Costa Brava region, Spain - Portugal 12 days trip

This town is a great place for relaxing on the beach and fun night activities in a care-free atmosphere.

Exploring the town center on its small and winding streets reveals numerous surprises along the way.

The beach is the highlight of this town, whether you want to socialize and meet friendly locals, or find a more secluded alcove.

A vibrant metropolis set on the Mediterranean Sea, famed for its brilliant architecture, rich culture, and captivating history.

Dating to the 11C, this cliffside monastery boasts Romanesque features and is surrounded by the breathtaking nature of the Cingles de Berti.

This diverse ecosystem of seven islands is highly esteemed by ecologists for the diversity of its marine life.

Purchased by Salvador Dali as a gift to his wife Gala, Dali is now buried at the castle.

A vibrant metropolis set on the Mediterranean Sea, famed for its brilliant architecture, rich culture, and captivating history.

Recognized as the masterpiece of Antoni Gaudi, this incomplete church is an exquisite blend of Gothicism and Art Nouveau.

In the heart of the city center, this historic quarter is full of Gothic architectural gems, as well as artifacts dating to the 4C.

A marvel of landscaping by Antoni Gaudi, this park blends lush gardens with architectural curios, and is full of whimsical statues.

The center remains the heart of Barcelona, combining historic sites and cultural monuments with cafes, shops, and fun activities.

Dating to the 11C, this cliffside monastery boasts Romanesque features and is surrounded by the breathtaking nature of the Cingles de Berti.

A beautiful mountaintop abbey that offers breathtaking views over the whole of Catalonia, and houses a famed image of Black Madonna.

Once the city's infamous Chinatown, today the neighborhood is best known for its nightlife and a myriad of diverse eateries.

Located centrally in the Gothic Quarter, this cultural square is surrounded by some of Barcelona's most grand medieval buildings.

Walk down this major avenue, admiring fantastic architectural gems, browsing the various shops, and enjoying the local cafes.

Established in the 15C, this famous avenue is lively, colorful, and manic, with ever-changing commerce, nature, and celebrations.

Take a guided tour through the salt mines to explore the breathtaking caves and learn about salt mining in the region.

Heavenly visions guided two young shepherds to this cave in the 9C, where they discovered a relic of the Virgin Mary.

This immense square is a nice spot for some shopping, and turns into a nightlife and cuisine hub in the evenings.

Visit the city's marina and discover a bustling area great for eating, drinking, and enjoying the views and happenings.

Housed in a 15C Gothic palace, this superb museum hosts a wealth of historic relics, including wonderful archaeological findings.

Recognized by National Geographic as the world's best city beach, this great shoreline stretches for over 4km and fits all tastes.

The intensity of this mountain's facade has influenced Wagner and other artists, as well those worshiping the Virgin Mary.

This beach town is friendly and fun, with a wealth of Modernist structures, reflecting many artists who frequented here.

Housed in the National Palace, this museum includes excellent collections covering art and artifacts from Roman times to modern.

This flamboyant concert hall displays the best of Catalan culture both inside and out, boasting exquisite ornaments and architecture.

Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Gaudi-designed masterpiece from the early 20C offers a museum and roof-top tour.

This 13C Gothic cathedral is a wonder, featuring an array of decorative elements and allowing access to the roof for great views.

A 12C monastery superbly blending architectures, with a multitude of galleries devoted to Moor, Romanesque, or Gothic influences.

Purchased by Salvador Dali as a gift to his wife Gala, Dali is now buried at the castle.

This town is not to be missed with its impressive and extremely well-preserved citadel, as well as its abundance of history.

Stroll through the fantastic old town of Carcassonne to enjoy this Medieval-style city.

Dedicate time to explore the narrow streets and the great restaurants of the lower town.

Following a paralyzing injury, the influental Bousquet wrote his strange and dark poems as a recluse in this house.

This eclectic museum is dedicated to classic paintings, porcelain, and regional art.

Explore this 15C fortress, built by the Spanish, and accessible top visitors from the highway rest-stop.

Dating to the 13C, this commune is known for its rich history, excellent wine, and lovely nature.

This basilica is a perfect merge of Romanesque and Gothic styles.

Madrid is where ancient and old meet modern and cosmopolitan, where sightseeing, dancing, and shopping go hand in hand.

Spectacular enough to rival the Louvre, this museum is well-known for its revered art collection including best national artists.

Old Madrid offers a range of exploration from small charming residences, to elaborate mansions, to a number of churches.

This must-see museum provides a comprehensive journey of prehistoric, Iberian, Visigothic, Muslim, and Christian cultures.

Housed in an old hospital, this museum holds a most excellent collection of art by 20C Spanish artists.

This magnificent monasterial complex boasts a palace, a church, an ancient library, royal apartments, and many more historic gems.

A memorial dedicated to those who fell during the Spanish Civil War, covering over 3,360 acres of beautiful woodland.

This refreshing park is an oasis within Madrid, with peaceful tree groves, a lake for rowing, and enticing spots for solitude.

Dating to the 2C, this ancient Egyptian temple was sent as a gift from Egypt to Spain and was rebuilt stone by stone in Madrid.

Visit this neighborhood for a day full of cultural exploits, as its streets are lined with some of Madrid's best national museums.

Built in the 17C, this is a relaxing plaza to linger in, with its interesting architecture, cafes, and frequent performances.

Situated amid lovely scenery, this charming city offers diverse architecture, cultural monuments, local cuisine, and rich history.

Segovia has an illustrious past dating to Roman times, only rivaled by the beauty of the landscape surrounding it.

This vast 18C palatial complex is the official residence of Spanish royalty, boasting over 2,000 rooms and remarkable decor.

This 16C monastery contains a wealth of artistic elements, such as its chapels, Ruben-based tapestries, and paintings.

This often overlooked museum should not be missed, as it hosts Goya masterpieces, enamel ware, silverworks, and other artifacts.

This neoclassical palace holds a must-see collection for art enthusiasts, with artwork spanning from the 13C to the present day.

Explore the ins and outs of this lovely Spanish town, making sure to check out the iconic windmills.

Known for its stunning fortified walls, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is full of medieval history as well as superb food.

Located in Madrid's Buen Retiro Park, this 19C glass and iron building is shaped like a Greek cross and is a renowned architectural gem.

Opened in the 18C, Madrid's exceptional Zoo Aquarium features a dolphinarium, giant pandas, and birds of prey.

Housing art and diplomatic memorabilia as well, the armory is best known for its collections of royal weaponry and armor.

This mountain range is rich with lakes, lush vegetation, and wild animals, much of which is preserved in a national reserve.

This 15C Mudejar castle looms over the countryside, featuring excellent architecture, a chapel, and several lovely courtyards.