Tori Tamayo
08/15/2021
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Visiting Europe is always on everyone’s bucket list due to cultural diversity and endless destinations to explore in this enchanting continent. The absence of Visa requirements makes it even more exciting to just pack your bag and roll in to execute your favourite itineraries.
The Iberian Peninsula marked by Spain and Portugal set the stage right for wanderlust to cherish the endless charm of the place. The captivating natural backdrop of Portugal complements the cultural and architectural heritage of Spain. A combined itinerary opens the doorway to an endless blast of fun.
Kick off your European travel journey by landing in the city of Barcelona, a metropolis of iconic architectural marvels and an enriched history.
Step into an astonishing art piece of Antoni Gaudi that is under construction since 1882. This impressive basilica, registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site will be the tallest church in the world with 18 spires upon its completion. The detailing and architectural intricacies in the construction of Sagrada is just mind-blowing. From stained tinted windows to scriptures tailing Christ-life, birth and death, to the column designed like bent trees and branches, the unfinished basilica deserves unlimited appreciation.
Ticket: 20 €
Timings: Mon-Thur: 9 am-3 pm
Fri-Sun: 9am-6pm
Head towards one of the largest oceanographic museums of Europe constituting 35 aquariums with 11,000 marine animals residing in it. Located by the busy harbour of Port Vell, the aquarium houses an 80 meters long glass tunnel offering a very intricate experience with marine species and their habitats. Get ready to meet sharks, rays, whales, and moraines on this breathtaking journey.
Ticket: 21 €
Timings: Mon-Sun: 10am-8pm
Enjoy the local vibe of Spain in the neighbourhood of El Raval; a place sprinkled with bars, restaurants, shops, and galleries. Stop by MACBA-an an art gallery to relish the artistic displays of international artists. Get a taste of local life in the cultural centre of CCCB which stands out with its impressive exhibits of Spanish life. Do not forget to get your hands on Puiggros & Llamber; the most scrumptious food treats of Barcelona.
Ticket: 21 €
Timings: Mon-Sun: 10am-8pm
Check out Picasso Museum, Jewish Quarter and Montserrat if you have some more time in Barcelona. Sign up for Port Aventura, and Gaudi Park Guell for a fun-filled evening.
Start your day off with the refreshing air of Retiro Park, which once used to be a monarch property. The enchanting landscape of the park is studded with monuments, sculptures, galleries, and a bewitching lake. Build entirely out of iron and glass, the crystal palace is undoubtedly the most impressive highlight of the park. The palace is open to art exhibitions and travel nomads.
Ticket: Free Entrance
Timings: Mon-Sun: 6 am-12 pm
Head towards one of the largest oceanographic museums of Europe constituting 35 aquariums with 11,000 marine animals residing in it. Located by the busy harbour of Port Vell, the aquarium houses an 80 meters long glass tunnel offering a very intricate experience with marine species and their habitats. Get ready to meet sharks, rays, whales, and moraines on this breathtaking journey.
Ticket: 21 €
Timings: Mon-Sun: 10am-8pm
Enjoy the local vibe of Spain in the neighbourhood of El Raval; a place sprinkled with bars, restaurants, shops, and galleries. Stop by MACBA-an an art gallery to relish the artistic displays of international artists. Get a taste of local life in the cultural centre of CCCB which stands out with its impressive exhibits of Spanish life. Do not forget to get your hands on Puiggros & Llamber; the most scrumptious food treats of Barcelona.
Ticket:
Show + Drink + Tapa: 39 €
Timings: 8:30 pm (1 Hour show)
Plaza del Sol is worth visiting for its marvellous architectural displays. Want to get a taste of local life? Head towards Plaza Mayor, a hub of street performances and restaurants. Do not miss out on the delicious tapas of Orio Fuencarral.
The old rugged spiced by beautiful colours and relishing cuisine, Lisbon is the perfect city to get soaked in the authentic Portuguese vibe. Let’s roll in.
Often applauded as a symbol of romanticism, Monserrate Palace is a masterpiece reflecting tranquillity and serenity engrained into its stones. The palace serves as a summer resort for the members of the Portuguese court. The villa is divided into several sections comprising a garden, sacred art room, main hall, gallery, chapel, library, kitchen, music, sitting, and billiards rooms.
Ticket: 8 €
Timings:
Park: 9am-7pm
Palace: 9:30am-6:30pm
Located in the heart of Lisbon, the square is the busiest neighbourhood of Lisbon. The traditional and cultural stamp of Portugal is imprinted on the various shops, bars, and restaurants of the area. Various corners of tourist attractions include the Column of Pedro IV, National Theater, and Rossio Railway Station. Stop by Café Nicola to sip the coffee from 200 years old café.
Lisbon Cathedral and Sao Jorge Castle are in close vicinity so do not miss a chance to visit them. Join the green line to hop on your favourite locations.
Count your steps towards the most picturesque beach of Lisbon to wife off your summer heat. The extensive stretch of Costa da Caparica is crowded with endless series of unbroken resort beaches to lighten up your mood. Grab a seat on Transpraia (beach train) to take a round trip of 19 stops and get landed wherever you feel like. One exciting hotshot of the coast is cliff protected landscape that is approached via a hike from Fonta de Telha Village.
Known for its 500 years old tradition of red grape wine production, Madeira with its fertile and warm climate has always been of the favourites of Portugal. Be it the fishing village of Camara de Lobos, or the wine corner of Henriques & Henriques, the island of Madeira is cherished by the visitors for all the true reasons.
Spread on an area of 70,000 sq meters, this tropical garden is studded with a diverse variety of flora and fauna. Both exotic and native species of plants are cultivated here. The sight of fluttering swans, ducks, chickens, and pigeons is quite refreshing.
The associated museum boasts an impressive display of sculptures and minerals from around the world. Sculptures also imitate the drill and hard work that goes into the making of a sculpture. Various tile panels can be observed along the walkways and in the vegetation area that pay a tribute to the panel industry of Portugal, which remained functional between the 16th to 20th centuries.
Ticket: 12.50 €
Timings: Mon-Sun: 9:30am-6pm
The fertile lands of Madeira are packed with intertwined irrigation channels encompassing more than 3000 km of area. Irrigation channels otherwise known as Levada call for an exciting countryside travel holiday. Following the Levada routes, you will be crossed by bewitching views, splashing waterfalls, and UNESCO recognized Laurissilva Forest. Caldeirao Verde Waterfall hike and Levada Faja Do Rodrigues Waterfall Hike are two of the most stunning Levada routes to cherish the picturesque backdrop of Madeira.
The eating treats of Portugal are equally tempting and sizzling. O Mercado is the perfect treat for seafood buffs. Stop by Tascantiga in Lisbon to enjoy grilled mushrooms by the refreshing Pipe Fountain.
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