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[europetravelmag]

The white limestone facade of #LaPedrera / #CasaMilà in #Barcelona, #Spain curves like a sandy beach and the wrought ironwork at the balconies resembles seaweed. And while Casa Milà is very much an "Ode to the Sea", it’s also a curvey fortress with chimneys disguised as sentinels looking out and keeping guard. The Barcelonians, used to linear structures and #Gaudí’s colourful buildings, ironically called the building La Pedrera - the stone quarry - as an allusion to the resemblance of its façade to an open quarry. The name stuck. Visit Barcelona and walk the Ruta del Modernisme de Barcelona to discover many #ArtNouveau masterpieces. Or check out our Top10 of #AntoniGaudi's works: http://bit.ly/topgaudi (her: La Pedrera-Casa Milà)

[europetravelmag]

Andalusia is much more than glittering beaches and warm weather. You just have to drive through the countryside to see the whitewashed "Pueblos Blancos", white villages, huddled together at the foot of a hill, with an "Alcazaba", fortress, rising above as protection and observation post in order to discover the arab past in the landscape. Discover more about Andalusia's enigmatic past: http://bit.ly/moorsco (her: Andalusia)

[europetravelmag]

Barcelona, Spain is filled to the brim with amazing ART NOUVEAU architecture – or Modernisme, as they call it in Catalonia. So much architectural beauty is bound to spill over and has luckily done so in a beautiful cava winery in the Catalonian countryside: Cavas Codorniu Now you have 2 reasons to visit! http://bit.ly/bcnbreak (her: Cavas Codorniu)

[europetravelmag]

Kronborg Castle in Helsingør, Denmark is not only listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, but is also immortalised in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Located in the waters of Øresund, it used to fill the pockets of the Danish kings, who demanded toll from the passing ships. Discover more about the Kings of the North: http://bit.ly/NorthKing #travel #history #culture #visitdenmark #hamlet #shakespeare #kronborg (her: Kronborg Slot, Helsingør)

[europetravelmag]

In the #Dalí Theatre-Museum in #Figueres, #Spain we celebrate one man’s creativity, artistry and craziness: Salvador Dalí, the enfant terrible of the Surrealist Art movement. It’s #colourful, #crazy, #kitschy – and a whole lot of fun! Read more about this fab - and four other - breaks from #Barcelona: http://bit.ly/bcnbreak #art #museum #surrealist #salvadordali #dali #visitspain #visiteurope #travel (her: Figures Teatre - Museu Salvador Dalí)

[europetravelmag]

The legend of Charlemagne's brave knight #Roland resonated through all of Europe in the Middle Ages and today, the mythology about him lives on in all of Europe. From Roncesvalles in the Spain, where he met his demise to Rocamadour, France, where his sword Durandal is dug into the rock, you can discover the legend and legacy: http://bit.ly/rolegend (her: Rocamadour, France)

[europetravelmag]

Did you know that the #bicycle is only 200 years old? It just celebrated the bicentennial anniversary of Karl von Drais taking it around the block in #Mannheim, #Germany. But the first #bike didn't have a chain. Or pedals. How did it move then? Find out: http://bit.ly/200bike #travel #history #visitgermany #visiteurope #drais #karlsruhe #bawü #vintage #vintagebike #draisine #velocipede (her: Mannheim, Germany)

[europetravelmag]

Last stop on today's #Roadtrip is #Cahors: Home to some great #wines, beautiful landscape and this fortified medieval bridge - Pont Valentré. #wanderlust #travel #occitanie #visitfrance #visiteurope (her: Cahors)

[europetravelmag]

3rd stop on this Monday #Roadtrip is awesome, rock-clinging #Rocamadour. Home to the Black #Madonna and #Durandal - the legendary sword of #Roland. #history #occitanie #Rendezvousenfrance #visitfrance #wanderlust #discovereurope (her: Rocamadour, France)

[europetravelmag]

Next stop on our Monday #Roadtrip is #Figeac, home to Musée Champollion - a museum dedicated to the history of writing. And their native son #Champollion who deciphered the #Rosetta Stone! #visitfrance #visiteurope #wanderlust #travel #occitanie (her: Figeac)

[europetravelmag]

There's no better way to start the week than by going on a Monday Morning #Roadtrip. First stop: the enigmatic town of #Najac! #occcitanie #visitfrance #visiteurope #discovereurope #wanderlust (her: Château de Najac)

[europetravelmag]

Lunch with a view! #Rooftop #Relaxation before taking in another #ArtNouveau jewel here in #Barcelona. Love it! #drinkswithaview #dinnerwithaview #visitbarcelona #h10cubik (her: H10 Cubik)

[europetravelmag]

Did you know that Valencia is one of the Spanish cities with the greatest collection of Art Nouveau architecture? Or Modernismo, as they call it in Spain? Me neither! Let’s discover the architectural gems together!

We’ve put together this 6 km. self paced walking tour together for you to follow with Google Maps on your Smartphone. Our tour through the historic center of Valencia and around Eixample quarter is a complete itinerary, that will take you past 43 beautiful Art Nouveau buildings. And when you’re done, there’s an Art Nouveau café waiting to serve you a delicious sangria.

We’ll start at the amazing Mercado Central, which construction began in 1914 but wasn’t complete until 1928. It blends the Art Nouveau style with the Gothic style of its neighbouring buildings, like the UNESCO World heritage declared Llotja de la Seda. The market is one of the biggest in Europe and features around 400 traders.

Continue to Casa Ordeig and further down the street and pop your head into one of the few glass-covered galleries in Spain, Pasage Ripalda, before you enter the large main square; Plaza Ayuntamiento.

Central Market of Valencia

Central Market of Valencia

Central Market of Valencia

Central Market of Valencia

Central Market of Valencia

Central Market of Valencia

Central Market of Valencia

Casa Ordeig

Casa Ordeig

Pasaje Ripalda

Pasaje Ripalda

Pasaje Ripalda

Plaza Ayuntamiento is packed with stately Art Nouveau and Art Deco buildings. A walk around the block will take you past the imposing City Hall (free entrance and a museum!), Post Office (you MUST take a peek inside), the Suay building from 1910, Hotel Reina Victoria, Carrer de Correus no. 6 and Carrer de Roger de Llòria no. 3.

Plaza Ayuntamiento

Ayuntamiento de Valencia

Ayuntamiento de Valencia

Edificio de Correos

Edificio de Correos

Edificio de Correos

Edificio de Correos

Edificio Suay

Edificio Suay

Hotel Reina Victoria

  Hotel Reina Victoria

Carrer de Correus 6

Carrer de Roger de Llòria 3

Carrer de Roger de Llòria 3

Continue south to the wonderful Estació del Nord. The exceptional train station was built between 1906 and 1917 in the so-called “Vienna Secession” style. It has hundreds of unique details and is a palace of the early 20th century prosperity.

Estació del Nord

Estació del Nord

Estació del Nord

Estació del Nord

Estació del Nord

Estació del Nord

Carrer de Castelló 12

Carrer de Castelló 12

From here, we venture into the Eixample district, which literary means “extension”. All over Spain – and most famous in Barcelona – an Eixample district is often filled with Art Nouveau architecture, Walk past Carrer de Castelló no. 12 and enter the Gran Via boulevard, that is lined with grand architecture. Carrer de Castelló no. 12 has charming wrought iron balustrades, that look like harps. Gran Via del Marqués del Túria no. 5 has elegant balconies and an amazing port. Casa Ortega at no. 9 from 1906 with its opulent sculptures, constitutes the one of the best examples of Valencian modernism. The architect Manuel Peris was the first generation of modernist architects of Valencia.

Edificio Francisco Sancho at Carrer de Russafa at no. 29

Edificio Francisco Sancho at Carrer de Russafa at no. 29

Gran Via del Marqués del Túria no. 5

Gran Via del Marqués del Túria no. 5

Casa Ortega at Gran Via del Marqués del Túria no. 9

Casa Ortega at Gran Via del Marqués del Túria no. 9

Casa Ortega at Gran Via del Marqués del Túria no. 9

Casa Ortega at Gran Via del Marqués del Túria no. 9

Turn left at the light grey Gran Via del Marqués del Túria 19 and then right along Carrer de Ciril Amorós, a street parallel to Gran Via and just as overflowing with Art Nouveau architecture. The corner building Casa Ferrer at no. 29 from 1907 was designed by Demetrio Ribes, who went on to do the Estació del Nord. As with the train station, this is an example of the Vienna Secession, that became popular in Spain after the International Congress of Architects in Madrid in 1904. If the doors are open, peek inside to admire the Modernismo interior. The next eye-catching building is at no. 58. That means, if you can keep your eyes off Mercado Colon, but we’ll get to that! Continue along Carrer de Ciril Amorós past the white no. 64 and the cream no. 66. A right turn the next street will take you back to Gran Via.

Gran Via del Marqués del Túria 19

Gran Via del Marqués del Túria 19

Casa Ferrer at Carrer de Ciril Amorós 29

Casa Ferrer at Carrer de Ciril Amorós 29

Casa Ferrer at Carrer de Ciril Amorós 29

Casa Ferrer at Carrer de Ciril Amorós 29

Carrer de Ciril Amorós 58

Carrer de Ciril Amorós 64

Carrer de Ciril Amorós 66

Art Nouveau Walking Tour in Valencia Did you know that Valencia is one of the Spanish cities with the greatest collection of Art Nouveau architecture?

[europetravelmag]

Is it me, or does the modern architecture of Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia in Valencia look like a big, white Angry Bird? #architecture #visitvalencia #valencia #visitspain #spain #reinasofia #travel #visiteurope #architravel #modernarchitecture #angrybirds #wanderlust (her: Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía)

[europetravelmag]

Porto is – well deserved – being named as one of the hottest cities in Europe to visit. And with good reason! This trendy city has great architecture, cool cocktail bars, lots of charm, a long history and excellent shopping. Oh yeah: and Port Wine too!

Budget airlines have made this overlooked gem very popular among weekend tourists, as it’s actually quite easy to navigate and take in the most important sites in no time. But let’s save you some valuable time. I bet you would rather use the time stretching your legs in a café sipping a PortoTonic than killing your feet walking in vain.

In the map below we have drawn up the main tourist, shopping and nightlife areas in Porto, added our favourites and plotted in the Best Photo Spots. Just to make sure, you don’t miss out on the most important sites of the city. Click on the coloured areas or Points of Interests for a swift presentation.

Let’s quickly introduce the areas:

Tourist areas

The main tourist area is the Ribeira down at the Douro river. If you’re looking for an authentic experience or an undiscovered restaurant, look elsewhere. However, the area is full of life around the clock and is one of the best places to enjoy the sun and watch to world go by.

Of course, a Cathedral is always a no-miss in a historical city such as Porto. When you add the Episcopal Palace and the Tourist Office to the equation, this result is, that this area should be one of the first you visit.

Rua das Flores connects the Ribeira tourist area with the hip bar and nightlife area of Cedofeita and is filled with cafés, shops and sights. Between the Ribeira and Rua das Flores you’ll find the extraordinary Palacio Bolsa – the former Exchange – with an eclectic interior architecture. Just next to the Palacio is the Port & Douro Wines Institute – a really good place to start if you’re at all curious about wines in general and Port Wine in particular. It has a small but interactive – and free – museum, a Port Wine shop and Port Wine sampling. A great place to find out, if you want to dive deeper into the world of Port Wine on the other side of the river.

The Cathedral area also includes the Episcopal Palace and the Tourist Office

Rua da Flores is a pedestrianised street with lots of cafés and shops

A giant square rock held op only by the water pressure!! Gravity-defying!!

The Rabelo boat – a traditional Portuguese cargo boat used to transport people and goods along the Douro River

Supermoon, Rabelo boat and Luís I Bridge

The south-facing Ribeira is always a lively place to watch the world go by

Port Wine area

Fun fact is, that the Port Wine producers are actually not located in Porto – they’re based in Vila Nova de Gaia on the other side of the Douro river. Here, you can choose a Tour of the Cellars and Port Wine tasting between a wide range of producers. Everyone have their own favourite.

We can recommend Graham’s Lodge which also has a wonderful restaurant with amazing views to the river and Porto. It’s quite a hike though, so if you’re not up to burn some calories, settle for Sandemann or one of the others at the riverside. A tour and decent tasting will cost from 20€ and up, if you want to try at least 5 different Ports. The higher the price the better the Ports. They’re not trying to rip you off – there’s a price difference whether the port has aged 10 or 40 years. You have rental costs too, yeah?

When you’ve done your tasting and found your favourite Port, you can buy it in the shop – or take a set back home and do a Port Wine Tasting with your friends!

Treat yourself with a port wine tasting

We can recommend Graham’s Lodge which also has a wonderful restaurant with amazing views to the river and Porto

Vila Nova de Gaia is the city on the other side of the Douro river and home to all Port producers

You don’t have to go to Vila Nova de Gaia to experience Port. The Institute of Wines of Douro and Porto has a museum, tastings and a shop!

The small museum at the start of the tur at Graham’s Lodge is elegant and informative

A tour of the cellars and decent tasting will cost from 20€ and up, if you want to try at least 5 different Ports

Graham’s Lodge is an excellent choice and has great views of Porto and the Douro

Shopping areas

If you want to bring home with you more than a bottle of Port, you’ve come to the right place! If all my clothes and shoes were stolen or went up in smoke (I might consider that now), I would go to Porto to restock my wardrobe. They have the same High Street fashions brands as everywhere else on Rua Santa Catarina – the main pedestrianised shopping street – but there are lots of other areas, where you can make a bargain or purchase something special no-one has back home. When you’re done browsing Santa Catarina for the same stuff you probably have back home, head to Mercado do Bolhão. They have the cheapest bargains in town and sell souvenirs, vegetables, fish and everything in between.

The area around the Clerigos Tower (you can use the baroque tower as a point of orientation when strolling the streets) features a mix of more expensive brands and quirky shops, like A Vida Portuguesa where you can buy Portuguese products. And visit the unique Art Nouveau bookshop Livraria Lello, that looks like something from a Harry Potter movie (check out our Guide to Art Nouveau in Porto, if you’re into the fin-de siecle architecture).

Rua de Cedofeita is another pedestrianised shopping street, but this one is characterised by lesser-known brands and you’re  more likely to find a bargain here, than at Rua Santa Catarina. The street is not that long, and from here, you can enter another shopping experience by walking into

Travessa Cedofeita and Rua de Conceicao, where you have trendy vintage stores, old comic book shops, a wooden bike store and boutique fashion shops. This is the area to visit, if you want to find some peculiar, unique or extraordinary. But hurry and check them out. They might not be there tomorrow!

In the pedestrian Rua Santa Catarina you’ll find your well-known High Street brands

Mercado do Bolhao is the cheapest place to buy souvenirs, fish, fruits – and everything in between!

Not only the facades of the shops are wonderful – the inside as well

Old charm meets the latest fashion in Porto

Rua de Conceicao offers trendy vintage stores, old comic book shops and boutique fashion shops

Step into A Vida Portuguesa and take a look at the industrial interior

Livraria Lello has an entrance fee, but it’s subtracted from your purchase in the bookshop

Restaurants, Bars and Nightlife

We end our guide with a recommendation to explore the area between the Clerigos tower and Aliados avenue to find cheaper and trendier restaurants than by the Ribeira. Especially around Galeria de Paris you’ll find cool cocktail bars and quirky cafés lie side by side. You’ll not get very far if you start pubcrawling in this lively area, that really comes to life after 21.00.

Try the 2,5€ brunch at Galeria de Paris with the museum-like interior, a 6€ mojito at the cool Baixa bar and a 3€ Gin and Tonic at Era uma vez en Paris, where it feels to be inside a Twin Peaks movie. In a good way!!

Taste your way through your stay in Porto. And if you’re game for more experiences or are staying here longer, check out the Cool guide from USE-IT, that’s written by locals. It has a lot of inside information on the latest shops, bars and restaurant. You can ask for it at the Tourist Office and download the App.

The Ribeira are is somewhat expensive, but it’s a great spot to soak some sun and watch life go by

The are some cozy restaurants at the Ribeira, like Chez Lapin

Try the 2,5€ brunch at Galeria de Paris with the museum-like interior

Try a 3€ Gin and Tonic at Era vez um Paris, where it feels to be inside a Twin Peaks movie. In a good way!!

Try a 6€ mojito at the cool Baixa bar

Museo D’Avo is a good tapas restaurant on Travessa Cedofeita with nice ambiance

Want to check out more beautiful pics of Porto and some beautiful places nearby? Take a look through our Portugal in Pictures feature.

Check out our #Porto #City #Guide with a #map of the main #tourist, #shopping & #nightlife #areas in Porto Porto is - well deserved - being named as one of the hottest cities in Europe to visit.

[europetravelmag]

European Travel Magazine loves this sunny day in #Valencia! #Sunshine & 20 degrees is not bad for a day in January! #visitvalencia #visitspain (her: Playa De Valencia)

[europetravelmag]

Plaza #Redondo in #Valencia dates back to 1840 but got its modern definition in 2012, when it was renovated and partly covered. A hidden and quit spot just a stone's throw from the bustling Plaza del Ayuntamiento. #visitvalencia #visitspain #visiteurope @turismovalencia @spain