What’s your favorite pick-me-up—espresso, café au lait, or maybe a glass of sangría?
This time, no need to choose, because we’re about to dive into how you can hit up Spain, France, and Italy with nothing but a Eurail Global Pass and a serious thirst for adventure.
What is a Eurail Global Pass “Mediterranean express”?
This isn’t an official train service but our unofficial nickname for using the Eurail Global Pass to explore Mediterranean destinations. Think of it as your all-access ticket to hop on and off trains across Europe, hitting up some of the most stunning spots along the Mediterranean coast. Just a heads up: most of the high-speed and night trains need a seat reservation for an extra fee.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Holger Leue. Image Location: Málaga, Spain
Eurail Global Pass “Mediterranean express” travel itinerary
Málaga → Madrid → Valencia → Barcelona → Marseille → Genoa → Florence → Rome → Naples
Málaga to Madrid: from sea breezes to city slicking
Kick things off in Málaga, where the sun’s always shining, and the tapas are as hot as the weather. Next, zoom to Madrid and say “Hola” to a city that never sleeps but always eats. Seriously, the food here is worth the train fare alone. But you’ll have to tear yourself away from the plates—at least long enough to dive into the Prado Museum, packed with masterpieces by Goya, Velázquez, and El Greco.
Madrid to Valencia: swap the capital chic for sunset feasts
Valencia’s next, where the paella’s as orange as the sunsets. Wander through the labyrinth of cobbled streets in its Old Town (El Carmen), visit the City of Arts and Sciences, and stroll or bike along the Turia Gardens, a green space that stretches through the city along the old riverbed of the Turia River.
Valencia to Barcelona: Turia trails to Barri Gòtic tales
Then, it’s off to Barcelona to wander through the narrow medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter and gawk at the Sagrada Família, Park Güell and other Gaudí’s masterpieces. Visit the bustling Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, one of the world’s most famous food markets, to see a dazzling array of fresh produce, seafood, meats, and sweets. And get ready to battle seagulls for your beach snacks!
Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari. Image Location: Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona to Marseille: bonjour, beautiful!
Cross into France and dive into Marseille’s melting pot magic. Start your adventure at Vieux-Port (Old Port)—chill at a café, watch the boats, and maybe snag some seafood that was swimming this morning. Then dive into the sudsy world of real-deal Marseille soap. Tour a factory, learn the soap saga, and stock up on the cleanest gifts around. Marseille has the perfect mix of history and hip (with a side of bouillabaisse).
Marseille to Genoa: pesto, palaces, and pirates
Next stop: Genoa. Wander the maze-like alleyways of the Old Town, and duck into a trattoria to taste the original pesto Genovese, a fragrant blend of basil, garlic, Parmesan, pine nuts, and olive oil. Stroll down the UNESCO-listed Via Garibaldi, lined with opulent palaces from Genoa’s golden age, and visit the Galata Maritime Museum for your fill of seafaring lore, including real pirate stories. And finally, rest your head at the best hotels in Genoa.
Genoa to Florence: getting artsy
Florence is where you pretend to be cultured by nodding thoughtfully at mesmerizing Renaissance art. It’s also where you’ll eat your body weight in gelato. Because, balance. And yes, it’s possible to explore Florence on a budget.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Peter Zelei Images. Image Location: Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Italy
Florence to Rome: from artists to apostles
Indulging in Roman pizza, stepping back in time at the Colosseum, tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain, marveling at the Pantheon, strolling through history at the Roman Forum, relaxing in the Villa Borghese Gardens, exploring Trastevere’s charming streets... The list of must-dos in Rome could go on till dawn.
Rome to Naples: the final serenade
When in Naples, you’ve got a hefty to-do list, too. First up, settle the big debate: Neapolitan pizza or Roman? You can’t skip out on trying a classic Margherita in its hometown. Once you’ve got your pizza fix, it’s time for a real Neapolitan espresso hit—strong, rich, and just the way locals love it.
Then, wander over to the National Archaeological Museum to see some of the most important ancient artifacts from the Greco-Roman world. Don’t forget to take a breezy stroll along the Lungomare for those killer views of the sea. And for the daredevils? Dive into the eerie Catacombs of San Gennaro or hike up Mount Vesuvius for an epic selfie spot. Naples is the perfect end to your Mediterranean saga.
Image Credit: Getty Images, encrier. Image Location: Bay of Naples, Campania, Italy
Mediterranean train travel FAQs 🌞
Can I really train my way around the Mediterranean?
Absolutely! It’s like playing connect-the-dots, but the dots are awesome cities and you’re on a train.
What’s the best way to travel from France to Spain without missing out?
Catch a ride on the high-speed train. You’ll go from croissants to tapas faster than you can say “vamos a la playa!”
How do I even start planning to travel the Mediterranean?
Start with a croissant in Marseille, grab an espresso in Naples, have a siesta in Barcelona, and wrap it up with a sunset in Monaco. Well, not literally that and not necessarily in that order, but you get the drift. Follow your travel cravings, add a Eurail Pass, mix in some flexible plans, and sprinkle liberally with a sense of adventure. Oh, and pack light!
Top Mediterranean travel destinations I gotta check out?
You can’t miss Barcelona for the Gaudí gems, Rome for the ancient ruins, the French Riviera for that glitzy seaside glam.
Where to go on the Mediterranean coast?
Loads, but here’s the cream of the crop: hit Nice for the sandy beaches, Cinque Terre for postcard-perfect panoramas, the Amalfi Coast for unmatched chill, and Costa Brava for those secret coves.
Image Credit: Getty Images, jenifoto. Image Location: Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Liguria, Italy
Bonus tips for your Mediterranean Europe travel itinerary:
- Stay flexible. Sometimes the best adventures aren’t planned. Be open to last-minute detours!
- Keep it smooth with Eurail’s Travel Diary. Every time you catch a train, make sure to log it in for a hassle-free check with the ticket inspector.
- Snack wisely. Train food is... well, train food. Stock up on local treats before you board.
- Think of seat reservations. Some trains require them, some don’t. Check ahead to avoid the dreaded sprint for a seat.
- Pack smart. Coastal vibes mean layers. Hot days, cool evenings, and everything in between.
- Snag the Trainline app for real-time updates. They’re like having a super organized travel buddy in your pocket.
Looking for more Eurail info? Check out our comprehensive guide to all things Eurail.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Chris Hellier. Image Location: Niolon Viaduct, Côte d'Azur, France