Recommendations on what to do, what to see where to go and where to stay when visiting Barcelona.

This guide is for the first time visitor to Barcelona and includes “all” the tips you need for a successful Barcelona stay! You’d want to know how to find good value for money accommodation, tips on transportation, what are the most interesting sights and what trips out of town that are worth taking.

Arriving in Barcelona

Arriving in Barcelona by plane you’ll be landing at either Barcelona’s international airport El Prat, or if you have chosen a low-fare airline you’re likely to have Girona as your end destination. From El Prat there is a train, the station is quite a walk (depending on your terminal) and it only runs every 30 min. it is slow and unreliable at times to boot! You’re better off hopping on a bus just outside the terminals (every 10 min), or a cab that’ll take you to the city in 20 min. with a fare of 25-30 euros. From the Girona airport there is basically just one option, the bus which will take you to Estacio Nord. From here you’ll get anywhere in central Barcelona in a quick cab ride.

Accommodation in Barcelona

Choosing where to stay in Barcelona there are three options: hotels, hostels or Barcelona holiday apartments. When traveling in a group (3 or more) the third option is easy to recommend. This accommodation choice will provide you with a memorable stay in a central location with all the comforts of home. Choosing Barcelona vacation rentals will also mean choosing the cheaper alternative, and even couples can find good deals for smaller apartments.

Top 10 sights in Barcelona

1.La Sagrada Familia – The unfinished temple of Antoni Gaudi a site for controversy and fascination for more than 125 years. There is nothing like it anywhere else in the world! In Eixample 2.Camp Nou - Home to the mighty FC Barcelona, seating almost 100.000 spectators, the stadium is the biggest in Europe and watching a match here is a thrill, even if you are not the biggest football (soccer) fan. In Les Corts 3.Las Ramblas – The street that is the “heart of the city”, a stroll down this former river is obligatory for all visitors. 4.Museu Picasso – The Andalucian genius Pablo Picasso spent many formative years in Barcelona and donated a large bulk of his early works to this fascinating museum.in El Born. 5.Parc Güell – Another of Gaudi’s phantasmagorical creations, a park like no other park, just like Sagrada Familia is like no other “church”. 6.Passeig de Grácia – One of the most stunning shopping avenues in the world. Brimming with high-end designer shops and beautiful buildings including several “modernisme” classics. 7. “Modernisme” architecture – Casa Batllo, Casa Mila, Casa Amatller and Casa Fuster are all buildings by Gaudi and his compatriots of the famous Cataln “modernisme” style that can all be found along the Passeig de Gracia street! The “Modernsim walk” is an itiniary that’ll take you through all the buildings that gave Barcelona its standing in the history of architecture. 8. Magic Fountain – Colors and cascading water, what’s not to like? At Plaza Espanya. 9. Miro Museum – One of many Catalan art legends, this museum is the best place the experience the playful and original art of Miro. At Montjuic. 10. Barcelona Aquarium – This one is a must for families, as kids love to” walk among the sharks” and exotic aquatic life here. in Port Vell

Trips out of Town

Tarragona – The city was the Roman seat of power when Barcelona was a mere insignificant village in the north. Worth visiting for the Roman village, and the amusement park Port Aventura close by is a treat for the kids. Distance: 95 km

Girona – Worth visiting for the cathedral, the Jewish quarter, the old town.Distance: 102 km

Montserrat – The sacred, saw-tooth mountain in Catalonia interior is well worth a visit for its, unusual landscape and fascinating history and fabulous monastary. Distance: 65 km

Sitges – Worth visiting for : beaches, modernisme architcture, movie festival, carnival. Distance: 86 km

Tossa de Mar – A pictoresque village to the north in the Girona region. Worth visiting for the clean water and the medieval town with a church and a lighthouse. Distance: 42 km

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The independent traveller will now find that not only can they get here at much more reasonable prices, but that there is a huge range of private accommodation just waiting to be booked.

The growth of holiday villas in Lanzarote has been particularly noticeable over the last few years, with many based in the southern resort of Playa Blanca. This is the newest town to have been developed as a coastal holiday destination. It benefits from close proximity to the stunning beaches of Papagayo, a collection of six coves and bays that have shimmering turquoise waters lapping their edges. These beaches are also very much unspoilt, as no development has been allowed in their immediate vicinity.

In fact, they form part of a natural reserve that can only be entered by a dirt-track road. Thus stopping them from being swamped by hoards of people all the time. But this does mean that tourists have to make their way to Papagayo under their own steam. Which is not particularly difficult if you opt for car hire in Lanzarote as part of your holiday experience.

This not only opens up Papagayo but the whole island for exploration. And with plenty of alternative beaches, it is worth getting in a hire car and driving around to find your favourite stretch of sand. In the far north of the island is a white sand beach known as Caleton Blanco. The sand was created over thousands of years by the erosion of sea shells so that now it forms the perfect contrast to the black volcanic stone that surrounds it.

Also well worth a detour is the beach at Famara. A seven kilometre long horseshoe shaped bay, it has one of the most imposing backdrops to any beach, in the form of the Famara Massif. Huge chocolate coloured cliffs that rise to nearly 700 metres, they give the beach a unique outlook and beauty.

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Caribbean beach scene

One great way to know what you’re getting (and spending) on an island honeymoon is to select from the many all-inclusive resorts, some of which are for couples only. All-inclusive means that for one pre-determined fee you get meals, lodging, and activities. Fees vary according several factors, including the type of accommodations. For example, a suite with a private beach is more expensive than a third floor room with no ocean view. Obviously, the cost is higher for a food plan that includes unlimited snacks and alcoholic beverages and not just three meals a day.

If certain activities such as golf, boat rides, nightly shows, and spa treatments are included, the fee will be higher than for basic activities such as tennis, bike riding, and beach sports. As a couple, decide what is important to you in order to pick the right destination. When you’ve narrowed down your list, check with a reputable travel agent or surf the websites of specific destinations and resorts to choose what best meets your needs for this once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Grand Bahama Islands, Barbados, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Grand Cayman Islands, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Martin, St. Thomas and the Turks and Caicos are popular island destinations outside of the United States.

Antigua and Barbuda travel literature boasts that this eastern Caribbean island has 365 beaches, one for each day of the year. Its reefs are noted for great diving and snorkeling. All-inclusive resorts include Sandals Antigua, Galley Bay, and Jumby Bay Resort.

The Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba is located off the coast of Venezuela. Measuring only 20 miles long and 6 miles wide, it offers a mix of high-end resorts and secluded natural beauty. It has less annual rainfall and lower humidity than any other Caribbean island. Come here for beaches and fine dining. All-inclusive resorts include the Wyndham Aruba Resort & Spa, Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino, and Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino.

Located less than 100 miles from Florida, the most popular destinations in the Bahamas are Nassau and Grand Bahamas Islands. Vacations on this British influenced island can be more affordable than many other islands. Top-notch all-inclusive resorts include Atlantis Paradise Island, Sandals Royal Bahamian, Nassau Beach Hotel, Breezes, and British Colonial Hilton.

Barbados, which is in the West Indies, is often referred to as “England in the Tropics.” While there are plenty of beaches and water activities, there’s most sightseeing attractions here than on most other Caribbean islands. Turtle Beach Hotel and Almond Beach Village are among the highest rated all-inclusive resorts.

Bermuda is an outdoor lover’s paradise. The weather is nearly perfect most of the time, and it’s hard to pick a favorite beach. Check out Grotto Bay Beach Resort, Harmony Club, Elbow Beach Resort, Fairmont Southhampton Resort, and Wyndham Bermuda Resort and Spa for an all-inclusive honeymoon package.

Grand Cayman is highly regarded for its deep-sea diving and peaceful tranquility. Beach Club Colony Resort and Hyatt Regency Grand Cayman Resort offer an all-inclusive honeymoon vacation.

In the popular West Indies island of Jamaica, honeymooners can enjoy an all-inclusive package vacation at Sandals Grand Ocho Rios, Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean, Sandals Inn, Sandals Dunn’s River, Sandals Negril, or Sandals Whitehouse. Grand Lido Resort even offers free weddings for its guests. Check the destination’s security, and think twice before you venture off a resort property, because Jamaica has recently experienced a drastic increase in crimes against tourists.

For some of the world’s most beautiful scenery, come to St. Kitts in the eastern Caribbean. Here you’ll find lush forests, snow-capped mountains, pristine beaches and a host of outdoor activities. All-inclusive resorts include St. Kitts Marriott Resort, Royal St. Kitts Hotel and Casino, and Sugar Bay Club.

The popular island of St. Lucia has most of its resorts in its northwest region. Enjoy water and sports activities there, and then explore the rest of the 240 square mile island to discover wild orchids, quaint fishing villages, and scenic mountain ranges. Highly rated choices for all inclusive destinations include Sandals Regency St. Lucia, Sandals Grande St. Lucia, Sandals Halycon Beach, St. James Club, Le Sport Resort, Jalousie Hilton, and Coconut Bay Resort and Spa.

Come to St. Martin (St. Maarten) for action packed nightlife and a more urban feel along with the beaches. Duty free shops are often packed with cruise ship day-trippers. For all-inclusive resorts, consider Sonesta Maho Beach Resort and Casino, Great Bay Beach Hotel, Hotel Mont Vernon, Le Flamboyant, and Le Meridien L’Habitation.

While St. Thomas has beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife, it is also plagued by urban congestion and a soaring crime rate, especially against tourists. That might be because it is the busiest cruise ship port in the West Indies. All-inclusive resorts include Wyndham Sugar Bay and Bolongo Bay Resort.

The Turks and Caicos Islands are known for their excellent deep sea diving. All-inclusive destinations include Alegro Turks and Caicos, Beaches, and Coral Gardens.

The most popular island destination in the United States is undoubtedly Hawaii. While all-inclusive resorts aren’t as popular in the United States as they are in Caribbean islands, there are several great honeymoon choices for Hawaii. If you want to stay in Oahu near the vibrant urban life of Honolulu, check out Halekulani Hotel. Popular choices for Maui include Four Seasons, Grand Wailea, and Ritz Carlton. Kauai offers Hyatt Regency Princeville Resort while the Big Island of Hawaii is home to Hilton Waikoloa Village and Kona Village Resort.

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Hamilton island

Hamilton Island is nestled amongst the Whitsunday Islands, a group of 74 islands just off the Queensland coast at the edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Hamilton Island is one of the most popular Whitsunday islands offering an idyllic island experience. Set amidst pristine surroundings, Hamilton Island offers a multitude of activities to participate in and luxurious accommodation options to suit the most discerning traveller.

You’ll be spoiled for choice with sea-kayaking, game fishing, scenic helicopter flights and ‘Breakfast with the Koalas’ at the Koala Gallery. Of course, you might simply want to concentrate on doing nothing at all, and lay around one of the pools or simply relax on the beach. Hamilton Island is also a gateway to other gems in the Whitsundays including Heart Reef, Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach.

Every taste and budget is accounted for on Hamilton Island. From the luxurious and intimate beachfront setting of the Beach Club to the sweeping views of the Coral Sea at The Reef View Hotel. If it’s a little more independence you’re after, you can choose from the Polynesian style Palm Bungalows or the Palm Terraces which are both ideal for families. All accommodation has easy access to the beach, restaurants and resort centre.

Hamilton Island is easily accessible with direct flights from Sydney (two hours), Melbourne (three hours), Brisbane and Cairns (one hour) with easy connecting flights from all other capital cities, makes getting there a breeze.

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