So many travellers who visit Spain fly into one major city, like Barcelona or Madrid, and stay there. They might take a day trip, but the idea of crossing the country seems daunting and time- consuming. It’s a real shame, because you miss out on the incredible diversity of landscapes and cultures that inbetween. I’ve often felt that the true magic of Spain is revealed when you see how the Gothic spires of Catalonia give way to the sun-drenched plains of Castille and the contrasts of the Moorish heart of Andalusia.
The good news is that connecting these vastly different worlds is easier and faster than you might think. This is my guide to exploring the vibrant tapestry of Spain using its fantastic high-speed train network, the AVE.
The Magic of the AVE
Before we start our journey, let me tell you a little about the AVE (Alta Velocidad Española). For me, it completely changed how I travel around Spain. Forget stressful airport queues and long, slow bus rides. AVE trains are sleek, modern, and incredibly fast, reaching speeds of over 300 km/h (about 186 mph). They glide between city centres, meaning you step off the train and you are immediately in the heart of the action. The seats are comfortable, there’s plenty of
legroom, and watching the Spanish countryside flash past your window from an air-conditioned carriage is a travel experience in itself. It turns the journey from a chore into a genuine pleasure.
Starting in Catalonia:
From Barcelona’s Art to Zaragoza’s History
Our journey begins in Barcelona, a city bursting with Gaudi’s architectural wonders and the vibrant energy of Las Ramblas. It’s a fantastic place to start, but it’s just one piece of the Spanish puzzle. The high-speed line heads west from here, and while many travellers go straight to Madrid, I highly recommend a stop in a city that is often overlooked: Zaragoza.
Located halfway between Barcelona and Madrid, Zaragoza is a historical gem on the banks of the Ebro River. The journey from Barcelona takes just an hour and a half. The magnificent Basílica del Pilar, with its colourful tiled domes, is a sight to behold. You can spend a few hours exploring the Roman ruins, wandering through the old town, and enjoying some of the best tapas in the Aragon region. It’s a perfect, manageable stop that gives you a taste of a different Spain.
The journey from Barcelona to Andalusia often involves a change of trains in Madrid. This can be a brilliant opportunity for a quick exploration. Instead of waiting at the station, you can Madrid Atocha luggage storage to safely leave your bags and spend a few hours seeing a new city,unburdened. This transforms a simple layover into a mini-adventure.
The Heart of Spain: A Stop in Madrid
Madrid is the central hub of the AVE network, and almost all long-distance routes pass through its two main stations, Atocha and Chamartín. While the prompt asked me not to focus on Madrid, it’s impossible to ignore its role as the country’s great connector. If you have that four or five-hour layover I mentioned, you have enough time to experience a slice of Madrid’s world-class culture.
Spain by Train
From Atocha station, you are just a short walk from the Golden Triangle of Art You could easily spend two hours marvelling at masterpieces by Goya and Velázquez in the Prado Museum. If art isn't your thing, a stroll through the beautiful Retiro Park is a perfect way to stretch your legs.
Grab a coffee and a pastry at a local café before heading back to the station to catch your connecting train south. It makes the journey feel richer and more complete.
Into the Soul of Andalusia
This is where the landscape truly begins to change. As the AVE speeds south from Madrid, the scenery becomes drier, dotted with olive groves stretching as far as the eye can see. This is the Spain of flamenco, Moorish palaces, and sun-soaked plazas.
First Stop Cordoba
In just under two hours from Madrid, you can be in Cordoba. Stepping inside the Mezquita- Cathedral for the first time is an unforgettable experience. The forest of red-and-white striped arches is simply breathtaking. Afterwards, lose yourself in the winding, narrow streets of the Judería (Jewish Quarter). If you visit in May, you’ll be treated to the Fiesta de los Patios, where private courtyards are opened to the public, overflowing with colourful flowers.
Continuing to Seville
From Cordoba, it’s a short 45-minute hop to Seville, the vibrant capital of Andalusia. Seville is a city of passion and drama. You can feel it when you watch a raw, emotional flamenco show in the Triana neighbourhood or when you stand in the magnificent Plaza de España. Don’t miss the Real Alcázar, a stunning royal palace that is still used by the Spanish royal family today. Its intricate tilework and lush gardens are a feast for the senses.
Ending in Malaga
To complete your journey, the AVE can whisk you from Seville to the coastal city of Malaga in about two hours. Born and bred in Andalusia, I love that Malaga offers the perfect blend of culture and relaxation. You can spend the morning exploring the Picasso Museum (the artist was born here) and the afternoon relaxing on La Malagueta beach. It’s the perfect place to end your Spanish train adventure, with the Mediterranean Sea stretching out before you.
