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Remarkable Places to Go in Spain \u2013 Spain Trips From Madrid by Train<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Madrid City Sightseeing<\/span><\/h2>\n

Train Stations: Madrid\u2019s main train station is Madrid Atocha (Madrid Puerta de Atocha). It is also the largest railway station in the city, the central station for the high-speed AVE trains and home to a large botanical garden \u2013 a tropical greenhouse in the capital.<\/p>\n

Is Madrid worth visiting? The dishevelled elegance of the capital jostles with the touristic and coastal Barcelona for visitor attention; still, I don\u2019t think it should be bypassed, especially if you thrive in the momentum of big city life and having expansive ground to uncover.<\/p>\n

You need ample time (three-four days) to explore the remaining threads of medieval history, the Renaissance Habsburg to the 19th-century neoclassical architectural styles, alongside the art museums, markets and the grungy and bohemian neighbourhoods. Madrid is a heady mix of grandiose sites and local subcultures, fuelled by a buzzing tapas bar culture, day and night. A walkable city, the best way to get around Madrid is by metro.<\/p>\n

Highlights of Madrid<\/span><\/h3>\n

Madrid\u2019s Royal Palace (Palacio Real de Madrid) is the largest in Europe, with over 3,000 rooms. Daily tours take you through the highlights, including the Main Staircase and the Royal Gallery. A stroll in the adjacent Sabatini Gardens provides green-set views of the palace, and the public viewing Changing of the Guard takes place every Wednesday and Saturday.<\/p>\n

Plaza Mayor square is outlined by the pretty arched porticos of its market place past \u2013 once the heart of Old Madrid when it first became a capital during the reign of the Habsburg King Phillip III. Today\u2019s bustling square is the Puerta del Sol, whose semi-circular thoroughfare is the junction for some of Madrid\u2019s busiest streets. It was once the site of an old city gate and the starting point for all the major roads in Spain.<\/p>\n

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The Temple of Debod\u00a0is a 2nd-century Egyptian temple set within the elevated\u00a0Cuartel de la Monta\u00f1a Park\u00a0and the prime spot for watching Madrid\u2019s sunset. The Egyptian government gifted the temple to save it from being submerged in the construction of the Aswan Dam.<\/p>\n

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The 19th century El Retiro Park (Parque de El Retiro) is the most beautiful and famous park in the city, with a boating lake, monuments and botanical gardens. It\u2019s also close to the Atocha train station. The striking white crown-like spired Cybele Palace (Palacio de Cibeles) stands at one end of the park\u2019s exterior.<\/p>\n

Art enthusiasts could spend their entire time engrossed in the city\u2019s 50 museums, of which around half are art galleries. If you choose just one, then The Prado Museum (Museo Nacional del Prado)\u00a0is the most world-renowned and locally famed. I took a guided tour of El Prado for an introduction to this treasure chest of European masterpieces spanning the 12th to the 20th centuries.<\/p>\n

I spent most of my time scratching the surface of Madrid\u2019s neighbourhoods. It\u2019s personally how I like to understand the intricacies of a city. Malasa\u00f1a and Chueca are the trendy, stylish and boho areas, Lavapi\u00e9s is the edgy, street art-filled multicultural neighbourhood, and La Latina is the centre of the Tapas bar culture. Barrio de las Letras (the Literary Quarter) is a compact artist hub where writers from the Spanish Golden Age once resided. Los Austrias is the historic neighbourhood where you\u2019ll find Plaza Mayor and San Miguel Market.<\/p>\n

Short on time or looking for a different form of sightseeing? Excitedly tour Madrid in a nostalgic SEAT 600 or venture to the city\u2019s highlights on the\u00a0hop-on-hop-off bus.<\/p>\n

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Places to Go in Spain From Madrid by Train<\/span><\/h2>\n

Madrid to San Sebastian<\/span><\/h3>\n

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A visit to the northern Spanish coastal city of San Sebastian (Donostia) lands you in a very distinct region of Spain. A gastronomically acclaimed city, awash with Old Town architecture from Baroque basilicas to Belle \u00c9poque buildings, filled with music, the arts and home of Balenciaga, and the root of some of the oldest traditions and language in Europe from the Basque heritage.<\/p>\n

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A city surrounded by sea that once drew in royals and aristocrats for summer holidays, you can factor in beach strolls, surf lessons, and stand-up paddleboarding with the city\u2019s creative pillars that made San Sebastian a European Capital of Culture. I viewed the city from the heights of Igueldo mountain, explored the grounds by bike on the city\u2019s 30 km of dedicated biking paths, and made sure to find time to indulge in the strolls and deliciousness of Pintxos bar hopping.<\/p>\n

READ MORE:<\/p>\n

Visit San Sebastian \u2013 How to Experience the European Capital of Culture.<\/p>\n

The Best Pintxos in San Sebastian, Spain: The Miniature Food Culture.<\/p>\n

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Madrid to Girona<\/span><\/h3>\n

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Barcelona steals the limelight for those planning to visit Spain\u2019s north-eastern Catalonia, but consider the neighbouring city of Girona, whose walled quarters and narrow streets take you on a journey spanning over 2,000 years. The secluded beaches of the Costa Brava are just 30 minutes away.<\/p>\n

You can find Girona\u2019s medieval history in the historical centre Old Quarter (Barri Vell) \u2013 the garrison of a preserved medieval old town whose Roman past is marked by the For\u00e7a Vella Fortress. Built by the Romans in the 1st-century BC, parts of the walled fortress, with extended ramparts of which you can walk upon, remain. Take a walking tour to find the Game of Thrones filming locations.<\/p>\n

Other city highlights include the Cathedral with a Romanesque tower and baroque fa\u00e7ade, built between the 11th and 18th centuries, getting lost in the labyrinth of narrow lanes and alleys of the Jewish Quarter, and the magnificent Islamic-modelled architecture of the Arab Baths, built by Christians in 1194. The red iron Peixateries Velles Bridge from 1827 is a famed postcard picture viewpoint in the city.<\/p>\n

READ MORE:<\/p>\n

Things to Do in Girona \u2013 Inside the Historical Secret of Spain.<\/p>\n

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Madrid to Zaragoza<\/span><\/h3>\n

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Anchored between Madrid and Barcelona, the Aragon region\u2019s capital in North-Eastern Spain is a compact city that could work as a day trip. Zaragoza is where an artful urban boldness mixes with the graceful ancient.<\/p>\n

The 11th-century medieval Islamic Ajafer\u00eda Palace is the most symbolic site to visit. Zaragoza\u2019s UNESCO World Heritage status comes from this display of Mud\u00e9jar art native to Aragon \u2013 a blend of Islamic and Christian elements when the two faiths coexisted after the Christian Reconquista. Beyond the palatial centre of Zaragoza, best viewed from the heights of the Roman Catholic Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, you will soon see that street art paves the way for the city\u2019s other persona.<\/p>\n

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The colossal building murals are part of an annual urban regeneration drive, bringing an artistic new life to forgotten neighbourhoods. Consider hiring a local guide for insider knowledge. In Goya\u2019s home, with a dedicated museum of his works to boot, it\u2019s no wonder that art plays a central role in the city\u2019s persona. Ultra-modern architecture like the Alma del Ebro sculpture (The Soul of the Ebro) at the Zaragoza Expo Zone continues the decorative trend.<\/p>\n

READ MORE:<\/p>\n

Visit Zaragoza, Spain \u2013 World Heritage, Legacy and Urban Revival<\/p>\n

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Madrid to Barcelona<\/span><\/h3>\n

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One of the most popular long-distance trips from Madrid by train is to Barcelona, the coastal capital of the Catalonia region. I\u2019ve visited the city twice, choosing new major sites to peruse without rushing, savouring long boulevard-strewn walks, Barcelona bike tours and beach days, and spending long evenings sipping jugs of sangria in a local neighbourhood square. Coupled with Madrid, you\u2019ll need some big city steam.<\/p>\n

A stroll on the kilometre-long Las Ramblas is a rite of passage, and Gaudi\u2019s architectural masterpieces take centre stage, most notably the Sagrada Familia, the egg-white curves of Casa Mila, the mosaic wonders of Casa Batll\u00f3 and Park G\u00fcell. The Gothic Quarter (Barri G\u00f2tic) brings together an incredible maze of narrow streets, medieval squares and striking gothic fa\u00e7ades. Shop local produce from seafood to jam\u00f3n ib\u00e9rico and cheese at the market institution that is La Boqueria and catch a local bus to one stretch of La Barceloneta \u2013 the long yellow sand stretch and promenade of Barcelona\u2019s city beach.<\/p>\n

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Madrid to Valencia<\/span><\/h3>\n

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\u00a9 VisitValencia<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The UNESCO World Heritage city of Valencia is one of Spain\u2019s oldest, a trip that combines a heritage of 2,000 years with a Mediterranean climate and fine powered sand beaches.<\/p>\n

Valencia is a city full of accolades. Start in the Old Town\u2019s cobblestoned labyrinth (Ciutat Vella). The\u00a0historically layered Roman, Gothic, Baroque Cathedral protects the Holy Chalice and the Silk Exchange (La Lonja) World Heritage Site displays why it is one of the famous civil gothic monuments in Europe. The 1000-year-old neighbourhood of Barrio del Carmen, whose Muslim and Christian walls whose gates still stand, preserves some of the city\u2019s iconic medieval structures like the Serrano and Quart Towers.<\/p>\n

For food and nature, the Central Market in Valencia, with its 1200 food stalls, is the largest market with fresh produce in Europe. The wetland oasis of L\u2019Albufera National Park is where the famed culinary paella was invented. Valencia\u2019s port area trio of museums, known as the City of Arts, connects to the Turia Gardens. This city park\u2019s extensive network of tree-lined footpaths, lakeside recreation spots and 18 bridges in different architectural styles makes it one of Spain\u2019s largest urban parks.<\/p>\n

Madrid to C\u00f3rdoba<\/span><\/h3>\n

A trilogy of cultures from its founding as a Roman city to Arab conquest and Christian rule, the golden stoned C\u00f3rdoba is an ancient architectural marvel. In preserving this legacy, Cordoba holds the title of the first city to have four UNESCO World Heritage Sites \u2013 more than any other city in the world.<\/p>\n

Visit the Mosque-Cathedral, La Mezquita \u2013 the most famed of the four UNESCO World Heritage Sites as a distinguished monument of Islamic architecture, alongside the notable Historic Centre and Jewish Quarter surrounding it. Also included are the excavated ruins of the Caliphate city palace at the foot of the Sierra Morena Mountains, which ruler Abd-al Rahman III\u00a0had constructed in 929 AD to display his Kingdom\u2019s power. The beautiful domestic courtyards symbolic of C\u00f3rdoba and its acclaimed Festival of the Patios, which open the private community spaces for public viewing, are a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity site.<\/p>\n

Other interest sites include touring the fortress turned Royal residence, Alcazar de Los Reyes Cristianos and the 1st century BC Roman Bridge over the Guadalquivir River. The former Moorish Calahorra Tower at the end is today a museum detailing the long history of conquest and achievement in the city.<\/p>\n

Madrid to Seville<\/span><\/h3>\n

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From bustling Madrid to the charming, flamenco dancing famed Seville, this city is where the colourful, artistic streets converge with the delicate, classical architecture of the open squares and boulevards. As Andalusia\u2019s capital, and another of the most popular trips from Madrid by train, it will most likely be your introduction to the region too.<\/p>\n

The Cathedral is a city centrepiece as is the exquisite Plaza de Espa\u00f1a is a plaza in the Parque de Mar\u00eda Luisa. A mix of Islamic and Renaissance designs, this 1928 masterpiece is a symbol of the city known for its grandeur of tiled fountains, opulent bridges and lush gardens. Dedicate at least half a day to exploring the vast landscapes and vivid detail of the stunning Mud\u00e9jar architecture of the Real Alc\u00e1zar of Seville, a 14th-century royal palace built by Muslim Kings.<\/p>\n

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Seville is not without its modern architectural additions. Occupying one of Seville\u2019s squares, the city\u2019s Metropol Parasol (more affectionately known as \u2018the mushrooms\u2019) is the largest wooden structure in Europe, whose curling walkways up to 26 metres high provide a new panoramic view of the city. Designed by German architect J\u00fcrgen Mayer, it has been the subject of much controversy since its completion in 2011.<\/p>\n

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Madrid to Granada<\/span><\/h3>\n

Granada\u2019s icon is the fortified Arab citadel of the Alhambra, perched defiantly in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. An opulent tiered, tiled and terraced complex of palaces, courtyards and gardens, it is preserved as one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture on the continent.<\/p>\n

In the Historical Centre of Granada city, Catholic architecture takes centre stage, including the Renaissance masterpieces of the Cathedral of Granada and the Monasterio de San Jer\u00f3nimo, alongside the baroque Basilica San Juan de Dios and the Capilla Real (Royal Chapel) mausoleum of the last Catholic Monarchs. Admire the cave houses of Sacromonte and join the buzz at Campo del Pr\u00ednicpe Square in the Jewish neighbourhood of Realejo-San Matias and indulge in the tradition of free tapas in Granada, for which a complimentary morsel is given with every drink ordered.<\/p>\n

Adjacent to Centro Granada, spend time getting lost in the streets of Albaicin, granted UNESCO World Heritage status for its traditional Moorish architecture and courtyards and kicking back in the hum of the atmospheric Arabic teahouses.<\/p>\n

Madrid to Malaga<\/span><\/h3>\n

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The fashionable city of Malaga on the golden sand southern coastline of the Costa del Sol is one of the world\u2019s oldest cities. Its pre-historic 3,000 years of history go back to its founding by the eastern Mediterranean Phoenicians in the 7th-century BC. Today, Malaga is best known as the birthplace of the revered artist Pablo Picasso.<\/p>\n

History stands at the base of Gibralfaro hill with the preserved palace structure of Alcazaba of M\u00e1laga, a Muslim monument partially constructed in 1057 using stone materials from the 1st century AD Roman Theatre that stands in front of it. The hilltop Castillo de Gibralfaro Castle was built to protect the Alcazaba, captured in 1487 by the Catholic Monarchs during the Reconquista that drove out the Moors and used as a residence by the King. Visitors also come here for the sweeping views over the city. Monuments from the Christian era of Malaga include monasteries and basilicas and the commanding Renaissance allure of the Malaga Cathedral (Catedral Nuestra Se\u00f1ora de la Encarnaci\u00f3n).<\/p>\n

Art enthusiasts can follow Picasso\u2019s trail at number 15 Plaza de la Merced \u2013 the building where he was born in 1881 \u2013 before heading to the 16th century Renaissance beauty of Buenavista Palace, home to the Museo Picasso M\u00e1laga (Malaga Picasso Museum). Break up a tour of Malaga\u2019s highlights with a trip to one of the 15 city beaches.<\/p>\n

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Tips for Planning Spain Trips<\/span><\/h2>\n

When to Go<\/span><\/h3>\n

The best time for this trip, based on optimal weather conditions, are the shoulder ends of May-October, based on all the average forecasts for Madrid, San Sebastian, Girona, Zaragoza, Barcelona, Valencia, Cordoba, Seville, Granada and Malaga.<\/p>\n

Travelling from Madrid by Train<\/span><\/h3>\n

All train tickets for the AVE rail network have to be pre-booked since you can\u2019t turn up on the day and book at the station. You can show tickets electronically via a smartphone. There are nine classes, of which Turista (a second class option with 2 x 2 seating rows) and the more spacious Turista Plus (with 2 x 1 seating rows) are the most common and cost-effective.
\nIf you are booking a multi-stop trip, consider getting a \u2018Spain Pass\u2019. This means you can travel using just one ticket for the AVE and other long-distance trains. You must reserve a seat before every trip, as limited space is assigned for Spain Pass holders.<\/p>\n

Disclaimer:\u00a0This article was created in collaboration with the Tourism Office of Spain as inspiration for when we can travel again. For further Spain travel advice and help planning your trip, visit Spain\u2019s official tourism portal. Borders of Adventure maintains full editorial control of the content published on this site.<\/p>\n

Photos of Malaga by former local David Brennan and an image of Valencia used with permission from the Spanish Tourist Office in London for this campaign.<\/p>\n

Related<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n

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