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.

Outlines

00:00

🚆 Exploring Spain in 2024: Travel Insights and Hidden Gems

James and Yolie introduce the latest travel trends in Spain for 2024, highlighting new fast train routes, fewer airline routes, gastro festivals, and new museums, emphasizing the growing popularity of Northern or green Spain. They discuss the unexpected top holiday destination, Pontevedra, in Galicia, known for its well-preserved old town and proximity to Portugal and notable wine regions. They spotlight Oviedo, the Spanish capital of gastronomy for 2024, famous for its cuisine and cider. The expansion of Spain's fast train network, including low-cost options and connections to new regions, is detailed alongside a notable decrease in train ticket prices. Changes in airport security measures and potential bans on short-haul flights where fast trains are available are mentioned. They also introduce the ETIAS system, a new visa waiver requirement for travelers from certain countries starting in 2025.

05:02

🎨 Cultural Highlights and Luxurious Escapes in Spain for 2024

The anticipated Andalucía Flamingo Museum in Jerez de la Frontera, celebrating the history and cultural significance of flamenco, is set to open. Additionally, a unique luxury hotel with private pools and a beach club is being developed outside Madrid. Spain’s list of most beautiful villages has expanded, offering travelers picturesque and authentic experiences. The completion of the Senda Litoral, a coastal walkway in Malaga, promises an exciting walking or cycling holiday option. Barcelona gears up for the America’s Cup, a major yachting event, expected to impact the city significantly. Lastly, the renowned three Michelin star restaurant DiverXO, led by chef David Muñoz, plans to relocate to a larger, more exclusive setting, hinting at a potential price increase for its avant-garde dining experience.

10:03

🏞 Personal Travel Plans and Recommendations for Spain in 2024

James and Yolie share their personal travel plans for 2024, aiming to explore Spain’s diverse landscapes and cultural offerings. They plan to rent a camper van to venture into the Spanish Pyrenees, seeking cooler temperatures and natural beauty. Additionally, they express excitement about visiting Jerez de la Frontera, drawn by the new flamenco museum and the city's historic charm. Almería is another destination on their list, notable for its desert landscapes and the famous Spaghetti Western film sets. They encourage viewers to share their own Spain travel tips for 2024, especially highlighting the trending interest in Northern Spain, and invite feedback on their planned destinations.

Keywords

💡Pont

Pont refers to a small town in Northwestern Spain that has become the most searched for holiday destination in Spain for 2024 according to booking.com. It exemplifies a trend towards exploring less-traveled destinations, offering a beautifully preserved Old Town, narrow medieval lanes, and proximity to both Portugal and the Albariño wine region. This highlights the video's theme of uncovering hidden gems in Spain and the shifting preferences of tourists towards more authentic and unique experiences.

💡Gastro festivals

Gastro festivals are culinary events that celebrate local food and drink, showcasing a region's gastronomy. In the context of the video, these festivals are mentioned as part of the new and exciting activities available in Spain in 2024, emphasizing the country's rich culinary heritage. This concept is central to understanding Spain's appeal as a destination for food enthusiasts and the growing trend of gastronomic tourism.

💡Fast train routes

Fast train routes in Spain refer to the expanding network of high-speed trains connecting various parts of the country, including new destinations in 2024. This development is significant in the video's theme as it highlights Spain's investment in sustainable and efficient transportation options for tourists and locals alike. The reduction in travel times and costs makes exploring Spain more accessible and encourages visitors to consider train travel over flying, aligning with environmental concerns and convenience.

💡Northern/Green Spain

Northern or Green Spain refers to the regions in the north of the country known for their lush landscapes, cooler climates, and distinct cultural offerings compared to the more arid south. The video highlights this area as 'officially trending', indicating a rise in interest and popularity among tourists. This shift points to travelers seeking diverse experiences beyond the traditional beach holidays, exploring the rich histories, cuisines, and natural beauty of Spain's northern regions.

💡Spanish capital of gastronomy

The Spanish capital of gastronomy is an annual title awarded to a city in Spain to celebrate its culinary heritage and offerings. For 2024, Oviedo (referred to as 'oo' in the script) has been named the capital, marking it as a must-visit for food lovers. This accolade underscores the video's theme of gastronomic exploration, encouraging visitors to delve into local dishes like fabada and cachopo, and to experience the region's famed cider, highlighting the integral role of food in Spanish culture and tourism.

💡ETIAS system

The ETIAS system, mentioned in the context of new travel requirements for non-EU countries like the United States, Canada, and New Zealand, stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System. It's an online visa waiver program set to be implemented in 2025, requiring travelers to obtain pre-travel authorization. This system reflects broader changes in travel and security protocols affecting visitors to Spain, emphasizing the need for travelers to stay informed about new regulations.

💡Luxury hotels

Luxury hotels are highlighted in the video as part of Spain's evolving tourism landscape, with new openings like a landscape hotel in Madrid featuring private pools, a wellness center, and even a beach club. This trend towards high-end accommodations reflects the diversifying preferences of travelers seeking exclusive, premium experiences in Spain. It also illustrates the country's ability to cater to a wide range of tourists, from those seeking adventure and culture to those desiring luxury and relaxation.

💡America's Cup

The America's Cup, mentioned as coming to Barcelona in 2024, is recognized as the most prestigious yachting competition globally. Its inclusion in the video highlights Barcelona's role as a dynamic host city for major international events, contributing to the cultural and economic vibrancy of Spain. The event's potential to attract global attention and tourism underscores the importance of sports and maritime heritage in Spanish tourism, offering visitors unique experiences beyond traditional sightseeing.

💡Flamenco Museum

The Flamenco Museum, set to open in Jerez de la Frontera, is highlighted as a significant cultural development, reflecting the deep-rooted importance of flamenco in Spanish heritage. This museum aims to explore the history and cultural significance of flamenco, offering performances and educational opportunities. It exemplifies the video's theme of cultural exploration, inviting visitors to engage deeply with Spanish traditions and the arts, enhancing the cultural richness of Spain as a tourist destination.

💡Night trains

Night trains, particularly the introduction of a new route connecting Barcelona with Zurich by the Austrian initiative Nightjet, represent a resurgence in interest for overnight rail travel across Europe. This development is significant in the context of the video as it offers an alternative, sustainable travel option that combines transportation with accommodation. The revival of night trains aligns with a broader trend towards more environmentally friendly travel options and the desire for unique travel experiences.

Highlights

New fast train routes and fewer airline routes in Spain for 2024.

Gastro festivals, new museums, and cool activities for off-the-beaten-path explorers in Spain.

Northern or green Spain is officially trending as a destination.

Pontevedra, in Galicia, is the most searched-for holiday destination in Spain for 2024.

Recommendation to visit bar Estrella in Pontevedra for good food.

Oviedo named Spanish capital of gastronomy for 2024, highlighting its cuisine and cider.

Spain's high-speed train network expands, connecting more regions and offering low-cost options.

Nightjet to launch a luxurious overnight train connecting Barcelona with Zurich and other European cities.

Changes at Spanish airports: easier security checks and a proposal to ban short-haul flights where trains are available.

Andalucía's Flamenco Museum set to open, showcasing the history and culture of flamenco.

New luxury hotel with private pools and a beach club coming west of Madrid.

Five new villages added to Spain's most beautiful villages list, promoting rural and authentic experiences.

The Senda Litoral, a coastal walkway in Malaga, offers a unique walking or cycling holiday experience.

Barcelona to host the America's Cup, the world's most famous yachting competition.

Chef David Muñoz's restaurant DiverXO, awarded three Michelin stars, to move to a new luxury setting in Madrid.

Plans to explore the Spanish Pyrenees, Andalucía, and other destinations in 2024, highlighting Spain's diverse attractions.

Transcripts

okay so what's new and exciting in Spain

in 2024 well a lot we've got new fast

train routes perhaps fewer Airline

routes gastro festivals new museums plus

plenty of very cool activities for

people who like to get off the beaten

path plus it is clear by now I think

that Northern or green Spain is

officially trending hey guys I'm James

and I'm Yolie and if you're heading to

Spain anytime soon grab a pen and paper

or your phone and get ready to take

notes so if you've ever wondered what

the most searched for Holiday

destination is in Spain you're probably

thinking Madrid Barcelona maybe Malaga

but no according to booking.com the most

searched for Holiday destination in

Spain for 2024 is a small town in

Northwestern Spain in Gala called Pont

and funnily enough ahead of the trend we

were there last year so what's it like

well it's got a beautifully preserved

Old Town that's just wonderful to walk

around sort of dark and brooding like

many Northern Spanish cities there's

wide platas narrow medieval Lanes lined

with columns and if you want to grab

good food check out bar estria thanks to

brendy Bole for that recommendation but

also poned is not just a city it's a

province you can take day trips to

Portugal which is just south over the

Border also head north to calos a

fantastic wine region for Albarino wine

and also if you're looking to treat

yourself balneario mondar a luxury hotel

and Spa was last year voted the best spa

in Europe and if you're heading north

there's another region you can't is

asuras and his Capital oo has been named

the Spanish capital of gastronomy for

2024 which makes it the perfect year to

discover asus's wonderful Cuisine such

as the wonderfully Smoky fabada the meat

and cheese match made in heaven that is

the cachopo and probably some of the

best selection of Spanish cheeses plus

remember that asuras is home to Spanish

apple cider which is delicious and fun

to drink and like Pedra oo is a

beautiful Old City to stay in and

explore Plus for history Buffs don't

miss Santa Maria Del narano in the

outskirts of the city it's a beautiful

9th century Palace Camp church that is

still standing and you can visit so

check oo's tourism website that we a

link below where you can see all the

gastronomic events that are coming up so

oo was pecked obviously for its

incredible food and because it's an up

and cominging tourist destination but

also Spain's a high-speed train is now

going to head there and so this is a big

year 2024 for lovers of Spain's fast

trains which let's be real is everyone

first of all as many of you know there

are now multiple fast trained companies

you have more options than ever and a

recent report said in the last year

prices have dropped 50% so that is great

news and what's more the fast train

Network this year is growing so a as

I've said is connecting with ASAS and oo

that's the original fast train also avlo

which is the lowcost version of the a

will be connecting with Galia and other

parts in the north then there's weo the

other lowcost option which will be

connecting Madrid with Valencia and

Alicante and also Madrid with El have

been there this might be the year to go

and finally my favorite fast train

option idor will be improving its

connections to the north and also down

the East Coast the Mediterranean

Corridor plus and this is something I'm

excited about we're seeing a big upsurge

in night trains throughout Europe and so

in December this year nightjet which is

an Austrian initiative will supposedly

launch a train that connects Barcelona

with Zurich a luxurious overnight train

and this is part of a broader plan to

connect Barcelona with a host of

European cities Milan Hamburg there's

Brussels in there as well it's pretty

exciting now remember with so many train

options these days the best way to book

I think is using train line the website

train line so we'll link to that down

below so you can check it out trains

trains trains but what about flying in

Spain well there are some changes there

too finally we get some relief at the

security checkpoint Spanish airport

authorities have confirmed that at some

point in 2024 we won't need to to be

taking out our computers and tablets out

of our backs at the security checkpoint

and also there will be some kind of

relaxation around the liquids that we

can carry in our carry-ons this is due

to some new scanner technologies that

there are in Spanish airports and around

the world but that's assuming that you

can actually catch a flight in the first

place the new Spanish government is

looking at a proposal to ban short Hall

flights within Spain where there is a

fast train route already in place so

really it may look like a big deal but

my recommendation always is to take the

train instead of flying within Spain

it's h easier you won't have so much

security to go through and also train

stations are usually near the city

center unlike airports and just a quick

heads up for those who are flying to

Spain or the EU from non-eu countries

such as United States Canada New Zealand

soon you will have to fill out a Visa

waiver form online before you travel

this is called the etias system you

don't have to do anything now but if

you're flying from one of these

countries from next year on from 2025

into Spain or anywhere in Europe just

know that you have to fill out this Visa

waiver form should be pretty easy online

before you fly otherwise they might send

you home but it's something that I have

to do or yolly has to do when we fly to

the US for example quick form you fill

out jump on the plane no big deal but a

big deal if you forget to do it it is

raining we need to take cover take cover

I enough transport news and let's move

on to something a little bit more fun

likeo in the first quarter of 2024 the

highly anticipated andalia Flamingo

museum is set to open in De La frona is

a beautiful historic town home to the

famous Wine Cherry and also is right at

the heart of where where Flamingo was

born centuries ago now the flamingo

museum is going to cover the history of

flamingo its cultural importance and

also tell the stories of famous artists

plus it will also feature an auditorium

for Flamingo shows conferences and film

screenings and those of you who are

heading to Madrid and have a Pon is that

the word or is it penchant for luxury

hotels this could be for you the luxury

hotel developer V wood is building a

landscape Hotel in the countryside to

the west of Madrid the hotel will

feature 60 Suites each with their own

private pool a Wellness Center a spa and

even a beach club yep a beach club in

Madrid what will they think of next now

if you can't wait that long uh V the

developer has already opened a landscape

hotel in Alicante a number of years ago

and looking at those pictures it also

looks pretty impressive if a little for

boing perhaps you want to experience

Spain's incredible nature without maybe

spending too much money in James's

landscape hotels then what about staying

in a gorgeous Village this year Spain

has added five new villages to its list

of or Spain's most beautiful Villages if

you never heard of it this is a network

of villages all over Spain that are well

historic and beautiful but to be

included in this list they have to pass

a rigorous audit of over 40 criteria

including Heritage care uh Cal

activities cleanliness amongst others so

the five new towns are udia in Palencia

Comas in canabria in Malaga Ando and TR

in CES we link below to the map that

shows

all6 Villages and you can take your pig

staying in an out of thee way Village is

a really great way to soak up rural

authentic Spain the next one isn't new

but it's new for me and it maybe it's

probably new for you did you know that

there is a walkway that stretches from

one end of Malaga the Malaga Province

right along uh the Mediterranean to the

other end it's called the Senda loral or

the coastal walkway and they've been

working on it for a number of years and

from what I understand it is almost

finished the walkway combines existing

promenades along the mid along with

cycle lanes and bridges so that

literally you could walk from Mana which

is near jalar All the Way East to n it

sounds almost like a sort of Delan

Camino de Santiago and would be a

wonderful idea for a walking or cycling

holiday along the mid so next we're

traveling back at the Met all the way to

Barcelona so after the Olympics and the

football World Cup there is one sporting

event that has the biggest Financial

impact on a destination and that is the

America's Cup it's the world's most

famous yting competition and it's coming

to Barcelona this year from August to

October look even if you're not into

yting this this is going to be a huge

event in Barcelona this year so it might

be a good reason to actually go and

enjoy the atmosphere or actually the

opposite because it will put uh pressure

on the hotel prices so the poort area at

the base of the rambla is being

revitalized is going to house the teams

and it will also house the competition

Village so there will be events food and

certainly people are watching the races

on big screens if you're looking to push

the boat out gastronomically this year

then this next one may be for you last

year I surprised yolly with lunch at

what may be the most famous restaurant

in Spain it's called diverso and it's a

three Michelin star restaurant run by

the chef David Muno who's very eclectic

and Muno has just been voted the best

chef in the world for the third year

running and this year he is taking his

restaurant and turning it all the way up

to 11 he's going to close the restaurant

that he currently runs in a hotel in the

middle of Madrid and he's going to move

it out to a neighborhood in the west of

Madrid called la thinka which is the

poshest and wealthiest neighborhood in

Madrid and possibly in Spain so M said

you don't know what's coming next and I

kind of believe him the restaurant's new

location will be in the middle of a

forest and it'll be three times the size

but despite that it will still only seat

40 diners at a time but you know what

that means it means that he's going to

have to cover these new costs somehow so

I suspect that €350 plus drinks which is

already crazy expensive that price tag

might go up so you could make a booking

now for the second half of 2024 when the

new place is open and enjoy the the

forest in the rich neighborhood or maybe

you could try and squeeze in a booking

in the first half of the year before he

moves and that €350 price tag might in

fact be a bargain okay but what are the

three places we're planning to go this

year yolly do you want to take the first

one destination number one I finally

convinced James to rent a ceran and go

to the Spanish Pyrenees it's true rans

are a little outside my comfort zone I'm

more of a pades guy little Comfort I'm

more of a comfortable Hotel guy right L

hotels you call them landscape hotels

that's my vibe but it's true the Spanish

panes just on the border with France

look amazing friends have gone there so

we're doing the C van thing at least

we'll be in the north so it'll be a

little cooler in August will there be a

shower and air conditioning in the C I

guarantee both that was part of the deal

guarantee you hit it here guys number

two for the next two we don't know what

the other is thinking I have an idea of

where I want to go y doesn't know about

it this might surprise you yolly I want

to go Toth I'm super excited yol's the

flamco expert well yeah I'm excited by

this new this new flamco Museum I'm

excited we've been to we walked around

we just spent the day there it's

beautiful it's such a beautiful uh City

Historic the Sherry of course so great

food what about you what's on your

bucket list well I think it's about time

we went to Alia Alia it's always in our

bucket lives and then we take it out of

the bu Alia has the large desert or the

biggest desert in Europe right so I want

to go to the desert in August uh great

that sounds amazing no I want to visit

the the city you know the Alaba the

little castle there I went to see the

national park kabata even I thought uh

we could visit the spaghetti western

sits you know the the Sergio

Leon so guys let us know what you're

excited about for Spain in 2024 and what

did we miss let us know in the comments

below and if you're curious about

Northern Spain which is trending right

now then check out this playlist that

we've created appearing over yol's face

probably somewhere uh that has videos of

our adventures recently in Northern

Spain we'll see you over there in a

moment