Europe - Spain & Portugal

SPAIN

BARCELONA

HOTEL - In Barcelona, we chose to stay at Hotel Catalonia Sabadell. The location buts you right within reach of the city's business hub and cultural scene. Although not in the heart of Barcelona proper, the hotel provides modern comfort and easy access by train or car for a value-smart stay.

TRAVEL - One of our biggest "must sees" from this trip would be the opportunity to visit Basilica de La Sagrada Familia. It is breathtaking church including stained glass windows which cast a kaleidoscope of light across the vast stone columns. Note the you must buy tickets in advance. Our first stop on our trip was here in Barcelona, which is also where we will be finishing the trip out! We arrived in the afternoon and spent almost three days before flying out to Mallorca.

MALLORCA

HOTEL - We stayed in the beautiful beachside hotel, Hoposa Pollentia. Its airy, boho Mediterranean design and rooftop pool create a calm, adults-only retreat that blends modern comfort with laid back island charm.

TRAVEL - From this hotel, we drove along the coast and eventually to the Drach Caves. These caves are a stunning network of underground caverns filled with stalagmites and one of the world's largest subterranean lakes, Lake Martel. They offer boat rides inside, however, you must get your tickets far in advance as spots fill up quick. On this tour, you can explore the illuminated pathways and even enjoy a love classical music concert performed on boats across the water. 

After three days spent in Mallorca, we flew to Malaga.

MALAGA

HOTEL - We stayed at Ibis Hotel in the center of Malaga. It immerses you right in the heart of Malaga's lively historic center, with the cathedral and many cafes within a few minutes' walk. The rooms are clean, modern and functional, perfect for a couple nights. 

TRAVEL - 

RONDA

HOTEL - Staying at Hotel Moterlirio feels like stepping into a historic Andalusion palace perched dramatically on the edge of the gorge. The sweeping views of the deep canyon and the iconic Puente Nuevo are simply unforgettable. The hotel's elegant, centuries old architecture blends with classic decor gives a cozy, romantic, and old-world atmosphere.

TRAVEL - We spent majority of our time here walking to the bridge and around downtown.

GRANADA

HOTEL - Hotel Tent Granada places you just steps from Granada's vibrant city center. This hotel blends modern comfort with a great location that allows you to explore at your leisure. 

TRAVEL -  Granada houses the breathtaking palace and fortress complex named Alhambra. To visit the scenic courtyards and lush gardens, you must buy a ticket months in advance.

SEVILLE

HOTEL - In seville we stayed at Ibis hotel again. Though slightly outside the historic center, it provides easy access to scenic landmarks like Plaza de Espana, which we ended up visiting. As the other Ibis hotel, the rooms are comfortable and well maintained by a friendly staff.

TRAVEL - We took ourselves on a self guided tour around Plaza de Espana, letting us explore this iconic landmark at our own pace. It was completely free to walk around ourselves. After about three days in Seville we drove to Malaga to fly to Lisbon.

PORTUGAL

LISBON

HOTEL -  One of our favorite hotels from this trip was Hotel Santa Justa in the heart of Lisbon's lively Baixa district. Its sleek, modern design and thoughtful touches create a stylish retreat in the heart of the city. We had a balcony over the street, able to watch the city bustle below. 

TRAVEL - We took a day tour of Sintra just outside of Lisbon. You're taken through a fairy tale landscape of lush hills and historic charm with visits to the colorful Pena Palace and the mystical Quinta de Regaleira and Cabo. Since this tour takes a bit of time and is a large group van, booking in advance is a must. Rented a car to drive around Lisbon and eventually to Lagos. 

LAGOS

HOTEL - Staying at Hotel Marina Rio offers a relaxed seaside escape just steps from the beach with easy access to the vibrant Algarve coast. This hotel has a bright and friendly decor with clean comfortable rooms. With it being nearby historic Lisbon, it was the perfect place for both relaxation and exploration.

TRAVEL -  In Lagos we wandered around ponta de Piedade which is a stunning coastline of golden cliffs, hidden grottoes, and crystal clear waters. While it is free to walk around this area, we spontaneously caught a boat tour from a steep pier (about $50). After a two days spent in Lagos, we returned the car in Lisbon then took a train to Porto. 

FOOD - We were looking for hearty and healthy dinner options and I can’t eat seafood so we picked PIE Lagos. We were so satisfied with the dinner and also had some mojitos and cosmopolitans. Sat outside on their second story deck. The space outside could be hard to be sat if very busy. The servers were very friendly and seemed to be goofing a bit with another family’s children also. Restaurant, bar and restroom facilities were clean too. We would love to visit here again sometime. The price game out below $60 for the both of us.

PORTO

HOTEL - We stayed at Se Catedral Hotel Porto while here. It was kind of a hip hotel lobby, and rooms were small but modern and clean. We had a tiny outdoor balcony surrounded by other rooms. The TV raised up from the footboard creating the division from the vanity area. It had a coffee maker and filtered water. The best part was the location; within walking distance to the bridge and downtown- lots of places! Very central. Staff was super friendly and had good advice regarding sights and getting transportation.

TRAVEL -  While in Porto, we walked into Graham's Port which has become a hallmark of fine Port wine production. Visitors can enjoy guided tours followed by wine tastings. Arrived on a train, stayed for a three days before flying back to Barcelona to fly back home.

FOOD - Our favorite restaurant out of the entire trip was La Salumeria. It's a cozy Italian restaurant nestled in the historic center of Porto. They do not take reservations, so you should arrive early to get a table. We had limited time in Porto, but made sure to eat here twice! Excellent quality food, the staff was on top of everything and super friendly, prices were very reasonable too. Having come from a background in food service we could tell management was leading by example and everyone was happy. We loved being able to sit on the patio and enjoying the atmosphere. The next night was a little chilly so sat inside and it was just as lovely watching the kitchen action. There were also a couple places set up for people coming in as singles to eat, which is super accommodating. We walked here so I can’t speak to parking. For the two of us getting meals, a salad, a dessert, and some wine, was less than $60.