Mallorca's Vintage 'Orange Express'
A world away from the mainland's modern network, the Ferrocarril de Sóller on the island of Mallorca is a trip back in time. Since 1912, vintage wooden carriages have rattled and rolled along a 27-kilometre narrow-gauge track from the capital, Palma,
to the town of Sóller. Originally built to transport citrus fruits from the mountain valleys to the port, the train earned the nickname 'Orange Express'. The journey itself is a delight, crossing the plains before climbing into the dramatic Serra de Tramuntana mountains. It passes through 13 tunnels, across quaint stone bridges, and offers breathtaking views of the lush, orange-and-lemon-grove-filled valleys below, making it a must-do for any visitor to the island.
Climbing Through the Pyrenees
For sheer drama, few journeys can compete with the Vall de Núria Rack Railway in Catalonia. This mountain line is the only way, besides hiking, to access the remote valley of Núria, a mountain resort nestled nearly 2,000 metres up in the Pyrenees. The 12.5-kilometre journey begins in Ribes de Freser and takes about 40 minutes, ascending over 1,000 metres. As the train clings to the mountainside, using a rack-and-pinion system to climb steep gradients of up to 15%, the views become increasingly spectacular. You'll see forests, waterfalls, and sheer rock faces through the large panoramic windows, a journey that feels more like an alpine expedition than a simple train ride.
A Sweet Trip to Royal Spain
Just a short ride from Madrid, the 'Tren de la Fresa' or 'Strawberry Train' offers a taste of 19th-century rail travel. This tourist train recreates the journey on Spain's second-ever railway line, which opened in 1851 to connect the capital with the Royal Palace of Aranjuez. While the historic steam locomotive is a highlight, the experience is what counts. Onboard, staff in period costumes serve the local strawberries that give the train its name. The journey itself, operating in spring and autumn, rolls from the urban landscape of Madrid through the countryside to the regal destination of Aranjuez, making it a perfect historical day trip.
The Luxury Hotels on Rails
For those seeking ultimate comfort, Spain's north coast is home to 'Green Spain' and its luxurious tourist trains, like the Transcantábrico Gran Lujo. These are essentially five-star hotels on wheels, offering multi-day, all-inclusive journeys across the stunning landscapes of the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia. While travelling between cultural hubs like San Sebastián and Santiago de Compostela, passengers enjoy gourmet meals, guided excursions, and live entertainment, all from the comfort of Belle Époque-style carriages. The train moves slowly, often parking at night to ensure a restful sleep, allowing travellers to savour every moment of the verdant coastal scenery, from rolling green hills to the blue waters of the Cantabrian Sea.
