Train Sóller Station (Palma de Mallorca) — Attraction in Palma

Excellent day out to Port de Soller, highly recommended. There are only two trains each morning running the one hour from Palma to the town of Soller in the north of Mallorca: 10 and 10:40. The departing station in Palma is conveniently very close to the main Estacio Intermodal at Placa d’Espanya. Book online the day before to ensure a ticket. Tickets on the day can be bought at the station but numbers for each train are limited. Warning: it’s cash only for tickets on the day at the ticket office, cards not accepted. No need to print out the combined receipt and ticket that comes by email but online tickets have to be exchanged at the ticket office before boarding, just show your phone. You must travel on the booked train but as we were early for the 10:40 train and the 10:00 had spare seats (end of October), they let us board the 10:00 train. Allow 15 mins for the online queue to exchange tickets. A return trip for two adults is €64 but this also includes the 30 min tram from Soller down to the port and back. Masks must be worn at all times and this is strictly enforced. The old-fashioned narrow-gauge railway trundles north out of Palma and, after some depressing industrial areas on the outskirts of the city, continues through some very picturesque scenery of astonishing mountains and valleys. The train passes through some 13 tunnels and over a viaduct. You will want to take lots of pictures! Ignore the advice we saw online that the best views were from the left-side seats. In fact, the most impressive views going towards Soller were on the right but there are some pretty views on the left too. Coming back to Palma sit on the left. The windows open upwards allowing both ventilation and unobstructed views from almost every row. The seat backs flip across to allow almost all passengers a forward facing seat. If the train is not full the seat back in front can be pushed forward to give greater leg room. The train is quaint and it’s surprising that in this age of health and safety it has avoided safety modifications. E.g., don’t lean out of the window, as you could literally lose your head. There’s a 5-minute stop high above the last valley before Soller where everyone can get out to take photos. Be aware that some carriages are reserved for tour groups and when we arrived at Soller the tram at the station was also reserved for the tour group. However, the main (and longer trams) leave from just outside the station gates every 30 mins during the day. No reservation is needed but in busy periods it’s standing room only for many. Take our advice and first spend some time wandering the shops and cafes in Soller before taking the tram to the port. The church is moderately interesting but entry is 1 euro. The busy town square where cafe customers compete with cars and the tram in narrow, twisting roads is interesting to observe. The tram down to the port is the main event. On reaching the bay, the tram turns right along the promenade to stop almost at the far end, close to the marina entrance. Port Soller is an almost unspoilt area of Mallorca quite unlike most of the tourist areas in the south and west of the island. The stores and restaurants are that bit more refined and filled with less crass tourist tat. The Cala of Soller with lighthouses perched on each side of the bay is picture-postcard perfect with safe-to swim blue water and fine sandy beaches, more sandy towards the east end. You can stroll round the marina taking in the yachts and motor cruisers, small and large. As you are likely to be at the port for the day - the return trains are not until 4:30 or 5:30 - you should prepare for the beach. Alternatively, take a slow stroll from one end of the promenade to the other, stopping for ice cream and a drink, and back again. There are many restaurants to chose from for lunch. The return trams leave every 30 mins. To be sure of a seat on the 5:30 train back to Palma, we left the port on the 4:30 tram. As we had already visited Soller town earlier in the day, we just walked over to the train and had our...

The Ferrocarril de Sóller is a quintessential Mallorcan experience that seamlessly blends history, scenic beauty, and charming village life into an unforgettable journey. This historic railway, which has been operating since 1912, connects the vibrant town of Sóller with the picturesque port of Port de Sóller, traversing through the stunning Tramuntana Mountains along the way.

From the moment you board the vintage wooden carriages, you’re transported back in time. The nostalgic ambiance, complete with original furnishings and the gentle rhythm of the train, creates a cozy and romantic atmosphere. Large panoramic windows ensure that every seat offers breathtaking views of Mallorca’s diverse landscapes, from lush orange groves and fragrant lemon orchards to rugged mountain peaks and sparkling Mediterranean waters.

The route itself is nothing short of spectacular. As the train winds its way through tunnels carved into the mountains and crosses charming viaducts, each turn reveals a new vista that highlights the island’s natural splendor. The journey takes approximately one hour each way, providing ample time to soak in the panoramic scenery and capture stunning photographs.

Upon arriving in Sóller, the town welcomes you with its vibrant plaza, bustling markets, and delightful cafes. Strolling through the narrow streets, you’ll encounter beautiful modernist architecture, quaint shops, and inviting restaurants where you can savor local delicacies. The town’s relaxed yet lively atmosphere makes it the perfect place to explore before hopping back on the train for the return trip to Port de Sóller.

Port de Sóller itself is a charming seaside haven, offering a lovely harbor lined with palm trees, bustling waterfront promenades, and an array of seafood restaurants. Whether you choose to unwind by the beach, take a boat trip, or simply enjoy the serene coastal views, Port de Sóller provides a perfect complement to the enchanting railway journey.

Pro Tips:

Book in Advance: Especially during peak tourist seasons, securing your tickets ahead of time ensures a smooth and stress-free experience.

Choose Your Seats Wisely: For the best views, opt for window seats on the right side of the train when traveling from Sóller to Port de Sóller.

Combine with Local Attractions: Enhance your visit by exploring the Jardí Botànic (Botanical Garden) in Sóller or taking a leisurely walk along the waterfront in Port de Sóller.

Photography: Bring a camera or smartphone to capture the stunning landscapes, but also take moments to simply enjoy the vistas without the lens.

In summary, the Ferrocarril de Sóller is more than just a train ride; it’s a journey through the heart of Mallorca’s natural and cultural beauty. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a unique and memorable experience, this historic railway offers something truly special. Don’t miss the opportunity to ride the Ferrocarril de Sóller – it’s a highlight that beautifully encapsulates the magic...

This unique historic railway should deserve 5 stars... but having visited more than 20 years ago and revisiting last week, I have had to deduct a couple for the following reasons:

The railway is a victim of its own success and its popularity due to worldwide TV documentaries and social media. The train has to be booked in advance and the fares are expensive. The crowds pushing and shoving on the platform at Palma to get a good seat create an atmosphere of stress and anxiety. Poor timekeeping does not help when the large crowd has been gathering for up to an hour in a shade temperature of 35 degrees C and the train arrives 15 minutes late. Reserved seats (or, at the least some form of control on the platform) would be so much better. There needs to be a more frequent service (the last service of the afternoon is at 1510). At the time of my earlier visit the railway still fulfilled a service for local people as well as tourists - frequent trains, local atmosphere, room to move and no panic.

The scenic nature and spectacular engineering of the latter part of the journey through the mountains is as majestic as ever and must not be underestimated but the initial few miles through the suburbs of Palma which I recall as being mainly agricultural with lemon groves, olive plantations and vineyards are now an uncontrolled sprawl of factories, warehouses, dereliction, shanty dwellings of the homeless, fly-tipping and graffiti. The initial street tramway is interesting but now runs through what is now a poor and neglected part of the city.

The interchange at Soller with trams to the Port was formerly easy. A fleet of trams would meet the train at Soller Station. But now the intending passenger has to walk down the street to a stop where a scrum of people scramble for the tram when one arrives maybe 10 to 30 minutes later. The half hourly peak service on the Port tram is a nonsense when 2 or 3 lengthy trams perform each service! The trams also no longer serve the far end of the promenade although tracks and electrical catenary are...