Train route through Galicia: from A Coruña to Vigo between sea and legend
Galicia by train: sea, history and legend from Madrid to the Atlantic
Seven days to discover an Atlantic Spain of lighthouses, forests and fishing towns. From elegant A Coruña to spiritual Santiago de Compostela and the luminous Rías Baixas, the journey blends heritage, nature and gastronomy with comfortable rail transfers.
The Tower of Hercules watches over the ocean; in Santiago, the Cathedral gathers centuries of pilgrimage; the Rías Baixas alternate vineyards and mussel farms; Vigo gazes towards an archipelago of clear waters. Among markets, harbours, squares and viewpoints, Galician identity reveals itself at every stage.
The train ensures direct connections and balanced timings. The guided tours provide cultural insight, while free time allows for coastal walks, seafood by the estuary or visits to historic wineries. Digital documentation and ongoing assistance ensure a calm and safe rhythm throughout.
An ideal proposal for cultural travellers seeking scenery, sea and fine dining in a green and legendary northern land.
- Day 1: Madrid → A Coruña (4h) — seafront promenade and Tower of Hercules
Train departure towards A Coruña, a city open to the Atlantic. First impressions along its long seafront promenade and coastal viewpoints.
Visit the Tower of Hercules, a Roman lighthouse and UNESCO World Heritage Site, and feel the waves crashing against the rocks and the salty breeze of the Coruñan bay.
Accommodation in A Coruña. We recommend seafood and an evening stroll by the harbour.
- Day 2: A Coruña — beaches and historic quarter (guided visit included)
Morning guided tour through the old town: María Pita Square, glass-fronted galleries, harbour and districts full of maritime and commercial character.
Afternoon free for beach, museums or a terrace facing the estuary. Optional: aquarium or Science House according to interests.
Accommodation in A Coruña. We suggest booking a local tavern with regional produce.
- Day 3: A Coruña → Santiago de Compostela (40 min) — the Cathedral
Short journey to Santiago, the historic end of the Way of St James. Stroll among cobbled streets, solemn squares and silent cloisters.
Entrance to the Cathedral and time to absorb its spiritual atmosphere. The university life and historic cafés complete the day.
Accommodation in Santiago. We recommend tasting the traditional almond tart and local D.O. wines.
- Day 4: Santiago — historic quarter and optional excursion to Finisterre
A day to explore Santiago in depth: markets, convents and museums. A slow rhythm to capture the golden stone and the sounds of Obradoiro Square.
Optional: excursion to Finisterre, the Roman “end of the world”, with cliffs, lighthouses and sunsets that blend sea and sky.
Accommodation in Santiago. Final chance for artisan shopping in the old town.
- Day 5: Santiago → Vigo (1h30) — excursion through the Rías Baixas
Heading south to discover the Rías Baixas: vineyards, mussel rafts and fishing villages with lively harbours and seafaring tradition.
Arrival in Vigo, a port city overlooking the estuary and full of modern life. Possible Albariño wine tasting at a local winery.
Accommodation in Vigo. Evening stroll along the seafront promenade.
- Day 6: Vigo and the coast — Cíes Islands or wine route
Free day. Option to sail to the Cíes Islands, a maritime-terrestrial national park with white sands and protected waters, or follow the local wine route.
Alternative: coastal paths and “pulpo a feira” (Galician octopus) in traditional taverns. The Atlantic light accompanies every plan.
Accommodation in Vigo. We recommend booking in advance for Cíes during high season.
- Day 7: Vigo → Madrid (4h) — return by train
Train journey back to Madrid. A reflection on an Atlantic voyage through sea, history and gastronomy, leaving lasting memories of lighthouses and ancient cities.
Optional service: private transfer to the station and, if desired, extra night in Madrid subject to availability.
End of services.
A legendary Atlantic north: lighthouses, cathedrals and estuaries united by the rhythm of the train.
- Day 1: Train Madrid–A Coruña. Seafront promenade and Tower of Hercules.
- Day 2: Guided tour in A Coruña. María Pita Square and historic quarter.
- Day 3: Train to Santiago. Cathedral and cobbled streets of the old town.
- Day 4: Free day in Santiago. Optional excursion to Finisterre and local markets.
- Day 5: Train to Vigo. Excursion through the Rías Baixas and Albariño wine tasting.
- Day 6: Free day in Vigo. Excursion to the Cíes Islands or Ribeiro wine route.
- Day 7: High-speed train return Vigo → Madrid. End of services.
Meeting Point and End of Route
The itinerary begins in Madrid, from where the train departs towards the various destinations in northern Spain. The travel documents and tickets are sent in advance in digital format, together with all the necessary information for a smooth and well-organised start to the journey.
The tour ends in the city of Vigo, allowing the return by high-speed train to Madrid or a connection with other national rail routes.
Included
- Train tickets between all cities on the itinerary.
- 6 nights’ accommodation in selected hotels with breakfast included.
- Guided tours indicated in the itinerary with specialised local guides.
- Telephone assistance throughout the entire trip.
- Detailed itinerary of the route with approximate schedules.
- Basic travel insurance.
Not included
- Lunches, dinners and drinks not indicated in the “Included” section.
- Unspecified entrance fees, optional activities or personal expenses.
- Arrival or departure transfers (available as an optional service).
- Extended travel insurance with medical or cancellation coverage (optional).