Riding the Vintage Train from Palma de Mallorca to Sóller

Mallorca, the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands, is a destination that seems to have it all. The capital, Palma de Mallorca, charms visitors with its Gothic cathedral, cobblestone alleys, and vibrant café culture, while the rugged peaks of the Tramuntana Mountains reveals olive groves, vineyards, and sleepy villages. While most travelers explore Mallorca by car or bus, there’s a far more charming way to see the island: aboard the vintage train from Palma to Sóller. This century-old wooden train, affectionately known as the Ferrocarril de Sóller, offers a nostalgic journey through time and landscape. It’s an experience that captures the romance of old-world travel.

The History of this Vintage Train in Mallorca

The Ferrocarril de Sóller first began operating in 1912, built to connect the bustling capital of Palma with the remote town of Sóller, which was then isolated by the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range. Funded by the local orange trade, the railway was originally used to transport citrus fruits — particularly Sóller’s famous sweet oranges — to the markets and port of Palma.

Over a century later, the train still runs on the same narrow-gauge tracks, lovingly maintained to preserve its authenticity. The carriages, made of polished mahogany and brass, retain their original elegance, complete with wooden benches, sliding windows, and the rhythmic clatter that has all but disappeared from modern travel.

The Route: Departing from Palma

The journey begins at the Estació del Tren de Sóller in Palma de Mallorca, a small, charming terminal tucked near the main Plaça d’Espanya. As you wait for departure, the scent of wood and oil fills the air, and a faint excitement hums among passengers, which are locals and tourists alike.

Once the train chugs to life, the city quickly fades behind you. The early part of the route passes through the outskirts of Palma, where urban scenery gives way to open countryside. Fields of almond and olive trees stretch toward the horizon, occasionally dotted with stone fincas (farmhouses) and grazing sheep.

Into the Heart of the Tramuntana Mountains

After about 20 minutes, the landscape begins to shift. The train enters the Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Mallorca’s most dramatic natural regions. The tracks twist and climb, crossing over viaducts and plunging through 13 tunnels, each one revealing a new panorama.

At one point, the train stops briefly at a scenic lookout called Mirador del Pujol d’en Banya, offering a breathtaking view over the Sóller valley — a carpet of citrus orchards surrounded by rugged peaks.

Arrival in Sóller

After roughly one hour, the train descends into the fertile valley of Sóller. This picturesque town has long been known as the “Valley of Oranges.” In spring, the air is heavy with the scent of blossoms, and the fruit markets overflow with local produce.

At the heart of the town lies the Plaça Constitució, a lively square lined with cafés, boutiques, and the striking Church of Sant Bartomeu, whose modernist facade was designed by a disciple of Antoni Gaudí. Just a few kilometers away, Port de Sóller offers a perfect seaside escape. The tram that connects the town and the port is another vintage delight, running along the seafront and offering panoramic views of the bay.

What to Expect on the Journey

While traveling on the vintage train from Palma to Sóller expect ever-changing landscapes and a multi-sensorial experience. You will hear the sound of the wheels on the tracks, the creak of wooden panels, and the smell of pine from the polished carriages. The train travels slowly (around 30 km/h), allowing you to soak in every view, while every window is a frame for a perfect photo.

Practical Information: How to Ride the Train

The vintage train from Palma to Sóller runs several times a day, with extra departures during the summer months. The scenic journey takes about one hour. You can buy your ticket at the station or book it online in advance, which is highly recommended in high season when the service is especially popular.

Many travelers take the train to Sóller in the morning, so to explore the town or visit Port de Sóller by tram. Then, you can either return to Palma the same way or continue exploring Mallorca’s northwest coast.

The best time to go is spring but also early autumn, when the weather is pleasant, and the orange groves are at their most fragrant.