Spain Travel Itinerary: TOP things to do!

It was a warm and sunny day (warm and sunny by Norwegian standards) when we realised that we wanted even more warmth and within minutes made a plan to visit Spain. We were a bunch of friends - three Indians and one Chinese-American, and our agreement on Spain was instantaneous. I was working in Norway then and this was my first trip to Spain, and so I was super kicked about it!

Barcelona skyline

Our plan was fairly simple - reach Barcelona, and then decide what to do only after that. I love such fluid plans where the place leads you to unexpected adventures and not the other way round. There was just one thing that I was clear about - explore the works of Gaudi, and of course laze around, swim and just chill on the beaches. Over the next few days, we did all this and more.

Now Barcelona is exactly how you would imagine it to be - beautiful and welcoming. But there are so many charming facets to the city that you discover only when you reach there, for example the great vegetarian food, amazing street life and very warm people. 

After we settled in our comfortable airbnb flat (200 years old), we charted our plans. Interestingly we didn't think too differently and we all agreed on Gaudi, old city, flea markets and lots of Sangria. In fact the first day we did nothing but eat good food and drink loads of Sangria. Barcelona sleeps late and so did we! Check out more details on what all you can do in a night in Barcelona here.

Beautiful stained windows

Me being myself, I always got up before everyone else did and went to a neighborhood cafe, and had conversations with the locals over a cup of coffee. Not everyone spoke English there, but it was still fun to have conversations with facial expressions and hand gestures. We discussed India, weather and tips for local places to eat.

For me Gaudi was the highlight of the entire trip, especially Sagrada de Familia. But there are so many more, not so obvious, Gaudi gems that it can take days to explore them all. Read more on Gaudi here.

Ah! Gaudi!

Ceiling of Sagrada

More Gaudi :)

We spent the last day on the beach just outside Barcelona and easily accessible by local trains. I swam while others relaxed, and it was as good as we imagined it to be. We all loved the city and the country, and were very reluctant to go back. We knew there is so much more about the country that needed to be explored and even now I am constantly making plans in my head to revisit the country, and check out all the wonderful delights that it holds. 

However, if you want to explore Barcelona with a difference, I have another suggestion: Barcelona on a bike tour with a difference.

Just to share with all, I made a short list of some of the places which are on top of my long list. I welcome all feedback and more suggestions as well :)

Ibiza - the world capital of Night

How has a Mediterranean island managed to become the world capital of the night? In the '70s, in the era of the hippies and before the opening of the mega clubs, Ibiza was famous for its hedonistic culture and its love of partying. Now it brings together clubbers from all over the world who travel there to enjoy the sessions of the most famous DJs and then relax on the island's white sandy beaches. If you really want to know what the word party means, you have an unmissable date with Ibiza.  Read more.

The island of Ibiza

Caceres - Spanish food capital

The city of Cáceres (in Extremadura) was named the Food Capital of Spain in 2015. And there are plenty of reasons why. The gastronomy tradition in this area is so outstanding that it has a large number of renowned quality products: Dehesa Iberian Ham from Extremadura, La Torta del Casar Cheeses, Ibores Cheeses, La Serena Cheeses, Gata-Hurdes Oil, Monterrubio Oils, La Vera Paprika, Jerte Cherries, Villuercas-Ibores Honey and Ribera del Guadiana Wine. Read more.

Caceres

Tradition and craft in Seville

In the old, historic centre of the city is the lively shopping centre of Seville where you can find all kinds of shops. In the Plaza Nueva, the pedestrian streets of Sierpes and Tetuán and the adjacent streets, you will find the large franchises and fashionable establishments together with the more traditional shops selling typical souvenirs, arts and crafts, guitars, flamenco dresses, fans and embroidered cloths. In the mythical Macarena Quarter, also in the old centre, the calle Feria is filled with traditional shops, many of which are dedicated to the sale of furniture. And in the called de Mateos Gago and the plaza de los Venerables you can find typical souvenirs from Seville. Read more.

Seville

Santiago de Compostela

Discover Santiago de Compostela, the capital of the Region of Galicia. Millions of people from all over the world come to this city every year, many of them reaching the end of the Way of Saint James pilgrimage route. Its historic centre has been designated a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. This is not the only reason to come, however. Here you can discover the main reasons to visit Santiago. Read more.

Santiago de Compostela

Madrid - the Capital of Spain

Madrid, the capital of Spain, is a cosmopolitan city that combines the most modern infrastructures and the status as an economic, financial, administrative and service centre, with a large cultural and artistic heritage, a legacy of centuries of exciting history. Also, it's known for great food, especially Tapas. Read more.

Buildings in Madrid

Adventures in Spain

Spain is often called the adventure capital of Europe and for god reasons. There is a mix of all kinds of adventures and sports, though I would love to try some skydiving, Canyoning and hot air balloons. If you are looking for even more, there is much much more to be explored, especially since winters are coming up soon. Read more.

Bonus tips!

When it comes to Spain, romance is always in the air! If you are looking for spending a romantic time in Spain here's your guide: Honeymoon in Spain!

Spain is one of the best countries in Europe for food, and Barcelona is the hub for it. Check out this story on Barcelona tapas and traditions tour to know more!

If you are in Spain and have some more time, it would make a lot of sense to visit nearby Portugal as well. Here's a Two week itinerary for Spain and Portugal for handy reference!

If you are looking for more unique summer travel ideas, here here: Summers in Europe!

Have additional questions? Ask them in the comments below :)

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Images reference: Pixabay.