img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-7::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-7{display:block;}We’ve all dreamt of the wonders of Spain. Though locals are claiming that too many of us are living said dreams all at once, hence headline-grabbing protests asking tourists to hit the road.
Well, not all of Spain has yanked away the welcome mat from tourists’ feet. So, rather than hit the road, why not hit the tracks instead with so many places to experience beyond the household names?
Here at Travel Off Path, there are a few things we love more than venturing off to Europe, and any seasoned traveler will tell you to skip the cramped budget airlines in favor of hitting the rails.
Renfe is one of Spain’s most popular train operators. As local experts who chug along Spain’s astounding landscapes and fascinating cityscapes, there’s one particular place they’re claiming is an absolute must-visit this fall — and it’s not Madrid, Barcelona, or any other of the country’s paradise islands…
Granada: Spain’s Most Affordable City?
Granada may not have been on your Bingo card for 2025, or even 2026, as near the turn of the calendar.
However, no matter how many commas are on your paycheck, all travelers appreciate saving a buck or two…or Euros.
While Renfre doesn’t highlight the affordability aspect per se, we’ve dug into how affordable Grenada truly is a tourist destination and it’s a big surprise.
Did you know there are over 100 worthwhile free attractions to visit?
This includes 10 free museums, and what’s not factored in is the endless amount of photo ops throughout one of Spain’s most underrated cities.
Granada is beaming with grandeur. From meticulously designed palaces that will surely leave your jaw on the floor and numerous historical landmarks and timeless neighborhoods like Albaicin, there’s no shortage of places to explore and luxe hotels to book an unforgettable stay, such as 4-star Meliá Granada and Hotel Catalonia Granada (check out the rooftop pool!) both in the $90s this fall.
The bottom line is your bottom line won’t have a big dent after paying a visit, and best of all, if you plan your trip right then you can score ultra-low fares on trains throughout Spain, as reported by our friends at The UK Sun, who know a thing or two about escaping dreadful winters.
Alhambra Palace: A Destination Unto Itself
Have you ever visited a vast city yet found yourself magnetized by one particular spot?
Whether it be a picturesque Old Town you keep circling back to or a park bench with unmatched city views, in this case, it’s unmissable — the stunning Alhambra Palace that takes over the city’s sun-drenched hillsides.
To back up our claim on how unmissable it is, the palace is currently sold out until November.
Though if you can score a ticket next month, admission falls into the ‘affordable’ category as well, only costing $21 for a guided tour of what should certainly be a “bucket list” destination.
The palace is famous for its eye-catching fretwork, manicured courtyards, and many sightly fountains — but it’s really just scratching the surface for what’s in store for this architectural marvel dating back to 1238, when the Nasrid Dynasty began constructing the royal citadel.
Should You Really Visit Granada By Train?
Fitting Granada’s budget-friendly reputation, Renfe is known for generally offering low-cost fares and no pesky booking fees on the last page before submitting payment — and travelers drove them to a record-breaking success last summer.
Given Renfe crowning Granada as Spain’s top fall getaway, it seems only right to dig in on why getting here by rail is a great idea.
For starters, Spain is no one-trick pony. While reaching Granada by rail from the country’s array of gorgeous islands, having the goal to get to Granada does give you an excuse to visit one or more of Spain’s iconic cities, or even up-and-coming, trendy hotspots.
For example, you can get here from Seville in about 2.5 hours or Madrid slightly longer if you hop aboard one of Renfe’s routes.
Depending on where you’re coming from, though, one could argue there’s no bad view in the country, travelers can experience sprawling olive groves, Moorish villages, and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, offering postcard views right from your window.
Just keep in mind, Granada is an inland Andalusian city, so this won’t be a fall/winter beach vacay. The good news is Granada boasts splendid weather through fall and mild winters compared to the rest of mainland Europe, but if it does become too nippy out, there’s no better place to indulge in tapas and wine inside a cozy local bar.
Sam SearsSam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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