Gateway to the Indies

The discovery and colonisation of the "West Indies”, the subsequent circumnavigation of the globe and the creation of the "Spanish Treasure Fleet" led to a flow of goods, merchandise and ideas from the Port of Seville (later from Cádiz) to the heart of the kingdom, consolidating a necessary and decisive road network on dry land, known as the "Indies Routes”.

The crews had to be supplied with food, the transported goods protected, the travellers and merchants accommodated, and communications and the movement of capital facilitated. Six routes in particular stand out for the importance of their historical role and cultural heritage, as well as their scenic landscape and agricultural and gastronomic tradition. In 2022, they will be joined by a seventh, the 'Magellan-Elcano Route' connecting Guetaria with Sanlúcar de Barrameda, to commemorate the fifth centenary of Elcano's return.