Just call it the “coast gone wild” or, in other words, the Costa Brava. While this northeastern region of Spain is famous for its rocky coast and long stretches of sand, it also has medieval villages, natural reserves, and fine art. I’ve taken several variations of a Costa Brava road trip with my family over…
Category: Beyond BCN
Travel in other parts of Spain.
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…
The Romantic Medieval Town of Besalú
It’s amazing that Besalú — a town of weaving cobblestoned streets — has managed to stay so intact since the Middle Ages. Its Romanesque bridge dates back to 1075. And although it’s been reconstructed twice after that, it’s still a well-preserved piece of medieval history. I dropped by this little charmer in December when there were…
Why You Should Visit Cadaques
Described by Salvador Dalí as “the most beautiful village in the world”, Cadaqués has proven to be that charming seaside town with a refreshing feel. This well-preserved town has attracted other past artists such as Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso, and Henri Matisse and continues to enchant 30,000 visiting tourists every summer. Wanting to get away…
Kid-Friendly Day Trips from Barcelona
Kid-Friendly Day Trips from Barcelona While Barcelona is a destination that has it all, you’d be surprised to find out about the richness and variety of places outside the city. Whether it’s castles, caves, or beaches, there is so much more beyond Barcelona’s borders. As a resident of 12 years, I still don’t feel like…
3 days in Seville: Things to Do and See
Seville is the birthplace of Spanish stereotypes: fruity sangria, passionate bullfights, and fiery flamenco. But it’s more than that. It’s the Sevillanos’ spirited nature, their never-changing Andalusian traditions, and the way they enjoy every day, not just the weekends. Those are the reasons that captured my heart when I came to Seville as a wanderlust-y exchange student…
Supersize It: Playing Big at Parc de Francesc Macià
Let’s say you want to feel tiny — just for fun. I’m talking “Honey I Shrunk the Kids” tiny. Well there’s a spectacular park in Catalonia where little ones (and big ones) can pretend they’re as big as their thumb. It’s at the Parc de Francesc Macià in Malgrat de Mar. It’s just one hour away…
Carmona: The Most Charming Town of the Dead
A town with Roman and Moorish roots, Carmona is a special Andalusian gem with its rolling hills and medieval city walls. Popularly known for its necropolis (a large, ancient cemetery), Carmona is ironically a charming and refreshing place to spend the day. My family and I were here early this month visiting relatives in Seville, which…
My Dream Food Road Trip in Spain
Imagine this — taking a relaxing road trip around Spain, looking at the olive trees on the scenery, and stopping by historic towns with thousands-year-old cathedrals. AND eating the delicacy of the city. This, my friends, is my travel dream. (Which WILL be fulfilled one day.) While I can’t really do this right now, I’m a…
What to eat in Madrid: A Food Guide for First-Time Visitors
From its dark, rustic taverns to the new wave of creative dessert joints, Madrid has an exciting foodscape of Mediterranean flavors and beyond. If you’re a first-time visitor, you’re about learn what to eat in Madrid from an expert guest blogger… Enter Madrid resident and Spain blogger, Perri from Seeking the Spanish Sun! Perri is from Kent,…