Ola, Barcelona

Barcelona in March

Weather: Visiting Barcelona in March would mean less crowds but the weather is a hit and miss, i.e. one day it might be as hot as 23 degrees, and then the next day it might rain for a while or feel as cold as 16 degrees or even less. Most sites would tell you that temperature ranges from 16 - 7 degrees, although it generally starts to get warmer in the city in March. I wanted to go swimming, but the average sea temperature is around 14 degrees which is still too cold for such.

Clothes: So you should be able to wear something that is flexible and can adapt from hot days to windy and or rainy afternoons. A cardigan or leather jacket is one solution, or layer your clothes in such a way that you can take away 1 when it gets too hot and just put it back when the chilly afternoon comes.

Also do remember that most of the tourist spots in the city are religious and thus, expect some of them to enforce strict dress code.

Shoes: Barcelona for me is one of those relatively walkable cities if you have plotted your route well. Wear a pair of shoes comfortable for walking and at the same time, is ready for rains.

Travel card: Although I said that Barcelona is relatively walkable, you'd still benefit from a travel card. We opted for the Barcelona Travel Card Hola BCN which includes unlimited journeys on bus, metro and the rest of BCN public transport over a period of 2 - 5 consecutive days on a single ticket since the point of first validation. One of the great advantages of this ticket is you can use this to travel between the airport and the city centre! It also eliminates the hassle of buying tickets whenever you will use any kind of public transport when exploring the city. Just take care of your ticket. You can also exchange it for a new ticket if it gets defective (e.g. ours got folded in our pockets and it affected the bar being scanned for using the card) with a member of staff in the stations.

Tip: avail of the 10% discount if you buy your travel card online and just claim the tickets from the tourist information desk in the airport. Check it online for more information: Hola BCN.

So what to do in Barcelona in March?

Basílica de la Sagrada Família

Front Facade of Sagrada Familia

Not someone who is religious? This place is still worth a visit. For me, this is Gaudí's most brilliant masterpiece. Construction began in 1882 and is expected to be completed in 2026 (144 years after), and 100 years after the death of its Catalan architect, Antonio Gaudí.

Inside the basilica

The basilica is an expiatory temple to serve as a place to commemorate the reparation of sins made against God or the laws of the church.

Stained glass windows inside the basilica

Admire at Gaudí's impressive masterpiece both from inside and outside.

Back facade of Sagrada Familia

It is open 9AM - 7PM, and has an admission fee of €15 for a basic ticket, and €29 for admission to the towers. Plan your visit. 

Recommended length of stay: a minimum of 1 hour

Gaudí-hopping

For art enthusiasts, Barcelona is a treasure trove of modernisme architecture. Antoni Gaudí is one of the most famous figures of Catalan culture and world architecture. A man of faith, he was known as an observer of both nature and modern architecture. He spent over 40 years of his life designing the Sagrada Familia, while at the same time designing other masterpieces scattered throughout the city. 

Gaudí spots to check out:

A. Sagrada Familia

Interior of Sagrada Familia

Basilica's interiors (sideview)

Close up of the facade of Sagrada Familia

B. Park Güell

Park Guell

Commissioned by Eusebi Güell, Park Güell sits atop Carmen Hill, and is a public park system composed of amazing stone structures, colourful and stunning tilings, and eccentrically beautiful buildings. It was originally planned to be a garden city where both nature and housing (around 60 villas) are built to form a symbiosis. However, no body was interested and it ended up becoming a city park.

Portico of the Washerwoman

There are walkways adorned with irregularly shaped twisting rock pillars that spring from the ground.

Twisting Rock Pillars at Park Guell

The buildings are adorned with eccentrically designed tilings that make it both magical and a bit hypnotic especially when the sun shines on them.

The Entrance and Porter's Lodge

There is a terrace at the top which provides amazing views of both the park and of Barcelona city.

View from Terrace

The terrace

The park is divided into 2 areas, one of which, the Monumental Zone, has an admission fee and because it is one of the most visited sites in the city, this zone only has a set number of people that is allowed entry per period of time. So you have to pre-book your ticket at least 1 or 2 days before your visit. The other areas are free to the public. A general ticket costs €7. Plan your visit. 

Monumental Flight of Steps

Recommended length of stay: 2 hours

Since we were on a budget for this trip, and we weren't exactly that much of art enthusiasts, we opted to just marvel at the other Gaudí spots from the outside rather than going inside and paying the admission fees.

C. Casa Milá

This UNESCO world heritage site, which is also known as La Pedrera ("the stone quarry"), looks like a rising dough or molten lava  with no straight lines. Here, Gaudí attempted to recreate natural forms using bricks and mortar, ceramics and smashed cava bottles. 

La Pedrera

D. Casa Batlló

Located at the heart of the city, Casa Batlló is considered as Gaudí's most emblematic work. The facade is designed with stone and glass. Be fascinated with the walls designed to be wavy in nature, plastered with lime mortar and adorned with mosaic of fragments of coloured glass and ceramic discs. Its roof is also shaped like an animal's back with large iridescent scales. 

Casa Batlló

The Battló family was well known in the city's textile industry, owning several factories in the city.

Close up of La Pedrera's facade

Dos Casas

*Casa Amatller

Check out this adjacent playful Casa designed by Cadafalch for the chocolate baron, Antoni Amatller.

Casa Amatller

Close up of Casa Amatller's facade

Casa Amatller, together with Gaudí's Casa Batlló and Montaner's Casa Lleó, is part of the so-called "manzana de la discordia" (block of discord).

I wasn't able to visit the next three and just did some readings on them:

E. Casa Vicens

This 4 level-summer house was designed by Gaudí for a real estate broker-dealer. It was Gaudí's first built and completed house, which became a UNESCO world human heritage site in 2005. Until this day, it serves as a residence, having been converted from a summer house into 3 apartments back in 1920. But it is now set to be opened as a museum come fall of 2017 after undergoing major restorations.

F. Torre Bellesguard

A combination of Art Nouveau and gothic style, the Bellesguard house was designed by Gaudí using rectilinear forms rarely seen in his other works. It was owned by the Guilera family. Admission fee is €9 with audioguide. Plan your visit. 

G. Teresian College

Originally designed by an unknown architect, the project was passed on to Gaudí in 1889 and was completed within 2 years after. The building is composed of a lower floor plus three stories on a rectangular plane. The first 2 levels are where the classroom and offices are located, and the upper 2 floors house the bedrooms of the nuns and students. The building is characterised by austereness and secretiveness, with the interiors plenty with light peace and shelter - very fitting for a school, and headquarters of the religious order of the Teresians.

Church-hopping 

Being the nation who spread Christianity to all of its colonies hundreds of years ago, Spain's religion   is largely Roman Catholic. So it is no wonder that Barcelona is home to beautiful churches to serve as places of worship.

Here are notable churches worth the visit:

A. Sagrada Familia

Up close of the Altar of Sagrada Familia

Of course this is our number one. It is both a Gaudi masterpiece and a Roman Catholic church: so you're hitting two birds with one stone. A masterpiece that is taking years (i.e. now on its 135th year of construction) to complete is sure worth the visit.

The Altar of Sagrada Familia

B. Basilica Santa Maria del Mar

Facade of Basilica Santa Maria del Mar

Built with stones transported by merchants, fishermen and noblemen  from the mountain of Montjuïc, this Basilica was designed by architects Berenguer de Montagut and Ramon Despuig. It is also known as the "Cathedral of the Sea" in Ildefonso Falcones' novel.

Altar of Santa Maria del Mar

Marvel at its stone pillars leading towards the altar.

Inside Santa Maria del Mar

C. Basilica Santa Maria del Pi

Facade of Basilica Santa Maria del Pi

Found in the Gothic Quarter, Santa Maria del Pi is a Catalan Gothic style basilica with the country's highest cross-vaulted ceiling.

The Altar of Santa Maria del Pi

One of the stained-glass windows at Santa Maria del Pi

It is also a museum that houses the largest rosette in Catalonia, and several Medieval gold, silverware and artifacts of Catalonian origins. Marvel at its stained-glass windows created by one of the finest stained-glass artists of the Catalan baroque period, Josep Ravella.

Ceiling of Santa Maria del Pi

D. Barcelona Cathedral

Barcelona Cathedral

A combination of gothic and baroque styles, Barcelona Cathedral began its construction in 1298 and continued in 3 stages over a period of 150 years. Marvel at its Gothic art, Baroque altarpieces, and even the sepulcher of Santa Eulàlia aside from its beautiful exterior.

Up close the facade of Barcelona Cathedral

Sideview of Barcelona Cathedral

Again, I wasn't able to visit the next 2 churches and did some readings on them instead:

E. Montserrat Basilica

The Atrium

High up in the Montserrat Abbey is the Monserrat Basilica, which houses the statue of the Black Madonna. Marvel at the Atrium of the Basilica, which is an open-roofed courtyard in front of the Basilica. The interior is a mixture of traditional Catalan architecture and Renaissance shapes. It has many chapels, and at the centre in the altar is the statue of the Black Madonna framed in an ornate window.

Chapel of Immaculate Concepcion

Give ample amount of time to explore this Basilica because of its location. But it sure is worth the visit.

The Altar of Montserrat Basilica

F. Monastery of Sant Pau del Camp

Sant Pau del Camp is the oldest church in Barca. It was built with Lombard Romanesque style and dates back to the year 911. It has survived many attacks and reconstructions through the years. Its simple architecture is a great reminder of its era.

G. Pedralbes Monastery

Founded in 1326, Pedralbes Monastery was originally built in white stone and is surrounded by a line of walls with three floors that are 40 meters long. It has a central garden, and is home to the sepulcher of Queen Elisenda. It sits at the foot of the hill of Sant Pere Màrtir.

Spanish tapas and pintxos

Montserrat

Visit the Benedictine monastery atop a mountain, see the Black Virgin, ride funiculars, and go on a hike to explore the mountain for a day trip and more.

Gothic Quarter

Located at the heart of the old city, Barri Gotic bursts with antique buildings and narrow streets dating back to Roman times.

Gothic Quarter streets

Things to do include the famous Las Ramblas street, the Gothic Cathedral, Bisbe Irurita Street, which is a gorgeous pathway leading from the cathedral to Sant Jaume Square, and the Church of Santa Maria del Pi.

Plaça Sant Jaume

Sit back and relax as you people-watch at Sant Jaume Square, which features the City Hall and other government buildings, Plaça del Rei (King's Square) and Plaça Reial (Royal Square).

Las Ramblas

Las Ramblas is Barca's famous street stretching 1.2 km long between Port Vell at the southern end and Plaça Catalunya at the northern end. It is a street lined with trees and plenty of attractions on each side.

Buildings along Las Ramblas 

Things to do include the Museu de l'Erotica, walking over a Miró mural, be entertained by human statues and performances, renting a bike, and visiting the La Boqueria, which is the famous city market.

Plaça de España

Plaça d'España

Plaça de España is one of the city's most important landmarks. It serves as a gateway to the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, major transportation hub, and other landmarks of interest such as Torres Venecianes, Fira Barcelona Montjuïc, Palau de Congressos de Barcelona, and the Museum Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC), among many others.

The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc show

The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc

The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc gives out free spectacular display of lights, water and music every Fridays and Saturdays at 7-9 pm.

Plaça de Josep Puig i Cadafalch

MNAC

The MNAC houses one of the world's finest collections of Romanesque mural paintings, featuring Catalan modernism, European Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Getting to Port d'Alcudia

Port d'Alcudia is a town and tourist resort in the North East of Mallorca. The original town of Alcudia is about 2 miles inland from the coastal development. The port is where most of the holiday resorts and hotels are located. The beach along this coast is known for its shallow waters - making it famous for families with young children, and for different water activities/sports like jet skiing, paddle boarding, inflatable floating islands, parasailing, banana boat, etc.

Evening entertainment in Alcudia is mainly hotel-based. But there are some late night bars and night clubs scattered along the coast and a bit inland.

How to get to Alcudia from Sollér

BUS
Bus straight to Alcudia from Sollér
a) Bus L354 (Port de Sollér - Pollensa - Alcudia - Can Picafort)
- stops: Port de Soller - Soller - Mirador de Ses Barques - Military base Puig Mayor - Cúber - Gorg Blau Water Reservoir - Escort - Lluc - Pollensa - Cala de Sant Vicenc
- ticket: depending on where you will be dropped off; pay at the driver
- travel time: ~2.5 hours
- timetable: 830 AM and 3PM only
- no service on Sundays

b)
Buses to Palma de Mallorca
Bus 211 (Port de Sollér to Palma de Mallorca via tunnel)
- travel time: ~40 minutes
- fare: 3.20 euros
- check timetable

Bus 211 Seats

On board Bus 211

Bus 210 (Port de Sollér to Palma de Mallorca via Deià/Valldemossa)
- offers a scenic route back to Palma; sit at the right side for best views
- travel time: ~90 minutes
- fare: ~4.25 euros
- check timetable

Toll gate when going to Palma

Bus to Alcudia from Palma de Mallorca
Bus L351 (Estació Intermodal to Can Picafort)
- travel time: ~90 minutes
- fare: 6 euros
- frequency: every 30 minutes starting at 8AM

Estació Intermodal

For me, the bus is still the cheapest and easiest way to get around. More so, the bus rides are comfortable especially with the new buses. Get your ticket from the driver before sitting down. Big pieces of luggage can be stored at the side of the bus before boarding.

Bus ride to Alcudia

Expenses:
- bus to Palma: 3.20 euros
- bus to Alcudia: 6 euros

Total: 9.20 euros

The train from Estació Intermodal

Cagbalete Island

Summer is here! And what better way to 'beat the May Weather?' Lounge by the beach or be soaked by the waves!

Hiking, camping, or long drives are the thing now. Hiking's a bit pricey and requires some kind of preparation physically, so I had to cross that out of the list. Meanwhile, with long drives, I actually need a vehicle for that, so put an 'x' mark on that, too. What remains? Camping!! I'm all out going 'gadgets off,' social media and electricity out, and going back to the good ol' ways of cooking food using fire and stuff like that.

So off we went to Cagbalete Island! This island is located 6 km from Mauban town proper and northeast towards the Pacific Ocean. Measuring around 1,640 hectares of mangroves, trees, long coastline of white beach, and tranquility, this island is one of the best places to be for people who seek serenity and or adventure.

Cagbalete Island from afar

Getting There:

MNL to LUCENA

Ride a bus at JAC Liner Buendia Station bound for Lucena Grand Terminal. The buses there leave at an hourly schedule, so no need to worry about being left behind by the bus. The first bus leaves at 2 am. Each regular one-way ticket is priced 209.50 pesos. The ride lasts for about 3-4 hours. During our trip, it was Pacman's fight against Mayweather, so the road was literally ours. We took off from Buendia at around 530 am, and were already at LGT at around 830 am.

From MNL, you will pass through the following towns and 2 cities: Sto. Tomas - Batangas, Alaminos - Laguna, San Pablo City, Tiaong, Candelaria, Sariaya, and Lucena City.

LUCENA to MAUBAN

Upon arrival at LGT, board an NCR Rienton Liner bus bound for Mauban. Each one-way ticket is priced 54 pesos. The ride lasts for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Tell the conductor to drop you off where you can ride a tricycle towards the tourism office. Or if you're too shy to ask, you could just get off at the station since the tricycle ride is still 10 pesos per person anywhere at Mauban.

Or you could ride a bus that goes straight to Mauban from Buendia Station, which is only every 12 nn, or from JAC Liner Cubao Station, which has 2 trips per day: 5 am, and 12 mn.

There are also air-conditioned vans available at SM City Lucena and Metro Gaisano, Lucena City, which arrive faster at Mauban than the buses which have multiple stops to pick up or drop off passengers along the way.

TOURISM OFFICE REGISTRATION

Upon arrival at Mauban bus station, ride a tricycle or walk towards the Tourism Office which is located by the bay. You have to register at the tourism office before you go to the island. Registration is 50 pesos per person, for the environmental fee. It is also where you would pay for a ticket and wait for the passenger boat bound for the island.

After registering at the office, you could walk along the bay towards the port where you'll ride the boat. You will, and thus can pass by, the wet market to buy food and other stuff. We bought food there since we're going to cook our lunch and dinner for the 1st day, and breakfast for the 2nd day.

MAUBAN PORT TO SABANG PORT 

At the port, lots of people would want to try to assist you in carrying your things towards the boat. They would just ask for a tip afterwards, and it's up to you how much you're going to give.

The passenger boat that travels from Mauban port to Sabang port only has 2 trips per day: at 10 am, and at 4 pm. Although this schedule is not usually followed because the boat leaves earlier when it's already full, so better be there at least 1 hour earlier than the schedule. The one-way ticket is priced at 50 pesos per person. The boat leaves Sabang port each day at around 7 am and 1 pm.

For private boats, for 4-6 pax, it's priced at 1500 for one-way ride, and 2500 for round-trip. Check out their standard rates, which depend on the number of persons boarding the boat, at the tourism office.

SABANG PORT TO RESORT

Unfortunately, since there are no other form of transportation inside the island, after you are dropped off at Sabang Port, you have to trek towards your resort. See the map below for the information on the distance from the Port.

Island Map

Peripheral distance from:
a. Sabang port to Green View: 250 m
b. Green View to Pansacola: 880 m
c. Pansacola to Dona Choleng: 1.4 km
d. Dona Choleng to Villa Noe: 250 m
e. Villa Noe to Joven's: 350 m
f. Joven's to Villa Cleofas: 244 m
g. Villa Cleofas to MTV: 1.7 km
h. MTV to Nilandingan: 550 m

We booked 2 nights worth of accommodation at Nilandingan Cove, which is actually the resort that is located farthest from the port, and would take you 30-45 minutes to trek, depending on your pace. We opted to take a private boat which would take us from Mauban port straight to Nilandingan Cove, and vice versa, because it is more practical than to take the passenger boat and trek to the resort. The pros would be: you don't have to rush to catch the passenger boat, and you don't have to trek within the island. Take note: there are no paved roads inside the island, there's just a path that you would follow, which sometimes include swampy areas, or mostly surrounded by thick bushes of plants and trees. Con: for a price, which is actually still relatively small since the boat fee will be divided among you.

The boat ride from Mauban port to Sabang port usually lasts for 45 minutes to 1 hour depening on how rough is the sea. We took off from Mauban port at around 930 am and arrived at Nilandingan Cove at around 1130 am.

AT THE RESORT: FINALLY!

 The sun was already high up the sky, and it was low tide. So, upon arrival near the cove, we had to walk from the boat through the below-the-knee high water to the resort. Don't fret! The welcome by the staff was as warm as the weather! We were greeted by the owners of the resort themselves, with matching refreshing drinks.

Now, it's time to relax, and enjoy the beach life!

For more information, visit Mauban's Tourism Site.