What’s NEW in Spain in 2024? (Watch Before You Go!)

Summary

Discover the latest and greatest in Spain for 2024! From trending destinations like the picturesque town of Pontevedra, to the newly-crowned gastronomic capital of Oviedo, this video script unveils a wealth of exciting travel opportunities. Explore the expanding high-speed rail network, new museum openings, and luxury hotel developments. Venture off the beaten path with Spain's most beautiful villages and embark on a coastal walkway along the Mediterranean. Prepare for potential changes in air travel regulations and the America's Cup sailing event in Barcelona. Get ready to experience the best of Spain's vibrant food, culture, and natural landscapes!

Takeaways

• 🛫 Spain is introducing new fast train routes in 2024, enhancing connectivity and offering more travel options with reduced prices.
• 📍 Pont, a small town in Northwestern Spain, is the most searched-for holiday destination in Spain for 2024, known for its old town and proximity to Portugal and the Albarino wine region.
• 🍕 Oviedo has been named the Spanish capital of gastronomy for 2024, spotlighting its rich cuisine including fabada, cachopo, and Spanish cheeses.
• 🚂 Spain's fast train network is expanding with multiple companies operating, including low-cost options, promising extensive coverage and cheaper fares.
• 🌊 Night trains are making a comeback, with a new route from Barcelona to Zurich launching in December, part of a broader plan to connect Barcelona with major European cities.
• 🛩 Spanish airport security is set to improve with new scanner technologies allowing passengers to keep electronics in bags and relax liquid restrictions.
• 🛫 Spain may ban short-haul flights where fast train routes exist, encouraging train travel over flying within the country.
• 🏛 The highly anticipated Andalusia Flamenco Museum in Jerez is set to open, celebrating the history and culture of Flamenco.
• 🏨 A luxury landscape hotel with private pools, a wellness center, and a beach club is under development near Madrid.
• 🏔 Spain adds five new villages to its list of most beautiful villages, offering authentic rural experiences.
• 🚴 The Senda Litoral, a coastal walkway in Malaga, is nearing completion, offering a unique way to explore the Mediterranean coastline.

Q & A

What is the most searched for holiday destination in Spain for 2024 according to Booking.com?

Pont, a small town in northwestern Spain in Galicia.

What makes Pont's Old Town notable?

Its beautifully preserved nature, featuring dark and brooding architecture, wide plazas, and narrow medieval lanes lined with columns.

Which luxury hotel and spa in Pont was voted the best spa in Europe last year?

Balneario Mondariz.

Why has Oviedo been named the Spanish Capital of Gastronomy for 2024?

Due to its incredible food and it being an up-and-coming tourist destination. Also, Spain's high-speed train is now going there.

What new train routes are being introduced in Spain in 2024?

The fast train network is growing with connections to Asturias and Oviedo, Galicia, Valencia, Alicante, and improved connections down the East Coast and to the north.

What changes are happening at Spanish airports in 2024 regarding security checks?

Travelers won't need to take out computers and tablets at the security checkpoint, and there will be a relaxation around the liquids that can be carried in carry-ons, thanks to new scanner technologies.

What is the proposed government ban on flights in Spain?

A proposal to ban short-haul flights within Spain where there is a fast train route already in place.

What is the ETIAS system and who will it affect?

The ETIAS system is a Visa waiver form that travelers from non-EU countries like the United States, Canada, and New Zealand will have to fill out online before traveling to Spain or anywhere in Europe, starting from 2025.

What is the anticipated Andalusian Flamenco Museum and where will it be located?

A museum set to open in the first quarter of 2024 in Jerez de la Frontera, focusing on the history and cultural importance of Flamenco, including an auditorium for shows and screenings.

What major sporting event is coming to Barcelona in 2024 and what impact does it have?

The America's Cup, the world's most famous yachting competition, which will have a significant financial impact on Barcelona from August to October.