Summer by train: the best beach destinations you can reach with Renfe

Spain is home to some of Europe’s most beautiful beaches, and many of them are just a train journey away. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a longer summer holiday, travelling by train is one of the easiest ways to reach the coast without worrying about traffic, parking, or airport queues.

From the Mediterranean to the Atlantic, here’s a selection of the best beach destinations you can reach using Spain’s rail network.

Quick answer

Many of Spain’s most popular coastal destinations—including Valencia, Málaga, Alicante, Cádiz, and Tarragona—are easily accessible by train, making them ideal for a relaxing summer getaway.

Valencia – city, beach and gastronomy

Valencia offers the perfect combination of urban life and Mediterranean beaches.

Why visit?

• Relax on Malvarrosa Beach
• Explore the historic centre
• Visit the City of Arts and Sciences
• Enjoy authentic paella where it was born

Travel time from Madrid: around 2 hours by high-speed train.

Thinking about travelling between Spain’s two largest coastal cities? Read our guide to choosing the best train between Barcelona and Valencia.

Málaga – the gateway to the Costa del Sol

Málaga is one of Spain’s favourite summer destinations.

Highlights include:

• Beautiful beaches
• Picasso Museum
• Historic centre
• Beachfront restaurants serving fresh seafood

Travel time from Madrid: around 2 hours 45 minutes.

Alicante – sunshine almost all year round

Alicante combines long sandy beaches with a lively waterfront and a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.

Don’t miss:

• Postiguet Beach
• Santa Bárbara Castle
• Explanada de España

Cádiz – one of Europe’s oldest coastal cities

If you’re looking for something different, Cádiz combines history, local culture, and beautiful Atlantic beaches.

Perfect for travellers who want a slower pace and authentic Andalusian charm.

Tarragona – beaches and Roman history

Located just over an hour from Barcelona, Tarragona is ideal for a short seaside escape.

Enjoy:

• Golden beaches
• Roman amphitheatre
• UNESCO World Heritage sites
• Mediterranean cuisine

Why travel to the beach by train?

Choosing the train for your summer holiday offers several advantages:

• Avoid traffic jams during peak season.
• Travel directly to city centres.
• Enjoy generous luggage allowances.
• Relax during the journey instead of driving.
• Reduce your environmental impact.

For many popular summer destinations, travelling by train is also one of the fastest and most comfortable options.

Not sure which high-speed operator to choose? Compare the main options in our guide to AVE vs Ouigo vs Iryo: which is the best choice?

Book early for summer travel

Summer is one of the busiest travel periods in Spain.

Booking in advance can help you:

• Find lower fares.
• Secure your preferred departure times.
• Choose the best seats.
• Avoid sold-out trains during weekends and holidays.

Our step-by-step guide to buying AVE tickets in Spain explains everything you need to know before booking.

Planning your summer rail adventure

Whether you’re heading to the Costa del Sol, the Mediterranean coast, or southern Andalusia, planning your journey in advance makes travelling easier.

Platforms like RailClick allow you to compare train routes across Spain, making it simple to find the option that best fits your itinerary.

Final thoughts

Summer is the perfect time to discover Spain by train. With fast connections, comfortable journeys, and stations located close to many of the country’s best beaches, rail travel offers a stress-free alternative to driving or flying.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer holiday, Spain’s rail network makes it easy to enjoy the coast while spending less time travelling and more time relaxing.

Explore Spain’s most beautiful summer destinations by train and compare routes, schedules, and fares to start planning your next coastal escape.