5 Spanish travel experiences that go beyond the guidebook
Explore classic cities from a unique perspective - one that even goes 1000 metres in the air!
From delicious bites to stunning views, and museums brimming with modern and ancient wonders, Spain has it all. Yet, do you ever feel the urge to venture off the well-trodden path? To experience something that hasn’t been overrun by crowds and queues? Something that offers you a fresh look at the culture and history of the country you are visting. Well, fear not! We've curated a list of five experiences that transcend the guidebook and TikTok recommendations. And, as always, we'll guide you on how to reach these destinations aboard the new Spanish trains that are revolutionising travel across Spain.
Barcelona
Support local business, one sip at a time
Why settle for a basic bar crawl in Barcelona when you can go to the root – literally – of some of the world's finest wines? Hop aboard a train from Barcelona to the charming town of Vilafranca del Penedès for an immersive tour of multiple vineyards, all on ebike! Throughout this full-day experience, you’ll indulge in a number of local wines and gain knowledge about the traditional wine-making process along the way.
Your day will start in Barcelona, where you'll rendezvous with your tour guide, a knowledgeable local with a unique passion for the natural and organic wines of the region. Upon arrival in the quaint Catalonia town, you will get your own ebike to make the relaxing journey from one family-owned vineyard to the next. Your guide will share his wealth of knowledge and passion, much of which you can put to good use when selecting wines back home.
You will tour around the cellars, immerse yourself into the art of wine and cava production, and taste a number of premium organic wines paired with local snacks. During the wine tastings, you’ll learn how the vineyard owners manipulate the local soil, grapes and weather to produce exceptional varieties. You'll discover that these vineyard tours are unlike any other – with no crowds in sight, you'll feel less like a tourist and more like a local, basking in the Catalonian sunshine. And if you've never tried a natural or biodynamic wine, you’re in for a lovely surprise.
This excursion is suitable for cyclists of all levels as ebikes do not take as much effort as other types of bikes (though you can request a mountain bike, if you prefer). Enjoy the breeze in your hair as you hit some decent speeds, thanks to that e-powered boost, and take in those unbeatable views of the Massif de Montserrat. Once the tour concludes, you can either return to Barcelona or make a quick connection to the charming coastal town of Sitges, which we highly recommend!
Getting to Barcelona by train
Getting to Barcelona is easy! Travellers can hop aboard Renfe, Ouigo, and now, the newly introduced iryo trains, making their debut in Spain and on Rail Europe!
Madrid
Make the souvenir or a lifetime
The art of leathercraft has been an integral part of Spanish culture for centuries. Experience this timeless tradition up-close and personal as you get your hands dirty during a Spanish leathercraft workshop in one of the most lively neighborhoods in all of Madrid. These classes are held across the city, but one of the most popular takes place in the vibrant La Latina, the hip neigbourhood – the same area that houses the ever-popular weekly flea market, El Rastro.
During the workshop, not only will you produce your own custom leather souvenir, you will also learn about the intricate process that goes into the craft that was first brought to the Iberian Peninsula. Craft your very own leather masterpiece, be it an original belt, a wallet, two different purses, braided bracelets, or even a mobile phone case. Walk away with your own piece, unique down to the smallest embossing or stamping detail. You will be guided along the leather cutting, hand stitching, marking, gluing, saddle stitching and riveting. You may be surprised to see that some of the timeless techniques you will learn during the workshop have remained unchanged since medieval times.
The best part? You'll leave with a meaningful gift for yourself or a loved one that comes with a story and the heartful touch that only something handmade can convey. Plus, during the class, you will have the opportunity to learn all about the history of Marid, Spain and all about the Spanish language and culture. Enjoy the captivating stories, firsthand knowledge and local recommendations of your experienced teacher.
Getting to Madrid by train
Getting to Madrid is easy! Travellers can hop aboard Renfe, Ouigo, and now, the newly introduced iryo trains, making their debut in Spain and on Rail Europe!
Valencia
Attention adrenaline junkies: this excursion is for you!
Get ready to experience the hot beaches of Valenciafrom a unique vantage point. Though weather can occasionally crash plans, Valencia’s prime location on the Mediterranean coast promises ideal weather and exceptional winds for windsurfing.
Direct from La Malvarrosa beach in the Marina de Valencia, you will be met with an experienced local windsurf instructor. They will guide you along every aspect of your exciting day. Starting with familiarising yourself with the windsurfing board, which resembles a surfboard that is powered by a mast and sail, your instructor will show you how to harness the power of wind. Beginners will be guided to calmer, shallower waters so that you can get a hang of the balancing and working the sail. If this is truly your first time, your instructor may actually have you practice on the beach itself so that you better understand the force and balance needed.
As surfing requires you to understand how to read waves, windsurfing requires you to be one with the wind. Your instructor will show you how to read the flags and the water movement to check the wind conditions.
Here's a top tip from passionate windsurfers: go easy on yourself! Learning a new skill is exciting, but it can be quite a challenge – especially when it is something so physical like windsurfing. So don’t get down if you fall. With practice you will be sailing like a local in no time.
After an intense yet fulfilling day in the sun, your frosty Turia Märzen will taste crispier than ever and your bowl of paella will feel more satisfying than ever. Enjoy – you earned it!
Getting to Valencia by train
Getting to Valencia is easy! Travellers can hop aboard Renfe, Ouigo, and now, the newly introduced iryo trains, making their debut in Spain and on Rail Europe!
Segovia
Once-in-a-lifetime views from a once-in-a-lifetime point of view
Experience the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Segovia from a breathtaking perspective aboard a hot air balloon. For the most epic views, balloons typically take off at sunrise. While the flight itself lasts around 1 hour, the entire experience, from inflation to flight and landing, lasts around 4 hours. After your 1000 metre ascent, you will celebrate with the obligatory popping (and sipping) of the locally-sourced cava – and, as you are in Spain, some scrumptious cheese, chorizo, and jamon iberico – once you return to land.
During your flight, you can see all of the most iconic sites in Segovia without all the crowds. You will float over a patchwork of rolling hills and fields, above the river peacefully flowing below and will be able to get unparalleled views and pictures of the ancient castle, the aqueduct, the cathedral, and the majestic mountains in the distance. The only sounds you will hear is the roar of the burner, the only hint that you aren’t actually flying like a bird with its wings spread.
Get to Segovia from €9!
Getting to Segovia is easy! Tickets from Madrid to Valldolid, Segovia and Cuenca are starting at €9 on the low-cost high-speed trains of Ouigo! Start booking while this deal lasts.
Seville
A walk down (spooky) memory lane
Take part in a tour of Seville that is out of this world – literally. With centuries and centuries of history comes endless stories, of the real and the paranormal varitieties. Step out of the mundane and into the eerie with a tour of the paranormal of Seville.
During this out-of-the-ordinary walking tour, you will follow your local guide through the winding streets of Seville. Not only are they experts in the city's history and legends, but they're also master storytellers, bringing all the spooky stories, both modern and ancient, to life. Anticipate tales that are both common topics of Spanish dinner table conversations and some that would surprise, and even frighten, a local.
You will visit the haunted Faculty of Fine Arts, where, as the story goes, a disgruntled former student of the faculty still haunts the halls, desperately trying to complete his great masterpiece that he was unable to finish in life. You'll also learn about the Cursed Cradle of King Don Pedro's son. Legend has it that the king's young child died under highly suspicious circumstances in his cradle. Since this tragic event, the ghost of the king's child has sought retribution for his unjust murder directly from the haunted cradle. While we won't spoil all the stories, expect to visit other eerie locations such as the Vilima Warehouses, The British Institute, Plaza de San Leandro, the Bells of Elvira and Fabiola House, and even a haunted restaurant.
Enjoy these captivating stories, but be warned that some may leave you sleepless at night!
Getting to Seville by train
Getting to Seville is easy! Travellers can hop aboard Renfe, Ouigo, and now, the newly introduced iryo trains, making their debut in Spain and on Rail Europe!
The hottest country for train travel in 2024
The hottest destination for train travel in 2024 is Spain. It's the first European country with three distinct high-speed rail operators, providing travellers with a plethora of travel options and access to affordable tickets. While all three operators offer seamless high-speed travel, each brings something unique to the table. Let's delve into the various operators, beginning with the latest addition to Rail Europe: iryo!
Travel high speed with all the frills aboard iryo trains
iryo is here to change things up and passengers are reaping the benefits. Operating on the same tracks as the national rail provider, Renfe, iryo ensures passengers arrive at their destination with top-notch amenities. With more competition between Spanish train operators, iryo and Renfe often offer similar prices, so it is good to always compare.
iryo has made its debut on Rail Europe!
The newest addition to high-speed rail travel in Spain is iyro, a privately owned provider offering smooth and comfortable journeys at cost-friendly fares. Partially owned by Trenitalia, Italy's national rail provider, along with Air Nostrum and Globalvia, a Spanish airline, iyro delivers reliable service for travelers exploring Spain.
Renfe: the reliable and time-tested operator
Renfe operates two main high-speed train services in Spain and connects a wide range of destinations, including some in France, with various class options catering to different traveller budgets. They also offer budget-friendly alternatives, primarily running between Madrid and Barcelona, providing comfortable travel yet with fewer amenities.
While Renfe and iryo offer similar services, it is the regional travel where Renfe especially stands out. Renfe also operates Alvia trains, which serve off-the-beaten-path destinations in Spain, connecting nearly all of the country on a streamlined rail system. Alvia is also a great option for those who enjoy lower-cost travel and want to soak up the scenic views from north to south and east to west of Spain.
Ouigo to the rescue with budget-friendly fares
Ouigo España, a French-owned low-cost carrier, offers basic amenities and competitive prices, mainly serving major cities on high-speed lines. However, for a broader range of destinations, Renfe remains the go-to option in Spain.
Rail Europe: the ultimate destination for Spanish train travel
As Rail Europe offers the largest inventory of train journeys on the market, when you search for a route or destination, we will present all of the available options. Whether you're prioritising price, convenience, station of travel or operator, Rail Europe allows you to compare tickets from Renfe, Ouigo and iryo all in one convenient location.
Here's to exploring beyond the ordinary
Whether you're eager to try windsurfing or want to handcraft a timeless souvenir during your travels, consider trying something new; something that sparks joy and excitement within you – beyond merely seeking five-star experiences or following influencer recommendations.
Another way to experience something outside of the norm is by opting for rail travel. Train journeys offer the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the experience, travel alongside locals, and enjoy front-row seats to some of the most stunning landmarks and natural wonders—all from the comfort of a welcoming train carriage. We look forward to seeing you onboard!
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