Who doesn’t love retro travel experiences, especially without any of the retro inconveniences? If you’re looking for a thoroughly charming day trip from Palma, the old fruit train to Sóller is for you! While I generally prioritize budget experiences, I have to admit that this was a splurge, at 18 Euros for a one way trip (one way!).
Sóller is the citrus capital of Mallorca and one of the most charming mountain towns you’ll ever see.
The old-fashioned train leaves from its own station, right next to the main train and bus station in Palma. I have to join every other travel blog in letting you know that the first car is the original first class seating (arm chairs rather than bench seats), where you can have a more luxurious experience for the same ticket price!
Once in Sóller, you can board the retro tram (they’re really milking the nostalgia hard) that will take you to the Port of Sóller, and it’s even possible to buy a combined train/tram ticket ahead of time.
As soon as I arrived in Sóller and marveled at the cathedral (easily one of the most stunning I’ve seen in Spain, and that’s saying something, as every neighborhood block seems to have its own cathedral here), I decided to walk to Fornalutx. It’s an incredibly small town, but it calls itself “the prettiest in Spain,” and even non-residents seem to agree with that self-designation. However, it was the 45 minute walk there that blew me away the most. Mountains, farms, and citruses (citri?) galore.
Sóller, like most of the cute, Mallorcan towns I’ve visited, doesn’t boast a ton to do, but it is adorable and the main square is the perfect place to sit and have a coffee. The adventure of getting there by retro train is a lot of fun, and kids would certainly get a kick out of it. And, if you’re looking for scenery, Sóller and Fornalutx definitely need to be on your list!
Going Out Your Door 