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Spain has never been more popular and locals across the country are in turmoil wanting to get their beloved country back.
Overtourism is a real concern, especially in places like Barcelona, but that doesn’t stop travelers from visiting this world-famous city, or this country.
Whether it’s Spain’s breathtaking islands, vast urban jungles or hidden gems to escape the crowds, there’s no doubt you’ll find your little slice of paradise during your visit.
Making Spain even more attractive, a new high speed train was just announced to hit the rails this winter, just in time to take advantage of your Christmas vacation days.
Connect 2 of Spain’s most fascinating cities, with a total of 5 stops, and prepare for the train adventure of a lifetime as you whiz through one of Europe’s most popular destinations!
Explore Spain by train: first stop – Malaga
Spain may be best known for Barcelona, Madrid and the many beautiful islands off the mainland’s scenic coast, but there is one city with intriguing museums, beautiful beaches and striking castles and fortresses.
That’s right. Pablo Picasso’s birthplace Malaga is a perfect gateway to start your Spanish excursions and will soon be the starting point for an exciting new train journey.
The entire journey will take 5 and a half hours Don’t leave until you finally reach the vast wonders of Spain’s shining star, Barcelona.
Operated by budget railway, IryoThere are 2 departures per day (one out and one back), so keep in mind that you can also flip the script and take this train in reverse if you’re in another city.
And if you plan it right, promos during the first week of the initial launch are super affordable, with rates as low as $26.50 one waydepending on which class selection you choose for weekdays.
During the weekend the prices are a tick higher. The first train is about to leave December 15, 2024.
3 exciting stops before Barcelona
You really can’t go wrong in Spain, right?
Although we wouldn’t recommend Ibiza unless you like the party scene.
Anyway, trains don’t pass through the Balearic Islands, so you can make a few other, much nicer stops before reaching Barcelona.
If you want to take in as much of Spain as possible in one trip, Iryo’s new train is literally the best choice.
Whether you start or end in Barcelona, you have three other cities to explore if you choose to hop off, and one of them is also one of Spain’s icons!
Travelers aboard this route can also visit Zaragoza, Cordoba and other sights Madridwith the addition of two lesser-known cultural cities and another of Spain’s legendary getaways.
Although, Madrid and Barcelona are the main destinations where locals are frustrated, to say the least, with tourists flooding their hometown.
If you want to feel a little more welcome, Malaga, Zaragoza and Cordoba might be more suitable, but on the other hand, Barcelona and Madrid might just be too good to pass up.
Zaragoza and Cordoba are unique in their own right and offer a different atmosphere to the famous Spanish cities, with sights such as Zaragoza’s vibrant Plaza de Pilar and Cordoba’s picturesque whitewashed Jewish Quarter.
Tip: Should you choose to stop in Madrid, the layover is only 20 minutes. For an extended stay you will have to follow a different route.
Last stop – Barcelona
If you are driving back, you can definitely make your starting point in Barcelona as it is probably the most connected city in Spain, including another popular route of Iryo which departs from Seville.
However, for this new route, trains will depart Barcelona at 11:50 am and arrive in Malaga at 5:42 pm. Conversely, the train will leave Malaga at 11:35 am and arrive in Barcelona at 5:37 pm.
Here in Barcelona you’ll find a vibrant city packed with impeccable architecture, world-class Spanish cuisine, the whimsical Instagram-worthy Park Guell and access to beautiful beaches at your fingertips.
Although locals swear by the nearby city of Tarragona as a way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for spacious, beautiful beaches.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
