There is a distinct kind of magic that belongs exclusively to summer travel in Europe. The way the warm sun dances on saltwater, the vibrant pastel buildings cascading down sea cliffs, and the cool breeze carrying the scent of wild rosemary and ocean brine.
But if you really want to experience Europe’s coastlines away from the standard tourist traffic jams, there is one ultimate way to travel: by rail. Stepping onto a train means bypassing airport lines, skipping car rental stress, and trading concrete highways for window-seat views that cars simply cannot reach. From the sun-drenched Mediterranean to the wild, wave-swept shores of the Atlantic, here are three unforgettable coastal train journeys to put on your travel radar this summer.
Italian Riviera via the Cinque Terre Express
If your vision of summer involves dramatic Italian cliffs, deep turquoise waters, and stopping for a cold gelato or an Aperol Spritz every few miles, the Cinque Terre Express is your ticket to paradise.
- The Route: Levanto to La Spezia (connecting Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore).
- The Vibe: Breezy, vibrant, and quintessential Mediterranean romance.
The Experience: The Cinque Terre, a collection of five ancient, colorful fishing villages tucked into the rugged cliffs of Liguria, is notoriously difficult to navigate by car. Enter the Cinque Terre Express. This highly efficient, regional hop-on, hop-off train leaves approximately every 15 minutes during the summer peak, cutting directly through the cliffside tunnels to connect the villages.
One minute you are plunging through the cool darkness of a mountain tunnel, and the next, the train bursts out into the blinding Mediterranean sun, hovering right over the crashing waves. You can spend the morning swimming in Monterosso’s sandy bays, take a 5-minute train ride to hike the terraced vineyards of Vernazza for lunch, and finish your day watching the sunset from the iconic harbor of Manarola.
Spain’s northern coast via El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo
When most people think of summer in Spain, they picture the crowded beaches of Costa del Sol. But the true connoisseurs head north to “Green Spain”—a breathtaking, emerald-green wonderland flanked by the dramatic Bay of Biscay. The ultimate way to see it is aboard the legendary Transcantábrico.
- The Route: San Sebastián (Basque Country) to Santiago de Compostela (Galicia).
- The Vibe: Ultra-luxury, slow travel, and Michelin-level gastronomy.
The Experience: El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo isn’t just a train; it’s an elegant, rolling 1920s hotel that captures the golden age of rail travel. This narrow-gauge train effortlessly glides along routes where large trains can’t go, weaving between the jagged peaks of the Picos de Europa mountains and the wild, churning Atlantic ocean.
By day, large panoramic windows frame view after view of hidden sandy coves, dramatic sea cliffs, and medieval fishing villages. By night, the train stations become your stationary, peaceful berths so you can get a perfect night’s sleep. The journey is an absolute paradise for foodies, featuring curated on-board breakfasts and excursions to world-renowned restaurants across the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia.
Cornwall and Wales on Belmond’s Britannic Explorer
For a coastal journey that blends wild, windswept British shores with unparalleled modern opulence, look no further than Europe’s most exciting new rail debut: Belmond’s Britannic Explorer.
- The Route: Round-trip from London Victoria, sweeping through the dramatic coastlines of Cornwall and the rugged valleys of Wales.
- The Vibe: High-end British heritage, contemporary luxury, and cinematic landscapes.
The Experience: Launched to incredible acclaim as England and Wales’ first-ever luxury sleeper train, the Britannic Explorer offers an unmatched slow-travel sanctuary. On their combined 6-night Cornwall & Wales itinerary, you’ll watch the scenery transform from the rolling English countryside to the dramatic, wave-slapped shores of the Cornish Riviera.
You’ll glide right past the golden beaches of St. Ives, explore hidden coastal gems like Fowey, and cross the iconic, historic Barmouth Bridge in Wales where the mountains literally meet the sea. On board, the experience is spectacular: interiors designed with botanical British elegance, a dedicated wellness spa suite, an Observation Car for sipping craft gin cocktails, and a fine-dining menu curated by multi-Michelin-starred Chef Simon Rogan.
Whether you want to hop between the sun-drenched cliffs of Italy, indulge in a luxury culinary cruise across northern Spain, or be among the first to experience the pinnacle of British rail luxury, a coastal train vacation offers a perspective of Europe you’ll cherish forever.