Mediterranean itinerary

Europe’s Mediterranean is one of the world’s most iconic coastlines. Idyllic beaches reach out to azure oceans, and vibrant cities and quaint towns have pop up to give you perfect access. Trains make travel along the coastline easy, particularly if you follow this Mediterranean itinerary.

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1. Valencia, Spain

Valencia is the third-largest city in Spain and home to some of the Mediterranean’s most pristine beaches. There's a 2-mile palm tree-lined promenade along the beachfront, which is perfect for long walks. The vibrant urban centre is known for its classic and modern architecture.

How to get there

There are regular trains to Valencia from the capital Madrid. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours.

A post shared by Turismo Valencia (@visit_valencia) on May 8, 2017 at 2:16am PDT

2. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is famous for its art and architecture, and it’s an unmissable hub on any Mediterranean itinerary. Tour Gaudí’s famous buildings, walk the winding roads of the Gothic Quarter, party the night away at hundreds of bars and clubs, or soak up some sun on Barceloneta Beach.

How to get there

There are trains along the coast from Valencia to Barcelona at least every two hours. The journey takes about 3 hours.

A post shared by Visit Barcelona (@visitbarcelona) on Jul 14, 2017 at 3:23am PDT

3. Montpellier, France

Montpellier in Southern France is just 6 miles from the Mediterranean. The city is known for its remarkable architecture, including the Gothic Cathédrale Saint-Pierre dating back to the 1300s. It’s a beautiful, stately and laid-back French coastal city.

How to get there

There are direct, daily trains to Montpellier with both TGV and SNCF. The journey takes approximately 3 hours.

A post shared by Visit Montpellier (@visitmontpellier) on Apr 11, 2017 at 6:45am PDT

4. Marseille, France

Even though it's considered the black sheep of France’s Mediterranean, especially when compared to Cannes or Nice, Marseille's gritty charm is worth exploring. Its 1500 year old history as a fishing and trade hub is a fascinating foundation for Marseille’s resurgence.

How to get there

There are hourly trains to Marseille with several rail companies. The journey takes 1.5-2.5 hours depending on the route.

A post shared by Instagram Marseille Officiel (@igersmarseille) on Jun 7, 2017 at 12:19am PDT

5. Cannes, France

This glitzy town on the French Riviera is famous for its annual film festival. The lavish yachts, sandy beaches and glistening blue waters make it an intriguing destination to visit at other times of the year as well.

How to get there

The train to Cannes takes approximately 2 hours from Marseilles. There are regular connections with both TGV and SNCF.

A post shared by Festival de Cannes (@festivaldecannes) on May 19, 2017 at 8:04am PDT

6. Nice, France

Nice, on France’s southeast coast, offers visitors popular restaurants, beautiful buildings, a vibrant nightlife and, of course, an impressively wide beach on the Med.

How to get there

Nice is a short 30 minute train ride away from Cannes, and there are trains every few minutes.

A post shared by Nice Tourisme (@nicetourisme) on Jun 12, 2017 at 5:31am PDT

7. Monte Carlo, Monaco

This small city-state on France’s Mediterranean coast is famous for its flagrant display of wealth. Yachts, casinos, stunning architecture and its famed Grand Prix race make this a popular destination to visit throughout the year.

How to get there

The journey to Monte Carlo in Monaco takes 20 minutes from Nice and there’s a train every half hour.

A post shared by casinosmontecarlo (@casinosmontecarlo) on May 19, 2017 at 9:42am PDT

8. Savona, Italy

On first appearances Savona is a traditional Italian port city, but you'll find many layers when you wander through its medieval centre. Bars, restaurants and stores help make this a vibrant stop on your Mediterranean itinerary.

How to get there

Both Thello and Trenitalia operate regular direct trains between Monaco and Savona. The trip takes between 2 and 3 hours.

A post shared by Viaggiare attorno al Mondo (@viaggiareattornoalmondo) on Jul 20, 2017 at 10:31pm PDT

9. Genoa, Italy

Genoa played an important role in maritime trade, and this shows through in various ways. The medieval old town, with winding alleyways and several notable museums, is a pretty intriguing place to explore.

How to get there

There are hourly trains between Savona and Genoa that take approximately 1 hour.

A post shared by @genovamorethanthis on Jul 13, 2017 at 2:51am PDT

10. Pisa, Italy

The city’s famous leaning tower is a tourist favourite, but there’s a lot more to Pisa than its faulty architecture. Pisa’s iconic university, founded in the 12th century, gives a youthful vibe to this popular Italian destination.

How to get there

Pisa is 1 hour 40 minutes away from Genoa by rail, and there are trains approximately every three hours.

A post shared by Instagramers Pisa (@igerspisa) on Jul 13, 2017 at 9:55pm PDT

11. Livorno, Italy

This port city on Tuscany’s west coast is known for its seafood and fortifications dating back to the Renaissance era. Livorno’s waterside promenade also provides beautiful views of the Mediterranean ocean.

How to get there

Livorno is just 15 minutes away by train. There are frequent Trenitalia and InterCity trains.

A post shared by Igers Livorno (@igerslivorno) on Jul 22, 2017 at 1:24am PDT

12. Rome, Italy

The Italian capital is a sprawling mass of captivating history. Historical and architectural marvels hide around every corner, and it’s an easy hub from which to start or end any Mediterranean rail trip.