About this tour
When Em from our BugBitten team caught the wooden train from Palma to Sóller, it felt like stepping into a century-old postcard. You're rattling through the Sierra Tramuntana for roughly 90 minutes—orange groves, olive trees, tunnels carved through raw mountain—with one leg back by road. The train itself is the star: original wood panelling, vintage charm, genuinely restored rather than Disneyfied. You finish in the pretty coastal town of Sóller, then hop a tram down to the port. It's a leisurely, scenic five hours total, best suited to folks comfortable with a medium-paced 700m walk and who aren't mobility-limited.
Highlights
- Original wooden train retains its 1912 character, no modern glossing.
- Serpentine route through Sierra Tramuntana reveals tunnels, forests, mountain vistas.
- Orange and olive groves perfume the carriages—genuinely aromatic.
- Tram descent to Port of Sóller adds a second transport nostalgia hit.
- Sóller town itself worth an hour's wander—pastel buildings, quiet squares.
- One leg by road means variety and lets you soak in different landscapes.
- Small groups feel—guides know the history, passengers chat naturally.
What to expect
The outbound train leaves Palma and spends 90 minutes climbing into the mountains. You'll see the track wind through forest, emerge into sunlit valleys dotted with fruit farms, then dive into tunnels that feel genuinely old. The carriage sways gently; it's not fast, which is the point. You arrive in Sóller mid-morning with time to stretch legs, grab a coffee, and wander the square before the tram rattles you down to the port—a shorter, steeper ride that shows you the coastline.
One leg back to Palma is by coach, which breaks up the journey and gives your legs a rest. The 5-hour window is snug but realistic: it accounts for the train ride, some town time, and the return leg. Weather is rarely an issue (it's Spain), though summer heat in the port can bite. The tram is charming but basic; don't expect air con.
What travellers say
- Authentically restored century-old train, no sanitised tourist theatre.
- Sierra Tramuntana route genuinely spectacular, orange groves included.
- Tram ride to port adds retro charm and coastal views.
- Manageable 5-hour window, paced for real enjoyment not rushing.
- Sóller town itself worth the visit—pretty and genuinely lived-in.
- Lunch not included; plan café time in Sóller carefully.
- 700m walk and old-town cobbles not suitable for reduced mobility.
- Summer crowds squeeze the vintage carriages; book early.
- Tram to port is charming but basic and can feel cramped.
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This isn't a theme-park facsimile—it's a working heritage railway that's genuinely old and still runs the same route it did over a century ago. Brilliant for train enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone who loves slow travel. Families with prams cope fine; the train is flat and spacious. You'll see real Majorcan countryside, not a curated strip.
Lunch isn't included, so plan a cafe stop in Sóller town (it's essential). The 700m walk on foot is mostly gentle but includes some slight elevation; not accessible for wheelchair users or those with serious mobility issues. Summer crowds can cram the carriages. The tram is tiny and can feel cramped. Bring water, sunscreen, and comfy shoes—the platforms and town streets are old and uneven.
Departs mornings. Group sizes vary. Infants sit on laps; strollers fold. Service animals welcome. Arrive early for a window seat.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.