Marratxí Hidden Gem: The Small Railway Museum Between Bauhaus and the Outlet

Marratxí Hidden Gem: The Small Railway Museum Between Bauhaus and the Outlet

On a sunny Sunday morning in Marratxí, right next to the Bauhaus car park and the flashing shop windows of the Mallorca Fashion Outlet, you discover something few on the island have on their radar: a small railway museum with its own little train. It feels like a time capsule between stacks of pallets and shopping signage — and that's exactly the charm.

Why it makes little hearts beat faster

You hear the whistle before you see the site. Children's laughter, a metallic clatter, then the red locomotive chugging slowly around the area. The passengers are a mixed bunch: children with sparkling eyes, parents reaching for cameras, and a few seniors remembering earlier times. The ride lasts just under ten minutes, costs €2.40 per person and is a small luxury for little money. Entrance to the grounds is free.

The Parque Ferroviario y Museo is run by the Dampfeisenbahnclub Mallorca. At the ticket booth on the square Domingo Domínguez often stands in his striking blue uniform; with his red cap he looks as if stepped out of a picture book about railway romance. Those who look closely can see the loving handiwork: oiled tracks, old carriages, relics from other railway years. All maintained by volunteers who spend their breaks between screws and shift work here.

Practical information for visitors

The museum is open on Sunday mornings, usually from 10:00 to 14:00. Parking is easy in the area behind the shops; families with strollers appreciate that the grounds are accessible. There is no kiosk or café, but there is a shady picnic area — so it’s best to bring a thermos and sandwiches. Information, dates for group tours and school visits as well as background information on the club's work are available on the association's website cfvm.es.

A place with educational value and charm

For schools and groups the association offers guided tours that not only explain the technology but also tell stories: How did a station work in the past? What machinery sat inside a steam locomotive? Such encounters are straightforward and authentic — far from didactic lecturing and close to hands-on experience. This is great for children, but also for adults who are looking for a different kind of outing on Mallorca than beaches and tapas.

Direct, personal, a bit quirky

The charm of this place lies in its unpretentiousness. There is no staging, no admission prices that take your breath away; instead real people passionate about preserving historical technology. The chief's whistle, the squeak of axles, the distant hum of the industrial site— all of that belongs to the backdrop. Anyone bringing a bit of time and curiosity can spend a very Mallorcan Sunday morning here.

My tip for the outing

Combine your visit with a stroll through Marratxí town or a nearby market. Pack a blanket and provisions — and check the Sunday opening times on cfvm.es beforehand in case of special dates for holidays or school groups. Those who want to get more involved can contact the steam railway club: volunteer help is welcome and often the lifeblood of such associations.

This small circuit of tracks, screws and humanity is a reminder that Mallorca has more to offer than postcard motifs. You just need to look closely: then you discover unexpected joys between discount furniture stores and outlet signs. And those who get off may find a new little passion — or at least a nice photo for the Sunday album folder.