Christmas in Mallorca, Spain

Christmas in Mallorca, Spain

The past few weeks in London had been cold – colder than I care for, but I had Christmas in Mallorca to look forward to! Work days at a top of 3 degrees, and when you top that off with a daily ride to work full of sniffly, coughing commuters, well, you can appreciate that we all need a little break come Christmastime.

 

I’d been very good [hello Santa] coming up to the festive period. One who enjoys the sparkly allure of a Christmas party, this year the late nights were kept in check, that is, until 22 December when a slew of happy events led me to being in a state not at all fit for a 4.30am rise.

We got through Stansted airport, fending off the rest of the Saturday morning school holiday rush. I thought I was doing well, despite the brain fog and living on the edge of severe grumpiness, only to get to security and realise my computer and liquids were inside my carry-on suitcase. I slid the laptop out through the side and attempted a very cunning manoeuvre to remove my plastic bag full of liquids, only for the entire suitcase to flip over on itself and for all the contents to scatter along the floor.

Oh yes, I was that person.

It would have been hilarious if only it wasn’t me. I’m sure for the hoards of holiday-goers trying to cope pre-caffeine it was hysterical. I didn’t look. I still can’t think too much about it.

 

Fortunately, just over two hours later, I was in Spain where I would happily take the sun and breezy 17 degrees by the marina – a pleasurable escape from the grey that has been my adopted home of the UK (I’m its biggest fan but even I need a little sunshine every now and then).

Thank the Universe for Christmas in Mallorca (sometimes spelled Majorca).

Then there was Spain

There really is something about Spain, for us at least.

We love the language and the accents and the culture. The sun and beaches are pretty nice too.

Last Christmas we defied tradition and visited Ibiza, a long-time dream destination of ours. It certainly did not disappoint and remains one of our favourite places. I’m looking forward to returning to that blissful, melodic island – probably in summer when everything is open!

We couldn’t get as far as home (Queensland), so wanted an Ibiza-esque Christmas experience in 2017. That is, sunshine, beautiful scenery and travel experiences, but with a little more actually happening over the festive break. After a long discussion where the list of possibilities became impossible (we just want to go everywhere!), one weekend in September we literally closed our eyes and put a virtual pin on Google Maps.

Mallorca (or Majorca) was the winner.

Is anything open at Christmas in Mallorca?

At Christmastime for most around the world, we all encounter the same thing which is a lack of activities, shopping and travel options on offer late December. Fair enough, this is a time for families and if you’re lucky enough to not be working, then so be it (you deserve it!).

As a visitor to a region though, we want to be able to take in a couple of new experiences, and my research indicated that while much of the island of Mallorca may not be open (some beach clubs operate seasonally across the summer months), the capital of Palma promised to be abuzz with plenty to do.

As it turns out, this is very true. Even London totally (totally!) shuts down on Christmas day, but in Mallorca the local buses were operating, as was City Sightseeing (hop on hop off bus tour) and many bars and restaurants opened their doors.

Winter in Mallorca – travel tips, transport and best-of

The weather in December averages a top of about 15 or 16 degrees. It’s warm in the sun but can be a little chilly if there’s a breeze, and the temperature does drop at night. It’s quite pleasant though.

The capital, Palma, is buzzing with plenty going on, so in the first instance wander the back streets, visit art galleries, take a look inside the old churches and try some tapas.

The Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma (or La Seu) is unmissable, its Gothic structure standing tall over the city. Work on this cathedral began in the 13 Century, and famous architect Antoni Gaudí (who has left his stamp all over Barcelona) even spent time working on this structure between 1904 and 1914.

Another Gothic structure that’s well worth the trip to the top of a hill overlooking the city, is Bellver Castle. The only circular castle in all of Spain, this 14th Century structure is really interesting to explore, and with a huge bonus in that it boasts the best views across Mallorca.

Hire a bike and ride along the extensive promenade, explore the marinas and along the coast.

You could ride to, or take bus number 25 to nearby beach s’Arenal. Many beaches and beach clubs around the island are closed over winter but this is a nice area and some eateries and shops are open.

The bus system is quite easy to use, but you’ll need cash. A single fare is currently €1.50, and the driver can change up to a €10 note.

If you have spare time and in need of retail therapy, there’s plenty of stores and a mall in the city, and a large shopping destination called Porto Pi which you can take a bus or a cab to.

Another experience that was mentioned to us a few times was a steam train that runs between Palma and Soller on the other side of Mallorca.

The whole trip is about an hour and a half one way, and you can’t pre-book tickets. The line was closed for maintenance when we were there, but this seems like it would be a lovely thing to do. Do keep an eye on the timetable though, because return trip would need to be planned.

Christmas in Palma – dining ideas

To be honest, we didn’t have a bad meal here! I remember being concerned about what may not be open at Christmas in Mallorca but there’s no need to worry, you’ll have plenty to choose from even on 25 December.

Notable venues we found:

Lennox the Pub, for €2.50 glasses of wine and gorgeous bar ambience.

Cafeteria Tropic (opposite the marina and next to the Auditorium), for delicious tapas.

Hogan’s Live Music, Sports Bar & Restaurant for yummy burgers, pub menu and music.

Bodega can Rigo, in Palma town, a charismatic little restaurant and bar, excellent food and coffee and a popular bar since 1949. We literally stumbled across this place and loved it!

Chez Camille for a finer dining experience.

All of the above and much more was open on Christmas day. It’s quiet around 5pm so go for a wander and see what takes your fancy.

Average weather in Ibiza in winter: sunny!

Average weather in Ibiza in winter: sunny!

Winter in Ibiza is an excellent choice for anyone wanting to escape the cold of other Euro destinations. We visited from the UK for Christmas in Ibiza, and the average weather in Ibiza at this time was about 18 degrees and sunny during the day! Spain in general is pretty great at this time of year, especially around the Barcelona region or Mallorca, but there is indeed something very special about the islands.

Winter in Ibiza was basically a perfect experience for us. Read our travel guide and tips on things to do…

Average weather in Ibiza in winter is warm – get your dose of winter-sun

This year’s winter in the UK has already been particularly long, grey and cold – worse than last year in my view.

That said, I’d prefer it to sweating (southern hemisphere Christmas!), but this December it was time for a break, which is why we ended up in Ibiza for winter.

Last year we visited Copenhagen in Denmark and had some lovely family for Christmas company along for the ride. It was fantastic – a cool city and Tivoli Gardens, the world’s oldest operating amusement park, was a magical highlight.

However this year I wanted to change a couple of things with regards to an end-of-year break:

− it needed to be less expensive

− it needed to offer more of a mix of options to explore (travel), as well as options to rest

− it needed to be warmer!

 

Recalling that the Mediterranean seemed to be at least sunny when we cruised through back in January 2013, my research began ….

Sunny climates in Europe during winter

And it started in August because previously I’ve left plans really late by which time flights everywhere are expensive.

Long story short, I found a good deal through British Airways holidays which included flights from London City airport (tick, that’s our closest);

–>to Ibiza in Spain (double tick, always wanted to go!);

–>staying at a central resort by the beach with American half board (so breakfast and dinners, including seven courses for our special Christmas meal were included in the package).

Yes, yes and yes.

Old Town in Ibiza, average weather in Ibiza at this time of year is sunny and warm

But like many of even the world’s biggest destinations, much is shut over Christmas, and in Ibiza even more so outside of its popular summer season.

Ibiza’s small local population swells about five times in summer, with the island boasting the usual beautiful delights of this part of Europe as well as allegedly ‘the best clubs in the universe’ (Ibiza is known as the home of dance music).

What to do in Ibiza in winter then? Travel guide suggestions:

Walking or hiking

We were based along Figueretas beach which is situated about 15 to 20 minutes (easy) walk from the main island ‘city centre’, cruise marina, shopping strips and the ‘old town’.

Cooper and I enjoy being able to walk everywhere in a town, and it is an activity that is free, can be done in most weather conditions (although we got lucky with sunny days), and regardless of what’s open.

In Ibiza the walking or hiking options are endless, with beachfront, villages, cliffs and green hills to explore.

Only thing to be mindful of in our experience, is while it was warm throughout the day, temperatures dropped quickly around 4pm which could be a problem if you are far from home and all of a sudden not dressed appropriately.

Ocean in Ibiza in winter, beautiful, with average weather in Ibiza during the day about 18 degrees

 

Creative exploration

It’s not a big stretch to imagine that a sun drenched Spanish island is pretty, and Ibiza certainly is.

From ocean to mountains, vineyards, cool street art, contemporary and old architecture blending as one, it’s a great destination for the modern content creator.

Photographers, videographers, writers and artists will find much inspiration, particularly as the light changes across the course of a day.

wall-ibiza in winter -travellivelearn-sarah-blinco

 

Boat rides and beaches

Unfortunately we just missed this option because of much being closed over Christmas, but there’s a number of day trips you can enjoy around Ibiza even in the winter.

That said, try to book in advance online as there is far less operating than between April and October.

A ferry to Formentera (the smallest of Spain’s Balearic islands in the Mediterranean Sea) for a chilled out day by the crystal clear blue is something that was recommended and I’ll make it happen next time!

Winter views of the beautiful marina in Ibiza, average weather in Ibiza during December is fine and sunny

 

Sant Antoni is the main clubbing area and includes the famous sunset strip where summertime ravers enjoy shows by the world’s coolest DJs as the sun sets over the Med.

Pretty much everything is closed in winter with only a few cafes and restaurants operating to cater for the boating crowd. But for the curious (like me), for €2 bus no. 3 from Avenue d’Isidor Macabich (a main street in Eivissa’s city centre) will get you to where all the action takes place.

In about 25 minutes you’ll be on the other side of the island and can spot locations of some of the famous dance music fun-hubs like Cafe del Mar and Cafe Mambo.

Further reading: Ibiza’s best beaches and some of the island’s secret beaches via The Guardian travel.

 

The long lazy lunch

While most up this way in the world are rugged-up at Christmastime, we enjoyed still, warm and sunny 18 degree days. Best to make the most of it then!

We thought the Chinese cuisine was delicious and well priced at Restaurant Taiwan along Figueretas beachfront. Just up a bit from there is Oferta, a little family-run hole-in-the-wall (almost) business that was actually open when nothing else was.

Their food was good, but don’t accidentally order the cheap local beer that turns out to be non-alcoholic – oops.

Next door to Oferta is a larger pub-like establishment, Bistro Magnus; and for a classy meal and cocktail with a view look up Cotton lounge bar, also positioned on the Figueretas waterfront.

Bondi at Sant Antoni is a cafe/bar/restaurant opposite the port, not too far from the bus station where we got off the no. 3 from the city centre.

The food was delicious with many nice vege options on the menu. Friendly service too. Finally, back over on the Sant Antoni side is a beachfront restaurant called Hostal la Torre – sadly we didn’t get to it but it was recommended for sunset gatherings and if it’s as pretty as its pictures it wouldn’t disappoint.

We also frequently bought some nice cheese, salami and inexpensive wine from local Spar supermarkets for beach picnics.

Along the main road Av D’Espanya there’s a few lovely bakeries where you can buy fresh baguettes and coffee to complete your DIY lazy long lunch experience.

Average weather in Ibiza in winter is perfect - even the sunsets are still perfect

 

Just breathe

Meditation, yoga, mindfulness under the sun or even sun bathing – it’s all possible here in winter.

During the day when there’s no breeze it’s really warm; perfect conditions to ‘just be’.

In fact, along the promenade where we were staying I noticed many individuals happily spending quiet time bathed in sunlight; no phones, relaxing, tuning into the sound of the waves, no distractions (except for the odd dog, but even they seemed blissfully content).

hotel-ibiza in winter -travellivelearn-sarah-blinco

 

Next time

When a little more is operating (April to October), I’d like to:

  • Visit the hip and happy Hippy market
  • Book a four hour party boat ferry that cruises around the island
  • Indulge in a winery tour
  • Hike over to the mystical rocky island of Es Vedra in the north west, reputedly the island’s most magnetic point and with an energy similar to that of the Pyramids. I’m actually sure I spotted this when we were flying out at the end of our trip, but we’ll be back…
  • Explore Sant Josep some more – I wanted to make my way over to a little village called Es Cubells which promises a quaint church on a cliff top and a couple of authentic local bars, but the bus wasn’t heading there during our festive stay.
  • Beach bars – the best on the island!

 

Getting around Ibiza

Organise hire of a bike, car or moped for an easier and independent look around the island’s main regions of Eivissa (central), Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Sant Antoni de Portmany, Sant Joan de Labritja and Santa Eularia des Riu.

There is an inexpensive bus service which you’ll need to study the map and website to navigate, and you need change to buy a ticket when boarding, but the service is clean and efficient. The no. 10 gets you to and from the airport to the city centre for €3.50 (single), otherwise a cab is about €15. There are many airport shuttle and pick-up services advertised online but they are totally overpriced so be careful not to be ripped off.

 

Other useful online Ibiza resources:

Ibiza Spotlight features lots of stories and tips for first time visitors on where to eat, travel, club, stay and spend your money.

Ibiza bus includes maps and timetables for the local service around the island.

Ibiza Tourism – official website.

Back to Ibiza in summer 😁

 

 

 

Barcelona tips – 7 travel options and ideas

Barcelona tips – 7 travel options and ideas

The vibrant and cosmopolitan seaside city of Barcelona is the capital of Spain’s Catalonia region – we love it so much, and want to share our best Barcelona tips with you.

Barcelona, famed for amazing tapas, invigorating sangria, football team, architecture, lively bars and restaurants, certainly has its own quirky personality.

This is easily defined by modernistic mansions, Gothic churches, Roman remains and the iconic structures by Antoni Gaudi.

When the summer months arrive, Spain’s beaches (I love the Costa Brava region, about an hour’s drive from Barcelona) are packed with tourists eager to soak in the sun’s warm rays.

There’s plenty more to Spain – (Ibiza, Mallorca…), and bright and beautiful Barcelona – than just beaches, however.

In fact, there’s so much to see and do that it can be overwhelming, which is why we’re sharing some of our Barcelona tips here.

Here’s seven top Barcelona tips for travel in this huge metropolis that I’ve put together following my third and most recent excursion to the city during this past summer.

Barcelona tips - Barcelona marina

Barcelona tips

Travel – make good use of the Metro

Getting around Barcelona is hassle-free, thanks to its metro (train/subway) system.

It’s similar to London’s underground, and is easy to navigate – simply follow the coloured lines to your destination.

There are stations all around the city, close or near to all major attractions, so a great tip for Barcelona travel is to get familiar with how it works.

Purchase the 10-trip pass, a multi-person card which can be shared with your friends, allowing access to the metro for up to ten trips (around €10).

If you have any problems, the stations have information boxes (push the ‘help’ button) where you can speak to someone in English.

Be mindful though, that some parts of the metro shut down after midnight, so if you’re planning a big one out, ensure you know how you are getting home safely and have a cab number plus your address handy.

Barcelona tips - National Palace, Barcelona

Book tour or attract tickets in advance

Barcelona offers a vast range to see and do, and most of the time it’s very, very busy. For this reason, it’s important to remember to take breaks or leave a day to just chill out.

When exploring, to avoid hours waiting in long queues or worse, the disappointment of being locked of out a venue, book your tickets online.

Compare and contrast prices, starting with a Google search, or Barcelona’s official tourism website. We also utilised Get Your Guide.com.

Park Quell (a colourful and impressive park designed by Gaudi), for example, limits how many people can pass through its gates each day, and you have to be there at the time allotted to you, otherwise you’ll miss your window.

Trust me, after a 15-20 minutes uphill walk under the hot sun, the last thing you want is to be turned away.

This also applies to the La Sagrada Familia (Barcelona’s number one tourist attraction).

When you purchase a ticket, you are given an entrance time.

Do not be late, or admission will be refused, and that would be terrible because this is one attraction you definitely do not want to miss.

The Monastery of Montserrat is an easy one hour train ride from Barcelona.

Once you arrive, you are then whisked to the top of the mountain up 1,200 metres by cable car (about €20 for the entire trip – train and cable car inclusive) .

That said,  you can also drive (or for the more adventurous, walk) to the top.

 

Drinking the water in Barcelona

Yes, the tap water in Barcelona is safe to drink, but I didn’t really like the taste.

It’s also okay to drink from the many fountains located around the city.

Just be mindful that because the water is a little different, it may affect your stomach. Although, eating tapas and drinking sangria might also have an impact!

Legend has it, if you drink water from the La Font de Canaletes near the top of Las Ramblas you will always return to Barcelona. Works for me!

Tip: Purchase two litre water bottles (€0.95) from supermarkets and distribute into smaller bottles. In summer you need to hydrate – it’s HOT here!

 

Barcelona tips - Monastery of Montserrat

Dress appropriately and protect your skin

Important Barcelona tips for during the summer months: expect to be hot and sweaty!

The number of people I witnessed wearing denim jeans and shorts, big boots, heels (yes, heels) and no sun protection, surprised me. Dress in comfortable, cool clothing.

Walking to Park Quell (15 to 20 minutes) is up a hill, so expect to sweat and burn.

Also, when it’s 28 plus degrees, please don’t drag your poor dog along for the journey.

Hot footpaths burn their paws, there is no shade or facilities to give your suffering dog a drink of water (excuse the rant, but it disgusted me to see that people can be so thoughtless).

 

Dining out

Let’s be honest, every major city in the world has its own version of tapas, but none do it better than Barcelona.

This means it’s time to tantalise the taste buds and indulge in the incredible variety of food.

Realistically, it means loosening the belt buckle and sampling plates and plates of tapas (small entrée size meals) washed down by a cold glass of sangria (Spain’s most famous drink).

Tapas bars, cafes and high-quality restaurants (more than 20 boasting Michelin stars) litter Barcelona, like hundreds and thousands sprinkled over a cake.

Many tapas joints and cafes offer set menus for around €10 to €15. If you explore the many twisting side streets across the city centre, you’ll discover family-run eateries where your dining experience is more authentic and less expensive.

Tip: Visit the La Boquiera, one of Europe’s largest and most famous food markets along Las Ramblas.

Its grand iron entrance is the gateway to a colourful world of food of all varieties (great for gathering some enviable Instagram snaps too).

 

Have a go – speak the language

In Barcelona there are two languages spoken, Catalan and Spanish.

Barcelona is the capital of Catalunya and therefore Catalan is spoken by the people of Barcelona.

However, both Spanish and Catalan is widely spoken. There is nothing more rewarding and exciting than conversing in the native tongue.

Surprisingly, it’s amazing how very little Spanish you actually need to know to get by. Navigating the city, ordering food or simply being courteous, is made easier by understanding a few simply phrases or words.

Furthermore, the locals and hospitality staff appreciate the fact, that you have made the effort to even try.

Tip: It’s fun and there are many apps available to help, so research and add them to your mobile device before heading to Spain.

 

Barcelona tips - Monastery of Montserrat

 

Be safe

When I passed through customs, I was greeted by a friendly immigration officer who made a point of reminding me to be cautious when carrying bags, wallets, purses and backpacks.

Barcelona is one of the safest cities in the European Union and not once, have I felt unsafe, intimidated or frightened.

But, as with travel anywhere, you need to be cautious and use common sense. Here are a few safety tips for getting around in Barcelona:

  • Don’t place valuables on tables or under tables (keep on your lap)
  • Beware of strangers touching or approaching you
  • Be cautious on the beach and metro
  • Don’t carry all your money at once
  • Carry backpacks on your front if possible
  • When shopping don’t take out your purse/wallet or forage around in your bag; have money already organised prior to purchasing
  • Be extra careful if you go out drinking – keep your wits about you
  • Popular crime spots include Las Rambles, Sagara Familia, hotel lobbies and metro stations

As you can see from this list though, it’s nothing you wouldn’t or shouldn’t do in any other city around the world.

There’s a lot of scaremongering that goes on about Barcelona, but there’s nothing to worry about if you use a little common sense.

Barcelona is a wonderful city that intoxicates the senses and leaves you wanting more, especially if you’re a creative! Dump your belongings at the hotel and get in amongst it.

Got a Barcelona travel tip? Share with us in the comments.

−Cooper

Travel blogger conference TBEX for writers and content producers

Travel blogger conference TBEX for writers and content producers

Ah TBEX travel blogger conference, my old friend.

We met again this past weekend, in Spain, no less. My fiance would be jealous – lucky he came along this time!

You’re a beautiful event – life-changing, many might say; and making a cameo at one of your spectacular soirees is becoming an annual pilgrimage for me.

“Pilgrimage” is, in fact, the correct word, for our first encounter was when I specifically flew from Australia to meet you in Dublin in 2013.

I ventured to Athens last year to catch up on all the latest in travel tales and trends. Recently too in Costa Brava, set alongside the spectacular ‘brave coastline’ of Spain, about two hours from Barcelona.

I brought along a couple more TBEX recruits, my aforementioned fiance, Cooper, and our mate, The Hardy Traveller, Amy.


(If this video does not play, you can watch it directly on YouTube here;
click to close ads, this video is captioned)

 

Travel blogger conference TBEX

It’s easy to discover what you’re about simply by searching #TBEX on any social stream that counts (and then some).

‘The future of travel media’ is your usual theme, targeting bloggers, new media content creators and creative dreamers seeking experience above any other attachments.

Experience helps each of us learn more about ourselves, and how we can help share a message that might make the world a better place.

Travel blogger conference TBEX for travel writers and content producers

 

TBEX travel blogger conference, an annual get-together, usually hosted in North America as well as in Europe, and this year for the first time in Asia too.

I love that you’re an affordable and unique conference for new media and travel bloggers/writers/content creators, overflowing with learning opportunities in the form of wonderful workshops, networking functions, travel experiences and chic parties that showcase the host destination.

 

Loving Costa Brava, TBEX 2015

Costa Brava was no exception – an especially cool and pretty little area of Spain, boasting beautiful coastlines, funky bars, mouth-watering cuisine and an array of interesting, welcoming locals.

This spot didn’t let us down, just as Spain’s other Med-facing destinations like Ibiza and Mallorca haven’t 💕

Highlights of our encounter include the opening night party at luxe Santa Cristina Beach, Nathaniel’s Boyle’s engaging presentation on pod-casting and how, “Its moment is now”; and Michael Collins‘ insightful, educational keynote on the future of travel media.

 

I really do walk away each year on a high; high on information, inspiration and motivation.

TBEX, you are the best of travel, providing a chance to visit new places, party and have fun; but also an opportunity to learn new things, meet inspiring people and be energised about the things that are possible.

Attendees are not just delegates from around the world. We’re a community of like-minded entrepreneurs who are passionate about travel and digital content creation; citizens of the world, all keen to encourage each other to fulfil aspirations to live a beautiful life, rich in experience, and to share this important opportunity with others through words, images, video and multimedia.

If you believe you can, but don’t know where to start – start here, just like I did. It will change your life.

Can’t wait to see you again in Stockholm for TBEX Europe 2016. Click the link for all the content tips we were taught!

 

TBEX travel blogger conference: the latest for you

Read all the updates and adventures from TBEX in the Czech Republic and watch the video. Hope to see you at the next event!

 

Want more from the Costa Brava? Here’s just a few of the many lovely posts from fellow TBEXers on Lloret de Mar and surrounding regions in Spain:

 

Meet more travellers: Nomadic Life

Modern, beautiful Barcelona

Modern, beautiful Barcelona

I had a sneaking suspicion that I’d like beautiful Barcelona. All of our friends in London have maintained for a while now that we’d like the place; additionally we’ve been attempting to learn Spanish on and off since late last year. I suppose Spain has always been of interest to me, so it’s been amazing to actually visit. Evidently we’re not alone in maintaining a fascination with the country – tourism is a critical industry and more tourists visit annually than the actual population of the nation!

While I’d love to explore the rest of Spain because I believe there are many more beautiful and exciting pockets to discover within the country itself, and despite us really only encountering an ‘overview’ of Barcelona, our general consensus is – we love it here! I’d love to return to Prague or Rome, but Barcelona is one of those places we could live in. It’s one of our new ‘cool’ cities, like New York, Tokyo, London or Vancouver. Barcelona has a nice energy – like London, but without the hectic pace. Our time here has been sunny, brimming with friendly people speaking in their seductive native tongue, delicious food, fabulous neighbourhoods with interesting architecture, sculpture and modern art, chic shopping, beautiful beaches lined with sexy bars and restaurants (like the Carpe Diem Lounge Bar, pictured below, where we enjoyed a cocktail last night with Leann and Evan), and even a fabulous dog park opposite our (very comfortable) Ibis hotel. It’s all here!

Carpe_diem_lounge_bar_640x480

Two days in Barcelona hasn’t been long enough for Cooper and I, but we felt that we utilised our first free day (yesterday) pretty well by purchasing a hop-on-hop-off Barcelona Bus Turistic pass (buy online for a 10% discount) which cruises around the city on three separate routes and offers a value-for-money guided overview of each neighbourhood, history and attractions.

Temperatures have been a little down from Italy (thank God) so the open-top view from the bus was enjoyable as we snapped photos of the city under the sun. There are more attractions here than I can even begin to name in this post (and unfortunately many more than we could actually visit in two days) but at least we managed to learn about and see many of the city’s gorgeous medieval cathedrals, Olympic stadium and arenas from 1992’s set-up (an image at end of post), Barcelona football club’s headquarters (and thousands of fans gearing up for the game that was being played last night), precincts down by the marina, and of course many enthralling sculptures and architectural wonders that Barcelona is renowned for.

Sagrada_familia_640x480

In particular, the works of Antoni Gaudi dominate the city which, whilst being both modern and cosmopolitan in nature, boasts a rich history in architecture and the arts. In spite of fascinating Romanesque and Renaissance period buildings, it is Gaudi’s ‘Modernisme’ and structures like the stunning (yet unfinished) ‘Sagrada Familia‘ (pictured above) which attracts millions of visitors to Barcelona each year and is of interest to even the likes of me (and I know nothing about design or architecture, although I can appreciate that which is innovative and pleasing to the eye).

There’s an aquarium and a zoo here, famous shopping and people-watching mall La Rambla, and as mentioned, a simply divine strip of clubs and restaurants (including a popular ‘Ice Bar’ (even the cups and candle-holders are made of ice, as Leann and Evan discovered, pictured below)) by the beach and casino (off Ciutadella Vila Olimpica train stop). The transport network here is efficient and inexpensive, at just €11 for a two-day pass, or about €8 for a multi-trip pass.

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There is something for everyone in this loveable Spanish city – art, design, beaches, shopping, music, food (glorious food – our fabulous ‘lunch’ image above – a €9 authentic buffet in the Gothic Quarter, but we’ve also indulged in tapas and paella of which you can find many restaurants, particularly along La Rambla), history (modern and ancient) and of course, sport.

For anyone landing here during a football (soccer) game, try your luck at the ground’s box-office for tickets – do not buy from sellers in the street as your tickets are likely to be fake.

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Travel tip:

On the note of ‘warnings’ – Barcelona is renowned for pick-pockets and thieves. While we didn’t encounter any problems, some travellers we know did. Keep belongings with you/in sight at ALL times (on the town, in hotel reception, at train stations etc.); and also when you are leaving your bus/hotel/belongings always ensure you are carrying a credit card and cash as well as phone and/or contact numbers for emergencies in the event you are separated from friends/tours/in the face of any kind of trouble or unforseen situation.

A phrase book can come in handy in Barcelona, although mostly we got by with a few key words/sentences and some enthusiastic acting.

Leave time for exploring this city, and it’s probably a good idea to research what you would like to see before you get here, and/or enlist the services of a tour such as the Bus Turistic option so that you have the opportunity to become acquainted with where everything is located and how it all fits into the grand scheme of things: circle points on your map, then follow the train loops and live it up with the gorgeous locals.

Explorer travel tip:

I’ve just discovered that Susan on our Expat Explore bus found an amazing €15 sailing deal – one and a half glorious hours out on the ocean off Barcelona, with live music included! Definitely one to look out for next time around.

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If you’re a fellow Expat Explorer or fan of this city and want to list your fabulous Barcelona finds/tips for other travellers, simply ‘comment’ below.