Sóller, a beautiful historic coastal town on the island of Mallorca in Spain, is famously beautiful, culturally rich, and historically rich. The town sits in the valley of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains (a UNESCO World Heritage site), is often called the ‘Valley of Oranges’ (after the many citrus orchards found here that form an important part of the town’s history and economy).
In more recent decades, Sóller has been catapulted into the popular tourist scene as a destination city filled with history, natural beauty and cultural wealth, with an established sense of security, attention to quality and preservation of the town’s heritage. The local population caters to these visitors in a traditional environment and with a backdrop of history, while offering a relatively easy adaptation for the English-speaker. This guide describes everything you can see on a day trip to Sóller, including how to get there and all the best things to do!
The Journey to Sóller
The vintage wooden train ride from Palma to Sóller is a highlight in itself. The journey on this hour-long historic track, a narrow-gauge railway built in the early 1910s, takes you from Palma through the streets of the city, across farmland and then into the UNESCO World Heritage site of Serra de Tramuntana mountains. During the ride, the train passes through several tunnels, some near 3 km long and the views are stunning, especially from Mirador des Pujol den Banya.
The History of the Palma to Sóller Train
The Palma to Sóller train originally opened at the beginning of the 20th century and is technically known as the Ferrocarril de Sóller – the term ferrocarril being linked to its Spanish heritage and influence. It was originally opened for commuter use, transporting citrus fruits from the valley at Sóller to the island’s capital city, Palma, before gradually transitioning from a commercial portage service for these fruits to a tourist attraction. Its carriages are a trip down memory lane, their wooden fittings and brass buckles lending a resplendent air to what became a vintage line.
How to Take the Sóller Train from Palma
Taking the Sóller train from Palma is a straightforward process. The journey starts at the Palma train station, located conveniently in the city. Passengers can purchase tickets either at the station or in advance. The prices for a one-way and round trip vary slightly, with options to include the tram journey to Port de Sóller (see more on that below).
How Often Does the Sóller Train Run?
The frequency of the Sóller train service varies seasonally. During the peak summer months, the train runs more frequently, with up to six daily crossings between Palma and Sóller. The train timetable typically sees the earliest train typically departs around 10:10 AM, and the last train leaves Sóller for the return journey to Palma around 7:40 PM.
How to get tickets for the Sóller Train?
The cost for travelling one way is €18 and €25 return, though you can also get combined return tickets taking you the whole way to Port de Sóller, by train and then tram, which cost €32. The historic train departs from Palma’s impressive train station, right on the edge of the old city.
The Journey Between Sóller and Palma
The closest I have been to time travel is for an hour between Sóller and Palma on this historic train, passing through many rolling and wildly different fills of visual feast. Branching out of Palma, the train snails through the cobbled city street, before entering into the outer suburb and an expansive stretch of agricultural farms. With the backdrop of almonds and carob trees, the train then climbs uphill into the depths of the mountains — a UNESCO World Heritage site known as the Serra de Tramuntana.
The train manoeuvres through a sequence of tunnels. The longest one in the ascent is almost 3 km long. There;s also a spot where you can disembark to take photos of the picturesque landscape at the Mirador des Pujol den Banya. Out of all the tunnels, the ‘500’ tunnel offers a 180º turn; no matter where you sit, and no matter where the train is within the tunnel, you can be guaranteed of magical scenes on either side of you. The rest of the journey from here for another 30 minutes has been a preamble to the climax, not missing the aesthetics of early 20th-century rail travel — at its oldest state. Finally, we arrive at the small unique town of Sóller.
Exploring Sóller
Spending a day in Sóller, Mallorca, offers a load of activities and sights that cater to different interests. Here are some of the best things to see and do:
1. Explore the Town Center
Centred on the Plaza de la Constitución, the old town, full of shops, filled with people going about their business, is the beating heart of culture and tradition in the region and full of impressive buildings. The old town is the life and soul of a place to visit. This area is graced by the stunning Neo-Gothic Sant Bartomeu Church, a structure that reflects the town’s architectural and historical significance. The narrow, cobbled streets are lined with independent shops, cafes and restaurants that are a delight to explore and enjoy the food and local artisanal products. They often have markets at the weekend. The famous red tram passes through the square regularly which makes for a pretty epic photo in my opinion!
2. Visit Can Prunera Museum
Housed in a beautifully restored Art Nouveau building, the museum showcases an impressive array of artworks, including pieces by renowned artists such as Kandinsky, Picasso, and Warhol. The museum not only highlights the works of international artists but also dedicates space to local and regional art, providing a comprehensive perspective on both the global and local art scenes. The architecture of the museum itself, with its period features and design, adds to the allure, making it a visual treat in its own right.
3. Stroll Through the Botanical Garden
The gardens, which work to preserve the flora of the Mediterranean, are home to a diverse range of species, many of which are endemic to the Balearic Islands and endangered or threatened. The gardens are designed to allow you to walk through the various habitats found on the island, from wetlands to forests and agricultural areas. The Balearic Museum of Natural Sciences is also located on site.
4. Ride the Vintage Tram to Port de Sóller
A steel-framed, early 20th-century tramline, the red carriages rattle along this century-old tramway between the pretty town of Sóller and its port, Port de Sóller. Gleaming brass and polished wooden panels, this ride through the Sóller Valley is a charm. The ride takes about 15 minutes and, in calm weather, you will dangle over the cliffs in the valley, glimpse the glinting of the Mediterranean past the masts of the white-sailed motor boats, fishing trawlers and pleasure craft in Port de Sóller. The port is a pretty harbour town. There is a marina and promenade, and a string of shops and cafes.
5. Enjoy the Local Gastronomy
Mallorca is famous for its cuisine, and Sóller is no exception. Try local specialties at restaurants like Ca’n Boqueta and Ca’n Pintxo, which offer a mix of traditional and contemporary dishes using fresh, local ingredients.
Here’s some great restaurants to consider for a lunch break:
- Ca’n BoQueta: This gourmet bistro serves Mediterranean-style dishes with a contemporary twist. The restaurant offers a 3-course set lunch menu for €15 and a five-course tasting menu in the evening, which is excellent value for the quality of food provided. It’s an ideal spot for romantic or special occasions, located at Gran Via 43 in the centre of Sóller.
- Ca’n Pintxo: Specializing in pintxos, a type of ‘finger food’ often served skewered with a cocktail stick, this restaurant uses fresh local ingredients to prepare its dishes daily. It’s a popular venue and worth reserving a table in advance. Located at Carrer de la Rectoria 1, Ca’n Pintxo offers a fun and sociable dining experience.
- Restaurante Luna 36: Situated a couple of hundred meters from Sóller’s main square, Luna 36 offers a mix of Mediterranean, Spanish, and European dishes, including traditional Mallorcan cuisine and Tapas. The restaurant has a diverse wine list and vegetarian and vegan options available. It’s located at Carrer de sa Lluna 36, close to the Art Museum.
- Ca’n Llimona: Known for its homemade pasta dishes and beautifully prepared desserts, Ca’n Llimona is a small, friendly restaurant located at Carrer de la Victoria 11 Maig. This establishment is cash-only and is praised for its cosy atmosphere and exceptional pasta.
6. Visit the Orange Groves of Ecovinyassa
Located just outside the town, these groves form part of a proud tradition of citrus farming that are fundamental to the growth and prosperity of Sóller’s town centre. Those who come to Ecovinyassa can meander between the orange trees under the shade of the orchard birds, and smell the citrus aroma that diffuses in the air. You can learn about the history and cultivation of the orange trees in Sóller while enjoying one of the healthiest types of fruits there are. At the end of the visit, you can taste the realjuice squeezed from the oranges on the tree.
7. Admire the Architecture
One of the most striking features of Sóller’s architectural landscape is its abundance of Art Nouveau buildings. This style, known for its decorative and organic forms, is evident in various structures around the town, including the iconic Church of Sant Bartomeu. The church, a centrepiece in the main square, showcases a façade influenced by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí, manifesting the modernist style that flourished in the area. Additionally, the town’s narrow streets and quaint houses paint a picture of traditional Mediterranean architecture, characterised by their stone construction, red-tiled roofs, and green shutters.
From the scenic and, for some, nostalgic train ride along the coast to the centre of the town, every element of the Sóller experience can be a new brush stroke of the Perfect Scenario. The striking Art Nouveau architecture of the Sant Bartomeu Church and the main square of the Port of Sóller, the bustling Plaza de la Constitución and the wonderful cafés and restaurants where everyone enjoys gazpacho and rosé wine are all unmistakably Mallorcan.
Only a wider view of the sprawling countryside, or a tram ride to Port de Sóller that transitions so suddenly to a maritime setting can complete a pure dream experience in Sóller. It stands as a true and direct representation, as a fragment of the archipelago, isolated and essential, of the rich historical and synthetic perfection of an island that knew how to welcome the modernity of the 20th century.
