Ibiza is one of the most stunning islands in the Mediterranean, it's no wonder that it has been nicknamed the White Isle and the Magic Island. While it is mainly known for its summer scene with lively nightlife and crystal clear beaches, the island also has an abundance of sights to satisfy history lovers and foodies year-round. We visited in "off season" during April and were pleasantly surprised to find laid-back island vibes, historic sites, unique cuisine, and warm Spanish hospitality.
During spring, the temperatures are at a pleasant 60-70 degrees with less crowds, making it a perfect refuge for travelers who seek a chill weekend getaway.
Ibizan Cuisine
If you are a foodie, you'll definitely want to try Ibizan cuisine. The cuisine combines Southern Spanish fare with the local ingredients and preparations of the island. We venture to the resort city of Santa Eulalia to dine at one of the first restaurants to open in Ibiza, Celler Can Pere, which was recommended by Michelin multiple times. We sample a 5-course meal that included tapas, local fish, "marisco", langostino (similar to a small lobster), and Ibiza wine, as well as the digestive liquorFrigola - distinctive to the region. Our restaurant recomendation: ► ► http://www.cellercanpere.com/
Dalt Vila
The hilltop fortress dominates the Ibiza skyline, and is not to be missed. It is a UNESCO site, that also includes a monastery and a historic cathedral. The views from the top span 360 degrees of the harbor.
Ibiza Old Town
On the way to the Dalt Vila, we walked through the Old Town which is a labyrinth of alleyways, cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings, and pops of color. The town is filled with shops, restaurants, and plenty of photo ops.
Ibiza Harbor
The Ibiza Harbor features a pedestrian walking path and is one of the most picturesque areas of the island. We photographed the harbor at sunrise and the entire city glows in the early moonlight.
Beaches
Ibiza is a small island at only 220 square miles, so you are never far from the beach. The beaches are spectacular, ranging from rocky cliffs, to hiking beaches, and calm swimming beaches with crystal clear waters. While the water in April was a bit too chilly for a proper beach day, we could still enjoy them from the boat and the shore. Have you visited the Balearic Islands yet? What is your favorite sight in Ibiza? Comment below!
Welcome to Barcelona! Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia in Southern Spain, and a cosmopolitan city filled with architectural and artistic treasures. The city is famous for artists and architects such as Gaudi, Dali, Miro, and Domènech as well as many others. We tour the city to discover the top Catalan Art Nouveau architecture monuments and museums.
Behind the scenes travel vlog:
► ► 0:18 - 1:56 Fundació Joan Miró:
A visit to Barcelona is not complete without enjoying the unique works of Catalan painters such as Joan Miró. The Barcelona native is one of the most widely-recognized and renowned Catalan artists. His Surrealist works spanned many mediums including painting, sculpture, and textiles. The Fundació Joan Miró features 14,000 works dedicated to the Spanish painter and the museum is of the most notable architectural monuments in the city's recent history. Tickets: https://www.fmirobcn.org/en/
► ► 1:57 - 2:55 Jardins de Laribal
For a peaceful city escape and the best views, visit the Jardins de Laribal. Located outside of the Fundació Joan Miró is the Jardins de Laribal, which feature panoramic views of Barcelona, fountains, landscaped terraces and gardens. We visited in April and the entire park was filled with flowers in full bloom.
► ► 3:01 - 3:27 Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya "Palau Nacional"
The Palau Nacional is an iconic landmark that houses 1,000 years of art in Barcelona.
► ► 3:38 CaixaForum
The CaixaForum is located near the Montjuïc area and was a former factory that now houses art exhibits.
► ► 5:29 Palau de la Música Catalana -
Barcelona's famous music and concert hall was created in the early 1900s by Catalan architect Lluís Domènech I Montaner. You can view the facade from the outside, take an architecture tour of the interior, or purchase tickets to a concert to enjoy this architectural marvel. The interior features a stunning stained glass natural light ceiling.
► ► 7:28 Hospital Sant Pau -
Beautiful Catalan Art Nouveau hospital complex by Catalan architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. For an admission fee, you can tour the grounds and walk through the whimsical architectural facades.
What is your favorite museum or architectural monument in Barcelona? Comment below!
Wondering which island to visit on a day trip from Athens? With an estimated 6,000 islands in Greece, each with their own charm, it can be hard to choose. But if you are short on time, some of the islands such as Corfu, Santorini, and Crete may be too far. Luckily, Athens is only an hour away from some of the most beautiful and quaint islands. Look no further than the beautiful island of Hydra.
From the Athens port of Piraeus, we take the ferry on an hour and a half journey across the Aegean Sea to Hydra, an island filled with history, beautiful ocean, narrow cobblestone alleyways, hilltop views, cats, al-fresco Greek dining, water sports, relaxation, and old movie charm. Best of all, the island is traffic-free and does not have any cars. Behind the scenes video:
Hydra is rich in history. At one point, it was part of Venice and later the Ottoman Empire. We visit the island's historic Greek Orthodox churches, then venture to the top of the hills to capture the views.
We visited during Spring in March, and the weather was in the low 70's with crystal clear waters. While we didn't see any swimming beaches near the port, there were many ocean activities such as kayaking, water taxis, and even a diving area to take a dip in the water.
In Greece, there are "community" cats and dogs, which roam all over Hydra. As you can see, they are well taken care of by the local community.
On our way back, the ferry stopped at another port called Poros, which had a similar vibe as Hydra, only with cars. The ferry had many convenient times throughout the day, some running every hour, making it easy to island hop.
If you are looking for a quick island getaway from Athens, check out Hydra. What is your favorite island in Greece? |
Published Travel ArticlesWelcome to Run The Atlas!
We are two adventurous young professionals who turned our passion for travel into a blog to help others travel more.
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