Spain and Portugal

Spain

Barcelona

  • Virgin Voyages offers adults-only foodie cruises out of Barcelona.
  • Basílica de la Sagrada Familia.
  • Trip Advisor on second time visitors.
  • Blu Bar plant-based restaurant.
  • Nat Geo article
  • Books: Cathedral of the Sea, City of Wonders, In Diamond Square, The Shadow of the Wind, Learning to Talk to Plants, City of Marvels, Nada by Carmen Laforet, Victus: The Fall of Barcelona, Homage to Barcelona, Uncertain Glory, Carlos Ruiz Zafon: Marina, The Angel’s Game, The Prisoner of Heaven, The Labyrinth of the Spirits; Homage to Catalonia, Barcelona by Robert Hughes, Proof I Was Here, The Antiquarian, The Time of the Doves, An American in Barcelona: Dr. Pearson, the Man Who Brought Light to Catalonia. Good Reads recs.

Toledo

Madrid

Valencia

Rioja

Seville (Xmas)

Islands

The Balearic Islands, Ibiza, Mallorca (Majorca), and Menorca; are off the east coast of Spain, due east of Valencia (and north of Algiers).

The Canary Islands, including Tenerife, are of the coast of Morocco. Good for winter stargazing.

Portugal

Porto

  • Sao Joao
  • Rua de Santa Catarina – shopping
  • Sao Bento Station – azulejos
  • Praca Ribeira – rabelo boat

Lisbon

  • Bairro Alto, bars and fado houses
  • Alfama district, fado bars
  • Festa de Santo Antonio

Misc

  • Palacio Da Pena
  • Ponta Delgada.
  • Azores, Talvira.
  • Douro Valley
  • Evora
  • Eastern Algarve. Vicentine Coast National Park for stargazing between June and September (limited rainfall).

Food

  • Sardines
  • Port

Shopping

  • Jewellery
  • Leather

Reference

Global

Guides

  • Portugal, 2024, DK Eyewitness, Alameda Free Library, 914.6904
  • Spain, 2025, Lonely Planet, Alameda Free Library, 914.6048
  • Basque Country, Spain & France, Snapshot, 2023, Rick Steves, Lafayette Friends Book Shop purchase

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