The 200th post of Nona Hora project.
It felt so good to be back home to Mother Europe, especially, to be in a “happy place”, surrounded by the bright sun, breezy sea air, and warm salty water… [joyful smile]
My this year’s EuroTrip has taken me to two capitals of Spanish provinces- Balearic Islands and Catalonia.
The Balearic Islands are an archipelago in the western Mediterranean Sea. Its four main islands are Majorca (spelled Mallorca in native language, pronounced ‘Mah-york-a’), Minorca, Ibiza and Formentera. The archipelago forms an autonomous community and a province of Spain with Palma de Majorca as the capital city, population of around 408,000 people. Majorca is the largest of Balearic Islands (the name Majorca derives from Latin insula maior, “larger island”) and is an extremely popular holiday destination for tourists from Europe.
Barcelona is the capital city of the autonomous community of Catalonia in Spain and the country’s 2nd largest city. With a population of around 4.5 million people within its urban area, the city is the sixth-most populous urban area and the fourth-most visited city in Europe (after London, Paris, and Rome). It annually attracts 7.4 million visitors.
Here is a brief summary of my travel to Palma de Majorca and Barcelona which should give you an idea of what to expect in the next posts. Please subscribe and follow me. I hope you will enjoy this photo series.
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- Cala Major Beach: Only Sun, Air and Water
- Antoni Gaudí – The Architect of the Wonderland (Park Güell)
- Gothic Quarter, Barcelona
- Sunset Over the Roofs of Barcelona
- Palma de Mallorca Street Portrait Photography
- Magic Fountain of Montjuïc
- Antoni Gaudí’s Masterpieces: Casa Batlló
- Barcelona Street Photography
- La Seu – The Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma
- Eye Pleasing Architecture of Barcelona
- La Sagrada Familia (Built: 2026)
- Camp Nou – The Home of Barca
Hi Alex! I already told you on Facebook thank you SO MUCH for the Phoenix shout out with those two adorably cute dogs. A couple of years ago I read an article in a Nat Geo magazine (my father had a lifetime membership and I continued it and have read it since I was a little boy) about the La Sagrada Familia. I’ve been infatuated ever since and can’t wait to see it someday! Something that I’ve paid acute attention to is the “timing” in some of your shots. I get it sir :)
Mike recently posted..Chuy’s Mexican Kitchen In Reno, Nevada’s Midtown District
Thanks, Mike! I was thinking about you and Phoenix when I was taking the photo with two puppies :)
The construction of Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia started in 1882 and progresses very slowly. An estimated completion year is 2026 – the centenary of Gaudi’s death. However, I don’t think they can make it. So in 2026 I will have to come back here and update the date ;)
Memographer recently posted..EuroTrip 2014: Two Spanish Capitals – Barcelona and Palma de Majorca
Memo, the fountains in front of the art museum are lighted at night and they often incorporated live music with the lights and the water to make an incredible show. Hope you got a chance to see that while in Barcelona. As usual, lovely photos. Thanks!
Maria Falvey recently posted..Song of the Arctic
Thank you, Maria! Yes, the show was incredible! I will post more photos later. Here is my video snapshot of the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc on youtube – http://youtu.be/YmY0rWaq4kk
Memographer recently posted.. Portraits of Strangers: Brasileiros and Cariocas
Memo, the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc video is awesome. I have a friend who has a rooftop apartment just over the hill (near the old olympic diving pool) where you can watch those lights and from that angle the museum looks like a castle surrounded by lush green. Stunning. So glad you’ve experienced Barcelona.
Maria Falvey recently posted..Wordless Wednesday – Bill Stobbs
That’s great! I would love to have an apartment in Barcelona, especially a rooftop in that area. Pics, pics, pics :) I liked Barcelona very much. I din’t expect it to be so architecturally vibrant.
I love how you always capture images of locals – I’m so shy about asking locals to pose for pics and I usually just snap when they’re not looking (lol – I know that’s probably wrong). Barcelona looks like a wonderful city to explore. Spain & Portugal are definitely high priority for me the next time we venture to Europe. I love the colorful mosaics at Park Güell as well. Great shots!
Dana Carmel @ Time Travel Plans recently posted..Rome, the Great?
Thank you, Dana! Regarding portraits, you just have to ask people. You’ll be surprised what a friendly smile can do :)
Barcelona is a great city to visit. Definitely, you should go. I’ve never been to Portugal. Lisbon is on my To-Do-Go list.
Memographer recently posted..Street and Beach Portraits of Soccer Fans
I love the unique architecture in Barcelona no other city like it!
Becky Padmore recently posted..10 awesome European festivals to head to this autumn
I agree, Becky! That’s exactly what I’ve said about Barcelona’s architecture.
Memographer recently posted..Copacabana Beach Photo Chronicles
Those puppies are so cute! And those fountains look pretty spectacular too, especially the magic one!
Catherine recently posted..The One Where They Watch Friends
Thank you, Catherine! The Magic Fountain of Montjuic is incredibly beautiful and fun.
Memographer recently posted..Rio de Janeiro: Copacabana Beach
I love Barcelona, it’s such a beautiful city. I have also been to Majorca a few times but only for hiking the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range. I cannot wait for the rest of your photos.
Freya recently posted..Climbing to the Roof of the World with Wim Smets
Thank you, Freya! I’ll post more photos soon, it’s pretty hectic around here now… not as on the beach of Majorca ;) I didn’t hike much this time. Only once left the beach to see the City of Palma :)
Memographer recently posted..Maracana Stadium: Belgian-Russian Carnival in Brazil
I certainly loved Barcelona and have debated a winter hiking trip to the islands.
Leigh recently posted..A Hike to Grey Owl’s Cabin in Prince Albert National Park, SK
Hiking is what I am going to do next time on Balearic Islands!
Memographer recently posted..Palma de Majorca: From Modern Beach to Gothic Town
Hi Alex, I love how you captures the essence of Barcelona. I enjoyed each of your images and took me back right to that captivating city, I particularly love your image of the women biking and looking up at Casa Battlo. Great composition and timing. Balearic Islands are still in my dream list and I look forward to see more of your images of Mallorca.
Marisol@TravelingSolemates recently posted..Huahine: French Polynesia’s Off-the-Beaten-Path Island
Thank you for your comment, Marisol!
The girls on a tandem bike are looking at my favorite Gaudi’s building – Casa Batlló ;)
lovely photos. Been to Barcelona but still want to go back..One day, I hope to visit Majorca too! great sharing and keep traveling..Cheers!
Ruby Benz recently posted..Missing that Recent Trip in Poland
A delightful mix of images from these destinations. I love that beach scene, the colourful wall of the famous park — and everything!