Tren de Soller: Complete Guide to Mallorca's Historic Train 2026
A century-old wooden train through orange groves, 13 tunnels, and the Serra de Tramuntana mountains to the most beautiful valley in Mallorca
Ticket Prices
Opening Hours
Getting There
Key Takeaways
- A beautifully preserved 1912 wooden train — over 110 years old and still running through the Serra de Tramuntana mountains
- The 27km journey passes through 13 tunnels, over stone viaducts, and through valleys of orange and lemon groves
- Train return 25 EUR, combined train + tram 35 EUR — children under 6 travel free
- Continue by vintage tram through orange groves to Port de Soller for beaches, boat trips, and the freshest orange juice in Mallorca
- Rated the #1 day trip from Palma — book the first train (10:10) to have the full day in Soller and Port de Soller
- Closed mid-December to end of January for annual maintenance — check the official website before your visit
Why the Tren de Soller Is Mallorca's #1 Experience
Some journeys are about the destination. The Tren de Soller is about everything — the journey, the destination, and the feeling that you've stepped back in time. Since 1912, this beautifully preserved wooden train has been rattling through the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, connecting Palma to the enchanting valley town of Soller. Over 110 years later, it's still running — with the same polished wooden carriages, brass fittings, and leather seats that passengers sat in over a century ago.
The journey is pure magic: 27 kilometres of narrow-gauge track winding through 13 tunnels, across stone viaducts, past terraced orange and lemon groves, and through some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the Mediterranean. When you emerge from the final tunnel and the Soller Valley unfolds below you — a carpet of orange trees surrounded by towering peaks — you'll understand why they call it the Valley of Gold.
The History — Born from Oranges
The Tren de Soller exists because of oranges. In the early 1900s, the Soller Valley was one of the most productive citrus-growing regions in the Mediterranean. But the valley was isolated — separated from Palma by the massive Serra de Tramuntana mountain range. Getting oranges to Palma's port for export meant a long, difficult journey by road over the mountains.
Local businessman Jeroni Estades led the project to build a railway through the mountains, funded largely by the profits of the orange trade. Construction began in 1907 and required extraordinary engineering — including boring a 2,856-metre tunnel through the Serra d'Alfabia, which took four years to complete. The railway opened on 16 April 1912 and was an immediate sensation.
The train was originally powered by steam, switching to electric traction in 1929. In 1985, the Spanish government declared it a Bien de Interes Cultural (Asset of Cultural Interest), protecting it as a national treasure. Today, the Tren de Soller carries over 1 million passengers per year — almost all of them tourists — and is widely considered the most beautiful train journey in Spain.
The Journey — What You'll See
Stage 1: Palma Station (Departure)
The journey begins at the Palma Soller station, a charming early 20th-century building right next to the main Estacio Intermodal at Placa d'Espanya. The wooden carriages are waiting on the platform — polished mahogany, brass handles, leather seats, and windows that actually open. Step aboard and you immediately feel you've travelled back a century.
Stage 2: Through the Suburbs and into the Mountains
The train pulls out of Palma and winds through the outskirts, passing backyards, almond groves, and the first hints of the countryside. Within minutes, the city disappears and the landscape turns green — pine-covered hills, ancient olive trees, and dry stone walls lining the track.
Stage 3: Bunyola — The Only Stop
The train stops briefly at Bunyola, a small mountain village nestled in the foothills of the Tramuntana. A few passengers get on or off. The views from here are already spectacular — but the best is yet to come.
Stage 4: The 13 Tunnels and the Viaducts
After Bunyola, the train begins its dramatic ascent into the mountains. This is the engineering marvel — the track climbs through 13 tunnels carved into the mountainside, including the massive 2,856-metre Tunnel Major beneath the Serra d'Alfabia. Between the tunnels, the train crosses stone viaducts with views that make you gasp:
- Els Cinc Ponts — the famous curved viaduct with five masonry arches spanning the Torrent dels Montreals. The most photographed moment of the journey.
- Views down into deep ravines covered in pine forests
- Glimpses of distant mountain peaks through the trees
- Ancient terraced hillsides with olive groves clinging to the slopes
Tip: Sit on the right-hand side of the train (travelling from Palma) for the best views of the valleys and viaducts.
Stage 5: The Valley of Gold — Arrival in Soller
As the train emerges from the final tunnel, the Soller Valley suddenly opens up below — a breathtaking patchwork of orange and lemon groves, with the town of Soller nestled in the centre and the peaks of the Tramuntana rising on all sides. This is the Valley of Gold (Vall d'Or), named for the golden fruit that made the region wealthy. The descent into the valley, winding through the orange trees, is one of the most beautiful stretches of the entire journey.
The train arrives at Soller station after approximately 1 hour.
Soller Town — What to Do
Step off the train and you're in one of Mallorca's most charming towns. Soller feels like a different world from Palma — quieter, greener, more intimate. Here's what not to miss:
Placa Constitucio — The Heart of Soller
The main square is lined with cafes, orange trees, and a fountain. It's dominated by the stunning Basilica de Sant Bartomeu with its remarkable modernist facade designed by Joan Rubio i Bellver, a disciple of Antoni Gaudi. Sit at a terrace, order a freshly squeezed Soller orange juice, and soak in the atmosphere.
Fresh Orange Juice — A Must!
Soller is famous for its oranges, and you must try the fresh-squeezed orange juice here — it's unlike anything you've tasted. Sweet, fragrant, and intensely flavourful, Soller oranges are a different variety from what you find in supermarkets. Every cafe in the square serves it. You'll also find orange ice cream at Sa Fabrica de Gelats (with over 30 flavours), orange marmalade, orange liqueur (Angel d'Or), and orange-flavoured pastries.
Saturday Market
If you visit on a Saturday, you'll find the weekly market spreading from the station all the way across Placa Constitucio. Local artisan products, handmade crafts, olives, cheeses, sobrassada, honey, ceramics, and of course Soller oranges by the bag.
Can Prunera Museum of Modernism
This beautiful Art Nouveau mansion houses an impressive modern art collection including works by Picasso, Kandinsky, Warhol, and Mallorcan artist Miquel Barcelo. The building itself — with its ornate facade, stained glass, and period interiors — is as much of an attraction as the art. Entry approximately 6 EUR.
The Streets of Soller
Wander the narrow streets around the square. You'll find traditional stone houses with green shutters, hidden courtyards, small boutiques selling local crafts, and bakeries with traditional Mallorcan pastries.
The Vintage Tram to Port de Soller
From Soller, catch the Tranvia de Soller — a charming vintage electric tram (dating from 1913) that rattles through orange and lemon groves for 15 minutes to reach Port de Soller. The tram runs along the road and through the orchards — open-sided, with the warm breeze carrying the scent of citrus blossoms.
Trams depart every 30 minutes and cost 9 EUR per journey (buy tickets on board from the conductor). The ride is short but absolutely unforgettable — especially the final stretch as the tram rounds the headland and the horseshoe-shaped bay of Port de Soller comes into view.
Port de Soller — The Perfect Destination
Port de Soller is where the magic of this day trip reaches its peak. A stunning horseshoe-shaped natural bay surrounded by mountains, with a sandy beach, a waterfront promenade, fishing boats, and some of the best seafood restaurants in Mallorca.
The Beach
The main beach, Platja d'en Repic, stretches across the bay — sandy, clean, and perfect for swimming. The water is clear and calm (the bay is sheltered by mountains on both sides). You can rent sun loungers and umbrellas, or lay your towel on the free sections of sand. It's the only sandy beach on Mallorca's west coast.
Boat Trips
From the port, you can take boat trips to some of Mallorca's most spectacular coastline:
- Sa Calobra and Torrent de Pareis — A dramatic canyon where a torrent meets the sea, accessible only by boat or a hair-raising mountain road. One of Mallorca's most jaw-dropping natural wonders.
- Cala Deia — A beautiful hidden cove with crystal-clear water and two restaurants built into the cliff (Ca's Patro March is legendary).
- Sunset cruises along the Tramuntana coastline
The Promenade
Walk the waterfront promenade that circles the bay. Lined with restaurants, ice cream shops, and souvenir stores. Watch the fishing boats come and go. The promenade is flat, wide, and perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Water Sports
The calm bay is ideal for kayaking, paddle surfing (SUP), and snorkelling. Equipment rental is available along the beach. The clear, sheltered water makes it perfect for beginners.
Where to Eat
- Beachfront restaurants — Fresh seafood, paella, and Mediterranean cuisine with bay views
- Fresh orange juice stands — You'll find stalls squeezing Soller oranges right in front of you
- Ice cream parlours — Try the Soller orange flavour!
- Tapas bars along the promenade — Perfect for a casual lunch
The Perfect Day Trip Itinerary
- 09:30 — Arrive at Palma Soller station (Placa d'Espanya), buy tickets, grab a coffee
- 10:10 — Board the first train. Sit on the RIGHT side for the best views
- 11:10 — Arrive in Soller. Explore the square, try fresh orange juice, visit Sant Bartomeu church
- 12:00 — Catch the tram to Port de Soller (15 min ride through orange groves)
- 12:30 — Arrive at Port de Soller. Head to the beach for a swim!
- 13:30 — Lunch at a beachfront restaurant — fresh fish, paella, and Soller orange juice
- 15:00 — Walk the promenade, browse the shops, try orange ice cream
- 16:00 — Optional: Take a boat trip to Sa Calobra or kayak in the bay
- 17:30 — Tram back to Soller town (browse the shops if you have time)
- 18:00 — Train back to Palma (check last departure time for your date!)
Accessibility and Practical Information
Accessibility
The historic train carriages are NOT wheelchair accessible — they have steps to board and narrow aisles. The tram also has steps. However:
- The Port de Soller promenade is flat, wide, and fully accessible
- The beach has accessible sections
- An alternative by bus (line 211 from Palma) is available with modern accessible vehicles
- Contact the railway at +34 971 752 051 for specific accessibility questions
No Air Conditioning
The historic carriages have no air conditioning — they rely on open windows for ventilation. In summer, this is part of the charm (warm breeze, scent of orange blossoms), but bring water and sun protection. A hat and sunscreen are essential.
Booking Tips
- Tickets can be bought online (up to 1 week ahead) or at the station on the day
- Book the 10:10 first train — it's the most popular but gives you the full day
- In peak season (July-August), arrive 20-30 minutes early or book online
- The combined train + tram return (35 EUR) is the best value if you're doing the full trip
- The train is closed mid-December to end of January for annual maintenance
What to Bring
- Water bottle — no water service on the train
- Sun protection — hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Swimsuit and towel — for the beach at Port de Soller
- Camera — you'll use it constantly
- Cash — some smaller shops and the tram prefer cash
- Light jacket — the tunnels can be cool, especially in spring/autumn
Best Photo Spots
- The wooden carriages at Palma station — Classic shot of the vintage train before departure
- Right-hand window during the tunnel section — Valleys and viaducts appearing between tunnels
- Els Cinc Ponts viaduct — The curved bridge with five arches (visible from inside the train)
- The Valley of Gold descent — Orange groves unfolding as you drop into the Soller Valley
- Soller station arrival — The train sitting in the charming station with mountains behind
- The tram through orange groves — Vintage tram surrounded by citrus trees
- Port de Soller bay — The horseshoe-shaped bay seen from the promenade or the hillside above
- The tram arriving at Port de Soller — The vintage tram with the bay and mountains as backdrop
Train vs Bus — Why the Train Wins
You can get to Soller by bus (line 211, about 30 minutes, around 5 EUR) — it's cheaper and faster. But the train is the entire point. Here's why:
- The 110-year-old wooden carriages are an experience you can't get anywhere else in Europe
- The mountain route through 13 tunnels is completely different from the bus road
- The views from the viaducts are not visible from the road
- The descent into the Valley of Gold through the orange groves is breathtaking
- It's not just transport — it's the #1 attraction in Mallorca
Pro tip: Take the train TO Soller (for the experience) and the bus BACK to Palma (to save money and time). Best of both worlds!
Nearby Experiences
- Fornalutx (10 min drive from Soller) — Officially voted the most beautiful village in Spain. Stone houses, orange trees, and mountain views. Take a taxi or local bus.
- Sa Calobra & Torrent de Pareis (by boat from Port de Soller) — A dramatic gorge where a torrent meets the sea
- GR221 hiking trail — The famous Dry Stone Route passes through Soller. Day hikes available.
- Deia (20 min by bus) — The village where Robert Graves lived, perched on a clifftop with stunning views
- Cala Deia (by boat or bus) — A hidden cove with crystal-clear water and cliff-side restaurants
Pro Tips
- Take the 10:10 first train — it gives you the most time in Soller and Port de Soller and is less rushed
- Sit on the RIGHT side of the train (going from Palma) for the best views of the valleys, viaducts, and orange groves
- Buy the combined train + tram return ticket (35 EUR) — it's the best value for the full experience
- Try the fresh Soller orange juice at the square — it's a completely different flavour from regular oranges. Also try the orange ice cream at Sa Fabrica de Gelats
- Bring swimwear and a towel — the beach at Port de Soller is beautiful and you'll want to swim
- Visit on a Saturday for the weekly market in Soller — local produce, crafts, and artisan products
- Don't forget water and sun protection — the train has no air conditioning and the carriages get warm in summer
- Check the last train time back to Palma before you go — missing it means an expensive taxi ride!
