Spain Sangrias & Siesta
Are you dreaming of a trip that combines beach time, Roman history, spiritual reflection, and unforgettable architecture? A few years ago, I took a vacation to Catalonia, Spain, and it checked every box.
We stayed in a small beach town at a charming hotel with a “Mediterranean view.” Okay, technically we had to lean over the balcony and look far to the right—but we could see the beach! It was a whirlwind trip filled with trains, buses, and plenty of walking. Spain has so many corners to explore—alleyways leading to hidden cafés, bridges connecting to little shops tucked below canal level, and of course, the daily siesta. That part was frustrating at first (everything really does shut down for hours), but eventually I realized it’s a brilliant idea.
Even though Spain is huge, here are a few of the places that made this trip unforgettable:
Salou: Beach Day in October
We only had one day for the beach, but we weren’t going to miss swimming in the Mediterranean—even in October when the water was cold. Not every day do you get the chance! I always joke that I should write a book called It All Started When I Lost My Sunglasses in the Mediterranean Sea. Somewhere out there, maybe in Algeria, someone is wearing them now.
Tarragona: Walking with the Romans
Tarragona is an ancient Roman city where ruins still rise proudly. The amphitheater, once filled with roaring crowds watching gladiators battle lions, still stands today. When the games ended centuries ago, the Romans repurposed the site by building churches—many shaped like crosses (a detail I never knew before this trip). The old city walls and arches are still intact, making Tarragona a must-visit for Roman history lovers.
Montserrat: A Sacred Mountain
We rode a tram up the mountain to Montserrat, where a monastery overlooks Spain. This sacred site is tied to the legend of the Black Madonna. As the story goes, explorers discovered the statue but couldn’t move it no matter how hard they tried. They took it as a sign and built the monastery around her.
Whether you believe the legend or not, Montserrat feels like holy ground. Pilgrims gather to see the Black Madonna, the choir fills the church with angelic voices, and many people are moved to tears. The presence of the Holy Spirit is undeniable.
Reus: The Roots of Gaudí
Reus might seem like a small, quiet town, but it has one claim to fame—it’s the birthplace of Antoni Gaudí. You know how we say something is “gaudy” when it’s too flashy or over the top? I think that word should really be “so Gaudí.” His designs were eccentric, colorful, and extreme—but in the most brilliant way. Who wouldn’t want to be “so Gaudí”?
Barcelona: A City of Art and Energy
Of course, Gaudí’s legacy is most alive in Barcelona, where he studied, perfected his style, and left his mark on the city. His works include Casa Batlló, famous for its skull-like windows, and his masterpiece—the Sagrada Família, the world’s largest unfinished Catholic church. Construction began in 1882, and though Gaudí died in 1926, it’s still being built today, with a projected completion in 2026.
Inside the Sagrada Família feels like walking through a forest of stone and glass. Sunlight pours through stained-glass windows like dappled light through leaves, and every detail draws inspiration from nature. Outside, the designs feature dragons, bones, and shapes that feel both surreal and alive.
Barcelona itself is a bustling destination with over 50 million visitors a year. It’s not the place to go for peace and quiet, but if you’re seeking history, art, and culture—and you don’t mind racking up steps on your fitness tracker—it’s absolutely worth it.
Final Thoughts
Something struck me during this trip: in the U.S., we just don’t have ancient sites. In Spain, we walked among ruins, worshiped in centuries-old monasteries, and stood on stones where people once walked at the same time Jesus walked the earth. That connection to history is powerful- and something I'll never forget.
