Anyone who rides the Sóller Train remembers one moment above all the others: the instant the train rises onto a viaduct of five stone arches, suspended over a torrent, just before the Sóller valley opens up among the orange groves. This is the Viaducte dels Cinc Ponts, one of the most beautiful structures on our line and, very likely, the most photographed image of the entire journey.
In this article we tell you what it is, its curious history and how to experience it in all its splendour aboard the Sóller Train.
A Little History (and a Little-Known Curiosity)
The viaduct was built in 1912, as part of the original route of the Ferrocarril de Sóller. The line was created with a twofold purpose: to carry the valley's oranges and lemons to the markets of Palma, and to connect Sóller with the rest of the island without having to cross the Serra de Tramuntana by road. Until then, the valley was cut off by the mountains; the train, which crosses the range through a long tunnel, put an end to that isolation. In just 27 kilometres, it negotiates 13 tunnels, several bridges and a drop of almost 200 metres: a true feat of engineering for its time.
Its name, "Cinc Ponts" (five bridges), comes from its five curved masonry arches, which span the torrent and give it that unmistakable silhouette.
More than a century later, the viaduct is still in service. In fact, in 2018 its structure was reinforced in a way as spectacular as the viaduct itself: since no large lorry could reach the site, the concrete was flown in by helicopter, pouring around 140 tonnes of material to ensure its safety. A sign of just how carefully we look after every part of this century-old line.
Seeing It from the Train (Views from Above)
The way to discover the viaduct is by crossing it aboard the Sóller Train. It's one of the great moments of the trip, and you don't need to do anything special to enjoy it.
The experience: after crossing the mountains, the train curves over the five arches just before entering a tunnel and descending into the valley. It's the moment the Sóller landscape reveals itself.
Travel tip: when leaving Palma, try to sit on the left-hand side of the carriage. That's where you'll get the best panoramic views of the valley, the Tramuntana mountains and the viaduct itself.
What Else You'll See on the Palma–Sóller Journey
The viaduct is the star, but the whole journey is a spectacle. These are the moments you shouldn't miss:
The departure from Palma: the train leaves from the historic modernista station next to Plaça d'Espanya. Simply stepping into its lacquered wooden carriages, with sash windows and leather seats, is already a journey back in time.
The Túnel Major: after crossing the plain and the stop at Bunyola, the train enters the longest tunnel on the line, almost 2.9 kilometres long, carved over three years through the Serra d'Alfàbia. As it emerges, the landscape changes completely.
The Mirador des Pujol d'en Banya: on certain panoramic services, the train makes a stop of around ten minutes at this viewpoint, where you can step onto the platform and photograph the Sóller valley at your feet. Ask at the Palma ticket office whether your train includes it.
The arrival in Sóller: among orange groves and centuries-old olive trees, the train reaches the lovely Sóller station, where you can visit two free exhibitions: Picasso ceramics and works by Miró. From there, the historic tram takes you down to Port de Sóller.
Tips for Your Visit
Best light: sunrise and the early afternoon offer the finest photographs of the valley and the arches.
Arrive early: it's recommended to be at the Palma station about 30 minutes before departure.
In Short
The Viaducte dels Cinc Ponts is far more than a bridge: it's the heart of the Sóller Train route and one of the most charming corners of the valley. Experience it aboard a wooden train more than a hundred years old, at the most photographed moment of the entire journey between Palma and Sóller.