31.10.2025
As a consolation for missing out on visiting Bordeaux, we decided to make an overnight stop in Córdoba. I was there for the first time way back in 1991 (yikes!) and was fortunate to see the old town and the famous Mosque-Cathedral with virtually no tourists. Andrzej, however, had yet to see it and we hoped there would be less people at this time of year. As it turns out, you can actually enjoy a quick visit for free! You just have to go there at 8:30 am and you have roughly an hour to walk around. You aren't able to get in to the cathedral area as they're setting up for a mass but it's a great time to explore the famous columns and arches. Commonly referred to as the Mezquita (mosque), this is one of the most famous tourist sites in Spain. The UNESCO World Heritage site dates all the way back to 785 when the original mosque was under construction. The mosque was converted to a Catholic cathedral in 1236 when Córdoba was conquered by King Ferdinand III. Fortunately, much of the original construction was left alone. Both inside and outside, this is a spectacular building and a must-see on any visit to Andalusia. Better, certainly, to visit in the low season, though, as you'll still have decent weather and far less people. So, another site in Spain ticked off the list!
Shona
26.10.2025
Our plan had been to spend a couple of nights in Bilbao and then head to Bordeaux, in France. Sadly, the weather changed and we ended up only having an afternoon to visit the famous Guggenheim museum. As luck would have it, we arrived on the one weekend a year that it's free for everyone. It was nice not to have to pay for tickets but, yikes, soooo many people and sooo many children! Lol. Not sure it was worth the savings, to be honest, but the museum is spectacular, inside and out. Unfortunately, our visit also coincided with a break between exhibitions and an organized marathon, so much of the museum was shut down and we couldn't even get down to where the famous spider sculpture is because they were going to send the runners right through the grounds of the museum. Anyway, it was still great to tick the museum off the bucket list, and we did see some amazing modern art... plus we saw a 'touron' try to stand on the platform of a sculpture so she could get a photo of herself. Quite the drama!
Shona
24.10.2025
There are so many little towns and spots you can stop at if you're driving along the coast of northern Spain. I would just caution you to choose wisely, in terms of the time of day or the weather. After leaving A Coruña, we made quick stops in Cudillero, Gijón, Bufones de Pría, and Castro Urdiales. Cudillero is a really cute little town with colourful buildings set on a hill rising above a harbor. Definitely worth a stop if you're driving by but try to go once the sun is higher, it's very dark and much less picturesque in the shade. Live and learn, right?! Bufones de Pría is probably spectacular in stormy weather. It was quite beautiful even on a nice day but I had been hoping to see some wild seas. Still, it was worth a quick stop to walk around. Gijón is a larger city on the water with a nice little old town and a big beach. It's famous for its cider houses but, sadly for us, they were all closed for siesta when we were there. See what I mean about timing? Lol. Stopping in Castro Urdiales was a last-minute decision and what a good decision that was (thanks, Andrzej)! It's a gorgeous little city on the water with a beautiful church, colourful marina, and it's full of character. When we showed up there were hardly any tourists but a lot of locals out and about enjoying the sunny afternoon. You don't need much time there but I would definitely recommend a quick stop if you have the time.
Shona
21.10.2025
Our next stop in Spain was A Coruña, in Galicia. We loved this city! It sits right at the tip of a little peninsula between the north Atlantic and the Bay of Biscay. There were very few tourists, so it was a nice break, and it has a great vibe. There's an amazing park on the edge of the city centre, with all sorts of walking and bike trails, interesting sculptures, and a famous lighthouse. The Tower of Hercules is the oldest known surviving Roman lighthouse, built in the 1st century. You could easily spend a couple of hours wandering around the park, and it's a nice walk to/from the city centre. We stayed just outside the city for a couple of days to relax and enjoy the beautiful Santa Cristina beach. We got so lucky with the weather, it was gorgeous and warm enough for a quick dip in the water. Quick being the operative word, lol.
Shona
19.10.2025
Hello Pilgrims! Lol, I couldn't resist. So, our first stop in Spain was the famous Santiago de Compostela. I'm sure many of you have heard of the famous Camino de Santiago, and this is where they all end up. The spectacular cathedral is (allegedly) home to the remains of the apostle James. Certainly, it is one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world, and has been since the 9th century when it was called the Way of St James. Now, the old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and I'm going to guess that many of the people visiting are actually just people who like to walk. Definitely worth a visit if you're thinking of a trip to northern Spain.
Shona
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