Trains in Spain

We took hi-speed Renfe trains between Sevilla, Málaga, and Granada.

The booking process online was straightforward enough. We booked all of them in advance so we could pick good times and select our seats.

Two of our three trains were delayed—I think the longest wait was another 30–45 minutes, so not too long.

Every station had security, but it was very light and just consisted of a metal detector and putting our bags through a machine. No taking electronics out, no taking off shoes, etc.

All of the stations had at least a little cafe from which to grab something to eat, which was nice.

Overall, I’d definitely recommend taking the hi-speed trains to get around! They are slower than flying but more convenient in just about every other aspect.

A small white utility structure with a curved detail on its front stands in a golden field of dry grass. Behind it, rows of trees and patchwork farmland stretch across rolling hills under a pale blue sky with wispy clouds. Two large trees flank the structure, adding contrast and framing the rural scene with natural balance.A wide expanse of lush green farmland stretches toward a densely planted hillside, where rows of vegetation are being misted by a network of irrigation sprinklers. The light catches the fine spray, adding a dynamic shimmer beneath a soft blue sky streaked with light clouds.A scenic patchwork of cultivated fields and olive groves spreads across a valley surrounded by gently sloping mountains. Clusters of white buildings with terracotta roofs dot the landscape, with winding roads connecting them. The late afternoon sun casts warm light and long shadows, enhancing the contrast between the golden fields and green vegetation under a vibrant sky with scattered clouds.Neatly aligned rows of crops cover a rolling landscape, with a dirt path cutting through the center and leading to a small grove of tall trees at the horizon. A wire fence runs parallel to the viewer’s vantage point, adding depth to the image. The rich green vegetation contrasts with the soft blue sky, evoking a sense of organized agricultural beauty.Terraced fields and olive groves spread across a sloping valley, leading up to a rugged mountain peak that rises sharply in the distance. White and tan buildings with tiled roofs are tucked among dense greenery at the base of the hills, with layers of vegetation adding texture and color to the foreground. A crisp blue sky enhances the sense of elevation and openness.A view through a train window reveals a sweeping agricultural landscape of alternating plowed and harvested fields in shades of brown and yellow. The rhythmic pattern of the farmland is punctuated by a few scattered trees and distant groves, with soft hills rolling into the background under a pale blue sky.

2025-06-08

We went to Taberna La Concha a couple of times because we loved their pollo en curry rojo, ensalada de tomate y Mozarella (with a tasty honey-mustard vinaigrette), and tosta de salmón (with tzatziki). The waiters were fun and they always gave us chocolate truffles (for free) when we paid.

Pollo en curry rojo served in a wide bowl, featuring tender chunks of chicken stewed in a spiced red curry sauce with carrots and onions. A molded dome of white rice topped with black sea salt flakes provides a clean contrast to the deep, glossy broth, creating a rich and comforting presentation.Ensalada de tomate y Mozarella con vinagreta de mostaza y miel, artfully stacked with thick slices of tomato, leafy greens, and rounds of mozzarella cheese. The tower is topped with creamy mustard-honey vinaigrette and speckled with crushed black olives or seeds, served on an ornate clear glass plate that enhances its elegant presentation.Tosta de salmón con tzatziki, featuring a large slice of toasted bread topped with silky smoked salmon, creamy dollops of tzatziki sauce, and spoonfuls of black caviar. Garnished with purple edible flowers, the dish offers a luxurious combination of color, texture, and rich flavors.Small cast-iron pots filled with a creamy potato and tuna salad, speckled with diced vegetables such as red pepper and pickles. Served on a slate board with metal spoons, the rustic presentation highlights a traditional tapa with comforting, chilled textures.Three hand-formed chocolate truffles with a rough, rustic finish, dusted lightly with powdered sugar and arranged on a matte black slate. The cracked surfaces and rich brown color suggest a dense, fudgy interior, offering an indulgent, artisanal dessert experience.Interior shot of the wine and bar area at Taberna La Concha, featuring a gold-framed chalkboard listing Jerez wines, a wall-mounted rack of white wine bottles, and rows of glassware hanging from copper shelving. Warm, vintage-style pendant lights and layered signage contribute to a cozy and curated atmosphere.Decorative wall display with life-sized vintage cutouts of a woman and man, mid-century wall clocks, and retro signage promoting the house vermouth cocktail “Manuela.” Martini glass illustrations and warm overhead lighting evoke an old-Hollywood charm with a playful twist.

2025-06-08

My dad’s one recommendation for Madrid was visiting the Museo Nacional del Prado—it was a great recommendation! We did the two-hour self-guided tour which only highlighted 1–2 paintings in each room.

No photos allowed, so just a few photos from the outside.

Front view of the Museo del Prado’s main entrance, featuring neoclassical columns, a frieze with sculpted figures, and the museum name in capital letters above the portico. A group of visitors stands in front of the entrance, while a Policia Nacional car is parked in the foreground. Tall trees partially frame the scene on both sides under a clear blue sky.Large exhibition banner for “Paolo Veronese (1528–1588)” displayed on an exterior wall of the museum. The banner shows a detail from one of Veronese’s paintings, with richly dressed figures in dramatic poses rendered in warm tones. Exhibition dates are listed as May 27 to September 21, 2025, and the organizing institutions are noted at the bottom.Angled view of the Museo del Prado’s entrance framed by trees, emphasizing the symmetry of the neoclassical architecture and the texture of the stone columns. A small group of people rests in the shade beneath the columns. The sky is bright and clear, and the surrounding greenery adds contrast to the pale stone facade.View of San Jerónimo el Real, a Gothic church behind the Museo del Prado. The church’s ornate facade with pointed arches and decorative pinnacles stands out against a deep blue sky. The building is situated atop a grassy hill, where a lone visitor in yellow sits facing the structure, emphasizing its scale and serenity.

2025-06-09