Taking El Transcantabrico on a Spanish Train Adventure

Some of the fastest trains in Europe are found in Spain, yet one of Spain's popular attractions just happens to be the El Transcantabrico, which is also one of the slowest trains in Europe. This train takes 8 days to travel the same distance that the super-fast Spanish AVE train would travel in less than 3 hours. However, on the El Transcantabrico, you get to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the countryside of northern Spain, as you traverse through Cantabria, Galicia, Asturias, Castille & Leon, as well as the Basque Country on a very stylish ride.

The El Transcantabrico is regarded as a luxury train hotel, and it comprises a 1923 Pullman which can only accommodate fifty two passengers. The train travels on tracks that were used to ferry coal to the steel furnaces at Bilbao between 1894 and 1991. s you board this train, you will be welcomed by staff in properly starched suits who will show you to your wood paneled cabin, complete with a double bed and a bathroom with a massage shower and golden taps.

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If you want to enjoy some quiet time, you can take a seat on one of the velvet armchairs in the lounge car and gaze out the window at the amazing Spanish landscape. Be sure to look out for unforgettable images of ordinary people milking cows, fishermen shaking their nets or even pretty senoras in floral prints feeding chickens in the field.

 Alternatively, you could also chat with your fellow travelers and get to hear interesting tales about their experiences and where they come from. At the end of every day’s travel, the train will stopover in quiet sidings in order to enable the passengers to get a good night’s rest. In the morning, a brass bell is rung to indicate that the train is departing. There are multilingual guides on board to help make your trip as informative and comfortable as possible, by providing you with daily morning announcements on the weather, as well as the excursions that will take place that day.

When you stop over at Viviero, you will get to sample some spider-crabs, razor-clams and gooseneck barnacles. You will be amazed by the rock formations when you arrive at Ribadeo’s Playa de los Catedrales which tend to resemble flying buttresses. At Luarca, Asturia’s westernmost town, you will be able to watch fishermen as they bail water from their boats in the fishing quarter which overlooks an S-shaped cove. You can enjoy a sumptuous Asturian meal at Cangas de Onis, before heading on down to the seaside town of Llanes. The final stop on the El Transcantabrico route is at Leon where you will get to visit the cathedral which is famous for its beautiful medieval stained glass windows.

The El Transcantabrico runs from April to October and tickets are priced at aprox 2,600 pounds per person in a shared cabin. For a single occupant accommodation, you will pay aprox 3,500 pounds, which covers both food and accommodation but not your flight.

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