Culture and leisure at any time

Anyone searching for culture will find some of the most important museums in the world, such as the Prado, Reina Sofía, or Thyssen. But we must not forget smaller options, full of charm, such as the Sorolla Museum or cultural centres like the Matadero or Conde Duque, which continuously offer innovative exhibitions, concerts, guided tours, etc.

Walking around Madrid means coming across iconic spots such as the stunning Royal Palace, the Plaza Mayor with 400 years of history, the buzzing Puerta del Sol, the famous Gran Vía full of shops, or the four tallest towers in Spain. Each neighbourhood offers a different experience: La Latina is ideal for tapas, Las Letras has the perfect combination of literature and fine dining… But Madrid also means relaxing in enormous green spaces such as the Retiro Park (which, together with the Paseo del Prado boulevard, has been added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List) and other lesser-known but equally charming parks like El Capricho.

Capital of food, fashion and nightlife

When it’s time to eat, Madrid has many different options, each more appealing than the last. On the one hand, traditional bars are where you can discover exactly what castizo means and why tapas are so much fun. On the other hand, cutting-edge restaurants like DiverXO and traditional markets have been turned into new gourmet spaces, such as San Miguel, which has become a true gastronomic shrine. In Madrid, the time is always ripe for enjoying an animated, urban atmosphere. For example, there are increasingly famous weekend brunches in enclosed glass terraces, courtyards, and rooftops.

Fashionistas will find all options: luxury shops on the Golden Mile, vintage establishments in areas such as Fuencarral, new designer markets like the Mercado de Motores, and craft workshops and bookshops over 100 years old. At dusk, some of the city’s viewpoints will surprise you with unique sunsets at the Temple of Debod or the Círculo de Bellas Artes rooftop bar, for example. And at the end of the day, the nightlife in Madrid is legendary, with live music, all kinds of ambience, and music until the sun comes up.

Madrid has its beauty. Madrid stimulates and inspires. Madrid. You have to experience it.

For more information on Madrid, visit: https://www.spain.info/en/destination/madrid/
For more on Spain’s travel experiences, head for the website https://www.spain.info/en/

(Source: Spain Tourism Board – Southeast Asia, Australia & New Zealand).

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In the Thai outbound travel market, visits to Spain reached 47,000 in 2023 and are still climbing, mostly due to itineraries sold by travel agents despite rising airfares. There is also a lack of direct flights between Bangkok and Spain’s two leading gateway cities — Madrid and Barcelona. 

Iberojet, a low-cost airline headquartered in Madrid, introduced a direct Madrid-Bangkok weekly flight (every Thursday) in late May. However, that caters exclusively to Spanish tourists heading for a holiday in Thailand. The airline says it will continue the weekly direct flight during the winter timetable from November 2024 to March 2025. It will be interesting to see if the airline can pick up local bookings in the Thai outbound travel market.

The recent Spain Tourism Product Update, attended by around 80 travel agents based in Bangkok, was hosted by Spain Tourism board director Marta Fernandez Martin, who leads the Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand marketing team. Turkish Airlines joined the event as the supporting airline. It offers direct flights twice daily from Bangkok to its hub city, Istanbul. Travellers from Thailand can then connect with three daily flights from Istanbul to Barcelona and Madrid.

Martin told TTR Weekly that her marketing team is lobbying Thai Airways International to consider introducing direct flights to Madrid or Barcelona.

“We need direct flights from Bangkok to Spain, either Barcelona or Madrid, to boost summer season family travel… It would make a big difference and encourage more independent travellers who stay around two weeks in Spain and explore beyond the two gateway cities. Spain is trending in 2024… Looking forward, we can expect more Thai families to visit Spain during the annual summer school holidays 2025 (April to May school and university holidays).

Thai Airways International dropped its Bangkok-Madrid direct flights in January 2015 after flying the route since the late 1988. If the airline did return to Spain, it would most likely opt for three weekly flights to Barcelona initially on a seasonal basis, starting in April and continuing through the summer timetable to the end of October. 

Martin concedes airfares on routes to Spain have been higher since the Covid-19 pandemic due to rising fuel costs. “It’s the main expense for long-haul travel…We are just hoping they will come down or level off.”

Since there is only one weekly direct flight between Bangkok and Spain, travellers will need to connect through another city in the Middle East or Europe, which will add significant travel time (potentially over 15 hours).

She also recognises that some of Spain’s most popular destinations, notably Barcelona, are introducing a city tourism tax, which increases the cost of travel for families. However, this tax is not applicable to all cities and regions in Spain.

Sometimes called an eco-tax or city tax, the tax is in place in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and Valencia. Rates and regulations vary by location, but visitors pay the nightly fee when checking out of their hotel. Barcelona increased the tax to EUR3.45 per person per night in April 2024.

“The tourist tax is not a national tax. It is only paid in cities that approve it, such as Barcelona, where it is used to balance the carbon footprint and improve the environment. We promote 17 regions in Spain in Southeast Asian markets, many of which have not introduced a tourism tax.”

However, more Spanish cities and regions will likely implement a tourist tax because it helps generate revenue for maintaining tourist infrastructure, promoting sustainable tourism practices and supporting local initiatives.

The biggest expenditure for travellers visiting Spain remains the airfare, which has risen considerably since the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine.

But there are still some roundtrip fares below USD1000 for summer travel to Spain from Bangkok to Barcelona with a plane change in either Europe or the Middle East. See the best fare deals for July travel on Google Flights. 

First-time visitor to Spain: Where to go?

Spain is a country rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. Here are some of the top destinations for first-time visitors:

Barcelona: This vibrant city is home to some of Gaudí’s most famous works, including the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. You can also explore the Gothic Quarter, stroll down Las Ramblas, and relax on the beach.

Madrid: The capital of Spain is a great place to experience Spanish culture. Visit the Royal Palace, the Prado Museum, and the Reina Sofía Museum. Take a walk through the Buen Retiro Park, and enjoy the tapas scene in La Latina neighbourhood.

Granada: This Andalusian city is famous for the Alhambra, a stunning Moorish palace complex. You can also explore the Albaicín neighbourhood, the Sacromonte caves, and the flamenco scene.

Seville: The capital of Andalusia is known for its flamenco shows, tapas bars, and beautiful architecture. Visit the Seville Cathedral, the Alcázar Palace, and the Plaza de España.

San Sebastián: This Basque city is famous for its beautiful beaches, delicious food, and relaxed atmosphere. You can also explore the Parte Vieja (Old Town), hike up Monte Igueldo for stunning views, and visit the San Telmo Museum.

Top three Spanish regions for hotel bookings

Based on the latest information from Spain Tourism, the three Spanish regions that account for 50% of all hotel bookings so far in 2024 are Andalusia (+22.9%), Catalonia (+19.8%), and the Balearics (+25.8%).

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It mainly follows tracks through natural settings. The route goes from Oviedo (Asturias) to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, crossing the forests and valleys of Asturias to join up with the French Way in Palas de Rei (Galicia).

The route of the Primitive Way is possibly the most demanding, especially if cycling, where a mountain bike is recommended.

ASTURIAS

Approximate distance: About 170 km.
Recommended stages: 7 or 8.

The landscape you’ll be walking through is mainly rural, with small farming villages and not much industry. It takes you through the lushest nature of Asturias and maybe the least urban part of the Camino de Santiago.

If you’re sightseeing, Oviedo is worth visiting, with its cathedral and World Heritage pre-Romanesque churches. In Valduno, you can see the Roman baths of Santa Eulalia. The pretty town of Salas is home to the Collegiate Church of Santa María la Mayor, and in Cornellana, you will find an important example of Romanesque and Baroque art in the Monastery of San Salvador.

The terrain in the final part of the route in Asturias is more rugged, and there are beautiful spots like the Grandas de Salime reservoir and the climb to Puerto de Acebo.

You’ll like:

Having a meal in the historic town centre of Oviedo, discovering the tradition of Asturian ciders and the enormous food portions. 

Walking in the footsteps of the first pilgrims. Many people say that the Primitive Way is the closest to the origins of the pilgrimage route, as it is mostly in natural settings, far from the cities, and less crowded. There is a variant from Tineo to Boures that conserves part of the original route. Remember that you do need to be in good physical shape to follow it.

World Heritage sites to visit: Most visits are in the city of Oviedo: the Cámara Santa in the cathedral, the Foncalada (a fountain in front of the cathedral), the churches of Santa María del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo (both on Monte Naranco) and the San Julián de Prados. They are all part of the World Heritage site, including the Monuments of Oviedo and the Kingdom of the Asturias.

Main stops on the Primitive Way of the Camino in Asturias: Oviedo – Grado -Tineo – Pola de Allande – Grandas de Salime – Puerto del Acebo. More information: The Primitive Way of Saint James in Asturias

Galicia

Distance: 150 km.
Recommended stages: 6 or 7.

Alto da Fontaneira and its amazing views welcome you to Galicia on the Primitive Way. The terrain gradually becomes easier to walk on, and you’ll often find cattle grazing nearby. In many places, the route follows stretches of Roman road.

Lugo is the largest city before you reach Santiago de Compostela, and it still has many traces of its Roman past, notably the city walls. Much of the old town centre is pedestrianised, making it pleasant to walk through. The Camino also goes through small villages like Castroverde (with a pretty path through chestnut trees nearby), Palas de Rei, Melide and Arzúa.

You’ll like:

The contrast between the rural atmosphere of most of the path and the two cities on the route. Santiago de Compostela and Lugo are both busy and lively, and they are great places for enjoying the cuisine of Galicia, noted for its seafood and classic dishes like pulpo a feira (octopus).

The constant feeling of contact with nature, the views of valleys, and spotting little villages in the distance, nestled among the greenery. You can also explore the popular culture, which in Galicia often involves magical legends and witches.

World Heritage sites to visit: Lugo city walls, the only Roman city walls in the world with their perimeter still intact. Approximately an hour by car from Lugo or Santiago de Compostela, you will have the opportunity to visit another monument declared a World Heritage Site: the Tower of Hercules, a Roman lighthouse that is still in operation in A Coruña.

Main stops on the Primitive Way of the Camino in Galicia: Castroverde – Lugo – Palas de Rei – Melide – Arzúa – Santiago de Compostela.

For full details on the Primitive Way, head to the website.

For more on Spain’s travel experiences, visit https://www.spain.info/en/

(Source: Spain Tourism Board – Southeast Asia, Australia & New Zealand).

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Take a deep breath and find your retreat to achieve the total relaxation you deserve. You can find options inviting you to enjoy a holiday that puts personal care and health first in mountain and inland destinations and by the sea. Unplug in idyllic landscapes with special yoga and pilates retreats, meditation retreats, or mindfulness retreats. There are also more rounded experiences that combine the above with body treatments, massages, spa circuits, coaching, or even healthy eating workshops.

Anti-stress treatments in Mallorca and Menorca

Prioritise taking care of your mind and achieving a state of zen, and choose from the programmes offered by hotels in Mallorca and Menorca, in the Balearic Islands. At establishments focused on agrotourism and promoting habits that improve quality of life, you will find plans that combine anti-stress, detox or slimming treatments with spa, fitness and yoga. 

Listen to yourself in the silence of the Pyrenees

Suppose you must incorporate something more specific, including physiotherapy, injury recovery or nutritional advice, then target your search in the Catalan provinces of Girona and Lleida. In the Alto Ampurdán region, programmes for relaxing exercise, healthy eating, massage, and other rehabilitative experiences tailored to your circumstances or injuries. In the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees, activities on offer include workshops on healthy eating and cooking, yoga and Pilates, emotional intelligence and mindfulness, excursions, spa circuits, physiotherapy and even individual coaching sessions.

In Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park, in the province of Huesca, Aragon, you can discover projects that have converted old abandoned houses into sustainable ecological spaces for yoga retreats.

Meditation and hiking in the Sierra de Gredos

Another option for meditation retreats in Spain, paired with hiking, is the Sierra de Gredos Regional Park. It is easy to find rural hotels and personal development centres that offer this type of experience, both in the province of Ávila and in the towns and villages of this amazing natural setting in Cáceres, Extremadura. In addition to hatha or vinyasa yoga, you will learn breathing techniques such as pranayama or yoga nidra or conscious sleep.

Relax among waterfalls at the Monasterio de Piedra

If you are one of those people who still isn’t quite sure how meditation fits your lifestyle, check out the Monasterio de Piedra, in Nuévalos, just an hour from Zaragoza, you’ll find many answers. More than 800 years of art, architecture and nature to revel in, with endless walks among its breathtaking waterfalls. The spa hotel, located in a part of the old 13th-century Cistercian monastery from which the complex takes its name, has been declared a historical monument. 

Redes Natural Park, ecotourism wellness

In the heart of Redes Natural Park, which is declared a biosphere reserve, you have a range of eco-tourism options that combine relaxation, leisure, and gastronomy. A plan of therapies and treatments in the mountains with a spa, a sauna and panoramic views.

For the full story on retreats in Spain.

For more on Spain’s travel experiences, visit https://www.spain.info/en/

(Source: Spain Tourism Board – Southeast Asia, Australia & New Zealand).

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EAACI has a global membership of over 16,000 from 125 countries, and its congress meets annually to unveil the latest research and innovative advancements in allergy and clinical immunology. 

The upcoming EAACI Congress 2024 will meet at the Feria de Valencia, a prestigious convention and exhibition centre known for its modernity and versatility. 

Feria de Valencia plays a pivotal role in the city, hosting various events and fostering business and cultural endeavours within the region. Valencia, situated along the Mediterranean coast, is a vibrant and picturesque city celebrated for its rich historical heritage, awe-inspiring architecture, delectable cuisine, and harmonious coexistence of tradition and modernity.

For more information on the host city Valencia visit https://www.visitvalencia.com/ 
For more on Spain’s travel experiences, visit https://www.spain.info/en/

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Carnival is usually held in February or March, with the dates depending on the year, although some places even hold them earlier in January. The festivals are noted for humour, parodies, and costumes in the streets of Spanish towns and cities, all of which have their traditions.

Carnival in Spain is a cacophony of colourful outfits, dancing, music and parties. The largest celebrations occur on the Canary Island of Tenerife, in the coastal city of Cadiz and the seaside town of Sitges, near Barcelona.

Here are six amazing Spanish carnivals declared ‘Festivals of International Tourist Interest’.

Carnival in Cadiz

Cadiz, in Andalusia, is the carnival of “comparsas”, “coros” and “chirigotas”: songs full of irony and criticism that are written by the different groups who participate in the fiesta. Explore the town centre and immerse yourself in an unbridled freedom and fun atmosphere. The festival runs from 8 to 18 February.

Carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

One of the world’s biggest carnivals awaits you in the capital of the island of Tenerife. Join in the parades and be amazed by the imaginative, fancy and eye-catching costumes of the Carnival Queen hopefuls. Lose yourself in this celebration’s music, rhythm and joy with people from all over the planet. The festival ends on 18 February.

Carnival in Águilas

Another of the most famous carnivals is Águilas (Murcia). This festival is full of colour and features a multitude of parades and competitions in which the spectacular costumes take centre stage. Two of its traditions are particularly famous. The throwing of cascarones (eggs stuffed with confetti) and drinking “cuerva”, a drink many describe as a “magic potion” that awakens the carnival spirit. The festival runs from 8 to 17 February.

Entroido of Xinzo de Limia

This Galician festival has the longest carnival programme in Spain. It begins on Fareleiro Sunday (three weeks before Carnival Sunday) and ends on Piñata Sunday. The parade of floats and troupes is led by a group of traditional masked characters called “pantallas” who wear belts with bells. They are responsible for ensuring people dress up and are the top stars of this celebration. Carnival Tuesday is the most important day. The festival ends on 18 February.

Carnival in Badajoz

Dozens of carnival bands, known as comparsas, and thousands of people participate in the great Carnival Sunday Comparsas Parade. The festivities also include the Murgas musical competition and the Burial of the Sardine. The festival runs from 9 to 13 February.

Festivities during Carnival in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

The city is flooded with people, colour and fun during these festivities, which have occurred since 1574. Highlights include the Great Parade, which attracts tens of thousands of people and stretches more than seven kilometres, and the Gala of the Carnival Queen, where the competitors wear stunning costumes of feathers and rhinestones. The Drag Queen Gala is another highlight. The festival ends on 18 February.

All over Spain

But these aren’t the only major carnivals held in Spain. There are others in many other locations, and they are always full of originality and joy.

At Verín Carnival (Galicia) highlights include the “fariñadas” (flour fights) and the strange masked figure of Cigarrón. We can recommend several other carnivals of national tourist interest, including Villarrobledo, La Bañeza, Ciudad Rodrigo (Toro Carnival), Miguelturra, Alcázar de San Juan (Carnavalcázar), Cebreros, Herencia and La Vijanera in Cantabria.

For more on Spain’s travel experiences, visit https://www.spain.info/en/
For the annual calendar of events in Spain check https://www.spain.info/en/calendar/ 

(Source: Spain Tourism Board – Southeast Asia, Australia & New Zealand).

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DAY 1
For your first day in Malaga, explore the old town centre, with stops at the most important museums and sights.

A walk around the historic centre

Kick off the morning on the city’s most iconic street, Calle Larios, a lively and bustling pedestrianised shopping area to give you a taste of Malaga’s great atmosphere. If you’re here at Christmas, be sure to see the amazing light and music show on this street. 

A 5-minute walk brings you to the Cathedral or Basílica de la Encarnación, called “La Manquita” (the one-armed lady) because construction stopped before the southern tower could be finished, leaving it asymmetrical. A visit to the cathedral roof, nearly 50 metres up, is a must. Back at street level, you can enjoy the charming Calle de San Agustín, a street bringing you to the Picasso Museum Malaga, with over 230 works by the city’s most famous son. 

Local dishes and centuries of history

Your next stop might be La Alcazaba, the fortress-palace the Muslim governors built on Mount Gibralfaro in the 11th century. At its feet, there is a Roman theatre, which was in use until the 3rd century CE.

This is a great place for lunch, with unspoiled traditional eating houses nearby, such as El Pimpi. You can have the traditional post-lunch coffee in the sunshine at one of the pavement cafés in Plaza de la Merced. Just off this square is a very special location, the Picasso Foundation and Birthplace Museum. This is the house where Picasso was born and spent his childhood. Very close by is the church of Santiago, where Picasso was baptised.

Sunset from a castle

Do you remember La Alcazaba, which we suggested seeing before lunch? You probably noticed that the palace is connected to a castle, the Castillo de Gibralfaro. There is one entrance for both buildings.

If you don’t have a car, the best way to get up the hill to the castle is to catch a number 35 bus on Paseo del Parque. Once you arrive, there is a visitors’ centre where you can learn about the castle’s history. But the best thing it offers is the fabulous views over the city, the Bay of Malaga and La Malagueta bullring. 

DAY 2
We’re right on the Mediterranean, so today you can get to know the seaside city. Before you hit the beach, we suggest exploring Malaga’s more modern and rebellious side. This neighbourhood is known as Barrio de las Artes, the city’s street art centre. The area between Avenida de la Alameda Principal and the dock at Muelle Heredia is where you’ll find CAC Málaga – the Malaga Contemporary Art Centre. A former wholesale market display works by Juan Muñoz, Tony Cragg and Sigmar Polke. While you’re here, you could have breakfast in one of the cosy local cafés.

On the seafront

One of Malaga’s most popular areas to visit is the Pedragalejo Esplanade. It’s a little way out of the city, but you can get there on a number 11 or 34 bus. This area is famous for its snack bars on the beach and restaurants next to the sea. This is the time to try boquerones (fresh anchovies), fritura malagueña (mixed fried fish) and especially espetos de sardinas (sardines on a skewer), a classic local dish. As you walk around, you’ll notice little boats full of sand, where the fires are made for charcoal-grilling the sardines. 

Afternoon on Paseo de la Farola and Muelle 1

Back in the city, you can stick with the seaside theme with a visit to Malagueta Beach. Next to it is Muelle 1, a shopping and leisure area where you can take the opportunity to buy a souvenir. It’s also home to one of the city’s new landmarks, a giant coloured cube, the Centre Pompidou Malaga, with works by Francis Bacon, Alexander Calder, and Marc Chagall.

Alternatively, go back towards Muelle 2 and stroll along El Palmeral de las Sorpresas to get back to the old town centre. In this harbour area, there is an enormous Ferris wheel, 70 metres tall, which makes for a great viewing point. 

(Source: Spain Tourism Board – Southeast Asia, Australia & New Zealand)

For the full report on how to explore Malaga. 

For more on Spain’s travel experiences, visit https://www.spain.info/en/

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In the rural areas of Catalonia, you can enjoy a trip rich in tranquillity and connection with nature. You will discover the best views of some of the best-known mountains in the area to explore its forests. 

Montserrat

To discover this unusual mountain, you can take the rack railway (mountain railway) from Montserrat in Monistrol. It takes you to the top, to the tourist centre. From there, you can choose from several options to continue with your visit: take the Sant Joan funicular that takes you to the Shrine of Sant Joan and the natural viewing point or stay around the Monastery and Montserrat Museum. 

You will be amazed by its history and its surroundings but, best of all, you can delve into nature. Many excursions start from the same place, and you will be able to travel unique paths. 

Montseny Nature Reserve

The Montseny massif lies between the counties of Vallès Oriental, La Selva and Osona. In this Biosphere Reserve, you will find different peaks with various activities on offer. The main options are hiking and ATBs (All Terrain Bikes), while always enjoying a full day surrounded by nature. 

You can climb to the tops of Matagalls, Turó de l’Home, Les Agudes or Llano de la Calma to get incredible views. 

And here, where there is green, there is culture. You can see the megalithic constructions of the Sierra del Arca, the Roman villa of Can Terrers and medieval castles, for example. It is very nice to visit it in autumn, with the tree leaves dyed in different colours.

Montseny Nature Reserve between the counties of Vallès Oriental, La Selva and Osona, Catalonia.Montseny Nature Reserve between the counties of Vallès Oriental, La Selva and Osona, Catalonia.

Pedraforca

This iconic mountain is located between the municipalities of Gósol and Saldes (Berguedà, Barcelona). It is part of the Sierra del Cadí, within the Cadí-Moixeró Nature Reserve. Its surprising shape means it’s one of the most recognisable in all of Catalonia.  

It is a perfect destination for walking. You can take several marked routes. Some of them are at the foot of the mountain and will give you the opportunity to discover the towns in the area. If you like rock climbing, you can climb different routes on the north face and south face (the south face is the most popular). 

Near Pedraforca, you can go to the source of the Llobregat River and then to Castellar de n’Hug (its views will leave you speechless), or find out about the influence of the textile industry in Catalonia at Colonia Vidal. 

Pica d’Estats

In the heart of the Pyrenees, Pica d’Estats is the highest mountain in Catalonia. The most common route starts from Sotllo, in the province of Lleida. Climbing this mountain requires a level of expertise, but it is also irresistible for anyone who wants to mark peaks in their mountaineering passport. 

The best time to climb a peak is always from May to September, but you can plan a getaway for any time of the year. When are you booking your holiday to Spain?

(Source: Spain Tourism Board – Southeast Asia, Australia & New Zealand)

https://www.spain.info/en/

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The initiative is a part of Spain’s goal to reinforce awareness of its efforts to expand services that attends to the needs of Muslim travellers in the country.

“We are very excited about the Guide,” said Spain’s Tourism Counsellor in Singapore, Monica Sanchez. “We believe it is a promotional tool we have been missing, especially given Andalusia’s rich Islamic history and heritage. Andalusia is a popular destination for Muslim travellers, but its halal offer is still largely unknown in South East Asia.

The guide provides a valuable resource to raise awareness of all the practical elements that make a destination like Andalusia more appealing to visitors who seek halal travel experiences.

Our strategy goes beyond simply offering Muslim travellers halal food and places of worship. We recognise and have considered their cultural practices, traditions and sensitivities.

The guide’s content has been produced by Let’s Go Halal, a Spanish Muslim company specialising in Halal Tourism and manager of the online platform www.letsgohalal.com.

The guide is accompanied by a promotional campaign that includes publications on Southeast Asian platforms in English and Bahasa Indonesia, social media postings and six videos that will be gradually released on Spain Tourism Board’s official YouTube channel.

Andalusia, for Muslim Travellers, features an extensive list of places with halal options in Andalucía, which besides its food, is also known for its mosques and rich Islamic heritage. This is a land of culture, history, fiestas, natural landscapes and outstanding monuments such as the beautifully preserved Moorish architecture, the Alhambra Palace.

Discover the splendour of Al-Andalus and take inspiration from Andalusia’s unparalleled Islamic heritage and beauty. Bookmark this new Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide now!

(Source: Spain Tourism Board – Southeast Asia, Australia & New Zealand)

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Today the entire route has been carefully restored, but although it’s now much safer, one thing hasn’t changed – the unique experience of strolling along walkways hanging over 100 metres on a sheer cliff face.

The Caminito del Rey route is spectacular from beginning to end, running through cliffs, canyons, and a large valley. It crosses the landscapes of Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, a gorge carved out by the river Guadalhorce, with walls 700 metres high. You will need to buy tickets for El Caminito del Rey, and you can reserve them on the official website.

What is the walk like?

The trail is linear and taken one way, going downwards and from north to south, some on mountain paths and some on suspended walkways. It’s 7.7 kilometres long and takes about 3-4 hours to walk, from the start in the town of Ardales to the exit in Álora. The reception area at the start has a restaurant and several parking areas and is also the shuttle bus’s final stop, which runs between the north and south ends of the trail.

This is the starting point of two paths which lead to the control cabin and the Gaitanejo dam, where the official trail of El Caminito del Rey begins. The longer is 2.7 kilometres, starting from Sillón del Rey, a set of stone benches, tables and chairs once used by Alfonso XIII, or through the tunnel next to the restaurant. The other path is shorter, just 1.5 kilometres starting with a smaller pedestrian tunnel 200 metres before the restaurant.

At the control cabin, personnel give visitors a protective helmet and check their shoes’ suitability. The viewing point on Gaitanejo Dam has views of the cave dwellings of Sierra Parda, which were once home to the staff working at the hydroelectric plant. After reaching the walkways, the trail continues through the Gaitanejo Gorge, the Tajo de las Palomas Canyon, and the Puente del Rey hanging bridge. The landscape gradually changes as you approach the Hoyo Valley with its leafy woodland.

Next, the path enters the spectacular gorge of Los Gaitanes via walkways suspended 100 metres above the ground. The amazing sights on this stretch include a hundred-year-old juniper tree growing among the rocks, the “fossil beach” with Jurassic-period fossils, and a glass balcony which sticks out from the walkway for those who feel they need to push their limits. The path continues to the final stretch: after handing back your helmets in the control cabin, there is a 2.1-kilometre walk down the hill to the railway station at El Chorro.

TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

How to get there

Both the town of Ardales and El Chorro station can be reached by car from Málaga (in about 50 minutes), Ronda (60 km away) or Antequera (55 km). El Chorro-Caminito del Rey railway station is on the Málaga-Seville line, connecting to other towns like Ronda. The official website has helpful recommendations on routes, opening times, and how to get there.

Things to bear in mind

In addition to a general visit completed at your leisure, there is also the option of a guided tour to learn more about the region’s history, geography and biodiversity.I t’s advisable to bring water, a snack (chocolate, nuts, fruit, etc.), or a sandwich. The characteristics of the trail, between tall cliffs on walkways and bridges suspended at a great height, will make the hardiest walker dizzy. It is not recommended for anyone with a fear of heights.

The stretch, with the suspended walkways between the north and south control cabins, is 2.9 kilometres long. The rest of the walk comprises mountain paths and forest tracks between the control cabins and the entrance and exit to the path.

There is a tunnel running parallel to the walkways of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, which is an alternative to the aerial path on days when the wind and rain could cause mudslides. The tunnel is 300 metres long, of which 285 are inside, and 15 are outside in the Hoyo Valley.

What else is there to do?

You can make the most of your visit and explore the Guadalteba, Antequera and Guadalhorce Valley districts. If you fancy even more active tourism, many companies organise water activities in the reservoirs nearby, or you can walk part of the Gran Senda de Málaga path.

But if you prefer something more urban and cultural (or a dip in the sea, depending on the time of year), don’t forget that the city of Malaga is less than 50 kilometres away.

For the full story visit

(Source: Spain Tourism Board – Southeast Asia, Australia & New Zealand)

https://www.spain.info/en/

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