How about seeing Spain by train?
Greetings from Valencia! Things have been hotting up for me this month, researching Greece and Sicily for two awesome new clients for their June vacation. It’s Sicily for the win this time: the perfect size to explore in a week, with wine, food, medieval hill towns, fisher villages, amphitheaters – and feisty Mount Etna.
If you’re feeling like some island time this summer and wondering which one fits your vibe, check out my European Island Hot List for inspiration 🌴.
My train of thought...
Recently, whilst zipping along at 300kph on the train from Madrid to Valencia and enjoying this great meal above (served in my seat), I thought about how fun it would be to explore Spain using only trains.
Not only does Spain have the longest high-speed rail network in Europe, but the trains are also punctual, clean, reasonably priced, and deliver you right into city centers. It’s kind of a no-brainer to travel between the main cities on the high-speed network. Check out these journey times...
Madrid ↔️ Valencia: 1hr 45 mins
Madrid ↔️ Barcelona: under 3 hrs
Barcelona ↔️ Seville: 6 hours via Girona, Tarragona, Zaragoza and Córdoba.
Madrid ↔️ Santiago de Compostela: 3 hrs
Madrid is the hub for the high-speed network, which often means starting from, or changing in the capital. However, with a bit of clever train tetris – which I would be happy to do for you – it’s easy to combine high-speed, medium and short distance trains to nose into all corners of the country.
Luxury train rides 🚂
The journey is the destination when it comes to historic train rides. Spain’s Renfe offers some gorgeous routes on luxury Pullman sleepers, like the Trans Cantabrian Express that transports you from San Sebastian along dramatic northern mountains, coast, and valleys to Galicia’s Santiago de Compostela.
After all that chugging around, you may want me to book you a night in the 5 star Parador de Santiago de Compostela. Built in 1499 as a hospital for pilgrims at the end of the camino, its architecture, art and history will blow your mind.
This train talk has reminded me of my visit last spring to Canfranc Station on the border with France. Known as “Casablanca in the Pyrenees,” due to being a hub for smuggling, spying and people fleeing into Spain during WW2, the old station has been reborn as the beautiful 5-star Canfranc Estacion hotel below.
By the way... 💸
Have you heard of Byway? It is the first ever 100% flight-free travel platform that creates bespoke journeys by rail, bus and ferry in Europe and North Africa.
As a Fora Travel affiliate, I can pass on a $200 discount to my clients plus free room upgrades on Byway’s custom slow travel itineraries. Hurry though as the discount offer for booking only lasts until May 31, 2025 (for travel dates through December 31, 2025).
That’s it from me for today, thanks for reading! As a new entrepreneur, I’m very reliant on recommendations from friends and family, so I would be thrilled if you would share my newsletter.
Have a great week!
Jill