Spanish cities by rail

Trains, Tapas & Traditions: Our Tailor-Made Easter Adventure in Spain

At  Easter-time, my family swapped hire cars for high-speed trains and took off on a tailor-made Spanish adventure through Madrid, Córdoba, and Málaga — and what a journey it was!

Spain never disappoints with its mix of sun-soaked beaches, vibrant cities, and peaceful hideaways. It’s easy to get to, easy to get around, and packed with surprises at every turn. This time, we decided to travel by train — and it was a game changer. Clean, fast (up to 300km/h!), and efficient, Spain’s high-speed rail network took us from city centre to city centre with zero fuss. Hotels were all just a short walk from the station – and yes, we definitely got our steps in (34 miles, to be exact!).

Each stop had its own flavour. In Madrid, we strolled through El Retiro Park and soaked up the energy of the city. Córdoba wowed us with its flower-filled courtyards and the gardens of the Alcázar – an oasis of calm. Then came Málaga, where beachside lounging and harbour-side people-watching gave us the chance to slow down and enjoy the sea breeze.

We wandered cobbled old towns, explored museums (many of which were free or low-cost for kids), and marvelled at stunning architecture. But the most unforgettable part? Experiencing Semana Santa (Holy Week) up close. The processions were truly something to behold – with elaborately decorated floats (pasos) carried by dedicated costaleros, dramatic music, and crowds gathering into the early hours. The atmosphere was electric – and surprisingly, we still managed to get a full night’s sleep!

The kids (12 and 19) loved every minute. They saw history brought to life, stumbled upon live street music in a boho Madrid neighbourhood (which they’ll tell you was the absolute highlight), and discovered that culture can be cool – especially when churros are involved.

Speaking of churros… we may or may not have gone on a mission to find the best backstreet churros vendor in Madrid (our daughter insists we did). Add to that some fantastic food, rooftop views, and relaxing poolside moments, and you’ve got a holiday that ticked every box.

Our hotels were real standouts:
 • Only YOU Atocha, Madrid – next to the station with breakfasts worth waking up early for.
 • Hospes Palacio del Bailío, Córdoba – a peaceful, historic gem with Roman ruins underfoot and the scent of orange blossom in the air.
 • Only YOU Málaga – stylish, scenic, and perfectly placed to sip a drink on a rooftop while the city glows below.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly getaway with culture, sunshine, and a touch of magic, Easter in Spain might just be the ticket. Just be warned — once you travel by high-speed train, there’s no going back!