What transportation options can I use to explore towns like Soller, Alcudia, or Valldemossa on the island?

Look closely at the well-worn tracks weaving through the Tramuntana foothills, hinting at one of the island’s most charming journeys—the vintage train from Palma to Soller. This century-old railway offers a scenic alternative to the car, winding through orange groves and mountain passes. For more flexibility, renting a car remains the top choice, allowing you to cruise the Ma-10 along the northwest coast or the Ma-13 through hummocky countryside, stopping whenever a cove like Cala Llombards or a village like Deia tempts your curiosity.

If you prefer public transit, the extensive TIB bus network connects Palma with towns throughout the island, including the beaches of Es Trenc and the historic streets of Pollenca. Though buses can be less frequent in rural areas, they are a cost-effective way to travel, especially during festivals like Sant Sebastia, when traffic can get heavy. Palma’s metro system also offers quick access to the airport and suburbs, providing easy connections to the historic old town.

For a more intimate pace, bicycles and electric scooters can be rented in towns such as Manacor or Alcudia, perfect for exploring local markets or the bays along the east coast. Taxi services and rideshares are available but tend to be pricier and less common outside Palma. Whichever mode you choose, traveling these routes exposes you to spectacular views, fresh air scented with pine and rosemary, and the charm of local life punctuated by coffee breaks over pa amb oli or a glass of Binissalem wine.