Author: Tanya

So what is there to do in The City of Barcelona?

Barcelona is known for being one of the most vibrant cities of the world. It dates back to the times of the Roman Empire, two thousand years ago. The city of Barcelona has a reputation for having some of the best Modernista architecture in Spain. It’s a fantastic city to visit as it’s steeped in historic architecture, Spanish culture and history.

The Sagrada Família

The Sagrada Família Church is the largest unfinished Roman Catholic Church in Spain.  It’s the life’s work of Antoni Gaudí and a great example of his unique style, combining Art Nouveau, Catalan Modernism and neo-gothic design. You should not come to Barcelona without visiting The Sagrada Família.

Las Ramblas

Las Ramblas is approximately 1.2 kilometres long. At Plaça de Catalunya follow the road south towards the ocean to Port Vell. The Ramblas Boulevard is pedestrianized with many ice cream, tapas bars & restaurants. It’s  a busy exciting place to take a stroll to soak up the atmosphere

Barcelona’s Beaches

Barcelona’s has 4.5 kilometres of Mediterranean coastline and some gorgeous sandy beaches. So if you’re looking for some relaxation, water sports or places to eat fresh seafood Barcelona has what you’re looking for.

Picasso Museum

Picasso Museum home to Pablo Picasso’s early works collection consists of over 4,200 which are on show at the Museum. Picasso was born in Barcelona where he spent his early years as a painter before beginning his professional career.

Park Güell

Park Güell is another Antoni Gaudí attraction spread over 18 Hectares of hilly land. Park Güell houses attractions like the Porter’s Lodge Pavilion, the Dragon Stairway and the Hypostyle Room. Attracting 12 million tourists a year it is a must see when visiting Barcelona.

Mount Tibidabo

Climb up Mount Tibidabo, the highest peak at the top of the Collserola Mountain Range. Tibidabo Mountain rises up to 512 meters/1,680ft and is part of The Natural Park of Collserola. Situated at the top is The Tibidbo Church of the Holy Heart known as a ‘Baslica’ which is a church that a pope has given a special title too.

Barri Gòtic

Barri Gòtic also known as the Gothic Quarter is the place where Barcelona’s history began. It has many narrow and winding alleys with only a few roads used by cars, so it’s best to discover Barri Gòtic by foot.  Wander down the cobbled alleyways and discover chocolate shops, boutiques, and tapas bars & restaurants.

The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia

The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, also known as the cathedral La Seu, is situated in Barri Gòtic  in the gothic quarter of Barcelona. It’s the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona. Construction began in the thirteenth century. It remains one of the city’s most remarkable landmarks.

Casa Milà

Casa Milà or popularly known as La Pedrera.  This building is another piece of Antoni Gaudí work. Starting as residential apartments it is now a cultural centre that hosts art exhibitions and performances.

FC Barcelona (Barça) Football Club

FC Barcelona (Barça) Football Club Barcelona is one of the best known and most successful football teams in the world. Founded in 1899 it has won many football competitions both in Spain and Europe. Tours of the stadium can be booked and if your luck enough to get a ticket to watch a game. Enjoy!

Barcelona is a lively seaside city with ample culture, architecture and a world-class dining scene. It has many festivals and street parties though out the year and has been called home to some pretty famous residents; Antoni Gaudí, Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, George Orwell and Ernest Hemingway to mention but a few.

Southern Spain boasts the hottest average temperatures in Europe. Its cities and towns are sprinkled along the Mediterranean coastline and the inland mountain ranges. Its multicultural history, architecture and cuisine make it a fantastic place to visit when traveling in Spain. 

So What are the Top Destinations in Southern Spain?

Ronda:

Ronda is one of the oldest cities in Spain. Home to the Plaza de Toros, the oldest bullring in Spain. A favorite hangout for writer Ernest Hemingway. The famous Puente Nuevo bridge stretches over a 100 meter deep El Tajo gorge making Ronda one of the most breathtaking cities to visit in Spain. 

Sierra Nevada:

Sierra Nevada is Europe’s southernmost ski destination. It includes the highest mountain in Spain, Mulhacén at approx; 3,500 meters above sea level. This National Park has many activities for travelers year round such as hiking, mountain biking & rock climbing.

Malaga:

Malaga is known for the birthplace of Picasso, with many museums and historic sites to explore such as Gibralfaro castle. Built in the 11th century it boasts wonderful views along the coastline. Malaga is a great place to enjoy tapas at one of the many bars and restaurants that line the cobbled lanes.

Cadiz:

Cadiz is a great place to enjoy seafood, surfing, flamenco dancing or relax on one of the many beaches that line the coast. It is said to be three million years old and the oldest inhabited city in Western Europe.

Seville:

Seville is a fantastic place to visit as it host’s many museums, ancient & modern architecture, palaces and churches. As the largest tourist destination in Andalusia it has many wonderful tapas bars, restaurants to enjoy the local cuisine. Smell the fragrant Orange blossom by taking a walk around the cobbled lanes lined with Orange trees.

Granada:

The city of Granada is situated at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Its breathtaking location is one of the loveliest in Southern Spain. Inhabited for over 2500 years. Granada’s biggest attraction is Alhambra, a Moorish palace. Wander around a Muslim neighborhood and enjoy the atmosphere and local cuisine. 

Gibraltar:

Gibraltar, although situated in southern Spain, is actually a British territory. English is the official language and GBP is its currency. It was ceded to the British in 1713.  At 426 meters high the Rock of Gibraltar dominates the landscape and hosts the main tourist attractions. From the 56km of tunnels that weave through the Rock, the stunning caves, its famous Barbary apes and a 14th-century Moorish Castle

Southern Spain is definitely a must visit when traveling Europe. Home to some of the best tourist attractions in Spain including Nature Reserves, long golden sandy beaches, championship golf courses, picturesque fishing villages and historical cities & towns.

Carnarvon Gorge National Park is one of Queensland’s many spectacular tourist spots. This 200 million year old landscape features towering sandstone cliffs, beautiful gorges, prehistoric & diverse flora & fauna, Aboriginal rock art and many different species of birds and animals. It really is one of the most magnificent places to visit.

Things to do at Carnarvon Gorge

Carnarvon National Park is home to one of Australia’s Great Walks with everything from short strolls to very challenging seven day hikes. Walkers of all fitness levels are rewarded with some of Queensland’s most beautiful and diverse sites.

• The Moss Garden is a magnificent display of intense Green moss surrounding a waterfall.

• The Amphitheatre can be reached by a steep climb up a cliff. Squeeze inside a small opening in the rock and you will find yourself in a huge cavern with great acoustic qualities.

• The Art Gallery & Cathedral Cave are the place to discover some of the finest Aboriginal rock art. Indigenous engravings, ochre stencils and freehand paintings. 

• Ward’s Canyon is a picturesque place to cool down. Situated behind a small waterfall it features King ferns, and a stream abundant with Red algae.

• Boolimba Bluff has some of the most spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding ranges. It’s a steep walk up but the reward is breathtaking. 

• Boowinda Gorge & Battleship Spur are for the more adventurous hikers. The treks can get very rocky under foot with tree roots and steep climbs but the rewards are sensational. 

Carnarvon Gorge National Park is a wonderful place to explore, slow down and connect with nature. Just as Australia’s first people did long before Canavan Gorge became a popular tourist site.