Getaway from Sóller to the Palacio | Historic train and luxury in Palma

From Sóller to the Palacio: a getaway combining history and elegance 

A journey with soul 

There are places where time seems to stand still, where every detail — the sound of an old locomotive, the scent of orange trees or the calm of a stately courtyard — reminds us that travelling can also be an art form. 

The ‘From Sóller to the Palacio’ experience is precisely that: a day that combines the charm of the historic wooden railway that crosses the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range with the sophisticated serenity of the Palacio Can Marqués, in the heart of Palma. It is an invitation to enjoy the landscape, history and elegance of Mallorca in a single journey. 

The Sóller train: the murmur of history 

The train that connects Palma with Sóller is not just any means of transport: it is a symbol of identity and memory. Inaugurated in 1912, it was built to connect Sóller’s fertile valley and landscape with the capital, which the mountains had previously separated. Its initial purpose was economic—to facilitate the trade of oranges and olive oil—but it soon became a sentimental experience for those who took it. 

Climbing aboard its polished wooden carriages, listening to the metallic clickety-clack of the rails and watching the urban landscape transform into fields of olive, almond and orange trees is a sensory journey that transcends mere mobility. The train passes through thirteen tunnels and several viaducts that cut through rock, revealing a new perspective of the Tramuntana mountains at every bend. It is a leisurely, almost meditative journey, where the eye becomes accustomed to the lush greenery and the body becomes lulled by the rhythm of the train carraiges. 

Travelling on the Sóller train feels like stepping into another time in Mallorca: a time without haste, where beauty was savoured slowly. 

The Sóller Valley: a garden of light 

Arriving in Sóller is a moment of discovery. The valley opens up, bathed in light, surrounded by mountains and dotted with orchards that smell of ripe citrus fruits. The air is different here, cleaner and more fragrant, and the village maintains that perfect balance between local life and hospitality towards visitors. 

Amidst cobbled streets and golden stone façades, this walk encourages you to immerse yourself in the surroundings. In the main square, the church clock sets the pace for a place that feels untouched by the pressures of the modern world. The terraces buzz with soft conversations, cups of coffee, and glasses of white wine. Everything radiates a sense of serenity. 

It is the ideal time to enjoy a gourmet picnic, carefully prepared and designed to be savoured without haste. An elegant basket with artisan bread, local cheeses, fresh fruit, Mallorcan olive oil and for those with a sweet tooth, the classic ensaimada. Eating under the fragrant shade of a tree with the Mediterranean breeze tickling your face is a simple yet perfect luxury. 

An elegant return journey 

After the rural tranquillity and countryside flavours, the return to Palma feels like a scene change within the same play. The afternoon slowly draws to a close, the train steams through tunnels once more, and travellers arrive in the city with the feeling of having floated from a dream. 

In the heart of the Old Town, the Palacio Can Marqués awaits, with the majestic sobriety of a grand 18th-century building. Its discreet façade conceals a universe of light, marble and silence. Upon entering, one perceives the fresh air of the interior courtyards, the imperial staircases and the subtlety of the spaces respectfully restored. 

Now converted into a luxury hotel, the palace retains its aristocratic soul. Each room combines the weight of history with the contemporary softness of fabrics, neutral colours and design details. It is an urban retreat that invites you to pause, rest and let yourself be pampered. 

Travellers can choose between immersing themselves in the intimate atmosphere of the spa, enjoying a cocktail on the terrace overlooking the cathedral, or dining in the palace’s own restaurant, where local cuisine is delicately reinterpreted. Everything exudes a natural elegance, where luxury is a matter of calm, silence and attention to detail. 

An experience for the senses 

What makes this getaway special is not only the combination of landscape and architecture, but the balance achieved between both worlds. 

The train represents the living past, the authenticity, and the pulse of Mallorca, which remains true to its essence. 

The picnic embodies the connection with the land, the taste of craftsmanship and an essential pause in the midst of nature. 

And the Palacio Can Marqués symbolises the sophisticated present, high-end hospitality, and the pursuit of beauty through comfort. 

Together, these three stages make up a complete journey: from history to pleasure, from the countryside to art, from the sound of the rails to the silence of a cloister lit by candles. It is an ideal experience for those who value the balance between culture, landscape and well-being. 

Suggested itinerary 

●   08:30 – Departure on the wooden train from Palma’s Sóller station. 

●   10:00 – Arrival in Sóller and walk through the town centre. 

●   11:00 – Gourmet picnic in the valley. 

●   13:30 – Free time to explore the town or visit the port. 

●   15:00 – Return to Palma on the wooden train. 

●   16:30 – Arrival at the Palacio Can Marqués, check-in and rest. 

●   19:30 – Dinner or cocktail at sunset. 

●   Evening – Stroll through La Lonja or relax on the hotel terrace. 

The art of slow travel 

This trip focuses on experiencing the journey as a complete work of art, not on speed or rushing through places. 

Climbing aboard the Sóller train, enjoying a picnic among the mountains and sleeping in a restored palace are not separate activities, but chapters in the same story. A story where beauty reveals itself in small gestures: a glass of wine in front of orange trees, a creaking wooden door, a lamp illuminating centuries-old stone. 

On this route, Mallorca reveals itself in all its depth: the island of sea and mountains, of the ancient and the contemporary, of work and pleasure; a perfect synthesis of nature and elegance. 

FAQ 

How long does the journey on the Sóller train take? 

The journey between Palma and Sóller takes approximately one hour, although this may vary depending on the season. It is a leisurely trip, designed to enjoy the scenery and the train itself, not to arrive in a hurry. 

Can the experience be enjoyed at any time of year? 

Yes, although spring and autumn are the most recommended seasons. The climate is mild, the light is softer and the landscape, particularly in the Sóller valley, is at its most beautiful.