History of the Al Andalus Train

The history of the Al Andalus train began in 2014. The operation of the Al Andalus train service was taken over by Trenes Turísticos de RENFE, which, in addition to the classic route through Andalusia, also scheduled departures for other new and interesting routes that year. These routes offered the opportunity to discover other attractive places in Spain, such as the Route through Extremadura with a single departure from Seville on June 23, passing through Huelva, Sierra de Huelva, Mérida, Plasencia, Monfragüe Natural Park, Toledo, Aranjuez, and Madrid.

Two other routes dedicated to wine tourism were scheduled: the Ribera de Duero and Rioja Wine Route and the Galicia and El Bierzo Wine Route, with two unique departures in July and August, ideal for lovers of the rich wines of these areas and good gastronomy. Additionally, several visits were planned to explore the artistic, cultural, and natural heritage offered by these routes. Finally, in July, departing from Ponferrada, there was the Route through the Camino de Santiago and the Ibérica Route, covering several Castilian provinces, Navarre, and Aragon. These 2014 offerings were very innovative, rich in cultural content, allowing passengers to enjoy Spain’s varied and rich gastronomy.

In 2015, the routes through Andalusia, Extremadura, Camino de Santiago, and the Ribera del Duero and La Rioja routes continued.

In 2016, the routes were: Andalusia, Extremadura, and Camino de Santiago. In the following years, the Al Andalus train consolidated its growth. In 2020 and 2021, operations were halted due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Activities resumed in 2022 with great success with the Classic Route through Andalusia.