The Sagrada Familia and other monuments you must visit in Barcelona

Barcelona is a city that breathes history, art and culture in every corner. Barcelona is one of Europe’s most popular cities among foreign tourists and this is largely due to the great historical and cultural value of its most emblematic monuments.

If you would like to visit this charming city, without missing the most important monuments, this article talks about 4 places that you can’t miss.

The Expiatory Temple of the Sagrada Familia:

Popularly known as the ¨Sagrada Familia¨, this church is the second most visited in Europe, after the Vatican. It is one of the most popular tourist sites in Spain, together with the Prado Museum in Madrid and the Alhambra in Granada.

Its construction began in 1882 and it is still not finished. According to estimates, it should be finished by 2026.

The Sagrada Familia is the ultimate work of the Spanish architect, Antoni Gaudí, the greatest exponent of Catalan modernist architecture. It is important to mention that, although Gaudí could not finish the work to which he dedicated the last years of his life, the famous architect’s design is being respected.

The temple stands majestically in the centre of Barcelona. One of its most striking characteristics are its three façades, including the main Glory façade, a true work of art representing Death, the Final Judgement, Hell and Glory.

Another distinctive feature of Gaudí’s design for the church are the towers that identify the Sagrada Familia from all over the city. There are 18 in total and, although they are not completely built yet, you should know that apart from the distinction they give the church, they are full of religious meaning. According to its creator’s design, 12 of them are dedicated to the Apostles, 4 to the Evangelists, 1 to Mary and 1 to Jesus. The height of the towers varies depending on the religious hierarchy they represent.

As I have already mentioned, the Sagrada Familia is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Barcelona, so you will probably be greeted by a huge queue to get in when you arrive. You can avoid queuing by buying your entrance ticket in advance online.

The Arc de Triomf:

One place you can’t miss when you go to Barcelona is the Arc de Triomf. This structure was built as the main entrance to the Barcelona International Exposition that took place between the 8^th April and the 9^th December, 1888.

It is 30 metres tall and, unlike other triumphal arches in the world, that are adorned in honour of military affairs, this arch is characterised by allegories of economic, scientific and social matters.

It is interesting that since the arch was built, until today, it has remained in the same place and has maintained a social purpose throughout history acting as the finishing line for many races, as well as being the location of various cultural activities.

Casa Batlló:

Casa Batlló is another masterpiece of the architect, Antoni Gaudí. This building is located on Paseo de Gracia in Barcelona and is currently one of the city’s must-see attractions.

The construction of this marvellous building took place between the years 1904 and 1906. It was initially designed by Gaudí as the home of the Batlló family and, over time, the owners and the use of Casa Batlló changed until, in 2011, it opened to the public so people could enjoy Gaudí’s work first-hand.

Casa Batlló is considered as one of Barcelona’s most emblematic monuments due to its great cultural value as one of the most representative works of Gaudí’s naturalist period, reflecting his artistic plenitude. So much so that in 1964, Casa Batlló was declared a UNESCO National Heritage Site as part of the “Works of Antoni Gaudí”.

Montjuïc Castle:

This old military fort is another popular tourist attraction in Barcelona. Its walls enclose a large part of the city’s history and was the site of many events that marked its evolution.

Its location on top of Montjuïc hill gave the fortress a strategic position for defending the city in times of war. Over time, the castle has been used as a prison and a war museum and it is currently owned by Barcelona Town Council.

You can visit the castle by booking a guided tour that will let you see places that are not normally open to the public, like the dungeons and the lookout tower. Moreover, if you visit, you will be able to enjoy the various exhibitions organised by the centre and to take part in workshops where you will receive a detailed explanation of the centre’s history and evolution.

Without a doubt, all of the places I have mentioned above are great options for any trip to the city. I hope they have encouraged you to make the decision to organise your next holidays to Barcelona!

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The 5 Best Natural Parks in Portugal

Portugal is the perfect destination for those who like to holiday surrounded by nature, since it has many natural parks characterised by their unparalleled beauty.

If you would like to visit one and still don’t know which one to choose, in this article you will find a list that will help you decide.

1. Arrábida Natural Park:

The Arrábida Natural Park is located less than 30 minutes from Lisbon by car. It occupies 110 square kilometres from the east of Setúbal to the west of Cape Espichel.

Founded as a result of the need to preserve the flora of the region it covers, this park has more than 1,450 plant species, including one of the rarest types of Mediterranean maquis. For this reason, in order to duly protect these delicate species of outstanding scientific value, in some areas of the park it is compulsory to be accompanied by an authorised guide.

As well as having a rich variety of plants, this park is also home to a wide diversity of animals that can be observed during the organised tours through the park, including owls, eagles, badgers, butterflies, bats and mountain cats.

Another characteristic that makes this park stand out is that, not only does it include the mountain ranges of São Luís, Gaiteiros, São Francisco, Louro and Arrábida, it is also the location of what are considered to be the best beaches in Portugal: Figueirinha, Galápos and Portinho da Arrábida.

The relationship between the almost wild nature of its mountains and the impressive beauty resulting from the contrast between its beaches and cliffs, make this natural park one of the most beautiful in Portugal.

2. Sintra-Cascais Natural Park:

Thanks to its unique beauty and heritage value, the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is a Unesco Cultural Landscape World Heritage Site.

It covers the area from Sintra to the beaches of Guincho and Cabo da Roca, 40 minutes from Lisbon by car.

This park offers an impressive natural environment encompassing high mountains covered with dense forests and beautiful beaches surrounded by high cliffs, with Sierra de Sintra as its focal point. Among the many routes that you can take to hike in the mountains, you will have the chance to visit the Capuchos Convent, dating back to the 16^th century or the Peninha Hermitage with its spectacular views.

Another reason that this park is so popular is that it is home to numerous castles owned by the Portuguese nobility who chose the area to spend their leisure time. One of the most noteworthy castles is the Palacio da Pena. Built under the mandate of Prince Fernando II of Portugal in 1836, this castle stands out as one of the best examples of the romantic style of the 19th century in Portugal.

3. Douro International Natural Park:

Considered a protected area by the Portuguese government since 1998, this park is one of the country’s marvels of nature. Located on the shores of the River Douro (the river that marks the border between Portugal and Spain), it covers an area of more than 120 square kilometres.

Its wide area is populated by dense forests including species such as oaks, junipers, helm oaks and cork oaks that are the habitat of many species of animals among which there is a great diversity of mammals and reptiles. Moreover, it should be noted that it has been turned into a place of refuge for various species of birds that are currently endangered, such as the Egyptian Vulture.

The park organises various activities for those who enjoy being in direct contact with nature. The most popular activities among tourists include bird spotting, mainly in the months of February and March, and the visit to various viewing points in the park that offer magnificent panoramic views.

4. Serra da Estrela Natural Park:

This marvellous scenery spreads over the districts of Guarda and Castelo Blanco, in the middle of Portugal. Its 101,000 hectares are considered to be Portugal’s largest protected area.

It is home to the Sierra da Estrela that gives its name to the park and is distinctive since it is the highest mountain in mainland Portugal. Sierra da Estrela is a leading tourist attraction since the country’s only ski resort is located there, making it the perfect place to enjoy winter sports.

Visitors can surround themselves in a stunning natural environment, among the park’s valuable plant species, some of which are unique in the world, including the juniper tree, heather, black oak and gorse. Among its rich fauna, Sierra da Estrela is the habitat of animals such as Iberian wolves, otters, foxes, boars and musk cats.

Hiking, riding bicycles through the mountains and mountain climbing are popular activities among the tourists who visit the park. The park management also organise educational workshops where they explain, among other things, how to make the best of our visit, always emphasising the importance of caring and preserving the area.

5. Serra de São Mamede Natural Park:

The Sierra de São Mamede Natural Park is located in the district of Portalegre in the region of Alentejo. Thanks to its natural wealth, this park is considered to be one of the country’s most beautiful protected areas.

The park consists of 55,524 hectares of great ecological diversity. If you go for a walk around its paths, you will discover lush vegetation that serves as the habitat for many animal species, especially birds that that choose the park as part of their migratory route between Europe and Africa.

As well as walking in the park, the area is also prepared for cycling and, in Penhas de Portalegre you can find the only walls, within the protected area, where climbing is permitted.

If you want to be in direct contact with nature, enjoy the peace it transmits and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, any of these parks is the perfect choice for you.

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5 reasons you must visit Côte d’Azur in France

Côte d’Azur, as it was named by the author, Stéphen Liégeard, is a popular, world-renowned tourist attraction.

It is located on the Mediterranean coast in southeast France and stands out because of its impressive scenery. It is also the location of many important cultural events, including the famous Cannes Film Festival.

Since the region receives many tourists, the area is well prepared for visitors to make the most out of their visit.

Although the ideal time of the year to visit Côte d’Azur is the summer, since it is the best time to take advantage of the area’s beautiful beaches, bear in mind that the climate in this part of France is pleasant all year around.

Below, I will give you five excellent reasons that you should not put off a trip to the French Riviera any longer.

Visit the best beaches in France:

It is no secret that the most beautiful beaches in France are to be found in Côte d’Azur. These beaches have a privileged geographic location and are bathed by the warm waters of the Mediterranean, allowing both tourists and residents the chance to enjoy them almost all year around.

These beaches are distinguished by their turquoise waters that contrast with the warm golden colour of the cliffs surrounding the majority of them and creating a landscape of unparalleled beauty that captivates everyone that visits. The Côte d’Azur’s most popular beaches include Paloma Beach on the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula, Pampelonne Beach to the south of the town of Saint Tropez and Croisette Beach in Cannes. This area is very popular among celebrities so, if you visit one of these beaches it is likely that you’ll see someone famous.

Visit the historic centre of Cannes:

Another reason to visit the Côte d’Azur is to see the place that was the cradle of the luxurious city of Cannes.

According to history, this city’s glamour dates back to when European aristocrats began to settle in in the Le Suquet district, at the end of the 19^th century, living there during the winter months. The city started to gain fame and popularity, especially in 1939 when it became the base for one of the world’s biggest film festivals, bringing together the most important show business stars every year.

Although Cannes is home to some of the most luxurious hotel chains, giving the city a modern and sophisticated feel, the Le Suquet district is still the main heritage area where the main monuments are located. If you walk through the picturesque streets of Cannes “Old Town”, you can visit the religious buildings and museums. However, for many people, the best thing about this district is the bohemian charm that permeates the atmosphere, its numerous colourful houses that conserve the architecture of yesteryear and the many restaurants and local businesses. Moreover, due to the location of Le Suquet, you can get a privileged view of the whole city and there are wonderful photo opportunities.

Visit the Marc-Chagall and Matisse Museums in Nice:

Nice is undoubtedly one of the French Riviera’s most beautiful cities. On admiring its scenery, it is easy to understand the reasons that led the author Stéphen Liégeard to describe this region of France as the Côte d’Azur, because any images you see of this vast coastline are dominated by the intense blue colour of the sea.

However, Nice also offers other gems that attract many visitors to the area. Nice’s museums are overflowing with important cultural heritage that is within reach of those visiting this beautiful city.

Located in the Cimiez district is the Musée Nationale Marc Chagall. This museum has a significant collection of this important avant-garde artist and you can visit his seventeen works dedicated to the biblical message, as well as an extensive collection of other work related to his religious thinking.

Another museum you can’t miss while in the Cimiez district is the Musée Matisse. This museum has an excellent collection of the artist’s work made up of sculptures, paintings, photographs, industrial graphic pieces and sketches. Moreover, the museum also exhibits some personal objects that belonged to Matisse and were even used to create his works.

Take a trip around the world’s perfume capital:

The only place we can be talking about when we mention the world’s perfume capital is the city of Grasse. This medieval city is located less than an hour away from Nice and is well-known for its work in the perfume industry since the 18^th century until the present. It has earned its title thanks to a large flower crop that benefits from the optimum temperatures in the area.

Even nowadays, three of the most important perfumeries still exist: Galimard, Molinard and Fragonard. Each of these companies organises tours where you can see the perfume-making process as well as visiting the exhibition rooms, shops and cafés.

In Grasse, you can also visit the International Perfume Museum, where you can learn about how the industry has evolved, as well as the process of preparing scents and perfecting the perfumes throughout history.

As well as the above, you should know that Grasse’s historic centre is a jewel of medieval architecture, where you can see perfectly maintained old palaces and houses from the same era.

Visit the Principality of Mónaco:

Another place you must see on the French Riviera is the Principality of Monaco. Monaco boasts one of the best Mediterranean landscapes in the whole of the Côte d’Azur, as well as being one of the most elegant cities in the area.

If you visit Monaco, you will find many attractions to help you have some unforgettable moments. The most well-known attractions include the Oceanographic Museum, the Exotic Garden, the New National Museum of Monaco and the Japanese Garden. You can also organise a tour of the Prince’s Palace of Monaco and discover the reasons why Monaco is known as one of the most luxurious and sophisticated areas in this French region.

If you have always wanted to visit this incredible place, but you have not decided to do so yet, I hope that the five reasons above persuade you to spend your next holidays in this marvellous corner of France.

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7 beautiful beaches in Lagos, Portugal

The city of Lagos is located in the Algarve region and is one of Portugal’s most popular tourist destinations.

Its excellent geographic position with regard to the Atlantic Ocean has given it extraordinary beaches that, together with the city’s historic centre, are the most attractive factors for an unforgettable holiday.

This area is the perfect combination of relaxing coastal scenery and pleasant walks through the cobbled streets where every visitor can experience traditional Portuguese culture.

However, Lagos’ most noteworthy feature is its great diversity and incomparable beauty. Without further ado, below I will tell you about seven of the most beautiful beaches that you should visit if you go to this marvellous city.

1. Praia do Camilo:

This magnificent beach is situated at one end of Lagos and is considered by many to be the most beautiful in the area. Its crystal-clear waters and fine sand, surrounded by impressive cliffs, offer one of nature’s most beautiful sights.

It is the perfect place to snorkel and can be accessed by wooden stairs leading down to the sand. Although there are a lot of stairs, the walk up and down them is not unpleasant. From the top of the stairs, there are amazing views of the Lagos coastline.

2. Praia de Dona Ana:

Due to its incomparable beauty, this beach is worthy of a postcard and is a must-see when you visit Lagos.

Its waters are an intense turquoise blue and, like Praia do Camilo, it is surrounded by cliffs that highlight its uniqueness.

If you enjoy diving or just want to sit back and relax while enjoying the scenery, this is the perfect place for you. There are many facilities around the beach including restaurants, shops and showers.

Moreover, it has very easy access from the city of Lagos, since it is only 20 minutes away and a tourist train and local bus cover the route.

3. Praia do Pinhão:

Praia do Pinhão is a peaceful place near the city that can be reached through Praia de Dona Ana.

Although its swathe of sand is not very wide, this beach has a beautiful landscape dominated by a natural arch on the east side and the captivating contrast of the colours of the sea and the surrounding cliffs.

This is the perfect beach for diving and snorkelling since it has lots of rock formations that are perfect for these activities.

4. Praia da Batata:

Situated a few metres from the historic centre of Lagos, Praia da Batata is one of the most popular among both tourists and local residents. Since it has so many visitors, it has all the facilities characteristic of any urban beach, such as restaurants, showers, shops and bars.

Like the other beaches in Lagos, it is also surrounded by cliffs and its waters are calm, crystalline, and ideal for water sports.

Although this beach is one of the most visited, it is very well preserved.

5. Praia dos Estudiantes:

Surrounded by huge cliffs jutting out into the sea and guaranteeing calm waters, Praia dos Estudiantes is an excellent destination for families visiting the city with small children.

Since it is very popular, there are many tourist facilities, making it very convenient for those who visit.

It is not far from the centre and is easily accessible, as well as being connected by tunnels to Praia do Pinhão and Paria do Batata.

6. Praia de Porto de Mos:

This beach has quite a wide swathe of fine, golden sand. Like the other beaches I have mentioned, Porto de Mós is sheltered by tall cliffs with a viewing point offering magnificent views of the coast as far as Sagres.

Praia de Porto de Mos is also close to Lagos, is easily accessible, and has excellent conditions for people with reduced mobility. All the facilities you need for a pleasant visit are available, including bathrooms, showers restaurants.

7. Praia do Canavial:

Praia do Canavial is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve region if you visit, its white sand and intense blue waters will remind you of a Caribbean beach.

Although this beach is difficult to reach, since access is by a narrow stairway, it is worth taking the risk because it is almost virgin and very few people go there.

Bear in mind that you will not find the normal facilities of an urban beach here, but since it is far from civilisation, during your visit you can be sure to disconnect from the rest of the world.

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