Puerto Bujaruelo (known as Port de Boucharo in French) is a mountain pass on France-Spain border. The path across this mountain pass has been in use since the Roman time, so that’s kind of cool. We chose this particular gate for the novelty of being able to say “We walked all the way to France!”
Spain
Spain is one of the few countries I can see myself going back to again and again. I just love the culture and the food. But what really got my heart going about Spain lies in the north – the part of Spain that nobody talks about. The mountains here is amazing and the pintxo culture of the Basque country is something that really should be more adopted worldwide.
Barcelona is fun. Granada and Seville are very pretty. Valencia’s pride in their paella is deserved. But I do hope that you make time to visit the north as well: to Bilbao, to Los Picos, and the Pyrenees. They will steal your heart.
Los Picos National Park
Los Picos National Park is located the regions of Asturias, Cantabria and León in Northern Spain – it’s often overshadowed by Spain’s more popular regions. Which is unfortunate since I believe that this part of Spain is so special, especially the scenery.
One of the best ways to enjoy the best of Los Picos National Park is to hike the Cares Gorge trail. The trail follows an old maintenance road carved into a limestone cliff high above a river. The river canyon is almost a mile deep in some spots and so narrow in others it looks like you can jump across it.
Pintxo Crawl in Bilbao
For the best food in Spain? Come to the Basque country. While in Basque country… do what they do and go on a pintxo (“pintcho”) crawl. I had a helluva time going from one bar to another, eating these delicately created bites, and drinking delicious – and cheap, so cheap – red wine.
Granada
Granada needs to be on your classic Spain itinerary. Join a food tour to learn what Granada culinary is all about and of course you can’t miss the Alhambra – a palace/fortress known for its intricate Moorish carvings and architecture. Get your ticket in advance. Dedicate one night for a flamenco experience in a natural cave in Sacramonte neighborhood.
Barcelona
From the breathtaking La Sangrada Familia – Gaudi’s yet-to-be-completed masterpiece – to ever crowded Las Ramblas, Barcelona is can’t-miss Spain experience. My personal highlight of Barcelona is a hidden gem called Mount Tibidabo with its little amusement park and the Gothic church of Sagrat Cor (see picture above).
Ordesa National Park
Spain has mountains. Incredible mountains. Head towards the Pyrenees – the natural border between Spain and France – for breathtaking limestone cliffs, valleys, and waterfalls. Our favorite hiking trail in this park is called Faja de Las Flores in Ordesa y Mount Perdido National Park. The trail takes you 1000m above the valley floor. It provides an incredible exposure and expansive view of Ordesa Valley.
