For nature lovers, history teachers and romantics: Train ride and hike to the La Raixa estate

The estate is a magical place nestled in almond and orange grooves against the stunning backdrop of the Tramuntana mountains. But let's start from the beginning!

Your Mallorca history trip begins with the tram that brings you to Sóller. It was built in the early 20th century as an extension of the Sóller train to connect the port with the main town.

So, first, there was the Red Flash, as the narrow-gauge railway is called, chugging comfortably from Palma to Sóller. The Red Flash was put into operation in 1912 to transport the delicious oranges comfortably to the capital. Today, the nostalgic train is a tourist attraction and the first stop after felt a hundred tunnels on wooden benches is the mountain village called Bunyola.

Get out of the train and into nature. From Bunyola, follow the wooden signs to La Raixa, cross the road to Palma and find yourself surrounded by almond trees. Especially in spring a fantastic place when the fields are white and pink in bloom.

Soon, you will get to the estate, a real piece of Mallorca history and romance pure. Raixa already existed at a time when the island was still ruled by the Arabs, well before the 12th century. The restored oil mill and the huge water reservoir (the largest in Mallorca) indicate its agricultural use in the past.

In the 18th century, a cardinal moved in and covered the place with a romantic veil. He hired Italian architects and created an amazing garden with loggia, fountains, statues and observation tower which several times has served as a movie set.

The magic of La Raixa will grab you! Take your time and enjoy this really special place with views to the bay of Palma. And pack a picnic! At the water basin, the big fishes are happy about a crumbs of your food ....

Note, there are no restaurants on the estate but several cafes on the market square of Bunyola.

The visit of La Raixa including the main house and gardens is for free.

Open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 3pm.

PS: Ride on the running boards of the Red Flash. From the last car you have the best (photo) view of the orange valley.