First European Forum of World Heritage Site Managers
22nd to 25th April 2025, Alhambra of Granada
About the forum
More than 500 UNESCO World Heritage Sites document Europe’s cultural and natural heritage. Architectural monuments, urban ensembles, industrial, archaeological and natural sites, cultural landscapes… they all bear witness to the history of our continent.
Aware of the importance and representativeness of Europe in relation to the UNESCO World Heritage List, the European Network of World Heritage Associations was created in 2015 as a meeting place for associations and similar initiatives to regularly exchange information and experiences on World Heritage.
This forum is organised by the Alliance of Cultural Landscapes and Related World Heritage Sites, an association that brings together sites from Spain, Portugal and Andorra, in collaboration with the Spanish Ministry of Culture, the Patronato de la Alhambra and the European Network of World Heritage Site Associations.
The forum will provide both a theoretical framework and a platform for heritage managers to share practical experiences—both successes and challenges—on key topics. Discussions will focus on five major themes identified in recent international reports and declarations: the role and mandate of site managers, climate change challenges, sustainable tourism opportunities, management best and worst practices, and communication strategies. Each theme will be explored in dedicated working sessions, allowing participants to exchange insights and develop collaborative solutions.
As an outcome of the forum, European Site Managers, supported by coordinators and raconteurs, will compile a document reflecting their concerns, visions, and proposed solutions on these topics. This collective effort aims to enhance heritage management across Europe, fostering stronger collaboration, better protection strategies, and increased public awareness of World Heritage sites.
Watch the forum live!
How to get there
How to travel from several airports of Spain to Granada by train
From major Spanish airports to Granada
Here is information on how to get to Granada from the airports of Seville, Madrid, Málaga, and Barcelona by train, along with links to Renfe.com and guidance on purchasing tickets:
1. From Seville Airport (Aeropuerto de Sevilla)
- Step 1: From Seville Airport, take the EA bus line to Sevilla Santa Justa train station.
- Step 2: Board a direct train from Sevilla Santa Justa to Granada. Trains are available from 07:14 h onwards: Renfe
- Tickets: Purchase your tickets in advance through Renfe’s official website: Seville to Granada Trains & Renfe.com
2. From Madrid Airport (Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas)
- Step 1: From Madrid Airport, take the C1 Cercanías train line to Madrid Puerta de Atocha – Almudena Grandes station: Renfe
- Step 2: Take a direct train from Madrid Puerta de Atocha – Almudena Grandes to Granada. Trains are available from 07:00 h onwards: Renfe
- Tickets: Secure your tickets in advance via Renfe’s official website: Madrid to Granada Trains
3. From Málaga Airport (Aeropuerto de Málaga-Costa del Sol)
- Step 1: From Málaga Airport, take the C1 Cercanías train line to Málaga María Zambrano station.
- Step 2: Currently, there are no direct trains from Málaga to Granada. The most convenient option is to take a direct bus from Málaga to Granada. Buses depart from Málaga’s main bus station and the journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Tickets: Purchase your bus tickets through ALSA’s official website: ALSA – Málaga to Granada Buses
4. From Barcelona Airport (Aeropuerto de Barcelona-El Prat)
- Step 1: From Barcelona Airport, take the R2 Nord Cercanías train line to Barcelona Sants station.Renfe
- Step 2: Board a direct train from Barcelona Sants to Granada. Direct trains are available at 06:45 h, with a journey time of approximately 6 hours and 26 minutes.
- Tickets: Book your tickets in advance through Renfe’s official website: Barcelona to Granada Trains & Renfe.com
Purchasing Tickets:
- Visit Renfe’s official website: Renfe.com
- Enter your departure and arrival stations, select your travel dates, and choose the train that best fits your schedule.
- Follow the prompts to complete your purchase.
For bus journeys from Málaga to Granada, visit ALSA’s official website: ALSA
Ensure to check the latest schedules and availability before your trip, as they may vary
Travelling in Granada by taxi
In Granada, taxis are a convenient and affordable mode of transportation. To arrange a taxi, consider the following options:
1. Hailing a Taxi on the Street: Granada’s taxis are white with a diagonal green stripe. If the taxi’s green light is illuminated, it indicates availability. You can easily flag one down on the street when you see this signal engranada.Info
2. Using Taxi Ranks: Designated taxi stands are strategically located throughout the city. These stands ensure a steady availability of taxis for passengers. en.granada.info
3. Contacting Taxi Companies Directly: Two primary taxi companies operate in Granada:en.granada.info
- Tele Radio Taxi: +34 958 280 654 en.granada.info
- Radio Taxi Genil: +34 958 132 323 en.granada.info
Please note that operators may primarily speak Spanish, and advance bookings might not be available. GranadaInfo
4. Booking Private Transfers: For pre-arranged transportation, private transfer services offer options such as airport pickups and city tours. One such service is Granada Taxi Transfers, which can be contacted at +34 951 254 208. granadataxitransfers.com
Payment Methods: Most taxis in Granada are equipped with card payment terminals. However, it’s advisable to confirm with the driver before starting your journey to ensure your preferred payment method is accepted. en.granada.info
Additional Tips:
- Language: Some drivers may understand basic English, but they mainly speak Spanish.
- Fares: Taxis operate on a metered system with standardized fares regulated by local authorities. Always ensure the meter is running at the start of your trip.
- Lost Items: If you leave an item in a taxi, contact the respective taxi company with details about your trip to assist in retrieving your belongings.
By utilizing these options, you can effectively arrange taxi services during your stay in Granada.
Agenda
Topics and events these days
22nd April – Arrival of participants
Arrival of participants.
23rd April – Venue: Charles V Palace
| 08.30 – 09.00 | Official Opening |
| 09.00 – 09.20 | Presentation of the European Network of WH Sites Associations and context of the legal framework for WH sites across Europe: Chris Blandford and Chloe Campo |
| 09.20 – 09.45 | Role and Mandate of WH Site Managers: Ang Ming Chee |
| 09.45 – 10.10 | UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Action plan for Europe and North America: Berta de Sancristóbal – UNESCO World Heritage Center |
| 10.10 – 10.35 | Challenges and risks of climate change: Alfred DeGemmis IUCN |
| 10.35 – 11.00 | Sustainable tourism opportunities: Celia Martínez Yáñez ICOMOS International |
| 11.00 – 11.30 | Coffee break |
| 11.30 – 11.55 | Good and bad management practices: Nicole Franceschini ICCROM |
| 11.55 – 12.20 | Communicating: building bridges and raising awareness: Berta de Sancristóbal – UNESCO World Heritage Center |
| 12.20 – 12.45 | Working groups organisation |
| 13.00 – 14.30 | Lunch. Jardines Alberto (for registered participants) |
| 14.30 – 15.00 | Explanation of group dynamics and introduction of Coordinators and Rapporteurs |
| 15.00 – 16.30 | Working Session 1 (Including presentation of two selected case studies) |
| 16.30 – 17.00 | Coffee break |
| 17.00 – 18.30 | Working Session 2 (Including presentation of two selected case studies) |
| 18.30 -19.00 | Free time |
| 19.00 – 20.00 | Night visit to Alhambra of Granada (for registered participants) |
| 20.30 | Dinner. Restaurante Gastrobar SIBARIUS (for registered participants) |
24th April – Venue: Charles V Palace
| 9:30 – 11:00 | Working Session 3 (Including presentation of two selected case studies) |
| 11:00 – 11:30 | Coffee break |
| 11:30 – 13:00 | Working Session 4 (Including presentation of two selected case studies) |
| 13:00 – 14:30 | Lunch. Jardines Alberto (for registered participants) |
| 14:30 – 16:00 | Working Session 5 (elaboration of conclusions of each working group) |
| 16:00 – 16:30 | Coffee Break |
| 16:30 – 18:00 | Plenary session: drafting of the Declaration of the 1st European PM Managers Forum |
| 18:00 – 20:00 | Closure and Free time |
| 20.15 – 22.30 | Farewell dinner and Flamenco Show. Palacio de los Córdova (for registered participants) |
25th April – Meeting point: Charles V Palace
| 9.30 – 12.30 | Visit to the Alhambra and guided tour of Granada. Meeting point: Charles V Palace (for registered participants) |
| 12.30 | End of the Forum |
Workshops
Transforming Insights into Actionable Leadership.
Gallery
Networking in Focus, Success in Frames!
