What’s NEW in Spain in 2024? (Watch Before You Go!)
Summary
TLDRDiscover 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
🚆 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.
🎨 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.
🏞 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.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Pont
💡Gastro festivals
💡Fast train routes
💡Northern/Green Spain
💡Spanish capital of gastronomy
💡ETIAS system
💡Luxury hotels
💡America's Cup
💡Flamenco Museum
💡Night trains
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
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