February 01, 2016

Barcelona Getaway

Are you suffering from Winter Blues, with Christmas done and dusted and New Year’s out of the way? Alas, fear not, it’s time to book a city break getaway, why not go to Barcelona there’s plenty to do. With Barcelona only two hours away, and with over 10 flights a day coming in and out of London, you simply have no excuse. Sit down relax and be prepared to enchant by Mediterranean bliss.

Sagrada Familia
Kicking off one of the must-see sites is, of course, Sagrada Familia. Antonio Gaudi’s architecture is heavily featured in the city of Barcelona. The construction of the Sagrada Familia began in 1882 and has been going ever since; it is a UNESCO protected heritage site. The cathedral has been consecrated and proclaimed by Pope Benedict XVI, the style follows that of Gothic Art Nouveau. The progression has been slow and relied on private donations. I first attended the site in November 2007, and almost exactly to the date, I was back there 8 years later. Oh, my was I impressed, I couldn’t believe how much progress had taken place. Simply breathe taking to see the care and attention to detail to match original details, right down to the choice of stone. Due for completion in 2026 the centenary of Gaudi’s death, this is definitely a must visit.

Parc Guell
Continuing the flow of Gaudi, another UNESCO protected site, I couldn’t go all the way to Barcelona and not visit Parc Guell, the home of Catalan Modernism. A combination of botanical gardens and architectural elements, it’s a trek to get to, but once you reach the top the views are worth a million dollars. Famous for its gingerbread-style houses at the entrance, as well as the mosaic tiled lizards. The picturesque landscape oozes with Spanish culture and lifestyle.

The City
The great thing about the city of Barcelona, everywhere you turn its oozing with a wealth of culture. Cheap and easy transport links allow you to get to almost any spot, some of my favourite being La Rambla, the Picasso Museum, as well as the Port of Barcelona, with a recently built shopping mall.

Lifestyle

If that wasn’t enough for you there is always the great food and nightlife. You cannot go to Spain and not have a plate of paella with a jug of Sangria that would be sacrilege. Tapas, Empanadas the list goes on. After having an authentic Spanish dinner why not finish this by dancing the night away at the W hotel. You can’t say I didn’t spoil you.