Spain

Cathedral of Siguenza, Spain Most travellers looking for a day trip from Madrid head instinctively towards Toledo or Segovia. Both deserve their popularity, but they are far from the only historic towns within easy reach of the capital. Travel northeast from Madrid instead, and the city gradually gives way to the broad plains, farmland and weathered villages of central Spain. Less than two hours later, the train arrives in Sigüenza, a remarkably preserved medieval town domina

How to explore one of Europe's oldest cities by train, from hidden masterpieces and Phoenician history to Atlantic beaches, boat trips and unforgettable seafood. The train seems almost to glide across the sea. For the final few kilometres before Cádiz, water stretches away on both sides of the tracks. To one side lies the broad Bay of Cádiz, calm and dotted with fishing boats. On the other, the Atlantic rolls towards long sandy beaches that have protected this city for more t

Feria del Caballo, Jerez, Andalucia, Spain There is something genuinely special about experiencing the Feria del Caballo. It feels like a privilege to witness a celebration that remains so deeply rooted in the life of Jerez, where generations of families come together to celebrate their heritage, traditions, music, horses, food and friendship. For one week each spring, Parque González Hontoria is transformed into a temporary city of lanterns, striped casetas, flamenco dresses

Views over the Duna De Valdevaqueros towards North Africa, Tarifa, Spain Some beaches are beautiful. Others feel symbolic. Tarifa belongs firmly in the second category. This is the southernmost point of mainland Europe, where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean and Morocco appears across the Strait of Gibraltar like another world just beyond reach. The wind is part of the atmosphere. So are the kites. So are the wide beaches, whitewashed streets, surf shops, Moroccan influen

Evening view of the Roman bridge and UNESCO heritage site Mezquita-Catherdral in Cordoba, Spain. Some cities are worth visiting for a single monument. Córdoba has one of the greatest in Europe. But the mistake many visitors make is treating the city as nothing more than a quick stop for the Mezquita-Catedral. Córdoba deserves more than that. This is a city shaped by Romans, Visigoths, Muslims, Jews and Christians. A place where narrow whitewashed lanes open into flower-filled

Take the Train up to Montserrat, Spain Some places look impressive in photographs. Montserrat somehow manages to exceed them. The jagged mountain peaks appear almost unreal as they rise above the Catalan countryside, while the monastery seems improbably perched among the rocks. For more than a thousand years, pilgrims have travelled here. Today, visitors arrive for the same reasons they always have: spirituality, scenery and the sense that Montserrat is unlike anywhere else i

San Sebastian Some train journeys connect two cities. Others reveal an entire country. The journey from Barcelona to San Sebastián belongs firmly in the second category. In a little over six hours, Spain unfolds outside the train window in all its diversity. You leave behind the Mediterranean coast, cross the broad plains of Aragón, pass through the changing landscapes of Navarra, and arrive in the green hills and Atlantic light of the Basque Country. It is a journey between

The Alhambra, Granada Some train journeys are memorable because of the scenery. Others because of where they take you. The journey from Madrid to Granada manages to combine both. In just over three hours, Spain's high-speed rail network carries you from the grand boulevards and royal palaces of the capital to one of Europe's most extraordinary cities — a place where Islamic architecture, mountain landscapes, flamenco culture and centuries of history combine to create somethin

Liencres Natural Park in Cantabria Why this journey? Most visitors arrive in Spain and head south. Madrid. Barcelona. Seville. Perhaps Granada. Few ever explore the country's northern coast. That is a mistake. Stretching from the Basque Country to Galicia, northern Spain offers some of the most dramatic scenery, distinctive cultures and rewarding food experiences in Europe. And one of the best ways to discover it is by train. The journey from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela

There's still time to download Touring Spain by Train for free on Kindle—but not for much longer. The launch of the fourth book in our bestselling Touring by Train series has been fantastic, and we'd like to thank everyone who has already downloaded a copy. If you've been meaning to take a look, this is your final opportunity to grab the Kindle edition free before the promotion ends. 👉 Download here:https://mybook.to/TouringSpainByTrain Why Spain by Train? Spain is one of Eu

Real Travel Guides is delighted to announce the publication of Touring Spain by Train, the fourth title in our bestselling Touring by Train series. To celebrate the launch, the Kindle edition will be FREE to download from 6–8 June. 👉 Download your copy here:https://mybook.to/TouringSpainByTrain Discover Spain the Easy, Authentic Way Spain is one of Europe's most rewarding countries to explore by rail. Its modern high-speed network connects vibrant cities, historic towns, coa