Spain stands out as a destination full of charm and surprises in 2025. This year offers a rich mix of cultural experiences, improved transportation, new culinary hotspots, and unique opportunities to explore regions less frequented by tourists. From the northern green landscapes to the vibrant cities, Spain continues to attract travelers eager to discover everything it has to offer.
The Rising Star: Northern Spain and Galicia
In 2025, northern Spain is gaining momentum as a top holiday destination. Galicia, in particular, is getting attention for its scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage. The small town of Pontevedra, located in Northwestern Spain, has become the most searched-for holiday spot in the country. This town features a beautifully preserved Old Town, known for its dark and atmospheric medieval streets, wide plazas, and charming arcades. Walking through Pontevedra’s lanes offers a glimpse of a history deeply rooted in the Northern Spanish spirit.
Food lovers will find comfort in local spots such as Bar Estria, praised for its authentic atmosphere and delicious offerings. Galicia extends beyond Pontevedra; day trips to nearby Portugal provide a cross-border adventure just south of the border. Northward, visitors can explore the Rías Baixas wine region, famous for its Albariño wines, which offer fresh and fruity notes ideal for seafood pairing.
Moreover, the Balneario Mondariz, a luxurious hotel and spa in the region, was named Europe’s best spa in recent years. It combines wellness with tradition, making it an ideal stop for those who want to balance sightseeing with relaxation.
Asturias: Spain’s Capital of Gastronomy
Asturias claims its place as Spain’s Spanish Capital of Gastronomy. Its capital city, Oviedo, shines through with an array of culinary delights that showcase the region’s smoky fabada stew, rich cachopo (a meat and cheese dish), and an impressive selection of cheeses renowned across the country. Asturias also stands out with its famous Spanish apple cider, an interactive and fun beverage to sample while exploring the city and its surroundings.
History buffs can visit Santa María del Naranco, a 9th-century palace church just outside Oviedo. The well-preserved site offers insights into the early medieval architecture and culture of the region. For those planning their visit, Oviedo’s tourism website provides updates on upcoming gastronomic events and festivals, adding depth to any food-focused journey.
Improved and Expanded Train Travel
Spain’s high-speed train network continues to grow in 2024, enhancing travel convenience across the country. Train travelers will find multiple companies competing for routes, which has led to a significant drop in ticket prices—some report a 50% reduction in the last year. This price drop makes train travel even more accessible.
New routes connect popular and lesser-known destinations alike. The original high-speed service now links Asturias and Oviedo, while the low-cost Avlo service connects Galicia and northern cities. Another budget-friendly option, the Ouigo network, connects Madrid with cities such as Valencia and Alicante. Meanwhile, Iryo expands its reach to the north and along the Mediterranean coast, providing more frequent service and comfort.
One of the most notable improvements is the increasing popularity of night trains across Europe. Starting in December 2024, the Nightjet service from Austria will launch direct overnight routes linking Barcelona with Zurich. This luxury train allows travelers to rest comfortably while covering long distances, connecting Barcelona with other European cities such as Milan, Hamburg, and Brussels. The growth of night trains offers a unique way to experience destinations without losing daytime hours.
For booking, travelers benefit from online platforms like Trainline, where they can compare multiple services, check schedules, and buy tickets efficiently.
Changes in Spain’s Airports and Flying Policies
Though trains gain ground, Spain’s airports are evolving too. New scanner technologies promise a smoother security process. By 2026, travelers will no longer need to remove laptops or tablets from their bags at security checkpoints. The restrictions on liquids in carry-on luggage are also expected to ease, thanks to improved screening methods.
Spain’s government is considering a move to ban short-haul flights on routes where reliable fast train alternatives exist. This policy encourages eco-friendly travel and helps reduce air traffic congestion. Travelers may find train journeys more appealing, as train stations are conveniently located near city centers, unlike many airports.
Another travel update involves new rules for visitors arriving from non-EU countries such as the United States, Canada, and New Zealand. Starting in 2025, the ETIAS system will require travelers to complete an online visa waiver form before flying into Spain or other European countries. This straightforward process should not cause major delays if completed ahead of time but could prevent boarding if overlooked.
Cultural and Nature Attractions
In early 2024, a new Flamenco museum openeds set to open in Andalusia’s historic town, Jerez de la Frontera. This museum will celebrate flamenco’s rich history and cultural impact, hosting exhibitions, performances, and conferences. Jerez is also famous for its wine, especially sherry, which adds extra appeal for visitors seeking cultural immersion.
For those interested in luxury accommodations, the Vogue developer V Wood plans to open a landscape hotel just west of Madrid. This hotel will offer 60 suites with private pools, a wellness center, a spa, and a beach club. The idea of a beach club near Madrid might surprise some but adds a distinct twist to the region’s hospitality offerings. Meanwhile, V Wood’s existing hotel in Alicante showcases similar luxurious design and amenities for travelers seeking comfort and style.
People who want to explore Spain’s nature on a budget may find the country’s network of “Most Beautiful Villages” ideal. These villages follow strict criteria covering heritage preservation, cleanliness, and quality of visitor experience. In 2024, Spain adds five new villages to this prestigious list, spread across several regions: Urdia in Palencia, Comillas in Cantabria, two in Malaga, and Trevélez in Andalusia. Staying in these charming villages offers an authentic taste of rural Spain, away from the tourist crowds, and a chance to soak in the local culture.
Travel Tips for 2025 and beyond
Given all these developments, travelers to Spain in 2025 can take advantage of various options. When planning shorter internal trips, prefer high-speed trains for comfort and convenience. For international visitors flying in, keep the ETIAS form on your radar for travel next year. Reserve accommodations in advance, especially in emerging destinations like Pontevedra and Asturias, where interest is growing swiftly.
For those who cherish culture and nature, new museums like the Flamenco and the expanding list of beautiful villages promise plenty to explore. Food lovers will find fresh reasons to revisit Spain’s regions, with Asturias taking center stage for its culinary offerings.
Spain’s evolving transport options, combined with rich cultural experiences and natural beauty, make 2025 a year full of possibilities. Whether you seek the hustle of city life or the quiet appeal of the countryside, Spain remains a place ready to welcome you and provide memorable adventures.
#spaintravelguide #traveltipstospain #bestplacestovisitinspain #bestthingstodoinspain #explorespain #spainvacationideas #spaintraveltips #spaintravelnews #packingforspaintrip #customstipsforspaintravel #luggagetipsforspain #besthotelsinbarcelona #bestplacestostayinbarcelona #bestrestaurantsinbarcelona #bestthingstoseeinbarcelona #sagradafamiliatravelguide #barcelonatraveltips #bestplacestostayincostabrava #costabravatravelguide #bestrestaurantsincostabrava #thingstoseeincostabrava #packingforcostabrava #besthotelsinmadrid #bestplacestostayinmadrid #bestrestaurantsinmadrid #madridtraveltips #besthotelsinseville #bestplacestostayinseville #bestrestaurantsinseville #sevilletravelguide #besthotelsinvalencia #bestplacestostayinvalencia #bestrestaurantsinvalencia #valenciatravelguide #besthotelsingranada #bestplacestostayingranada #bestrestaurantsingranada #alhambratraveltips #besthotelsinmallorca #bestplacestostayinmallorca #bestrestaurantsinmallorca #mallorcabeachesguide #besthotelsinibiza #bestplacestostayinibiza #bestrestaurantsinibiza #ibizatravelguide #besthotelsincanaryislands #bestplacestostayincanaryislands #bestrestaurantsincanaryislands #canaryislandstravelguide #bestbeachesinspain #bestluggageforspaintravel #bestcarryonluggageforspain #bestbackpackforspaintravel #besttravelsuitcaseforspain #besttraveladapterforspain #bestpackingcubesforspain #spainpackingguide #carryonpackingforspain #travellighttospain #travelgearforspain #travelessentialsforspain #travelsmarttospain #travelsafelyinspain #spaintravelchecklist #travelcustomsspain #travelculturespain #learnspanishphrases #spainlanguageguide #travellikealocalspain #localetiquettespain #besthotelsincordoba #bestplacestostayincordoba #bestrestaurantsincordoba #cordobatraveltips #besthotelsinbilbao #bestplacestostayinbilbao #bestrestaurantsinbilbao #bilbaotravelguide #besthotelsinsansebastian #bestplacestostayinsansebastian #bestrestaurantsinsansebastian #sansebastiantraveltips #wanderlustspain #spainroadtripideas #spainbeachtips #traveltobarcelonaspain #travelmadridspain #travelsevillespain #travelmallorcaspain
