They say that, to have better overall health and well-being, it’s more beneficial to take a short trip than a weeks-long trip. I’m so with this. A few weeks ago, my family drove up north to the Costa Brava. After this 3-day break, I came back feeling like a new woman! Cap de Creus: Mainland…
Author: Justine Ancheta
California native, churro aficionado, and mom of 3, Justine Ancheta writes fervently about Barcelona and Spain. Since 2008, she's been eating burnt onions (calçots) and tripping on cobblestones in the Gothic Quarter. She shares tips on popular attractions, exposes offbeat non-touristy spots, and gives insight on exploring Barcelona with kids. Her next Catalan culture challenge: top level of a human castle (castellers).
Guide to Mount Tibidabo, Barcelona
Once upon a time, in a faraway land in Barcelona…there was a majestic palace that stood on a mountain. On top of the palace was a man. He stood tall – with his arms wide open. Nearby, you could hear squealing children romping about on merry-go-rounds. And see adults gazing off in the distance, looking…
Wandering the Whitewashed Streets of Sitges
Just 35 kilometers from Barcelona, Sitges is that ideal not-too-far-away escape from the city. Because of its microclimate, there are 300 sunny days of the year. And I can say that I’ve never witnessed a bad day at Sitges. Perhaps because the town is painted white and sucks up all that gorgeous light. (Yes, it does…
Beautiful Beaches in Spain to Put on Your Itinerary
Beautiful beaches in Spain to put on your itinerary The coast of Spain touches the Mediterranean Sea to the south and east and the rough Atlantic Ocean to the North and West. It also includes our exotic Canary Islands and Balearic Islands. From secluded coves to quiet fisherman’s villages to rugged Atlantic cliffs, Spain’s 5,000 kilometers…
Gifts for Barcelona lovers that you can order online
Maybe you’ve recently taken a trip to Barcelona. But you forgot to buy a few gifts for friends and family. Or maybe you had such a memorable time…and you’re pining to taste, feel, or see anything that has to do with Barcelona or Spain. Alas! I’ve created this gift guide for you to inspire your…
12 Things to Do at Parc de Ciutadella
The Parc de Ciutadella is the city’s biggest park, and there’s always something to do in this 70-acre lung of Barcelona. While the park often holds cultural events with concerts, workshops, and performances, there’s still so much space to enjoy it. What are some fun things to do on a normal day at Parc…
Fideuà vs. Paella: The Spanish Dish Showdown
Some rivalries in Spain are hard to kill. Real Madrid vs. FC Barcelona. PP versus PSOE versus…Podemos? And in Catalonia, another harsh battle is being fought: the fideuà versus the paella. Anyone familiar with Spanish food knows about paella, a one-pot rice dish stuffed with goodies like mussels, shrimp, chorizo, rabbit, peas, or other ingredients. It belongs…
Montserrat: A Must-See Trip Outside Barcelona
Just 30 minutes outside of Barcelona by car, Montserrat is a tranquil, low-key getaway for locals, tourists, pilgrims, and nature lovers. Known as the heart of the Catalan people, the craggy mountain range not only offers an incredible landscape outside Barcelona, but it’s also a peaceful place for reflection and refuge. In IMHO, it’s the…
Guide to Park Guell, Spain’s Most Colorful Park
Guide to Park Guell, Spain’s Most Colorful Park Call it a giant Candy Land in Barcelona. Park Guell is that place where you feel like a 5-year-old, oohing and ahhing at crazy rock formations and multicolored mosaics. While most parks have your typical grass, trees, and benches, this parks excites and explodes with color. It’s…
Find the Best RFID Passport Wallet, Women’s Edition
Find the Best RFID Passport Wallet, Women’s Edition Whether you’re traveling to Barcelona or shopping at your local strip mall, you’ll want to make sure your credit card and other sensitive information remain safe. We can’t be too sure when a digital thief is lurking near you, especially if you’re in a foreign country. With…