Spain has never been more popular and locals are up in arms across the country wanting to have their beloved country back.
Overtourism has been a real concern, especially in such places as Barcelona, but that’s not stopping travelers from visiting this world-renowned city, or country for that matter.
Whether it be Spain’s stunning islands, sprawling urban jungles, or hidden gems to escape the crowds, there’s no doubt you’ll find your little slice of paradise when visiting.
Making Spain even more enticing, a new high-speed train was just announced to hit the rails this winter, just in time to make use of your Christmas vacation days.
Connecting 2 of Spain’s most fascinating cities, with 5 stops total, get ready for the train adventure of a lifetime as you zoom through one of Europe’s hottest destinations!
Explore Spain By Train: First Stop – Malaga
Spain may be mostly known for Barcelona, Madrid, and the multitude of gorgeous islands off the mainland’s scenic coast, but there’s one city boasting intriguing museums, beautiful beaches, and eye-popping castles and fortresses.
That’s right. Pablo Picasso’s hometown of Malaga is a perfect gateway to begin your Spanish excursions and will soon be the starting point for a thrilling new train ride.
The full journey will last 5 and a half hours should you not depart before ultimately reaching the vast wonders of Spain’s shining star, Barcelona.
Operated by budget rail line, Iryo, there will be 2 departures per day (one outward, one returning) so keep in mind you can also flip the script and take this train in reverse order if you’re in another city.
Plus, if you time it right, promos during the first week of the initial launch are super affordable with fares as low as $26.50 one-way, depending on which class selection you choose for weekdays.
Prices are a tick higher on weekends. The first train is set to depart December 15, 2024.
3 Exciting Stops Before Barcelona
You can’t really go wrong in Spain, can you?
Although, we don’t recommend Ibiza unless you’re into the party scene.
But hey, trains don’t cross the Balearic Sea, so you can enjoy a few other much more enjoyable stops before reaching Barcelona.
If you want to pack in as much of Spain as possible in one trip, Iryo’s new train is the way to go, literally.
Whether you start or end in Barcelona, you have three other cities to explore if you choose to hop off, and one of them is another of Spain’s icons!
Travelers aboard this route can also check out Zaragoza, Cordoba, and Madrid, adding 2 lesser-known cultural cities as well as another of Spain’s legendary getaways.
Albeit, Madrid and Barcelona are the main destinations where locals have been frustrated, to say the least, regarding tourists flooding their hometown.
If you want to feel a bit more welcomed, Malaga, Zaragoza, and Cordoba may be more suitable, but on the flip side, Barcelona and Madrid may just be too good to pass up.
Zaragoza and Cordoba are unique in their own right, offering a different vibe than Spain’s famous cities, with attractions like Zaragoza’s vibrant Plaza de Pilar and Cordoba’s picturesque whitewashed Jewish Quarter.
Tip: Should you choose to stop in Madrid, the layover is only 20 minutes. You will need to reroute for an extended stay.
Last Stop – Barcelona
Circling back, you can definitely make your starting point in Barcelona, as it’s probably the most connected city in Spain, including another of Iryo’s popular routes departing from Seville.
For this new route, however, trains will depart Barcelona at 11:50am and arrive in Malaga at 5:42pm. Conversely, the train will leave Malaga at 11:35am and arrive in Barcelona at 5:37pm.
Here in Barcelona you’ll find a bustling city brimming with immaculate architecture, world-class Spanish cuisine, the whimsical Instagram-worthy Park Guell, and access to gorgeous beaches in close reach.
Although, locals swear by the nearby town of Tarragona as a way to escape the city’s crowds for spacious beautiful beaches.
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