What is the history behind the vintage tram that runs between Palma and Sóller?

The historic Sóller railway, often affectionately called the 'Orange Train,' traces back to the early 20th century and remains a beloved icon on the island's northwestern coast. It was inaugurated in 1912 to connect Palma with the picturesque town of Sóller, traversing the dramatic Serra de Tramuntana mountains. This narrow-gauge railway was originally built to facilitate the transport of citrus fruits, particularly oranges, from the fertile Sóller valley to the island’s capital, where they could be shipped elsewhere.

What sets this service apart is the charming vintage tram that links Sóller’s train station with the nearby Port de Sóller, giving passengers a taste of travel as it might have been over a century ago. The tramways feature classic wooden carriages that rattle along narrow streets, offering scenic views of citrus groves and terraced hillsides. Over the decades, while modern vehicles transformed road travel, the Sóller train and tram persevered as both practical transport options and nostalgic attractions, deeply woven into the island’s cultural fabric.

This enduring railway stands as an important reminder of Mallorca’s rural heritage and its early 20th-century engineering feats. It also reflects how public transport played a role in shaping local communities, connecting remote mountain towns with trade hubs long before the Ma-10 highway or the TIB bus network expanded. Riding the historic train and tram today is more than just a scenic journey; it is an immersion into an essential chapter of the island’s history that remains alive on the rails.