June 2019
Spain
Europe
Trip Summary
10 Days Total
Arrival Flight: WestJet Toronto to Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona, Spain | 3 days
Transfer Flight: Vueling Airlines Barcelona, Spain to Ibiza, Spain
Ibiza, Spain | 2 days
Transfer Flight: Vueling Airlines Ibiza, Spain to Seville, Spain
Seville, Spain | 1 day
Transfer Bus: Seville, Spain to Faro, Portugal
Faro (Algarves), Portugal | 2 days
Transfer Car: Rental from Avis Faro, Portugal to Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal | 2 days
Departure Flight: TAP Portugal Lisbon, Portugal to Toronto
See the full interactive map itinerary here
Spain as a country is vast and beautiful with so many places to explore. We had 6 amazing days in Spain, and chose to split them between Barcelona, Ibiza, and Seville, so that is what this itinerary focuses on. It was the perfect mix of city, beaches, parties, and history, and I would 100% recommend following this same route if you are planning your trip to Spain. Here were is my recommendation for what you should do based on our favorite parts, our do's and dont's, some tips and hidden gems:
DAY 01
BARCELONA
Architecture
First things first, hotels. For our first 3 days in Barcelona, we stayed at the Paraiso Hostel as a budget, and hopefully fun option. Gladly, it was both! The rooms were okay and had everything we needed, the price was good as Barcelona can get expensive, and we met some really nice people from around the world and had the chance to spend some time with them in the shared terrace. If you are traveling with a friend like I was, and want to stick to a budget, this hostel is a great option. If you are traveling with a significant other, are looking for some more privacy, and have more flexibility with your budget, there are lots of better options available in Barcelona for you. Now, for the fun stuff...
Start day 1 in Barcelona off with a walking tour to explore a few of the masterpieces by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí like Casa Battlo, Casa Mila, Park Guell, and the magnificent La Sagrada Familia. These masterpieces are so treasured and special that they have all been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Antoni Gaudí is internationally recognized as an architectural genius, a prestigious expert in the field, and has such a unique, groundbreaking style that is an absolute must if you are in Barcelona whether you like architecture or not, so this is a perfect way to start out your trip. There are free walking tours in the area taking you through these stops, which is a great option if you are interesting in following a group and having a guide to explain some of the intricacies you are seeing, but you can also just do it on your own if you prefer. One thing to note, if you do take one of the "free" walking tours, they do expect a tip at the end, so make sure you have some cash.
Start your morning with coffee and breakfast at a local cafe and then head to Casa Batlló, which is open on Tuesday to Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Friday to Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Each location is free to visit from the outside, and has an option to purchase tickets to go inside and explore Gaudi's work more up close. My suggestion is to pick and choose beforehand which buildings interest you the most that you will want to go in, because if you do them all it will end up being a bit of an expensive day. You can purchase tickets in advance to be safe, or at the door if they still have some available when you are there. For Casa Batlló, tickets are 35 euros to get in, include an audio guide and are good for 1h 15min of exploring.
Once you are done at Casa Batlló, continue on your feet just about 7 minutes up the road to Casa Mila. Casa Mila is open daily from 9:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m, and has entry passes available with an audio guide included for 24 euros online or 27 euros at the door. This is a good option to pay the fee visit the inside of the building if you feel like it, because you can walk on the roof and take in great views of the city.
From Casa Mila, keep walking another about 18 minutes to the main event in our Antoni Gaudi tour - La Sagrada Familia. The Sagrada Familia is an absolutely stunning, enormous, highly detailed temple that has been under construction for more than 135 years. It is a must see while you are in Barcelona. You will still be in awe and need time to explore seeing it from the outside, but you can also choose to go in and explore further. If you choose to do so, it is open daily from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and costs 26 euros to get in, again with an audio guide included.
Next up is Park Guell, our last Gaudi inspired UNESCO World Heritage Site for the day and one of the largest green spaces in Barcelona, with more than 17 hectare of space to explore. It is about a 32 minute walk from La Sagrada Familia, which is a great time to stop and find a spot to eat or do some shopping along your route. The park is open from 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. daily and costs 10 euros to get in. Again, if you can, buy your ticket online before you get there to ensure entry and save time. Take your time soaking in the beauty of all the gardens and architectural elements the park has to offer. It is an incredibly beautiful place to spend your afternoon.
Finally, once you are done resting in Park Guell and reflecting on the gorgeous architecture you saw and experienced today, continue on the final stretch of your walk for the day for about 21 minutes up to Muhba Turo de la Rovira (also known as Mirador de les Bateries). This is a historical landmark in Barcelona that originated from Spanish Civil War bunkers, is free to visit, and has some of the best panoramic views of the city of Barcelona below. The only downside here is the uphill climb, but I promise the view from the top if worth it. I can't think of a more perfect and appropriate ending to your first day in Barcelona, then climbing up here for some wine and an unforgettable sunset. You can bring your own wine and plastic cups up with you, or there are usually a few locals up at the top selling both for about 10 euro. Pour yourself a glass, sit back, and enjoy the sunset views. Maybe even see if you can spot some of the Gaudi architectural sites you visited earlier in the day 🤍
DAY 02
BARCELONA
City
Wake up without an alarm today and find a local patisserie for pastries and coffee for breakfast, if that interests you. Today is another day of walking around Barcelona and exploring, so carb up, put on your best walking shoes, and let's get started.
Start at the Columbus Monument, a 60 m tall monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus that is cool to see and great for an Instagram picture. The Columbus Monument is also situated at the lower end of Las Ramblas, which is the most famous street in Barcelona. Las Ramblas is a lively, popular boulevard that takes you through the heart of the city, and is filled with activity - live dancers and performances, artists, vendors, shops and restaurants. Once you take your photo with the Monument, continue up Las Ramblas and take in the energy and culture it has to offer. The street itself isn't too long, just 1.2km, but it is easy to spend a couple hours here shopping, eating, drinking, and spectating. About 12 minutes walking up Las Ramblas, you will find the Mercado de La Boqueria, a large public market in the city. Stop in and find some unique snacks or treats to bring with you on the rest of your adventures today.
Once you are done on Las Ramblas and ready to move on, walk about 8 minutes over to the historic Gothic Quarter and feel like you walked into a different world. The Gothic Quarter of Barcelona is over 2000 years old and shows it - with its narrow medieval streets and intricate stone buildings. Here you can also find a plethora of restaurants and bars, with a more charming and local feel (plus lower prices) than there are on Las Ramblas. Walk through Placa Reial, or the Royal Plaza, and spot some more of Gaudi's work in the street lamps. Go visit the Cathedral of Barcelona, which is quite amazing though looks small when comparing to La Sagrada Familia you saw yesterday. If it interests you, the Museum of the History of Barcelona is also in this area, and is a history museum that focuses on the historical heritage of Barcelona from its origins in Roman times.
By this time it is likely the afternoon, and hopefully you had a chance to have some lunch (and maybe a drink or two) on Las Ramblas or in the Gothic Quarter. Next, walk about 10 minutes from the Gothic Quarter to the Arco de Triunfo de Barcelona for a cool photo underneath of the triumphal arch. Then, continue on for another few minutes to Ciutadella Park. Built in the late 19th century, this was Barcelona's first public park, and at one point the city's only green space. It is beautiful, as most things in this city, and a great place to spend some time while you are in Barcelona. Plus, it is free to visit. The park is home to 100+ plant species, including many 100 year old trees, as well as a waterfall, museums, sculptures, and a lake where you can rent a rowing boat and float around while enjoying the nature surrounding you.
If you are feeling up to it, following your visit to the park, walk another 38 minutes up to the Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau, called "an old hospital, a modernist gem". The Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau is a large new art complex and former hospital with interesting mosaics, stained glass, and gardens. It is free to visit on your own, or if you prefer, you can pay a few euro for an audio guide.
Finish your day today on one of the many hotel rooftops in the city for a swim or dinner depending on the time and how you are feeling. A great option is Skybar at the Grand Hotel Central. Barcelona also has a budding nightlife scene if you feel like a night on the town.
DAY 03
BARCELONA
Castle
On Day 3 in Barcelona, start at the old military fortress Montjuïc Castle, built back in the 1640s. The castle offers history, different exhibitions depending when you go, and a stunning 360 viewpoint from the top. You can also choose from a few different hiking routes on the Montjuïc hill. To get to the castle, I would suggest walking or taking the cable car. If you want to walk, it is about 20-25 minutes uphill. If that sounds too tiring for you, the cable car is a great option. It leaves from Avinguda Miramar and travels for 750m , dropping you off right at the castle, with views of Barcelona from the sky on the way including highlights like La Sagrada Familia and Camp Nou (the famous soccer stadium). It costs 9 euro for a one way trip to the castle, or 12 euro round trip back to your starting point in town. However you get to the castle, know it is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. from March to October, and 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from November to February. It is just 5 euro for a ticket inside, or 9 euro with a guided tour. Though I am not usually a tour person, I find them useful and interesting in stops like these to learn the history and hear stories about the place you are visiting. Plus, you can't beat the price.
Next, continue down the hill and walk about 25 minutes to the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc. Check the latest timetable for the schedule for the light and color shows of the Magic Fountain. They are incredible and you have to stay to see them before you leave the area.
Day 3 was a travel day for us, so we had to head to the airport in the afternoon, but if you have time, just an 8 minute walk from the fountain is Poble Espanyol. Poble Espanyol is an open-air museum, built in 1929, with 117 buildings showcasing Spain's typical regional architecture and is a great stop to add to your list. If that doesn't interest you, to kill some time before your flight to your next destination, head over to one of the beaches in Barcelona and order a couple drinks from the locals walking around, or just wander through the city and take in the charm.
DAY 04
IBIZA
Explore
We flew from Barcelona to Ibiza direct on a Vueling Airlines flight. The airline was great, and the flight only took about an hour. In Ibiza, we stayed at the Amistat Island Hostel Ibiza and it was awesome. They have a great location, great rooms, a great pool, and a just great overall vibe. Highly recommend. The hostel is in the Sant Antoni de Portmany area of Ibiza, and there is a lot to do and see around here on your first day. Sant Antoni de Portmany is on the West side of the island, and is home to the stunning Sant Antoni's Bay. Walk about 20 mins down the boardwalk from the harbor past all the gorgeous waterfront bars, clubs, and restaurants to Playa es Pouet (Pouet Beach). This beach has nice calm, warm water and is a great place to stop for a swim.
Once you familiarize yourself with the area you are staying, and maybe pick a spot and have some lunch with a sea view, use the rest of your first day to explore the other side of the island. Hop in a taxi or an Uber for your 18 minute ride to Talamanca, a popular resort area on the East side of the island. Explore the marinas in the area and try to keep your jaw from dropping at all the super yachts you see. If you're single, maybe hangout in this area a bit and see if you can find yourself a husband who owns one of them (LOL). There is another beautiful beach here, a gorgeous wooden boardwalk, shopping, and lots of seaside restaurants. You can also find the fancy Casino de Ibiza here if you are a gambler. Walk about 25 minutes to see and take a photo with the momentous Tower of Ca n’Espatleta. Then, walk about another 25 minutes if you're feeling up to it and hike up to the Mirador or the El Banco de Aziz viewpoints for amazing views of the city and sea.
Next, walk an hour or so back through Talamanca to the charming, cobblestone streets of Dalt Vila (Upper Town). Stop in a few of the local cafes, shops, bars, or art galleries for a drink and a peak at some local culture and take in the gorgeous sea views. Walk about 10 minutes to see the intricate Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves, and then another minute or so to see the hilltop Castillo de Ibiza for panoramic views of the Balearic Sea.
As the evening rolls around, jump in a 13 minute Uber or continue for about an hour walk towards the south of the island to Platja d'en Bossa. Platja d'en Bossa is a super energetic, vibrant, fun waterfront area of Ibiza with lots of restaurants, hotels, and clubs. Have some dinner, a couple drinks, and head out for a night at one of the discotheques around. We went to Hï Ibiza and it was sooo much fun- just remember to get your tickets in advance, because they sell out!
DAY 05
IBIZA
Party
Spend the morning today (maybe with a bit of a hangover from your late night out in Ibiza) hanging out at the hostel, swimming in the pool, and playing games with fellow travelers. If you feel like it, take a 20 minute Uber to Platges De Comte, a stunning beach with crystal clear water, though sometimes a bit crowded. Head back to Sant Antoni de Portmany for some lunch, and get ready for a true Ibiza beach club experience.
Get ready at the hostel in your best beach club outfit, and walk 25 minutes or hop in a 5 min cab to O Beach Ibiza just down the road. It is expensive, but worth it. There is just something about dancing and drinking outside in the fresh air and the sun, by the pool, in an upscale waterfront bar, in the middle of the day that is just perfect. This is what Ibiza is known for, so you can't miss it if you go.
If clubbing really isn't your speed, and you came to Ibiza for some, let's say, more wholesome activities, first of all this might not be the blog for you (LOL) but nonetheless I do have some other suggestions. If you want to explore more Ibizan towns and architecture, take a 20 min taxi or Uber to Santa Eulalia del Río to see more churches, museums, and art galleries. Or, if you want to explore the sea and a nearby island, take a boat tour from Sant Antoni de Portmany to the nearby uninhabited island of Es Vedrà for some snorkeling and stunning views.
DAY 06
SEVILLE
History
Ryanair offers direct, cheap flights from Ibiza to Seville that take about 1h 20min, and is a great option to travel between the two destinations. We only had one full day in Seville and jam-packed with as much as we could see in the city. We saw a lot, and I think one day is enough here if you are also pressed for time. I organized the route, as usual, to include as much as you can see in one direct, efficient route. Start the day at the famous Plaza de España. Plaza de España is a huge plaza with gorgeous fountain, embellished alcoves with intricate ceramic tiles. It is free to visit, but can get busy, so I suggest going early. From here, walk just a few minutes to the Parque de María Luisa. This park is also free to visit, and is incredibly alluring with scenic gardens, fountains and monuments.
Just a 10 minute walk up the road you will find the Royal Alcázar of Seville- a 16th century royal palace (in fact, the oldest royal palace in use in Europe) with gardens, fountains, and ornate arches and tiles. A general ticket the ground floor of the palace and gardens if you want to go inside is 13.50 euro. Your ticket also includes entry to the Castle of San Jorge, the Antiquarium, the Bellver Museum, and Triana Ceramics Museum, which are all great stops to add to your list if you have time.
Now it's time for some shopping and lunch in the city's tourist heart, Santa Cruz, just a few minutes walk away. Stop in one of the quaint shops in the old Jewish quarters for handcrafted gifts and souvenirs, and then find a tapas bar on Calle Mateos Gago for some local, delicious food and drink to fuel you up for the rest of your day. When you are ready, continue just a few minutes walking to Catedral de Sevilla, which is a large Spanish Gothic cathedral in the Santa Cruz area with the renaissance-style La Giralda bell tower you can climb up for gorgeous city views. If you want to go inside, it is recommended to buy tickets in advance online. General admission is 10 euro and you can get an audio guide for an extra 5. The cathedral is open from Monday to Saturday from 10:45 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Sundays from 2:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Casa de Pilatos is a palace museum with courtyards full of Greek and Roman statues and other artwork. It is just a 10 minute walk from the Catedral de Sevilla.
Finally, find a dinner spot nearby - there are a lot of great options just up C. Águilas, and continue for about 5 minutes walking to Setas de Sevilla for the sunset. You won't be able to miss Setas de Sevilla as you get close. It is a huge wooden sculpture built on an old medieval Augustinian convent called “Convento de la Encarnación”. It has an archaeological museum inside, and a stunning rooftop footbridge with unbeatable city views. It is open from November to March daily from 9:30 a.m. - midnight, and from April to October daily from 9:30 a.m. - half past midnight. The less expensive sunset rate available is 8 euro per person, and so worth every penny. Walk up to the rooftop, and take in the magical, historic city of Seville, Spain before sadly heading out the next day to your next destination.