Small Train Adventures in Spain | railtour travel blog
Spain can be vibrant, sun‑soaked and world‑famous: Barcelona, Madrid, Seville and Valencia are names almost everyone knows. Yet the real adventure often begins once you board a train and leave the big cities behind.
Between medieval towers, deep gorges, quiet monasteries, waterfalls and endless olive groves lie places that feel worlds away, even though they are surprisingly close. Slow travel reveals a different side of Spain. These five rail routes offer small train adventures rich in culture, nature and history.
From Valencia to Teruel
From Valencia, Teruel is about two and a half hours away by train, depending on the connection. The journey inland already shows a different Spain: wider, calmer and less familiar than the coast.
Teruel is a key centre of Mudéjar architecture, a medieval style shaped by Islamic influence on the Iberian Peninsula. Its towers and buildings are part of a UNESCO World Heritage site and still define the historic skyline.
A walk through the old town is well worth it. Highlights include the Mausoleum of the Lovers of Teruel, the aqueduct with its elegant arches and the Paseo del Óvalo. Teruel is ideal for anyone wanting to step away from the classic travel routes.
From Madrid to Cuenca
Madrid is a perfect base for train excursions. Beyond well‑known UNESCO cities like Toledo and Segovia, Cuenca stands out as a hidden gem. The high‑speed AVE train reaches it depending on the connection in about an hour.
Cuenca impresses with its dramatic setting. The old town sits high between the gorges of the Júcar and Huécar rivers. Its famous Hanging Houses seem to float above the cliffs and are among the city’s most striking sights.
There is plenty to explore beyond the views. The cathedral, the Plaza Mayor and the Museum of Abstract Art, housed in a 17th‑century former monastery, make Cuenca a rewarding and varied destination.
From Barcelona to Montserrat
Only about an hour from Barcelona rises the Montserrat mountain range. Its jagged rock formations are visible from afar and create one of Catalonia’s most memorable landscapes.
The journey is part of the experience. A regional train leaves Barcelona towards Montserrat. From Montserrat‑Aeri station, a cable car climbs up to the monastery. Alternatively, visitors can continue to Monistrol de Montserrat and take the rack railway.
At the top, a famous Benedictine monastery awaits, along with striking rock formations and sweeping views across Catalonia. Montserrat blends nature, spirituality and rail travel in a unique way.
From Bilbao to Orduña
Bilbao is known for modern architecture, lively streets and excellent pintxos. Yet beyond the city, impressive landscapes await. A regional train towards Orduña leads close to the dramatic scenery around the Nervión waterfall.
At around 220 metres, it is one of the highest waterfalls in Spain. After rainfall or during wetter seasons, it becomes especially powerful.
Orduña itself is also worth a visit. The town centres around a large arcaded square and offers a calm, historic atmosphere. Basque heritage, rural quiet and striking nature come together here in a surprising mix.
From Seville to Jaén
From Seville, the train crosses Andalusia towards Jaén. Along the way, you pass a landscape that defines the region: endless olive groves. This “sea of olive trees” produces much of Spain’s prized olive oil.
Jaén is less known than Seville, Córdoba or Granada, which adds to its appeal. The city has a rich cultural heritage and sits within an impressive natural setting. From afar, the rocky hill topped by Santa Catalina Castle and the Parador stands out.
Those who enjoy walking can take the roughly four‑kilometre route from the city centre up to the hill. At the top, wide views open over the city and the green expanse of olive groves — a calm and memorable finale to a rail journey through Andalusia.
