Inaugurated in 1912, Spain’s only private train travels a narrow 27.6-kilometer track in a full hour, from Palma to Sóller. Today, the “Tren de Sóller” no longer transports oranges, which were once a highly successful export, but mainly tourists.
Its nickname is a bit misleading: the nostalgic train is brown and very slow. Fortunately, this allows passengers to enjoy the scenery and the interior of the carriages at a leisurely pace: first class features mahogany paneling, elegant leather armchairs, and stylish luggage racks.
Important Information at a Glance
- The Sóller Train departs from Palma six times a day and returns from Sóller up to eight times a day.
- A combined ticket, which also includes the trip on the historic tram, costs €35 for a round trip. One-way tickets are more affordable.
- Unfortunately, there are no discounts for children or families.
- From December to early February, the train goes on a winter break.
- During the journey, shortly before arriving in Sóller, the train passes through a tunnel where it makes a 180-degree turn.
Phew, we just made it… With two tickets for the old Sóller Train in hand, we’re standing on the platform in Palma, Plaça d’Espanya. Our journey begins at 10:40.
Ah, there’s the train, we get on, sit down, and we’re ready to go. Wow, these old carriages are beautiful! Well, the wooden benches are a bit hard… But who cares? We’ll be in Sóller soon.
What is there to see? Let’s check: the parish church of “Sant Bartomeu,” the “Museu Casal de Cultura,” the “Balearic Museum of Natural Sciences” with the island’s only botanical garden (Botanical Garden Sóller)… and, of course, the port of Port de Sóller, which can be reached by tram, the only one on the island.
The conductor rings the bell three times and blows into an old brass horn. Finally, the train departs. What? At this slow pace? I could run alongside it! Will we get there today? The outskirts of Palma, “La Victoria,” aren’t exactly scenic.
Look, honey, there’s an almond tree up ahead… I’ve spotted the first almond tree. Incredible, there are so many more – delicate pink, radiant white, too beautiful to be true. I close my eyes, feeling the cool breeze on my face and in my hair.
Wonderful, I could travel through this fairytale valley for days – the Tramuntana Mountains, the olive groves of Bunyola, the Alfabia Gardens, carob trees, sheep grazing peacefully – a dream! Oh, we’re already arriving at the Sóller station. In the beautiful modernist building, we stroll through the “Fet a Sóller” product exhibition and treat ourselves to some homemade ice cream – one scoop of almond, one of orange. Then, we leisurely head off for some sightseeing.
Since 1913, the only tram in Mallorca has been going back and forth continuously between the Sóller station and the port, passing by orange and lemon trees. When the sun is shining, the “Jardineros” (open wooden carriages) are attached to the locomotive. On our return from Port de Sóller, around four o’clock, we cross the Plaça Constitució of Sóller again with the tram – incredible, we’ve explored everything. And, best of all, without any stress.
Satisfied, we sit down at one of the street cafés and order a freshly squeezed orange juice. Later, we switch to red wine, accompanied by some tapas. Simply sitting there. In the midst of the peaceful life of the locals from Sóller. Hours later, we take the last train back to Palma and decide that next time we’ll stay for a few days. The Tramuntana Mountains are perfect for hiking.
Conclusion
Is a trip on the Sóller Train worth it? Although the tickets are not exactly cheap, I can recommend it without hesitation. It’s a unique experience that allows you to completely disconnect. For me, it’s the ideal excursion for the whole family, as it’s not just the kids who enjoy this journey. Plus, the visit to Sóller and Port de Sóller is another highlight not to be missed.
Interesting sights near the Station in Palma
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