Category: Spain

I must have been to Spain around 10 times now, exploring as much of this country as I possibly can. Each city has its own appeals, from Barcelona’s city culture and great clubs, to the beach life along the coast, over to the fun times in San Sebastian. There are also a number of islands which are popular destinations for British tourists, such as Majorca, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and the one and only Ibiza. When thinking of Spanish food, your mind will most likely wander towards tapas or paella, however what people are often not aware of is how much olive oil they produce. In fact, they are creating almost half of the worlds production levels of olive oil! I’m not sure why this hasn’t become greater public knowledge, with most stereotyping that it comes from Italy. I guess more unsurprising considering ‘Brits abroad’, there are more bars in Spain than anywhere else in Europe. The Spaniards relaxing approach to life will undoubtedly rub off on you, as you have a siesta through the day and end up saying Manana Manana in response to any tasks that pop up along the way which can be delayed. This relaxed state of mind is inevitably affected by the heat during the day.

  • 26 Things To Do In Barcelona

    26 Things To Do In Barcelona

    I first wrote this article almost 12 years ago, but having revisited Barcelona a few times since, it felt like the right time to top it up with plenty of brilliant activities we gave a try.

    From historical landmarks and common tourist attractions to something unique or activities for all the family, I have tried to include it all. If you feel something is missing from the list, please do let me know. While I have covered all the classics, there are also a number of hidden gems in Barcelona that I’ve written about, plus you may want to have a look at the best restaurants in Barcelona for a tasty lunch.

    1)     Gaudi Experience

    What Is It? The Gaudi experience is a 4D cinema depicting a short show (approximately 10 minutes) on Gaudi’s work. It starts with a 2D show with things jumping out and the chairs moving around, before you put on the 3D glasses for the second half and you fly through the streets of Barcelona as the chairs rock all over the place and items fly out at you.

    Why You Should Go? We didn’t see this one come up in many guides to Barcelona, however it was easily one of our favourite parts of our entire holiday. The 4D Cinema isn’t just for families, we had the time of our lives watching it and highly recommend giving it a go.

    Top Tip: Try to arrive at a time when the cinema won’t be full up, we got there for around 4:30pm which was a more quiet period, meaning the cinema was only half full.

    2)     Casa Batllo

    What Is It? The Casa Batllo is a building designed by Gaudi located not too far from the Placa de Catalunya. You will be provided with a tablet and will be able to see how the room was designed with augmented reality, while listening to the audio guide.

    Why You Should Go? For me, the key to this attraction coming second on the list was due to the show at the end. You will make your way through to a room before the door is closed behind you. You will then witness an unbelievable show taking place all around you, on the walls, floor and ceiling. Honestly, I wanted to go back around a dozen times to keep watching it, I was mesmerised.

    Top Tip: When you go to the final show I highlighted above, make sure to get a front view, so go closest to the screen on the wall which is showing something as you enter the room. Also, I believe you have to pay extra to be included in this show, so make sure it’s included with your ticket you purchase.

    3)     Sagrada La Familia

    What Is It? Sagrada La Familia is the famously unfinished church of Barcelona, albeit it should be finished for 2026. Gaudi’s most famous piece of work, he never lived to see it completed, being hit by a tram. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sagrada La Familia is brilliantly innovative and creative.

    Gaudi’s architecture is one of the key attractions to Barcelona, with some truly bizarre and beautiful buildings, such as the Sagrada Familia, La Pedrera or Park Guell. Do look beyond these three however, as there are some really amazing buildings which aren’t always mentioned in the guidebooks, such as Casa Vicens.

    I should mention that Gaudi wasn’t the only architect who produced visually pleasing sites, as many European experts flocked to Barcelona to show off their expertise.

    Why You Should Go? This takes top spot on virtually every list for Barcelona and it requires little reasoning why, being the most stunning building in the city. A trip to Barcelona without a visit to Sagrada La Familia would be sacrilege.

    Top Tip: Download the audio guide before you come along on the app. We forgot to and then couldn’t get any internet connection once there, so we had to go without the audio guide and just wondered around without it. Still an amazing experience though, but the audio guide lasts 45 minutes and I would have loved to listen to it.

    4)     Hop On Hop Off Bus

    What Is It? These are the buses that you can take all over the city, paying for 1 or 2 days, taking you to all the big tourist attractions while being able to listen to the audio guide. I have become a big fan of getting a hop on hop off bus pass with every European city I visit, as it’s a perfect way to learn about the history of the city, while ensuring I visit all the key attractions which will be highlighted on the map provided. You don’t need to bring headphones, they provide them for you, while you can get on and off as many times as you like. The buses are surprisingly regular, being every 10 minutes. There is also a private one, which I can’t speak about as I didn’t try it, but the public one was great.

    Why You Should Go? This is the greatest way of getting all over town, including to some spots a bit further out such as Camp Nou and Park Guell.

    Top Tip: Pay for the 2 day pass, it works out cheaper per day and there is simply no way you can do it all in one day and it works out cheaper than taking taxis or public transport.

    5)     Steel Donkey Bike Tour

    What Is It? The Steel Donkey bike tour is exactly what it sounds like, a tour on bicycles as you go around some of the main attractions in Barcelona. They try to go for some of the less obvious attractions, so they won’t take you to Sagrada La Familia or the Cathedral, instead taking you to other key attractions and talking you through the history of the city.

    Our guide was very informative and we also popped over to the market, where we tried some tasty treats.

    Why You Should Go? This is a great alternative way to learn more about Barcelona, while it’s also really fun to get on a bike and explore the city. The groups aren’t too big (ours was 6 people) so you can easily ask questions along the way.

    Top Tip: Make sure to ask the guide at the start to adjust your seat to the right height so you can comfortably ride. It can be a little tricky to work out the seat adjustment yourself, so it’s better off quickly asking before setting off.

    6)     Montjuic Cable Car

    What Is It? The gondola lift takes you up the Monjuic mountain towards the castle and as long as your fear of heights isn’t too strong then this is definitely worth a go. I loved the brilliant views you got of Barcelona, while the price was around $12 per person.

    Why You Should Go? You should go on the cable car partly for the views, but also to get to the castle, as otherwise the trek up the hill would take a few hours to complete.

    Top Tip: Try to pick a day with clear skies, so you can get a great photo or video without clouds destroying the shot.

    7)  La Rambla

    What Is It? Easily one of the most famous and well known parts of Barcelona, the Rambla is a broad promenade stretching 1.2 kilometres. The thing that I love most about the Ramblas is the space to walk in, with no cars and so much pavement space.

    The contrast between daytime and night-time is quite clear, with people heading out to the bars in the evening, while you should also watch your pockets for pick-pockets.

    This is a great place to stay and there are a number of hotels and hostels offering some great options between elegant and romantic to cheap and cheerful. You can also check out the wax museum and the Christopher Columbus monument while strolling along Las Ramblas. But remember that this area is relatively loud and vibrant, so if you’re looking for a relaxing break, you may want to stay somewhere a bit further away from the seafront.

    Why You Should Go? To watch the street performers, to explore the market stands and to enjoy the wide pathway in this beautiful city.

    Top Tip: Avoid the restaurants and bars on La Rambla, most aren’t as good as others in the city and rely on tourists who don’t do much searching around. I will be writing an article soon on the best places to eat in Barcelona which I recommend giving a read.

    8)     Montserrat Wine Tasting

    montserrat-13

    What Is It? This one is a short trip from Barcelona, however you will meet at the bus station with Castlexperience, who will take you on the coach trip to the mountains, before you take the cogwheel train ride up. You will then have a chance to look around the monastery with your guide providing a number of interesting facts, before you head off for a three course meal. You finish off with the wine tasting, before being taken back in a coach to Barcelona Nord bus station. Our trip was from 9:25am to 7pm.

    Why You Should Go? This was one of the best days of our trip, you can relax with the guide handling every aspect, while it’s surprisingly cheap considering everything that is involved.

    Top Tip: If you’re scared of heights then pick your placement on the cogwheel train ride right, I wanted the great views off the side of the mountain, whereas Raquel preferred to sit the other side to settle her nerves.

    9)     Big Fun Museum

    What Is It? The Big Fun Museum is a bizarre museum filled with optical illusions and hilarious pieces of art. From lying in a giant sink to being in a huge chair or climbing through sweets or sat upon a unicorn, this is like a childhood dream come true!

    Why You Should Go? If you want that unique photo for Instagram or to show people back home, this is one of the most bizarre places you can visit and you can touch the items in the Big Fun Museum.

    Top Tip: Research how to take the best spots for the upside down rooms, we tried the upside down house in Brighton and learned how to get cool shots from visiting.

    10)  Camp Nou

    What Is It? A popular option with football fans, this stadium also impresses the non-football fans based on its giant size and beauty. Holding the title (or at least for now) as the fourth biggest stadium in the world, the Camp Nou has an increasing capacity to 105,000, 15,000 more than Wembley, while it’s the biggest in Europe.

    You will also get to walk through the halls where superstars have walked through every day, such as Etoo, Deco, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Ronaldo (the Brazilian one obviously), Romario, Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, Guardiola, Koeman, Txiki, Michael Laudrup, Maradona, Shuster, Johan Cruyff and a whole host of others before my time.

    Even better than visiting the stadium, if you manage to book in advance, seeing a Barcelona game live at Camp Nou would be simply astounding, to cheer on with almost 100,000 others in unison (well, except the away fans of course).

    Why You Should Go? You might not be a football fan, but walk into that stadium and your breath will be taken away, it is simply huge. I have to admit though, I can’t imagine you could see much of the game from the back of the stadium!

    Top Tip: If you want to get tickets, find out way in advance, as they sell out ridiculously quickly. You can also play a game where you kick the ball against a robot goalkeeper outside the front.

    11)  Casa Mila

    What Is It? I do feel like I wish I had more time for this one, but we had to squeeze it in and rushed around quite a bit. You can listen to the audio guide as you explore the ‘Stone Quarry’, while the rooftop views are brilliant.

    Why You Should Go? If just for the rooftop views, then you will have enjoyed yourself, but don’t underestimate how interesting the inside is.

    Top Tip: If you order your tickets online then you can actually avoid the long queues to buy the tickets and head straight to the entrance.

    12)  Park Guell

    What Is It? The Park Guell is another stop-off on the Hop-on Hop-off bus, hence why getting a 1 or 2 day pass is so worthwhile. The crowds were pretty big when we arrived, which was around midday, so I’d recommend going as early as possible to beat the queues and get a picture which isn’t surrounded by others.

    Why You Should Go? You will find a number of great pieces of work by Gaudi, with the Flora and Fauna one of the most famous. You will also get views across the city, plus there are a number of quieter areas if you sneak away from the main attractions in the park.

    Top Tip: The queue to buy a ticket was ridiculously long, however there was a short queue for people who had ordered there ticket online and just needed to come up to collect them. It’s therefore worth ordering your ticket in advance and just collecting on the day.

    13) The Set Lab

    What Is It? The Set Lab is a photo studio with hilarious props all setup for you to use. You pay for private access, meaning nobody else will be down their except for you. There are a number of sets in place, such as the cereal section of a supermarket, a giant ball pit and a broken safe with money pouring out. There are also a number of selfie ring lights near the sets, however a few were broken, which did eat up a little bit of time as we tried getting them set up properly.

    Why You Should Go? Just like the Big Fun Museum, this is one of those activities that will provide you with legendary photos that you will always look back on and laugh about.

    Top Tip: You can either pay for 15 minutes or one hour, we paid for the full hour but really we only used 45 minutes. The reality is that while 15 minutes isn’t very long, you could probably do it all if you’re speedy going around. Just make sure to plan beforehand each shot you want so you don’t waste time working it all out once you’re there.

    14)     Spain Games

    What Is It? The Spain Games is a hilarious outdoor inflatable knockout games, think of a combination of It’s A Knockout and Total Wipeout.

    Ideal for stag do’s, hen do’s, group events or birthday parties, the Spain Games is a great group activity for you and your friends.

    Located just outside of Barcelona, it’s a quick Uber drive away, while you can also arrange for an airconditioned coach to pick you up and drop you back off.

    The games last 2.5 hours and include various courses and games, remember to bring your swim suit!

    Why You Should Go? Because not everything on your to-do list should be cathedrals and historical landmarks, some of the best things I’ve done in cities have been the weird and wild. For example, my favourite part from my visit to Corfu was the Aqualand water park. This is the type of activity that you and your mates will talk about for years to come.

    Top Tip: You can pre-book a BBQ, which might be worthwhile, so make sure to work out if everyone is up for this and arrange it with them beforehand.

    15)  The Beach

    What Is It?

    I guess it couldn’t be a holiday to a Mediterranean beach town without visiting the beach at least once. Unfortunately a lot of other people might have the same idea, especially during the summer holidays.

    The beach that seems to get the most busy is Barceloneta, which seems to attract a younger audience with a number of bars surrounding the beach and an increasingly present drinking culture.

    I did like Barceloneta Beach, however we didn’t stay for too long, but the water was warm and the sand was white, what more could you ask for? They also had public toilets available, albeit with a lengthy queue.

    Your best beach options in Barcelona apart from Barceloneta are Sant Sebastia, Playa del Bogatell, Nova Mar Bella, La Mar Bella, Llevant and La Nova Icaria.

    Why You Should Go? You go to the beach? What a silly question. It’s a gorgeous beach allowing you to cool down from the heat of the day with a quick paddle or jumping some waves.

    Top Tip: I’d recommend going early in the morning when the crowds aren’t so intense.

    16)  Harbour

    What Is It? The Barcelona Port Vell Harbour is stunning, with giant yachts and sailing boats filling the water and a number of bars along the waterfront. You can also book yourself a boat trip from here, whether that’s a glass bottom boat or a party cruise.

    Why You Should Go? There is something so relaxing about a harbour, looking out at the boats floating on the water, while you will often see some form of public art on display at the harbour.

    Top Tip: It can be tempting to stop at one of the bars for a drink, but they are a big overpriced here, whereas there are some amazing bars a bit further in, such as Paradiso.

    17)  Hospital Sant Pau

    What Is It? Found on one of the stops on the Hop On Hop Off tour, the Hospital de Sant Pau looks impressive from the outside, while once you enter into the courtyard, you will truly realise how big it all is, with various buildings to explore. Designed by Lluis Domenech I Montaner, this is the oldest hospital in Spain and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    Why You Should Go? If you’re doing a bit of a Gaudi investigation then this one is worth a trip, as it is sadly the hospital where Gaudi died after being hit by a tram.

    Top Tip: Don’t underestimate how many buildings there are, we spent a lot of time on the first building exploring, not quite giving ourselves enough time to fully explore the whole area.

    18)  Palau Guell

    What Is It? The Guell Palace is a giant mansion designed by Gaudi (unsurprisingly) for the tycoon Guell, who financed the majority of Gaudi’s work. It perfectly resembles his modernism approach, while it was one of his earliest pieces. Built between 1886 and 1890, this is a short trip from the Ramblas.

    Why You Should Go? This is another building which offers access to the roof, meaning you can take some great shots of the top of Barcelona.

    Top Tip: Try to visit on a sunny day so you can make the most of the rooftop terrace.

    19)  Palau De La Musica Catalana

    What Is It? We hadn’t previously read up on the Palau de la Musica Catalana, but it was part of the bike tour and we found it fascinating. The concert hall would be brilliant if you could get tickets to see a show, with one show on each day in the evening, often kicking off around 7-9pm. This could be jazz, ballet or cello performances.

    Why You Should Go? If you want to watch a traditional live musical performance then this is the best spot in Barcelona.

    Top Tip: Make sure to order tickets in advance, or if you’re simply curious about the building then you can pay to look around.

    20)  Basilica Of Our Lady Of Mercy

    What Is It? We were exploring Barcelona when we found this by mistake, on the hunt for a good café. The Baroque style basilica was built around 1765-1775, with an interesting back story around the Virgin of Mercy who freed the people of Barcelona.

    Why You Should Go? I wouldn’t say this is a must, hence why it is lower on the list, but if you want to tick off everything Barcelona has to offer, it is a stunning building and incredible architecture.

    Top Tip: Don’t head over around lunch, we arrived for 12:45 and they turned the lights off while we were in there and ushered us out. Apparently it closes at 1pm and doesn’t open again until 6pm, so we got our timing a little off.

    21)  Eat Some Tapas

    tapa-tapa

    What Is It? A glass of wine and a combination of the different tapas dishes is a great option for dinner, while it also works perfectly for a lighter lunch. Many restaurants in Barcelona serve the different tapas options on toothpicks and then charge you at the end based on how many toothpicks there are. This option isn’t always relevant however as some options can cost different amounts to produce so restaurants may vary.

    Some classics you could try are Albondigas, Calamaras, chopitos, patatas bravas, tortilla, gambas al ajillo, croquetas de jamon and pulpo gallego.

    You should also check our Visit Barcelona for their guidance on the best places for food and wine.

    Why You Should? I always believe in eating local delicacies when visiting somewhere and tapas is a must when in Spain, along with paella.

    Top Tip: Look on Google Maps for a tapas restaurant with a rating of 4.8 or above (out of 5), don’t just settle for anywhere as otherwise you will probably be disappointed.

    22)  Visit the La Boqueria Food Market

    What Is It? One of Europe’s largest and most famous food markets, La Boqueria is a definite ‘to do’ when visiting Barcelona, where you can try a number of local delicacies or bring back some ingredients to cook yourself.

    Just exploring the market alone can normally keep you occupied for a good few hours (best in the morning), meaning you can follow this up with a mini siesta and then head back out in the afternoon to explore some more architecture.

    Why You Should Go? To experience the hustle and bustle, to try some tasty food and to embrace the Catalan culture.

    Top Tip: Try the croquettes, we found so many different types that weren’t on offer in restaurants, so it was fascinating to give them all a go.

    23)  Festes de la Mercè

    What Is It? This is one for the festival lovers, the Festes de la Merce takes place in September, which is in celebration of Barcelona’s patron saint.

    This is a slightly more odd festival than you might be used to, as giant wooden figures are carried and operated by people as they walk them through the streets.

    While these bizarre scenes take place, a number of musical performances, fireworks and sporting events are taking place. You will, of course, drink your body weight in alcohol as well.

    Why You Should Go? A 5 day festival filled with food and joy, why wouldn’t you want to celebrate La Merce?

    Top Tip: There is a firework display in the evening, so make sure to get a good viewpoint.

    24)  Climb up the Montjuic mountain

    What Is It? Quite different to most of the others on this list, climbing the Montjuic mountain offers a good chance to escape the loudness of the city, while gaining some great views over Barcelona. While climbing the mountain, you will also notice a number of buildings from the 1992 Olympic games. Look out for the Palau Sant Jordi, designed by Santiago Calatrava.

    Why You Should Go? Of course, you can take the cable car up, but if you fancy a hike up the hill and to tick off some cardio, then this is a brilliant activity and the views will be worth it.

    Top Tip: Bring plenty of water, as it can get pretty warm and it takes a couple of hours till you reach the top.

    25)  Picasso Museum

    What Is It? I guess this option was always inevitable and hard to avoid even if you aren’t big on art as this is the home to so many famous pieces by Picasso. The Malaga born artist is recognised as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century and was also identified as the inventor of constructed sculpture.

    You can also explore the city and see the area where his family lived in Picasso’s early years, on C/Merce (although the building has been destroyed).

    Why You Should Go? With more than 4,000 pieces of art by the illustrious artist, this is one of the greatest locations for art lovers.

    Top Tip: Apparently you can get free entry on the first Sunday of the month and every Sunday after 3pm.

    26)  Check Out A Roof Terrace

    What Is It? This one you have to dress up for as they don’t really like to let people up to the top floor unless you are staying in the hotel, however if you are smartly dressed, not in a big group and don’t appear to be drunk then they should be lenient.

    If they don’t let you up, then there are plenty of other places that will, so have a look around and I’m sure you will find one. Also, if you sneak your swimming costume up with you, a large number of these places have swimming pools on the rooftop, which will make for a great Facebook profile photo!

    Why You Should Go? Seeing Barcelona from above is incredible, while it’s a great way to spend the evening with a cocktail in hand.

    Top Tip: Some you may want to try include Mood, Azimuth or the rooftop at Sir Victor.

  • 25 Things To Do In Spain

    25 Things To Do In Spain

    I have probably visited Spain more than any other country in the world. It’s a beautiful country, with tasty food, nice warm weather and friendly locals. 

    I am a massive fan of bucket lists, as you can tell by my list of 100 things to do before you die, however I thought it would be nice to make some destination specific tick lists. Spain offers such a combination of activities and experiences to suit everyone, from surf friendly beaches with some of the biggest clubs in Europe, contrasting with the art and culture of Barcelona and the beauty of Alhambra. I hope you enjoy this list!

    1) Alhambra in Granada

    Alhambra
    http://bit.ly/15aGkLq

    This giant 13th century fortress will take an entire day to walk around, while the muqarnas ceilings in the hall are certainly one of the most spectacular sights here. The first Nasrid king, El Ahmar, chose this building as it overlooked the entire city of Granada, offering you a great view for some quick snaps.

    The price for entry is around 21 euro’s at the ticket office, while it is free for children under 12 and just €14.85 for students. Alhambra does offer night visits Tuesday to Saturday between April to October as well as the traditional day time options, however from mid October through to the end of March this is much limited. In the Winter it closes earlier, but as long as you arrive for the morning then you’ll be absolutely fine.

    2) Eat Tapas

    Tapas
    http://bit.ly/Rn3F6X

    Embracing the local cuisine is always a pivotal aspect of travelling. You should go from bar to bar trying the various tapas options as you go. Eventually you will work out your preferred restaurants and your favourite dishes, admittedly mine were any with cheese in. Some of the most well known dishes include croquettes, albondigas, Spanish tortilla (Raquel’s favourite), patatas bravas and a large amount of chorizo based dishes.

    3) See Gaudi’s architecture in Barcelona

    Sagrada-La-Familia

    Much of Gaudi’s work can be found in Parc Guell, which holds a number of his structures, but the crowds in that park do taint the experience quite a lot. Gaudi is known and respected around the world and was regularly influenced by forms of nature, which is definitely evident in the curves through all of his architecture.

    Casa Batllo is also worth a visit, a beautiful building designed by Gaudi, really illustrating how different he was to his contemporaries. Plus at the end is an amazing 360 show which I strongly recommend, one of my highlights of my visit. Of course, Sagrada Familia is the most recognisable part of Barcelona, a strong image for the country and the beautiful architecture.

    If you do visit, make sure to check out my guide on the best things to do in Barcelona.

    4) La Tomatina, Bunol (Valencia)

    la tomatina
    http://bit.ly/VD4N9p

    I expect this to be on everyone’s list, as possibly the greatest festival in the world! The party starts with a massive feast of Paella. The following morning thousands of people take to the streets with tomato’s in hand, ready to throw to their hearts content.

    This is potentially one of the biggest food fights in the world, although make sure you squeeze the tomato before throwing so that it bursts upon impact, preventing them from feeling any pain at all (even if it’s minimal from a tomato). As soon as the bottle rocket sounds, it’s clean up time and everyone heads on to a bar or to wash themselves.

    For the record, I listed Valencia, as it’s 40km away from Bunol and where peoplefly to in order to reach the festival.

    5) Eat Cuttlefish Roe in Huelva

    cuttlefish roe

    I loved our visit to Huelva, from exploring the markets to learning about the British and Spanish connection in the area, as well as relaxing by the docks. But one of the most fascinating parts was the food, make sure to check out my guide on where to eat in Huelva.

    There were a number of scrumptious dishes, but one that really caught me out was cuttlefish roe. In laymen terms, it’s basically squid eggs. They tasted like a combination of cheese and meat, both with taste and texture. I was captivated by them.

    Unfortunately, you can’t get them back in the UK, so I’m slightly limited in eating these again unless I plan on re-visiting this area of Spain. Huelva doesn’t receive much tourism, so unlike other parts of Spain, you’re very much welcomed as a Brit.

    6) Views of Ronda

    Ronda
    http://bit.ly/Xw63IX

    A magnificent Puente Nuevo bridge spans the El Tajo gorge between the new town and the old town, which you can find through taking a picturesque drive through the Andalucía mountains. If you plan on visiting, make sure your camera is fully charged as the images are unbelievable.

    The bridge will offer some brilliant panoramic views, while you can also trek down the gorge in order to get a different perspective, plus you’ll earn your lunch. 

    If you’re driving over, then there is parking in the new town, while there are also tour buses going here, which tend to arrive midday, so if you’re making your own way over then try to arrive early morning to avoid any crowds.

    7) Rastro, Madrid

    rastro
    http://bit.ly/YlpYxk

    Madrid’s flea market attracts a huge audience and looks the same as you imagine it would 50 years before. Find yourself a bargain and if you end up getting bored, the streets are coated in bars which you can sneak off to. I would keep an eye on your possessions however as this flea market does tend to attract some unwanted attention from pickpockets.

    This is actually the largest flea market in Spain, while it’s open on Sundays. You can get here by Metro with the closest stop being La Latina. As well as clothing stands and items for souvenirs, there are also some tapas spots along here, plus a number of restaurants offering tapas, so you can follow your trip with some lunch.

    8) Ski the Sierra Nevada Mountains

    ski sierra nevada
    http://bit.ly/X2BoX5

    If you are staying in Malaga then you actually have a relatively short journey before you can get your ski’s on. The Sierra Nevada ski resorts are famous worldwide due to the fact that you can ski in the mountains and then head down to the beach to get a tan all within the same day.

    Don’t be fooled into thinking that this makes any difference on the ski resort as it is definitely one of the best you will find in Europe, despite the contrast of weather in such a close distance.

    The highest point is the 3,398m Veleta Peak, while the ski season runs from the end of November through to early May (depending on the weather and snow that year). Ideally though, you should be looking to arrive between mid December and mid February if your focus is on the snow coverage, but later on in March-May you can get discounted prices.

    9) Go to Camp Nou

    Camp Nou

    Admittedly, if you’re in Madrid instead, you can swap this activity out for visiting the Bernabéu.

    You do not have to be a football fan to appreciate the size and structure of Camp Now, Barcelona’s football stadium. However, if you are a football fan, try and pick up some tickets and bare witness to some of the greatest footballer in the world. If you do, try and learn some of the chants before you head to the game, or go to a bar beforehand and befriend someone heading to the match.

    I first went here when I was 12, while I returned more recently and it still has that impressive feel to it. The former home of Messi, the greatest footballer of all time, they might not be the world’s best team anymore but they still are an incredible team in a huge stadium.

    10) Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao

    guggenheim
    http://bit.ly/YsFweA

    This is by far the greatest museum I have ever been to, and I’m a Londoner surrounded by astoundingly good and free museums. Frank Gehry’s masterpiece highlights some of the most bizarre art you will find, mainly from the 20th century. The shape of the building itself is something of a wonder, with more curves than David Beckham’s free kicks (pretty old quote that…Whatever).

    Opened in 1997, the musum does get pretty busy with school trips by midday so aim for soon after opening. The app allows you to have an audio guide, but make sure to download this beforehand, as you may struggle for reception while there and miss out on the experience.

    11) Benicassim festival

    Benicassim
    http://bit.ly/W9O67W

    Spain’s biggest music festival is growing in reputation every year as people leave the muddy festivals in the UK for a party on the beach near Barcelona. Benicassim, or Festival Internacional de Benicàssim, as it is known in Spanish, lasts for four days in a beach rocking, music pumping, drinking mayhem. 

    The town of Benicàssim plays host, which is relatively close to Valencia and Barcelona, while the festival takes place in mid July. My friends have gone a number of years in a row, talking about how amazing it is, but the only negative they highlight is that feeling when you wake up, 30 degrees, in a warm tent, suffering with a hangover. So make sure you get plenty of water bottles set for you to recover with.

    12) Aqueduct, Segovia

    segovia
    http://bit.ly/YKzN5Z

    This roman aqueduct has been in place for 2,000 years, stretching 800m long. It’s actually really impressive how well this has been preserved. The aqueduct used to carry water all the way from the Frío River to Segovia, which is a hefty 17km.

    A visit to the aqueduct makes for some great photos, yet it will only take a few hours, therefore you will still have plenty of time to head back and try the local delicacy, a roast suckling pig, cochinillo asado (unless you’re vegetarian). The aqueduct is lit up at night which is nice to see, but you’re still better off visiting in the morning (unless you can do both if you have time).

    13) Limite Zero Zip Wire

    limite-zero

    Each country might quote an amazing zip wire experience, but where else in the world will you find a zip line that crosses international borders. Passing over the river Guadiana, the views are incredible along the 720 metre stretch.

    With speeds of up to 80 kmh you may struggle to take it all in, but stick a gopro on the head and you will be able to look back and admire its beauty. If going with children, be aware the minimum age is 14.

    Quite hilariously, you will actually need to bring a passport or ID, as you are crossing an international border. Rather than turning up on the day, I would recommend booking this in advance, as it can be fully booked up during the summer months over the weekend.

    14) Picos de Europa

    Located between Castilla y Leon, Cantabria and Asturias, the Picos de Europa has become one of the most popular hiking routes in Europe. The views are second to none, with the gorgeous glacial lakes, surrounded by forests, with plenty of valleys and gorges.

    There are high summits, including the 2,650m Torre de Cerredo, for those that love to hike. But for those less capable of taking on something that intense, you can actually take the cable car up, lifting you almost 800 metres in just a 4 minute ride.

    15) Walk along Las Ramblas

    Las Ramblas
    http://bit.ly/X2EBG3

    This street is set out only for pedestrians, something I wish we had more of in the UK, as the street is lined with markets. Soon as you get tired, you can stop off in a cafe on the Las Ramblas, with numerous tapas restaurants dotted along.

    Be aware of pickpockets, especially at night, as this is the highest area for crime in Barcelona. You will also see some street performers (again if you’re watching, make sure you have an eye on your pockets and bags). Las Ramblas stretches around 1.2km, so it is a fair walk, especially if you stop off at each stand, so make sure to give yourself around an hour, or maybe a few hours if you plan on eating lunch around here.

    18) Relax On A Malaga Beach

    You can’t visit Spain and not relax on a beach, it’s one of the biggest tourist attractions they have and the reason they are the number one spot for Brits abroad (not necessarily a good thing, we have a bit of an embarrassing reputation at times).

    Whether it’s Torremolinos beach or Playa de la Malagueta beach, there are plenty to choose from, each with their own key selling points. Malaga has 16 main beaches, while if swimming and sunbathing doesn’t appeal, then you can sit in one of the coastal restaurants or bars for some lunch.

    If you don’t fancy all the crowds, it could be worth checking out Pedregalejo, which is still a really nice beach but just doesn’t get the same level of tourism.

    19) Eat Paella

    Paella is one of the most famous and loved Spanish dishes, originating from the Valencia region, with various options available. Made from rice, vegetables, meat and seafood, I recently gained a new found respect for this dish as I love chorizo!

    Rather than the seafood option, I actually much prefer Valencian paella, containing rabbit, chicken and some chorizo. Apparently it can also contain duck or snails, but I never saw that served anywhere.

    You can get some paella in a restaurant, while they also often serve this as street food at markets, in a paellera big pan. This is actually more commonly eaten at lunch rather than dinner time. Also, it will take around 40 minutes to make fresh, so be patient and make sure you buy from a non-touristy spot so you don’t get a rubbish reheated version.

    20) Visit The World’s Oldest Restaurant

    Sobrino de Botin

    Whether it’s truly the oldest standing restaurant in the world is debatable, but Sobrino de Botin is the oldest recorded restaurant in the world, having been opened in 1725.

    The restaurant can be found in Madrid, while it still regularly attracts customers, including some big celebrities over the years. It was even highlighted in an Ernest Hemingway book, while it can sometimes get booked up in the summer, so it’s worth reserving a table.

    The most popular dish you’ll find here is the roast suckling pig (cochinillo asado), but there are plenty of other options, such as galic shrimp, scrambled eggs, sauteed vegetables with Iberian ham, grilled veal, sirloin steak or fried squid.

    21) Park Guell

    Park Guell

    I have intentionally included a picture of the crowds, as I don’t want you to arrive unsuspecting. I loved my visit 25 years ago, but when I went with Raquel more recently, the intense amount of tourists really did make this a poor part of our visit.

    A 17 hectare park in the beautiful city of Barcelona, this is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while the stunning colourful walls make for some great photo opportunities.

    The sculptures and tile work is undeniably a Gaudi masterpiece, as is much of the city, while it’s also a great place to stop for some lunch.

    22) Party hard in Ibiza

    Ibiza
    www.travelbusy.com/gallery/

    There is no bigger party than the ones in Ibiza, from April till October. The welcome parties and ending parties are normally the most popular, as they welcome in the re-opening of the clubs for the summer or the big final send off.

    Be prepared to spend a lot more than you would like to however, as entry to clubs is normally about £80-£150! There are 3 main superclubs, along with a number of other popular slightly smaller nightclubs and beach bars. The most popular time to visit is around July and August.

    Book your ticket entry in advance, while you also might want to check out hotels and apartments in San Antonio for a better price than Ibiza Town. Also, as the prices of drinks in the main clubs is so extortionate, you might want to ‘pre drink’ at the beach bars. In fact, I’d personally spend the entire time at the beach bars and skip those mega clubs, but I’m getting older and couldn’t think of anything worse.

    23) Dance to the flamenco

    Flamenco
    http://bit.ly/VD3Aip

    The passion of Flamenco is palpable as it creates a relaxed yet lustful atmosphere. Flamenco is a bit unusual to me as it is all very prepared, as each dance move is practiced and perfected over a large amount of time, following a strict framework of rhythmic patterns. I tend to be more impressed by dances that are a bit more natural, such as salsa or street dancing, however I still feel you should give Flamenco a go if you’re in Spain for an extensive period of time.

    24) Paragliding in La Herradura

    How bad is your fear of heights? Mine is painfully bad, hence why this one will remain unticked for me, but there is something incredible about this activity when performed over such beautiful views.

    This little Spanish village can alternatively be viewed from the ground as you hike up the hills or relax on the beach, but a birds eye view does offer something quite unique to your summer holiday.

    If you don’t fancy doing it yourself, it can be worth watching those giving it a try from Cerro Gordo. People often opt for the late afternoon, while you can book this in with several companies, so that they handle the whole process and guide you through it all. Don’t worry, you won’t be the pilot!

    25) Running with the bulls, Pamplona

    Pamplona
    http://bit.ly/YNHze4

    I was 50/50 whether to put this in as I find it very cruel on the animals, but then I thought about how the bulls get instant revenge when they catch up with everyone and suddenly it didn’t seem that cruel!

    The running of the bulls is only for volunteers who are willing to put themselves at risk, as there are many casualties every year, yet this blood thirsty sport continues to thrive. The San Fermin festival is held in July each year, while it was traditionally a way to get the bulls across town. The actual run lasts around 3 minutes.

    Again, I don’t want to support or promote this, I hate it with a passion, but I do love the idea of the bulls getting some revenge on the people that join this. You can watch it from the side and cheer on the bulls, if you do decide to attend.

    So there you have it, my ultimate guide on things to do in Spain. I’ll try to update this or add more as I go on, as Spain is such a vast country with so many attractions and activities to try!

  • Where To Eat In Huelva

    Where To Eat In Huelva

    From the captivating Christmas markets to the unique culture, Huelva was an amazing place to visit in Spain, however it’s the gastronomy I want to focus on next, something that left me stunned and incredibly happy.

    One of the key aspects of any holiday is trying the local cuisine and so we tucked into food galore throughout the trip, therefore I want to give a shout out to all the amazing restaurants we can recommend.

    Masero

    Masero

    The art on the wall stood out straight away, and while it was empty when we arrived, it was completely full to the brim within 20 minutes, with every table fully booked up, so make sure to contact them in advance to get a table reserved.

    They have an expansive range of ‘Ibero-American cuisine’ on their menu, while they also have a tasting menu which is ideal if you want to try plenty of dishes in one sitting.

    Every dish was visually spectacular, so I’ve done my best to capture this in photos below, while you should also check out our Instagram and YouTube clips on the amazing food.

    Steak Iberico-Habanero

    Steak Iberico-Habanero

    As soon as you see dry ice, it adds a level of mystery and magic to the table and instantly draws the eyes in, I just wish I could have had a bit more warning as I would have loved to have the cameras all setup for the moment they poured it on.

    We were served an Iberian Presa steak tartare with green habanera sauce, yuca chips, cured yolk and broccomole. Broccomole? I had to ask as well, it’s a broccoli guacamole which was amazing mixed in with the steak.

    The chips were also a lot healthier than the traditional option, being made from the cassava plant and tasting slightly similar to parsnip crisps I’ve had before.

    Cheese Platter

    Cheese Platter

    Unlike some of the other dishes, which I have named appropriately and listed off the ingredients, I’m afraid I don’t exactly know which one this was on the menu, all I can say was that it was beyond magnificent. I kept coming back for more!

    The cheese came with bread and some sweet dips, while the black cheese was simply to-die-for. I just wish I could order it back home, I’m going to have to return to Huelva for this cheese!

    Tortilla Suflada

    Tortilla Suflada

    Translated, that means a ‘puffed tortilla’, while it had asparagus and truffle mashed potatoes, my mouth is starting to drool as I type.

    The waiter pierced open the tortilla as the ingredients began pouring out. From what I understood, this is traditionally made with eggs, potatoes and onions, but he had managed to make the dish without any of these three ingredients. It was so creamy and delectable, a great dish to eat, but certainly filling.

    Creole Empanadas

    Creole Empanadas

    These Argentinean empanadas lived up to the original I ate in Buenos Aires, bursting with flavour and the broccomole was again an interesting addition and worked as a nice sauce.

    The crispy pastry was full of mole sauce with grounded black olives scattered over the top. All three of us really enjoyed this dish, hats off to the chef.

    Croquetas

    How can you come to Spain and not eat croquettes? Unfortunately, back in England, we can pretty much only find a ham or a ham and cheese croquette, but here in Huelva they seemed to make so many unique flavours.

    As far as I understood, ours contained prawns and kimchi. Well Raquel, who isn’t a fan of seafood, loved them, you couldn’t give better praise than that. Me, a huge fan of seafood, devoured them like my life depended on it.

    Portichuelo

    Portichuelo

    With a big outdoor seating area, a lively ambience and a trumpet player nearby, this was the perfect lunch time setting I could have imagined for our trip to Huelva.

    Prawns

    Prawns

    These aren’t just any prawns, they’re renowned around the world and sourced from right here in Huelva, the ‘pearl of Huelva’ as it is nicknamed.

    It must be around 20 years since I last ate prawns at this point (which seems ludicrous by the end of the holiday as I had them around twice per day during the trip), but it instantly reminded me why I loved them so much as a teen.

    Who cares how messy you get, this is about enjoying great tasting food and letting yourself go, while I was more than happy to tuck away and eat as much as possible.

    Paella

    Paella

    Ok, I didn’t have a menu in front of me, but I’m pretty sure this is a paella and wow it was tasty. It burst with flavour while it didn’t take long for the plate to empty. I believe it’s a Valencian paella, containing chicken rather than seafood, but again I could be completely wrong about this.

    Either way, the dish was gorgeous, it was so flavoursome, I could easily have just ordered a big plate of this and been very happy.

    Steak

    Steak

    I missed the precise details, but I believe this was the beef tenderloin, while it came out sizzling hot and was cut in front of us. Both visually stunning and tasting impeccably good, I would return for this dish alone, let alone everything else we ate.

    This was certainly the most eye-catching, coming out on the hot plate with the sizzling drawing everyone’s attention to this glorious masterpiece that tasted as good as it looked.

    ‘Deconstructed Omelette’

    'Deconstructed Omelette'

    Ok, this isn’t called a deconstructed omelette, but it was the way it was explained to me and I couldn’t think of better wording for it. By far the most mouth-watering dish of them all, I loved this meal!

    The gooey eggs, the soft potato, the little bites of meat and the creamy texture, you have to give this dish a go (my apologies for not knowing the name).

    We also had some brilliant jamon slices which were so finely cut, it’s almost a talent in itself, offering the perfect starter and kept us nibbling away while talking about the local events that took place.

    The owner

    The owner came over to us who seemed friendly and thoughtful, while each person working here was a credit to the restaurant as they were always eager to help in any way they could. I’d definitely recommend heading here for some lunch on your visit to Huelva!

    Juan Jose

    greatest Spanish omelette in the world

    Maria told us about a restaurant with the greatest Spanish omelette in the world and I immediately looked over at Raquel, whose smile was beaming from side to side, as this is her favourite dish in the world.

    Raquel spent some of her teenage years growing up in Spain, while her mum is Spanish and she was brought up on this dish. However, whenever you eat it in England, it’s always a bit dry, but they make sure to cook the eggs for slightly shorter so it remains moist.

    Well I can certainly say this lived up to the reputation, we were all politely eating a slice at a time, but I could tell Raquel was holding back when really she wanted to pour it all on her plate.

    jamon slices

    We also had jamon slices, because ‘when in Rome’, it would be rude not to eat jamon, especially when it’s this good!

    very traditional feel to it

    The restaurant had a very traditional feel to it, with pig legs hanging up and red wine placed on the wall, as well as the occasional decorative plate.

    local delicacy of clams

    They served a local delicacy of clams, which were cooked in plenty of garlic and oil, the perfect combination. I must have eaten about 15 of these and I can certainly say they’re worth trying if you visit Juan Jose.

    monkfish

    Our final main dish was another seafood, now it’s a little blurry, but I believe Maria said it was monkfish, while it had a mild, sweet flavour. I was relieved it was on the mild side (not a fan of the smellier ones like mackerel), while it tasted somewhat similar to a thick piece of cod, but with a slightly meatier texture, another great dish from Juan Jose.

    sweet dessert

    We might have been completely full, but there is always space for a sweet dessert at the end! They had a few cakes available and we had both a cheesecake and another which I can’t name but was like a flan. Both were gorgeous and were very quickly eaten, I don’t know how we walked back afterwards!

    Mar De Altura

    We ate at Mar De Altura on our final night, located on Av. Martin Alonso Pinzon, where all the Christmas lights were and the Christmas music blasting out at set times.

    They had plenty of options, including salads, stews, montaditos, grilled meats and fresh fish, so plenty to pick from, while our kind and friendly guide María helped to pick some unique dishes we hadn’t eaten yet on our visit.

    prawn potato salad

    We ate a prawn potato salad, much like a dish I’ve commonly eaten back home, which brought back memories of the food I used to eat when I was younger, which was very nice.

    Something that certainly stood out and was different to anything I’ve ever eaten before was a local fish cuisine, in appearance my guess would have been scallops, but I believe its grilled cuttlefish roe.

    grilled cuttlefish roe

    They were cooked in copious amounts of garlic (ah I love garlic), olive oil, a bit of lemon and I believe there was some oregano I tasted. I was captivated by this dish, certainly the star of the night. This is another dish I will have to look out for now I’m home, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen in England.

    Eating steak is always a winner

    Eating steak is always a winner, while Raquel was craving something potato based so they were nice enough to make up some Iberian steak with chips for us.

    Sizzling hot and cooked to perfection with the ideal amount of seasoning, this was a great dish that left us full and content.

    Tarteria Las Alemanas

    Tarteria Las Alemanas

    I’ve so far focused on lunch and dinner, but if you fancy eating breakfast out (or fancy a sweet treat), then you might want to head to Tarteria Las Alemanas, The German Tart Shop.

    The fridge along the right hand side was full of cakes on show, all incredibly tempting if it wasn’t 10:30 in the morning. But it was the wholesome breakfast we came for.

    Initially, our plan was to visit Le Petit Cafe down the road, but it was completely full, while this place was the perfect alternative and had room to sit so we were beyond happy.

    Serving up toast with butter and ham, a great tasting coffee (I’m a harsh critic on coffee and this place passed the grade so all smiles from me) and a freshly squeezed orange juice.

    Considering the 20,000 steps we had to come, we had actually already eaten breakfast at 8am but we were more than happy to tuck into this additional meal to keep our energy levels up.

    I have done my best to guide you on all the best places to eat in Huelva, however you also may want to take a look at the tourist board’s recommendations, as they’re expertise on this subject is second to none and they’ll keep on top of new restaurant openings and events you have to look out for.

  • 14 Things To Do In Huelva

    14 Things To Do In Huelva

    The chance to escape rainy England in December is always a treat, especially if you go somewhere warm and picturesque like Spain, however we got to see an area most British tourists haven’t yet seen which felt very special.

    Over a weekend, we explored British-influenced architecture, lively markets bursting with atmopshere, peaceful waterfront views, and some of the tastiest food I’ve eaten all year. We watched the sun go down while relaxing on a Pier, tasted local delicacies, and saw first-hand how Huelva combines its rich British and Spanish past.

    Whether you’re drawn to history, food, nature, or simply escaping the usual tourist spots, Huelva is a destination you’ll want to discover.

    1) Queen Victoria Neighbourhood

    Queen Victoria Neighbourhood

    It was hard to pick which should take top spot, as there were so many amazing things to see, but I wanted to highlight the Queen Victoria Neighbourhood as it was so different to anything else we have seen in Spain and the history of it all was captivating to learn about.

    The Spanish workers for the Rio Tinto company all were given these houses for free while working for the mining company, while the British workers settled in the village of Rio Tinto. The architecture here is unlike anything else in the city, with elegant Victorian-style houses that seem to transport you to a different time. These buildings stand as a testament to the significant role the British played in Huelva’s industrial past.

    Spanglish houses

    Quite remarkably, when the mines were no longer profitable and the company moved out of the area, they left the houses for the British workers to have. Being up a hill, close to the centre of town and being houses rather than flats, the price of these properties now is very high for the city.

    It was a segregated area, where they had their own church, school and play area. The British had erected schools in the area, so the locals were actually very well educated in Huelva compared to the rest of Spain, where many people couldn’t read or write at this point in time.

    rio tinto company

    The Queen Victoria neighbourhood was initially surrounded by a wall, however this has since been knocked down, plus they used to have a Guardian to look after the area and make sure the British workers didn’t get too drunk in the evening with work the next day.

    This was the area that hosted the British Legacy Fair for the first time earlier this year in September, something they hope to do regularly now.

    The week long celebration involved people getting dressed in the traditional clothing of that era, live music and fun games for the kids. The music playing was all British bands, so for any Brits wanting a piece of home while exploring, this could be amazing to see.

    The local council are working on increasing the greenery in the area. There are certain costs to this, considering the amount of water required to keep the grass alive when it’s so warm, but there was already some beautiful green areas on either side of the neighbourhood.

    The area is peaceful, with tree-lined streets and a quiet atmosphere that makes it perfect for a relaxed afternoon stroll. It’s one of those places you can’t quite believe you’re seeing in southern Spain, and it left us with a sense of just how much history lies beneath the surface of this city.

    There was also a cafe/bar by the entry which you can relax in on your visit, however it’s closed on Sunday’s, the day we visited.

    You can learn all about the British legacy on the Huelva Tourism website.

    2) Mercado del Carmen

    Mercado del Carmen

    One of the highlights of our time in Huelva was the visit to Mercado del Carmen. This market is where the heart of local life beats, with people bartering and meeting with friends and family. Inside, you’ll find fresh fish, cheese, olives, wine and an array of local produce.

    The olives were so popular that there was a queue of people waiting to pick up their favourite variety, which made me curious to give these a try (I got to eat the local olives while at a restaurant and I was not disappointed).

    Spanish spices

    What really stood out was the sense of community and happy atmosphere. People drank wine with their glasses placed upon barrels, chatting and laughing as they sampled local goods. It’s the kind of place where you can easily spend hours wandering around, enjoying the lively ambience, and tasting all the flavours Huelva has to offer.

    jumbo shrimp

    I would give yourself a good hour to walk around, especially if you plan on trying some of the food and drink as you go. You can alternatively visit around lunch time so you can truly try all the culinary options.

    3) Statue of Christopher Columbus (Estatua de Cristóbal Colón)

    Estatua de Cristóbal Colón

    One of the most memorable sights in Huelva is the Statue of Christopher Columbus. I had no idea that Columbus was from this area, but it makes complete sense that he would be celebrated so much, considering the importance he has on US history, being the area he set sail on his voyage to the Americas.

    Alongside the statue was a fountain and a big plaza, meaning people naturally collated here and spent time with family or relaxed at a cafe.

    fountain and a big plaza

    Columbus’s journey was one of the most important in history, and knowing that it all began in Huelva adds a real sense of connection to the past. The statue itself is impressive, and it serves as a reminder of the city’s importance in global exploration.

    4) Casa Colón Gardens

    Casa Colón Gardens

    For a more tranquil experience, we headed to the Casa Colón gardens, a beautiful and serene spot in the heart of the city. The gardens are home to a stunning fountain that sits at the centre, surrounded by greenery and shaded paths. I can imagine it would be amazing to sit here and have some lunch during your working day.

    Casa Colón

    While we were there, we also visited the British Legacy Museum, located in the Casa Colón building. It was fascinating to learn more about the British influence in Huelva, from the railway systems to the industries they helped shape. The museum was incredibly informative, offering a deep dive into the shared history between Huelva and Britain.

    British Legacy Museum

    The museum covers areas such as what the mining company was looking for and how they conducted their business and the influence on the local area (such as launching a football team and stadium, as well as building schools and hospitals in the area).

    5) Relax at the Dock of the Canoes Punta Umbría

    Canoes Punta Umbría

    After a morning of exploring, we made our way to Dock of the Canoes Punta Umbría, a perfect spot to relax and enjoy some dinner or to have a drink. This area is right by the seafront, offering incredible views of the surrounding nature park.

    You have the Piers on either side, as well as the nature park on the far side, meaning you saw many birds flying above you.

    Dock of the Canoes Punta Umbría

    I should mention, the ‘canoe’ is not how you would imagine it, it’s not one person rowing on a little kayak and taking tourists one-by-one, it’s actually a proper boat, which used to transport people from one town to the other, before the road was built to connect the two areas.

    expofrisa

    Even as you approach the docks it feels tranquil, with fountains on either side of you and a beautiful statue of the Nudo Marinero (Sailor’s Knot), a symbol I had noticed around town quite a bit.

    Nudo Marinero

    6) Watch Sunset on Muelle de Riotinto

    Muelle de Riotinto

    For one of the best views in Huelva, we recommend heading to the Muelle de Riotinto at sunset. The bridge here offers incredible views of the surrounding landscape, especially when the sun starts to dip below the horizon. There were a few clouds at the base of the horizon, so we couldn’t quite see the sky go orange completely, but it was still absolutely beautiful.

    Watch Sunset on Muelle de Riotinto

    There were couples holding hands, elderly people heading for a stroll, friends sitting together and joggers stopping for a moment to take in the views.

    sunset huelva

    One of the most interesting aspects of this spot is the tradition of adding a lock to the bridge. It’s become increasingly common for couples to attach a lock to the railing, writing their names on it as a symbol of love. We were short of a lock so we couldn’t add one ourselves, but we loved the idea of marking such a beautiful place with a personal memory.

    adding a lock to the bridge

    Also, being Spain, it really wasn’t that cold in the evening. In fact, despite being the middle of December, it was 15 degrees celcius at that time of the evening.

    7) Admire the Architecture at Ayuntamiento de Huelva

    Ayuntamiento de Huelva

    A visit to the Ayuntamiento de Huelva is a must for anyone interested in Huelva’s architectural beauty. We actually went inside to see the miniature model of Huelva, which would be really high on my list, but I believe it’s only visible around Christmas (I could be wrong).

    miniature model of Huelva

    But after turning around, I was shocked to see how stunning the building looked with the red and yellow walls on top of the grey pillars. This building is a stunning example of the city’s mix of traditional and modern styles, and its grand arches and columns provide a perfect backdrop for photos.

    8) A Walk Along Calle Rico to Admire the Expensive Houses

    Calle Rico was an incredibly wealthy street, where the richest people in Huelva used to live, each building being owned by a different family back in the day.

    The pink building

    The pink building you will see early on was owned by a former bull fighter, but is now one of the most popular restaurants in town.

    A little further on is Casa Circulo, a private society where people would meet and talk about culture and society.

    Casa Circulo

    Once you get to the end of Calle Rico, there are two other buildings which are worth checking out while in the area. First is the Mora Claros Palace, despite it’s name there was no royalty living here, instead the mayor used to be in this building. His wife was involved in numerous good causes in the local community.

    Mora Claros Palace

    Next door is the other building I wanted to highlight, Casa del Millón, or House of a Million as according to legend it was worth 1 million pesetas. This is now the museum of architecture, which makes a lot of sense as I can imagine the students must love working in such a gorgeous building, overlooking the city.

    Casa del Millón

    You will also find a statue out the front, Monumento a Antonio de Mora Claros, celebrating the works of the former mayor of Huelva, who served between 1920 and 1922.

    9) Ride Karts Along the Waterfront at Ria de Huelva

    Karts Along the Waterfront at Ria de Huelva

    For something a bit more thrilling, I love the look of the karts along the waterfront near Paseo de la Ría. The area along the waterfront has no roads and cars nearby, so you can pedal away without worrying about bumping into anything.

    With sunsetting over the water, you can admire the great views. You also have a long expanse of pavement stretching quite a long way (we walked for a good 15 minutes without reaching an end).

    Whether you’re a kid or just a big kid at heart, it’s one of those activities that brings out your competitive side and leaves you with a big smile on your face. We saw a group of friends having a go and they were all laughing and smiling.

    10) Watch a Match at the Nuevo Colombino Stadium

    Nuevo Colombino Stadium

    I’m a big football fan, so this will always be high on my list, but football in England does cost a small fortune, fortunately it is cheaper abroad (unless you plan on watching Madrid or Barcelona while in Spain).

    Footie fans will want to check out the Nuevo Colombino Stadium, home to Recreativo de Huelva, Spain’s oldest football club setup by the British workers of the Rio Tinto company. Watching a game here is more than just a match; it’s an immersion into Huelva’s unique sporting culture.

    Football is the number one sport in this part of Spain (followed by basketball and then badminton thanks to a local player who has become very successful). Even if you can’t see a match, to see the stadium up close is always amazing, plus if you could book a stadium tour then that would be unbelievable.

    11) Check Out the ‘Small Mountains’

    Small Mountains Huelva

    If you’re into natural wonders, don’t miss a visit to the ‘small mountains’ of Huelva. These rock formations are a fascinating reminder of Huelva’s ancient history. Thousands of years ago, this area was submerged under water, and these unique formations are the result of that long-forgotten past.

    Considering how in-land we were when we spotted them, it is bizarre to think how different it all would have looked. Some you can take a walk up, while others are more unused to their full potential (one being a car park area), however it was highlighted that these might be improved in the future so they’re more accessible to the public. They can certainly offer some spectacular views across Huelva!

    12) Muelle Garden

    Muelle Garden

    For those with kids, Muelle Garden is a lovely spot to spend some time. The kids’ playground is perfect for little ones to play in with some decent sized slides and a giant play area, while the nearby Parque de Atracciones offers arcade games and small rides.

    The games looked incredible, if I was a kid I’d never want to leave! There was also a nice fountain in the middle of the park, plus a public toilets, always a must when heading out. I also spotted somewhere nearby where you could grab a coffee while the kids played.

    13) Admire Parroquia Mayor de San Pedro de Huelva

    Parroquia Mayor de San Pedro de Huelva

    This church, or Holy Parish (I’m not religious so I’m always getting the terminology wrong) is for Saint Peter, the oldest apostle.

    Purely from an architectural point of view, this building is absolutely beautiful, while there is a nice open area outside where they had a number of Christmas decorations and displays setup (I visited in December, don’t expect the same on a summer holiday).

    One of Huelva’s most striking buildings is the Parroquia Mayor de San Pedro, a beautiful church in the heart of the city. The architecture is stunning, with intricate details and a sense of grandeur that’s typical of Andalusian churches. It’s a peaceful place to visit, offering a break from the more lively spots in the city. The interior is equally impressive, with high ceilings and beautiful stained glass windows that let in soft, colourful light.

    While I didn’t go inside, I’ve since seen pictures of the main altarpiece which looks incredible.

    14) Museum Huelva

    Museum Huelva

    If you’re a fan of literature or history, the Museum Huelva is definitely worth a visit. The museum opened in 1973 and gave the city a cultural space for exhibiting everything from archaeological discoveries made in Huelva dating from prehistoric times to 20th century artwork, displaying exceptional works by Daniel Vazquez Diaz and Jose Caballero.

    Currently there is a temporary Washington Irving exhibition, dedicated to the American author who spent time in Andalusia and was inspired by the region’s landscapes.

    It has two section: A significant archaeology collection where highlights include Tartessian findings, and a fine arts section with works from the collection of the National Museum of Fine Arts in Madrid, the Reina Sofia.

  • Christmas in Huelva

    Christmas in Huelva

    If you fancied getting away for a festive trip, the common recommendations you will find online are to go ice skating in New York, to go on a husky sledding trip in Lapland or to visit a German Christmas market.

    But I want to share a lesser known destination, which I feel celebrates this festive season more than any other I have ever witnessed, Huelva.

    Below I will cover off everything you have to see if visiting in December and the reasons why it is an absolute must for a European winter break. I’d also strongly recommend checking out any festivities they may have coming up which might align with your trip.

    The Christmas Music Street

    We were relaxing in our hotel room at Hotel Exe Tartessos after a long day exploring the city, when suddenly we heard music blasting out from the streets. We ran over to the balcony to witness a musical celebration of Christmas taking place on our doorsteps.

    The entire street had speakers setup on each lamp post. The lights would also change in time to the music, while people on the street starting to all sing along in unison. We couldn’t help ourselves and joined in.

    If you want to hear and see exactly what I’m talking about, I’d recommend heading on over to our Instagram to watch our reel which will be coming out very soon.

    Where: Av. Martín Alonso Pinzón

    When: The first set of songs would play at 7pm, while on a Saturday the second set will play at 9pm and on other days it’s at 8pm.

    Christmas Market In Plaza De Las Monjas

    We were walking along the road when the volume suddenly picked up, as you heard the hustle and bustle of people out shopping, families laughing and playing and local artists performing. You can’t help but smile and get into a festive mood when you see how happy everyone is.

    There were maybe around 15 market stands on either side of the Plaza, selling items such as cakes and sweets, Christmas ornaments, wine, homemade cards, cheese and honey. They’re all small local businesses so you can also feel good about supporting the local community when you buy something, plus it’s a great place to pick up a souvenir.

    There is a lively bar in the Plaza, Bar El Gallo Negro (the Black Rooster) which had people drinking and laughing inside and outside every time we passed.

    However, this is far from the only market, as you can find another half way along Av Martin Alonso Pinzon, where we spoke to a nice guy who was trying to grow his young coffee business, Hortelano. I’d definitely recommend heading along here, open each night in December.

    Lights & The Tree

    Where ever you go around Huelva, there were lights above and Christmas decorations and displays adding to the joyful ambience.

    It’s hard to put into words how tall the tree was in town, found near La Placeta. The only one I’ve seen that is taller in my entire life is the Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree, donated from Norway each year to thank Britain for support during World War II.  But I didn’t expect this to be a close-second.

    There are numerous other displays you should check out, especially if you’re visiting with children, such as the lit up camels at Plaza San Pedro, outside the Parroquia Mayor de San Pedro de Huelva.

    But perhaps the most visually stunning is in front of Ayuntamiento de Huelva (the City Council), which appears to be wrapped up like a present in stunning lights, with two huge angels in front of the building. There were also around 12 Christmas trees on the display, with two at the centre, beautifully lit up with tree lights.

    The wide open space naturally attracts family and groups out celebrating together, while on weekend’s people were out to the late hours.

    There were two sights I didn’t get to see in the evening when they were lit up but spotted during the day. One was the giant bauble which you can walk inside while it’s lit-up, meaning you would be surrounded by beautiful lighting which I can imagine would be really picturesque.

    The other was a similar concept, a giant bell which I spotted while walking along Av. Méjico on the way to the Mirador del muelle, which would light up in the evening and you can walk inside to be surrounded by the beautiful scenery.

    Miniature Model of Huelva

    This brought out my childhood love for Lego, as the miniature model of Huelva looked absolutely incredible, perfectly depicting all the famous landmarks around town.

    This was inside Claustro del Ayuntamiento, apparently open each year for people to admire the city model. However, just as stunning, it was amazing to turn around and admire the beauty of the interior architecture, with the red and yellow colours of the wall really jumping out.

  • The Best Family Activities In Mallorca (Majorca)

    The Best Family Activities In Mallorca (Majorca)

    Mallorca is one of the most popular tourist destinations for families in the UK, looking for somewhere to soak up the sun, enjoy a relaxing break while also ensuring they have something fun to do with the kids.

    But considering Majorca includes the rather wild Magaluf, it can be important to ensure you’re located near to the best activities available, as well as being a kid-friendly area. So read on for the best family activities in Mallorca that should make it onto your holiday to-do list.

    1)     Palma Aquarium

    Palma Aqaurium

    The aquarium goes right to the top of my list, offering a great daytime activity for both children and adults. They have 55 tanks containing some of the most stunning and captivating creatures in the sea.

    But what makes this really stand out is the 3D cinema, as you embrace this virtual experience and see the humpback whale approach you closer than ever before, with their spectacular songs surrounding you, it will feel like you’re truly there. If you’re looking what to do in Majorca then I would most certainly start here!

    2)     Visit The Beach

    Whether it’s building sand castles and a moat around them to protect them from the oncoming tide, or jumping waves, snacking on an ice cream or reading a book, the beach is a child’s favourite.

    Seriously, when I was young I thought I would live on a beach when I was older! Majorca has some great options as well, such as Cala Agulla, Portals Vells, Playa de Formentor and Playa de Canyamel.

    S’Aramador actually won a few awards for being the best beach in Europe, which you will understand if you visit. You may also want to check out the picturesque Deia along the NorthWest coast, with a tramline along the seafront.

    3)     Castell de Bellver

    My childhood trips all seem to be shaped around visiting castles across the UK and I always remember having so much fun, which inspired me to study history further in education (I gave it up eventually, but made sure to get an A-level in it).

    The Bellver castle, located in Palma, has a Gothic style, while it was built in the 14th century for King James II and took 9 years to build.

    You will have to climb 450 steps, but kids have endless energy, so this will help to knacker them out a bit and you get a great view of the town. Of course, you don’t have to take that walk, you can take the sightseeing bus or drive up.

    4)     Cuevas de Arta

    Cuevas de Arta

    This one might be slightly more popular for the adults over the kids, but tell the children you’re going on an adventure into the caves and it should get them excited!

    You can book a set timeslot for the guided tour of the caves, where they will talk about the history of the area and how the rocks were formed.

    Overall, this activity will take around an hour, while you will tick off some steps to burn off that all-inclusive lunch. The guides also speak multiple languages, so you don’t have to worry about being stuck trying to practice your Spanish.

    5)     Artestruz Mallorca

    Artestruz Mallorca

    This is an ostrich farm, need I say more? You don’t face many points in your life time where you will get to see these giant birds up-close.

    One of the favourites for many is being able to feed them, while they also have a cafe so you can stop here for lunch as well. The menu will even include ostrich fried eggs!

    Suitable for all ages, this experience will normally keep you captivated for an hour or two before sitting down for some food and a coffee.

    When you feed them, you will have the choice of feeding them straight from your hand, using a glove they provide or with a big wooden spoon.

    6)     La Reserva Park

    La Reserva Park

    Found to the West of Palma, about a 40 minute drive from the centre, this picturesque natural reserve offers plenty of outdoor fun to get their inner explorer excited.

    You will find stunning waterfalls, deep caves and hiking trails, not to mention goats wandering over hoping for some food.

    For those that aren’t afraid of heights, there is even a zip wire available, which will certainly make for some great holiday photos and memories. There is also a rock climbing experience and a high rope walkway among the trees.

    It’s not just goats you should be looking out for either, you will find donkeys, ducks and peacocks but to name a few animals.

    But if you don’t fancy taking on a wild adventure, you could relax in the pool with a tasty drink bought from the café.

  • 7 Things To Do In Tenerife

    7 Things To Do In Tenerife

    The Canary Islands might be Spanish, but they’re located off the West coast of Africa and this means you can expect some really warm weather in Tenerife.

    This volcanic island is home to some beautiful beaches, luxurious resorts and thousands of British tourists head over every year to soak up the sun.

    If you’re looking to book a holiday to Tenerife, then you should first have a look through my list of things to do in order to plan out your itinerary. Make sure to book yourself into one of these 5 star hotels in Tenerife for your visit.

    1)     Siam Park

    When I first asked Raquel what she thought about her trip to Tenerife many years ago, the instant response was around Siam Park, arguably the best water park in Europe.

    I’m slightly addicted to waterparks, so it shouldn’t be surprising I’ve put this right at the top, with a number of amazing slides. The queues aren’t too bad (depending on when you visit), unlike theme parks.

    The venue is incredibly large, so make sure to grab a map and work out the main slides you want to go on. Whether you’re a family, with mates or on a couple’s holiday, this is a brilliant activity to try in Tenerife.

    You can either order the ticket, or get a combined ticket & lunch, with prices starting at 28 euros.

    2)     Mount Teide Cable Car

    How are your fears of heights? Well it’s time to put them to one side as you take on the 8 minute ride up through the clouds up 3,555m.

    The weather is a lot cooler once you’re up there, so make sure to pack something a little warmer, so you’re not stuck in shorts and flip flops shivering away.

    This geological treasure is certainly picturesque and is great for adventurers or someone just wanting to do something a little different to days at the beach.

    Some have recommended going up at sunset so you can watch the sun drop down over the mountaintop in what is quite a romantic scene. You can book yourself an audio guide or an actual guide to talk you through the history of the area and plenty of geological facts.

    3)     Cueva Del Viento – Wind Cave

    More commonly known to tourists as ‘Wind Cave’ the Cueva Del Viento is the 6th largest lava tube system in the world.

    Located in the North of Tenerife, this is a fascinating sight, looking at the way the cave has formed over time, however the fear of being caved in might lurk for a few people.

    Most people set around 2-3 hours for their visit, with 45 minutes actually spent inside the cave, so you can combine this activity with your visit to the Mount Teide.

    4)     Anaga Rural Park

    Also known as the Parque Rural de Anaga in Spanish, this humungous nature park is a great day trip for those that love hiking or seeing the great outdoors.

    Another attraction found in the Northern area of Tenerife, this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with gorgeous scenes of the forests and mountain tops.

    If you’re up for a good walk, you should look up the trekking trails beforehand to find the best routes for how long you’re wanting to go for. There are also guided hiking tours in case you’re worried about getting lost.

    5)     Los Gigantes Cliffs

    The ‘Cliff of the Giants’ is a 600 metre tall cliffside found in Santiago del Teide, with the rock formations rising from the sea to make for some great photos.

    You can combine a visit to the cliffs with a relaxing day on the beach, while there are also a number of great restaurants here to stop off for lunch.

    Popular with couples and young families, you will mainly find British tourists here, but it’s not completely overrun like some areas of Tenerife. Of course, most of the tourists will be found on the Los Guios beach, which is only 180 metres long, meaning the crowds can get quite thick and saturated.

    These are the most impressive cliffs on the island and I would definitely include it in your itinerary, but probably just for one day.

    6)     Jungle Park

    Jungle Park is certainly worth a visit if you want to see some wildlife, opening their doors at 10am and shutting at 5:30pm.

    The 75,000 square metred area of jungle will mean this could easily take you a couple of days if you have the time for it. You will witness gorgeous waterfalls, lagoons and caves, not to mention a variety of wild animals.

    I would recommend avoiding Loro Park, as they have shows with the orcas, something that disgusts me, however as far as I’m aware, Jungle Park is a lot more ethical (I hope I’m right saying that).

    You will find white lions, orangutans, lemurs and chimpanzees, just to name a few, while they also have a large bird collection, including flamingos and parrots.

    7)     Masca Valley

    The Masca village is found in a valley between the Teno mountains, found on the Western side of Tenerife, so it will be a bit of a journey away from the others on this list, but certainly worth the trip.

    You can drive here, but the roads are a little dangerous, so make sure to go very slowly, or simply go by public transport or taxi.

    While the scenic views are the reason everyone comes here, you can also stop off for lunch or dinner with some nice restaurants, while you can snack on fresh fruit sold by locals during the morning.

    The forest trails make for a great walk, as you look out at the rugged cliffs and wild landscape, with certain routes fitted to different fitness levels or experience.

    I’ll make sure to add to this list over time, but if there is anything you feel I’ve specifically missed off, please do let me know and I’ll do my best to add it over time.

  • Why It Doesn’t Pay to Take Risks With Travel Insurance in Spain

    Why It Doesn’t Pay to Take Risks With Travel Insurance in Spain

    Looking forward to reacquainting yourself with the Costas this summer? After dipping sharply due to COVID-19, the number of Brits taking their summer holidays in Spain is expected to rise to something approaching pre-pandemic levels again this year.

    By far and away the most popular foreign holiday destination for Brits, in 2019 an estimated 18 million British tourists visited the country. With travel restrictions now eased, forecasts suggest that a quarter of all UK residents who go abroad this year will head to the Iberian country.

    That’s great news for sun-starved holidaymakers and great for the Spanish tourist economy. But there are concerns that, after two years of living within the confines of tight COVID rules, people could be tempted to throw caution to the wind as they really let their hair down on holiday this year.

    It isn’t just fears of, shall we say, over-exuberant behaviour from some holidaymakers as they pack into Spanish resorts. Or whether a general memory loss about social distancing could even trigger another wave of COVID infections.

    There are also concerns that people may forget about basic precautions like travel insurance, which has been treated as a must-have for any form of travel throughout the pandemic because of the heightened risk of cancellations.

    The case for taking out travel insurance for Spain

    Before the pandemic, it was a well-known fact that millions of Brits travelled abroad on holiday every year without travel insurance. There has been something of an attitude change since, largely because of the increased risks associated with coronavirus. Those who did decide to travel abroad did so taking every extra precaution they could.

    But with mass overseas tourism back on the cards and rules relaxed, will that mean a return to the days of treating travel insurance as an optional extra?

    It shouldn’t do. There are several good reasons why travel insurance for Spain remains an essential purchase for any trip.

    One is that Spain hasn’t yet lifted all its COVID restrictions on travel. If you’re an adult and haven’t been fully vaccinated, you won’t be allowed in the country full stop. There’s no point even booking a holiday to Spain unless you plan on getting double jabbed before you go.

    Care needs to be taken if you are travelling with children who haven’t had both jabs. Unvaccinated children are allowed into Spain. But 12 to 18 year olds will have to take a COVID test before departure. If that comes out positive, you’d have little choice but to cancel your holiday last minute.

    As that would likely fall outside the cancellation windows offered by travel companies, you would be at risk of losing at least some of the money you have spent on your holiday. Travel insurance is the only guaranteed way to get your money back.

    Medical care in Spain

    Another reason why holidaymakers heading to Spain should prioritise travel insurance is the potential cost of medical care should they fall ill or injure themselves there.

    Time to bust a myth – medical care in Spain is NOT free to foreign visitors, not even to citizens of other EU countries (not that that applies to British holidaymakers now, of course). In fact, it can be very expensive.

    What EU citizens can do is get a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which entitles the holder to public healthcare at the same rates as Spanish citizens. Some services are free, some carry a small charge. But the point is, it’s not automatic. If you turn up at a hospital without an EHIC card, you will be charged full whack for whatever care you need.

    UK citizens can still take advantage of the same benefits as the EHIC through the new post-Brexit GHIC card. But again, you have to apply for and carry your GHIC to get the discounted care. Without it, a hospital stay for a broken arm or a nasty bout of gastroenteritis or for COVID-19 could end up costing you thousands.

    Even then, having a GHIC is not a completely foolproof solution for avoiding having to pay for medical care. Spain has an excellent healthcare system, but the services it provides for free are not as comprehensive as the NHS. You could still be charged for treatments you are used to receiving for free at home.

    Moreover, the GHIC is only valid at public hospitals and health centres. Some tourist areas of Spain remain relatively remote from major residential areas and are not well served by public health amenities. In an emergency or if public services are very busy, you could be taken to a private clinic or hospital. They are obliged under Spanish law to treat all patients, but not to accept the GHIC or EHIC. In other words, you would be charged private rates.

    Whether you have a GHIC or not, whether you end up getting treated in a public or private hospital, travel insurance will cover all medical costs. It’s really not worth the risk of travelling to Spain without it.

  • 5 Barcelona Hidden Gems & Amazing Secrets You Have To Check Out

    5 Barcelona Hidden Gems & Amazing Secrets You Have To Check Out

    Take a look through my list of things to do in Barcelona and you will inevitably come across the likes of Sagrada La Familia and the Camp Nou.

    But when you visit an area, you really want to see the ‘best kept secrets’ of the city, the places the locals love to go or the areas that aren’t yet tourist traps.

    Before our visit to Barcelona, we seeked advice from locals to find some of these and I’ve compiled them below.

    1)     The Big Fun Museum

    Prepare to become a giant child as you explore the larger than life items on display, such as a huge sink, the horror rooms and the topsy-turvy house.

    This is an amazing spot for a bundle of laughs, we had a great time, while it took around 1 hour to completely get around the venue.

    Of course, you might want to time your visit, as with other attractions it can get busy, but this attraction is all about getting weird photos, so you don’t want a group around you destroying the pic.

    Located along La Rambla, the Big Fun Museum has a central location and is only growing with popularity, so I presume in a few years this won’t be such a ‘hidden gem’, but we loved it. The venue opens every day from 11am.

    2)     Paradiso

    I had never heard of a speakeasy bar before this holiday, but we were told by others that one of the highest rated bars in the world was located in Barcelona, hidden behind a secret door, taking you from a pastrami shop straight through to an amazing cocktail bar.

    We got to the front and wondered if we were in the right area, there were a couple of people sat outside, but it all seemed very quiet. The only part that gave it away was they had a red carpet out the front of the store which was a little odd.

    So we asked whether we could come inside and they made us wait while they called in, before taking us through the mysterious door into this little haven.

    The decorations were extravagant, the drinks were flamboyant and the staff were friendly. We loved our drinks, albeit at those prices we only had a couple before heading on.

    3)     The Set Lab

    Another that is a little similar to the Big Fun Museum, this venue you completely hire out just for you and your group.

    You can either pay for 15 minutes or the full hour, while we opted for an hour, but only really needed about 45 minutes.

    They have multiple photoshoot scenes setup, such as a giant ball pit (which is fun to play in between sets), a bank robbery and huge cans of Fanta.

    You can setup your phones or cameras, set the timers on and get yourself in shot for some hilarious photos and videos. Make sure to check out our video of our visit.

    They also have a toilet and a changing area in case you planning on putting on different clothes once arriving. I love that you get complete privacy to do whatever weird photos you like without feeling rushed or others watching you.

    4)     El Bosc de Les Fades

    Here’s an admission, we went inside but we didn’t actually order a drink as it took quite a long time to get served so we gave up. But having said that, I would still highly recommend visiting this bar!

    The décor made you feel like you were in a fantasy movie, with pixies around you. Our bar table was surrounding a giant (fake) tree, with the leaves all above you on the roof.

    This is one of those bars that you find yourself just wanting to explore, like in an amazing museum or an immersive experience.

    Technically this is a café, so don’t feel obligated to have an alcoholic beverage, you can stop off for some food, but when we were there most people were drinking cocktails.

    If you’re going on a date or want to take your partner somewhere special then this is a great option.

    5)     Casa Batllo

    Sure, this is a push to call it a ‘hidden gem in Barcelona’, considering how much of a tourist attraction it is, but it was the final magical show that I felt was the hidden gem.

    I explored plenty of buildings and attractions, all of which were spoken about in guides, but I hadn’t read up on the final show that takes place in Casa Batllo.

    You walk into a room, where visuals start to appear on all the walls, ceilings and ground, while music is played out. The entire show lasts around 5 minutes, but I wanted to go around again and again, I was completely captivated!

    This was hands down one of my 3 best moments of my visit to Barcelona, so I can highly recommend a visit, considering a lot of people don’t get around to going to Casa Batllo.

  • Best Places To Eat In Barcelona

    Best Places To Eat In Barcelona

    This isn’t a complete list of the greatest places to eat in Barcelona, nor is it a list of all the Michelin starred restaurants, but having spent a week eating copious amounts of food anywhere and everywhere possible, I wanted to highlight some of the restaurants that truly stood out.

    For the record, before visiting many of these, I scoured Google Maps for ‘restaurants near me’, only opting for ones with a score higher than 4.5 out of 5.

    Indian Herbs

    I know I should be starting off with tapas, but I have to admit that the best restaurant we went to in Barcelona was an Indian one.

    The waitress was incredibly kind, while the food was some of the best I’ve ever had. I only wish we had one this good local to us!

    The paneer pakora starters were to die for, we came back a couple of times to this restaurant as we couldn’t keep our fingers off them.

    We then tried a mix of curries, but we underestimated how much food we would get. The Tikka Masala was unbelievable, as was the main paneer curry we ordered (I’m afraid I can’t remember the name).

    They also made a great sweet lassi, something I love to get when out at an Indian restaurant.

    Billy Brunch

    This restaurant would win the award for greatest customer service, as it’s the nicest we’ve been treated in any restaurant we’ve ever been to before.

    We arrived at 4:30pm (it shuts at 5pm), so we knew we were being cheeky, with nobody else in the restaurant, meaning it would be unsurprising if they either said they’re closing soon, or they gave us a rude look.

    But quite the opposite, everyone in the restaurant said hi as we walked through, with big gleaming smiles.

    Once we sat down, we spoke to the nicest waitress I’ve ever met, who told us about how she came over from Argentina and she asked us about our travels.

    This restaurant has a brunch based menu, meaning breakfast all-day. I opted for the Chakchouka, which included two poached eggs in a pan with tomatoes, peppers and onions, served with bread.

    Raquel went for the club sandwich, which contained farm chicken, cheese, avocado and mustard mayo, served with potatoes and salad.

    One of our favourite bits was actually the drinks we went for. We ordered freshly squeezed orange juice, which tasted gorgeous. We also got some mimosas, as part of their cleverly named ‘retox’ alcoholic beverages.

    On top of this, I ordered a latte, something I struggled to find a decent version of while in Barcelona, but this was the best one!

    But on top of it all, it felt like we had walked into a little paradise, sat in a comfy garden area, with a swing alongside us and chickens in the back. I mean, how often do you eat breakfast alongside a chicken?

    Güell Tapas Restaurant

    Located a 20 second walk from Palau Guell, meaning you could visit here for lunch after exploring the building and rooftop.

    When we first walked in to this restaurant with a Google rating of 4.8 out of 5, it seemed empty, but we were led through to the back, where suddenly we realised it was ¾ full.

    The atmosphere was lively, the staff were friendly, but most importantly, it was a great option if you’re looking for tapas.

    I couldn’t help myself after seeing it on someone else’s plate, I had to go for some chicken paella. I’m a bit lazy when it comes to eating chicken on the bone, so I’d personally prefer if it was cut up into the food so I could eat it all, but that’s just a personal preference.

    Raquel ordered the patatas bravas with aioli, because we had shamefully not had any aioli at this point, one of our favourite culinary aspects about Spain. She also ordered the Spanish potato omelette, something she had been looking forward to as it’s one of her favourite dishes in the world.

    Looking back, the one item on the menu I wish I ordered was chicken strips with curry mayonnaise, sure it’s not very ‘tapas’, but wow that ticks every box for me and I wish I gave it a go.

    Tapa Tapa

    Located near Casa Batllo, this isn’t somewhere I originally planned on listing, partly because I felt the customer service was pretty poor, but I had to include it as the food was amazing.

    This is somewhere where they get a large footfall due to the location along Pg. de Gràcia, which may have impacted on their patience or customer service skills.

    We ordered the three cheese croquettes, which were unbelievable. Most of the croquettes in Barcelona seemed to be purely ham, which I’m not a massive fan of, so it was amazing to find a cheese option.

    The second thing we ordered was Bikini trufado de mozzarella con jamón ibérico, or Truffled Mozzarella toastie with Iberian ham. Sure, we’re cheese addicts, but this was out of this world!

    After a long day visiting dozens of tourist attractions, this was the perfect place to stop for a pint of beer and some cheesy dishes and we couldn’t have been happier.

    If you’re planning on visiting, make sure to check out our list of the best things to do in Barcelona.