Berlin Film Festival 2021 from 11 – 18 February
Keukenhof Tulip Gardens will not open to the public on 20 March
Bilbao – Guggenheim Museum: Paul Pfeiffer: Prologue to the Story of the Birth of Freedom until 16 March’25
Bilbao is a true lifestyle destination and has to be one of the most enjoyable places in Europe to spend a city break at! The town is packed with restaurants & bars, as food is a BIG thing here, whilst music festivals and live performances take place throughout the year and then…there’s the Guggenheim Museum. Impressive beyond belief, treat it like an art mekka, as the world flocks to this place for outstanding blockbuster shows. Everything about this city screams creativity & lifestyle, so there’s something to enjoy in every corner
Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao
Bilbao, a port city in the Northern Basque region of Spain, home to the spectacular Guggenheim Museum. Which is potentially Bilbao’s most famous visitor attraction, drawing in crowds in their hundreds of thousands each year! First established in 1997, part of a plan to transform the city of Bilbao, the museum is part of a partnership between the Basque Institutions and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation. Soon to be celebrating its 24th birthday, as part of the international collection of Guggenheim Museums, the Guggenheim Bilbao is one of the largest museums in Spain. Here at TA-DAH.TV we’ve done our research into this amazing museum to offer you this exciting insight into all that the Guggenheim has to offer as a tourist attraction. Now you can be ready for a trip to the beautiful city of Bilbao, being sure to tick off the Guggenheim Museum while you are there!
The design and history of the Guggenheim Museum
The magnificent building was designed by Canadian American architect, Frank Gehry. The vast space covers 24,000 m2 with 9,000 of this dedicated to exhibition space, so there’s plenty to explore. Gehry’s design has created a sculpture-like structure which seamlessly integrates into Bilbao’s urban design and the surrounding area. To see inside the museum and the stunning structure of this building, check out the museum’s virtual tour! For the city and people of Bilbao it has generally had a positive economic impact, drawing in millions of visitors and millions in economic activity.
Taking pride of place, at the entrance to the museum, is a sculpture created and designed by the famous Jeff Koons. Aptly named ‘Puppy’ this sculpture is that of a giant West Highland Terrier! Completely covered in flowering plants. Thanks to the imposing size of this sculpture, Puppy really does take your breath away. Koons designed this sculpture for the entrance of the museum to entice the public and in his words; ‘Puppy, majestic and robust whilst guarding the doors of the museum, fills the audience with admiration and joy.’
Temporary exhibitions at the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Well-known for its large-scale art installations and exhibitions, the museum has held a vast array of exhibitions over the years since its opening. Temporary exhibitions have been popular with the public, including tourists, drawing in thousands.
Current Exhibitions:
- THE ROARING TWENTIES
May 7, 2021 – September 19, 2021 - CECILIA BENGOLEA. ANIMATIONS IN WATER
June 24, 2021 – October 24, 2021 - LEARNING THROUGH ART 2021
June 15, 2021 – September 19, 2021 - THE LINE OF WIT
June 11, 2021 – January 16, 2022
Previous Exhibitions:
- KANDINSKY
November 20, 2020–May 23, 2021 - JENNY HOLZER: THING INDESCRIBABLE
March 22–September 9, 2019 - DAVID HOCKNEY: A BIGGER PICTURE – This was one of the museum’s most successful exhibitions which drew in over 290,000 visitors!
May 15 – September 30 2021 - LUCIO FONTANA: ON THE THRESHOLD
May 17–September 29, 2019
Permanent exhibitions and collections
From the opening of the museum, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao has been working to establish a permanent collection of art pieces. This consists of works from the mid-twentieth century up to the present day.
Pieces within the collection include famed works from notable names such as:
- UNTITLED
Mark Rothko
Following the common theme of Rothko’s other works, Untitled consists of large expanses of colour delineated by uneven, hazy shades. - TULIPS
Jeff Koons
As part of Koons’s Celebration series, Tulips embodies the generic, mass-produced objects that we often associate with celebrations like birthdays, holidays, and festive periods. Tulips looks very much like a bouquet of balloon flowers, of gigantic proportions. - INSTALLATION FOR BILBAO
Jenny Holzer
Holzer’s piece consists of a row of nine vertical, double-sided L.E.D. signboards. This piece was designed as a site-specific piece to work alongside the building’s design. - MAMAN
Louise Bourgeois
Maman is frankly quite terrifying, but also what a spectacle! At almost 9 meters tall, this sculpture takes on the form of a spider which is said to have been inspired by the concept of maternity and the combination of fragility and strength found amongst the silk spiders. This piece is quite the conversation starter.
2021 Six Nations Ch’ship until 20 March
Biathlon World Cup 20/21 until 21 March
9th Ultra Sierra Nevada 2023 from 14-16 April
Caprices Festival – Modernity 2021: April ONLINE and 17-19 & 24-26 September in Crans Montana
Caminito del Rey – hiking one of the world’s scariest pathways in Malaga
What’s it Like Walking the Caminito del Rey? Hiking One of the World’s Most Dangerous Pathways
Last time we heard from Jane Blonde she was paragliding in the Swiss Alps. Well, she’s out on another pulse-pumping mission – only this time it might be slightly warmer.
Are you ready to take a hair-raising walk along one of Spain’s most breathtaking hiking trails? Once we knew that a place this thrilling existed in the stunning Costa del Sol, we couldn’t keep our very own Jane Blonde away!
Welcome to the Caminito del Rey, once considered the most dangerous walkway in the world!
Thankfully, this legendary path, which clings to the cliffs of Málaga’s stunning gorge, has been fully restored and is now a safe but exhilarating experience. Expect jaw-dropping views, fascinating history and a hike that will stay with you forever.
A Brief History of the Caminito del Rey
Originally constructed in 1901 and completed in 1905, the Caminito del Rey was built as a service path for workers at the nearby hydroelectric plants. It provided a shortcut across the Gaitanes Gorge, allowing engineers to inspect and maintain the water channels.
The pathway gained its name in 1921, when King Alfonso XIII walked along it during the inauguration of the Conde del Guadalhorce Dam.
Over the years, the trail fell into disrepair, with crumbling concrete and missing sections making it infamous as one of the world’s most dangerous hikes. Sounds utterly terrifying!
For over a decade, it was officially closed—until a €9 million restoration transformed it into a secure, modern trail, reopening in 2015.
Today, the Caminito del Rey is a bucket-list experience, combining history, nature and adventure in one unforgettable journey. So, let’s take you closer to the action. Here’s what to expect from the team who scaled it.
What to Expect on the Caminito del Rey Hike
The trail is a 7.7km linear hike. That means it starts at one location and ends in another – rather than forming a loop.
Consisting of a mix of pathways, forest trails and the famous elevated boardwalks attached to the gorge’s vertical rock face. Highlights include:
- Suspended Walkways – Wooden paths built 100m above the river, offer showstopping views of the unbelievable landscape and exceptional flora and fauna. Every exciting turn delivers something new
- The Hanging Bridge – A thrilling steel suspension bridge connecting two cliffs over the majestic Guadalhorce River.
- Wildlife Spotting – Keep an eye out for soaring vultures, eagles, and other native birds. Since 1987 the Caminito del Rey environment has been a designated Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA)
- Breathtaking Rock Formations – Ancient Dolomite cliffs make for a dramatic and imposing setting.
While the height may test your nerves, the trail itself is well-maintained and safety measures ensure a secure experience.
Tickets and Pricing
All in all, walking Caminito del Rey is an incredible day out. Plus, it’s not going to cost you an arm and a leg, which is good because you’re going to need those!
- General Entry: €10 per person
- Guided Tours: €18
- Parking: €2
So, now we know what it is, why it’s sooo cool and how much it costs to get in, let’s tell you about the best time to go!
When is the Best Time to Walk the Caminito del Rey?
We recommend going in December to avoid the summer heat and the crowds. At 17ºC, it was a very comfortable to walk, even while carrying plenty of drink in our rucksacks.
But what’s it like at other times of the year?
- Spring (March–May) – Mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers make this a picturesque time to visit.
- Autumn (September–November) – Comfortable weather and fewer crowds.
- Winter (December–February) – Cooler but still pleasant, and much quieter than peak season.
Avoiding the Summer Heat
While summer is a popular time to visit, it can be extremely hot, with temperatures exceeding 35ºC some days – and it’s definitely not advisable suffering from heat stroke or dehydration while you’re walking a pathway 100m in the air.
However, if you must visit between June and August, aim for an early morning or late afternoon slot to escape the worst of the summer heat.
Best Time of Day to Visit
For the best experience, get out there early in the morning when temperatures are lower, and the light enhances the stunning scenery. Late afternoons are also a littler cooler, but mornings generally offer fewer crowds, allowing for a more peaceful experience.
How Long Does it Take to Complete the Caminito del Rey Walk?
The whole walk took us about three hours, including wandering up the access road to the main entrance in the northern part of the Caminito.
But, while the walk is the main event of the day, don’t let that stop you from treating the family to a beautiful day out.
A picnic in the open air is what many families enjoy on the way. We found a beauty spot for a quick pit stop, where the lay of the land was so dramatic, we felt we were sitting on the set of a Spaghetti Western or an old Winnetou film.
How to Get to the Caminito del Rey
The Caminito del Rey is located near El Chorro, about an hour’s drive from Málaga. You can reach it easily by car. You can park on the Northern Access Area which is closer to the main entrance of the Caminito.
However, we recommend parking at the Southern Access Area in El Chorro and taking the shuttle up to th entrance. The bus only costs €2.50pp and it means you can walk directly back to your car rather than waiting for a return bus after the trek.
Some hikers prefer to explore at their own pace, while others enjoy the added context from guides. Either way, we’d definitely book in advance, especially during peak season.
Other Things to Do in the Costa del Sol
The Caminito del Rey is just one of many incredible experiences in southern Spain. While in the area, consider exploring:
1. Relax on the Beaches
The Costa del Sol is famous for its stunning coastline. Top beaches include Playa de la Malagueta in Málaga, Cabopino Beach near Marbella, and Playa de Burriana in Nerja. Whether you’re after lively beach bars or secluded coves, there’s a perfect spot for everyone.
2. Visit Málaga’s Historic Centre
Discover the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, explore the Alcazaba Fortress, and enjoy tapas in Málaga’s charming old town. The city is a cultural hub, with excellent museums, historic architecture, and a vibrant culinary scene.
3. Explore Andalusia’s White Villages
Take a scenic drive to picturesque villages like Ronda, Mijas, and Setenil de las Bodegas, each offering stunning views and rich cultural heritage. These villages provide a glimpse into traditional Andalusian life with their whitewashed houses, narrow streets, and charming plazas.
4. Experience Andalusian Cuisine
Indulge in Andalusian cuisine with fresh seafood, jamón ibérico and gazpacho. Try espetos (grilled sardines) at a beachfront chiringuito or explore food markets for authentic local flavours.
For a more unique experience, take a Spanish cooking class and learn to make regional specialties like paella and salmorejo.
5. Discover the Region’s Natural Parks
Hike in El Torcal de Antequera, kayak in the Nerja caves, or visit Doñana National Park, home to the endangered Iberian lynx. The region’s diverse landscapes offer something for every nature lover.
6. Enjoy Outdoor Adventures
If you love adventure, try activities like rock climbing in El Chorro, paragliding over the mountains, or paddleboarding along the coast. The Costa del Sol is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.
Is the Caminito del Rey Worth It?
Absolutely! Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a unique experience, the Caminito del Rey offers an unbeatable combination of adventure, history, and natural beauty.
Plus, with the Costa del Sol’s beaches, culture and cuisine just a short drive away, it’s the perfect addition to any Andalusian getaway. We couldn’t recommend it enough.
Discover More Thrilling Jane Blonde Adventures On Our Travel Channel
If all that death-defying hiking sounds a little too out of your comfort zone, don’t panic. You don’t have to move a muscle to hear about more thrilling adventures like this in Europe.
Well, that’s not strictly true. You might need a couple of finger muscles to head over to TA-DAH.TV and uncover all the wonders that are waiting on our Travel Channel. You’re not likely to break a sweat though.
