All aboard indeed. Alicante is pushing full steam ahead in its goal to become one of Spain’s top tourism hotspots.
You can see the progress everywhere: strong hotel occupancy, busy airport traffic, and an increasing number of companies and institutions choosing to set up in the city and across the province.
One of the latest to show interest is the Renfe Foundation, which is in “very advanced” talks with Alicante City Council, according to Mayor Luis Barcala. The idea is to introduce a tourist train that would finish its route at Alicante-Terminal Station.
Inspired by popular routes across Spain
The plan draws on successful examples already running elsewhere in Spain. In Galicia, for instance, themed routes pass through the Ribeira Sacra and along the northern coastline, with stops that include lighthouses, manor houses, historic gardens, and even traditional cheesemaking.
Castilla-La Mancha also has its own “Route of the Windmills”, which showcases the landscapes of Don Quixote, complete with guided visits to local monuments, wineries, and the charming windmills themselves. There is also the “Mercury Train” linking Madrid and Ciudad Real, taking passengers to the Almadén Mine, recognised by UNESCO.
Alicante is now hoping to join this growing network of themed rail experiences.
A route connecting Alicante and Elche
As part of the agreement under negotiation, the mayor has proposed including Elche as a second stop. This would allow visitors to enjoy some of the province’s most treasured UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Palmeral of Elche and the Mystery Play of Elche (Misteri d’Elx).
These themed trains are created alongside local organisations and tend to combine culture, leisure, and gastronomy. Renfe reports that they usually achieve high occupancy levels and attract travellers who enjoy responsible and high-quality tourism.
Could Alicante receive a luxury train?
One detail still being discussed is the type of train that will run in the province. Renfe offers a wide range of options, from classic historic trains to one-day excursions and full luxury journeys.
The luxury category includes some of Spain’s most iconic rail experiences, such as:
- The Strawberry Train (Tren de la Fresa) between Madrid and Aranjuez
- Al Ándalus in Andalusia
- El Transcantábrico and the Costa Verde Express, which run between Santiago de Compostela and Oviedo
- The Expreso de la Robla
These trains are described as “hotels on wheels”, travelling through some of the country’s most spectacular landscapes. In 2025, they set new passenger records, strengthening Renfe’s position as a leader in rail tourism both in Spain and internationally.
