountain and the sea that has served the community for over a century. From transporting fish to carrying goods and passengers, this tramway is an integral part of life in Sóller.
- From the Sóller Railway Station
At Plaza de España, next to Sóller’s iconic train station, begin your tram journey to the beach and harbour. With the flexibility of purchasing tickets on board or having opted for the combined train-tram ticket, you can take the opportunity to explore the town before your journey. In addition, the Sóller Tourist Office, located in an old train carriage, offers useful information for your visit.
- Crossing the town of Sóller by tram.
Boarding the tram at the station, you cross the charming centre of Sóller. From the Plaza de España to the Plaza Constitución, via the picturesque promenade of Es Born, you will enjoy the sights of the monumental parish church and the bustle of the terraces of cafés and bars. During the warmer months, the open carriages allow you to soak up even more of Sóller’s ambience and scenery.
- Between History and Nature
As the tram pulls away from the hustle and bustle of the city, it plunges into a rural landscape where citrus orchards and the back gardens of houses dominate the skyline. Here, in Es Camp de S’Oca, a historic battle was fought against Barbary pirates in 1561, an event commemorated every year with festivities.
As the tram is also used by the locals, there are two more stops along its route through the neighbourhood of L’Horta. The driver only stops the train if the passenger notifies him by ringing the bell placed for this purpose, pulling on a strap that hangs from the roof of the carriage. This is yet another peculiarity of this unique form of transport.
- Heading to the sea
On its route to the sea, the tram crosses the road leading to Sóller, offering panoramic views of the mountains and lush orchards. Along the way, it makes brief stops to pick up or drop off passengers, such as at Sa Roca Rotja, where the tracks branch off to make way for the return tram.
The salty aroma announces the proximity of the sea as the tram glides towards the bay of Sóller. Stopping at the Plaça de Sa Torre, near an old defence tower, the passengers disembark in the direction of Playa d’en Repic. From there, the tram continues its course along the Es Través pedestrian promenade, offering a spectacular view of the bay.
- Discover the Port of Sóller
The tour culminates at the old tram station, now converted into a restaurant, a family-run business since 1929. Here, you can relax, explore the quays, take a dip on the beach or enjoy the magnificent sea views. You can also take the opportunity to embark on an exciting sea voyage to other nearby coastal destinations.
PRECIOS
Train tickets cost €20 each way from Palma to Sóller, making a total of €40 return, excluding the tram to Puerto de Sóller. The best option is to buy a combined train and tram ticket from Sóller. For €35, you get a return train ticket from Palma to Sóller, plus tickets for the scenic tram ride between Sóller and Port de Sóller.
HORARIOS
The departure times of the Sóller train vary depending on the time of year and date, while the tram runs very frequently, with departures every 30/60 minutes between 8:00 and 21:00.
