Travel Month: April
Hello fellow travelers!
This spring our family set out to explore the diverse landscapes and captivating cities of Spain. From the bustling metropolis of Madrid to the historical wonders of Seville and the captivating streets of Barcelona, this blog promises to take you through some of the most iconic destinations in this beautiful country.
Day 1: Exploring Barcelona
Our adventure began in Barcelona, a city brimming with art, history, and architectural marvels. After a long flight from the US, we arrived in Barcelona, ready to immerse ourselves in the Mediterranean charm. Upon our arrival, we came to know that there was a soccer match scheduled at Camp Nou that evening. Although initially unsure about attending a match at night, we eventually decided to purchase tickets. My son, a passionate soccer enthusiast, was beyond thrilled, and even I, who had never witnessed a live soccer match in a stadium, couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Watching Barcelona FC in action was nothing short of amazing!
Day 2-3: Unveiling Barcelona’s Treasures
The next day, we kicked off our Barcelona exploration by hopping on the convenient hop-on-hop-off bus, which allowed us to explore the city’s key attractions at our own pace.
Our first stop was Camp Nou. Yes, Camp Nou once again! This was our first tour of a soccer stadium. It was huge and there was a museum where we spent almost half the day. If you are a soccer fan, I am sure you won’t want to leave that place anytime soon! Neither did we :-). The next stop was the famous Park Guell and La Sagrada Familia, where a guided tour helped us appreciate the genius of Gaudi’s architectural masterpieces. We had to book the tickets in advance as this was the new rule post covid.
Gaudi’s iconic Casa Mila and Casa Batllo showcase the whimsical modernist architecture that defines Barcelona’s character. In the evening, we strolled down the lively Las Ramblas, absorbed the vibrant street life, and made our way to the historic Gothic Quarter, with its narrow streets and ancient buildings.
Although we had planned to go to some beaches here, we had to skip it because we were all jet-lagged.
Day 4: Journey to Valencia
Leaving Barcelona behind, we headed to Valencia, a city blending history with modernity and boasting a unique architectural fusion. We rented a car and drove to Valencia. It was a 4-hour drive, but we took a detour along the Mediterranean coast to make a few stops near the beaches. The coastal towns were mostly empty during this time as the ocean water was still cold. Not much activity in these beach towns. It felt more like a haunted town. But there were a lot of hotels, and I am sure once summer sets in these towns will be bustling with life and activities.
We reached Valencia in the afternoon and our hotel was near the city center. We just roamed around for a few hours. The streets were crowded, and it felt so lively.
Our first stop in Valencia is the stunning Valencia Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece that reflects various styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque. Next, we went to La Lonja de la Seda, a UNESCO World Heritage site, that enchants us with its intricate medieval design. Valencia City Hall showcases the city’s civic pride, and we admire its striking architecture. The Plaza de Toros de Valencia, a bullring, offers an insight into the country’s traditional bullfighting culture. Porta de la Mar, a historical gate, reminds us of the city’s storied past.
Day 5 – 6: Seville, The soul of Andalusia
We left Valencia behind and embarked on a train journey to the heart of Andalusia, Seville, a city renowned for its flamenco music, vibrant festivals, and enchanting architecture. We arrived in the evening and checked in at the charming Hotel Amadeus. In the evening, we booked a ticket for a live Flamenco performance, an authentic Andalusian experience. I recommend not to miss it!
The next morning, we went sightseeing into the city’s rich heritage with visits to the Royal Alcazar, the Cathedral, and the iconic Giralda Tower. It was getting hotter during the day, so we took the hop-on hop-off bus to see around. We tried the local Tapas and loved the experience of being able to try new dishes in small portions. The food was delicious, and the street music added to the liveliness of the place.
Last day in Seville, we were thinking of visiting the historic Alhambra in Granada or exploring the unique destination of Gibraltar. Since we went to the Royal Alcazar (we thought that it would be a smaller version of Alhambra but we were not sure), we decided to go to a new country Gibraltar instead. Gibraltar is a British territory and about 2-hour drive from Seville. We tried to book a day tour, but there were hardly any on Sundays. The one that was there was charging double the regular price. We decided to rent a car instead and then drove to Gibraltar.
Day 7: Gibraltar
It was an approximately 2-hour drive from Seville to Gibraltar. Upon reaching our destination, we opted to park our car on the Spain side. Having read a blog suggesting that walking across the border might be easier, we decided to try it. A short 10-minute walk brought us to the border, and once we crossed over, we hopped on a public bus heading towards the Rock. After another 10-minute walk, we arrived at the cable car station, which provided a swift 6-minute ride to the top of the Rock. The view from the summit was simply breathtaking, with the azure Mediterranean Sea and a clear sky adding to the magic of the moment. We attempted to catch a glimpse of the African continent from there, but unfortunately, we couldn’t. More on Gibraltar in my Gibraltar post.
Day 8 -10: Madrid – The Spanish Capital
A train ride takes us to our final stop, Madrid. Our stay at the Hyatt Centric Gran Via Madrid sets the tone for our exploration of the heart of the city. This time also, we took the hop-on and hop-off bus in Madrid for city viewing, Our Madrid adventure began at the bustling Plaza Mayor, surrounded by outdoor cafes and restaurants. The elegant Palacio de Cibeles and the iconic Cibeles Fountain are must-see landmarks. A visit to the Palacio Real, the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family, offers a glimpse into royal history. If you love shopping, you will love exploring Gran Via, Madrid’s renowned shopping district, often referred to as the Spanish Broadway.
After an unforgettable journey through the artistic, historical, and cultural treasures of Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, and Madrid, we reluctantly bid adieu to Spain, taking back with us cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for this beautiful country’s rich heritage. Adios, Spain! Until we come again.
Some Travel Tips:
- Check if you need a visa to enter the country.
- Post Covid, you may have to book the tickets to some sightseeing places in advance.
- Take an adapter for charging your devices.
- Language is not a problem in most tourist places.
- Carry some Euro with you but in most places, credit cards work.
- Book your train tickets in advance.
- Check if you need driving permit.
If you loved reading this post, please check out my other posts here.
Very well presented. Every quote was awesome and thanks for sharing the content. Keep sharing and keep motivating others.
Thanks Leslie. I love traveling and have just started blogging and I am glad you liked it!
Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on websites
I was curious if you ever thought off changing the page layout of your site?
Its very well written; I lobe what youve got to say. But maybe you could a
lttle more in the way of content so people could connect with it better.
Youve got ann awful lot of tdxt for only having one or 2 images.
Maybe you could space it out better? https://www.waste-ndc.pro/community/profile/tressa79906983/