What to know before visiting La Sagrada Familia, in Barcelona [updated in 2025]

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Antoni Gaudí’s temple’s history, architecture & why You should visit

Barcelona is still on top of world tourism. The charming capital of Catalonia, Spain, received 15,5 million tourists in 2024. It is only behind London and Paris in the number of tourists in Europe. More than 75% of these visitors are from out of Spain, mostly from France, Germany, Italy, the UK, and the United States.

What makes Barcelona so attractive is a wide variety of attractions: history, arts, gastronomy, a whole set of hidden gems, beaches, and even mountains, all in one single place with a well-connected network of public transportation. With so many interesting attractions, there is one big favorite that is also the most crowded one to visit: Basilica La Sagrada Familia, an unparalleled monument in architecture’s history, and a Unesco World Heritage site.

With the Covid-19 pandemic, La Sagrada Familia was closed for more than a year. It reopened to visitors and events on May 2021.

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Ithaca: The Legendary Greek Island of Odysseus

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The mythical Ithaca is one of the most relaxing and interesting Greek islands

Ithaca (Greek: Ιθάκη) is a small yet historically and mythologically significant island in the Ionian Sea, off the western coast of mainland Greece. Known as the legendary homeland of Odysseus, the hero of Homer’s Odyssey, Ithaca captivates visitors with its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and deep-rooted cultural heritage.

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Amorgós, the most charming non-touristy Greek island [updated 2025]

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This Mediterranean island is (still) far from massive tourism

After spending a few days in Athens and Donoussa, one of the tiniest and nearly inhabited of the Cyclades Islands, we headed to Amorgós, perhaps one of the most charming pieces of land in the Aegean Sea. Amorgós was recommended by Greek friends as an island out of massive tourist reach and that still keeps the traditional Greek lifestyle, yet with lively bars, cozy cafés and restaurants, and good hotels. That is exactly what we found.

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Donousa, the least touristy hidden gem in the Aegean Sea

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This tiny island with no cars is the true Mediterranean paradise

If you ever wondered which of the Greek islands is best to visit, don´t wonder anymore. Our bet is for two picturesque little islands, charged with a peaceful vibe, sandy beaches, and that amazing blue-turquoise-emerald sea. They are Donoussa and Amorgós and in this post, we’ll tell our experience with the first, a tiny wild island that (still) is a hidden gem. Come with us!

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The 10 Safest and Most Spacious Beaches in Europe for 2025

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Prioritizing Safety and Cleanliness

As of 2025, while COVID-19 is no longer a primary concern, travelers continue to seek beach destinations that offer safety, cleanliness, and ample space. Here’s an updated perspective on the best beaches in Europe that prioritize these qualities.

Beachgoers in 2025 value destinations that maintain high standards of cleanliness, water quality, and safety. According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), many of Europe’s bathing sites boast “excellent” water quality, making them safe for swimming. Countries like Croatia, Cyprus, and Slovenia are particularly noted for their pristine sea waters.

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