Island-Spot

Tren de Sóller

Tren de Sóller: A historic train ride through Mallorca’s beautiful landscape

Have you ever sat in a rolling piece of history while the world outside passes by?

If not, then it’s time for an adventure on the “Red Lightning” – the Tren de Sóller, which has been winning the hearts of its passengers for over a century.

Imagine this: You board a train whose carriages whisper stories from days long gone. The “Red Lightning”, affectionately named after its former color scheme, is more than just a means of transport; it is a time machine on rails that takes you gently through the Tramuntana mountains.

Since 1912, the historic railroad has connected Palma de Mallorca with the idyllic town of Sóller, revealing landscapes that are as diverse as the island itself. Orange groves, olive groves and majestic mountains play hide-and-seek with the azure blue sky.

But it’s not just about the view. The “Red Lightning” is also a masterpiece of engineering. It winds its way through tunnels, over bridges and along cliffs – a route that was as breathtaking then as it is now. It is said that each of the 13 tunnels has its own story to tell – if you just listen carefully.

On board this train, every minute is a pleasure. The wooden benches may be a little hard, but they bear witness to a time without the hustle and bustle. Here, clocks tick more slowly; it’s the here and now that counts.

Arriving in Sóller – a place that seems to have come straight out of a Spanish storybook. With its winding alleyways and lively market square, you immediately feel welcome. After a short coffee break, you can even continue your journey: A historic streetcar will take you directly to the port of Sóller.

The “Red Lightning” is not just a train ride; it is a tribute to travel itself – slow, deliberate and full of wonder. It is an invitation to all the senses to open up and soak up pure life.