-Words by Joe Baldwin, Influencer

Barcelona and the master of surrealist architecture Antoni Gaudí are so intrinsically linked that he could easily be mistaken for patron saint of the city. His fairytale, organic style of architecture graces the city with its presence and is iconic, instantly recognisably as an essential part of the rich tapestry of colourful art and culture that characterises Barcelona. At Plaça Reial amongst the lively buskers and buzzing cafes you can even admire Gaudi designed lampposts, one of his first work commissions for the city after graduating from Barcelona Architectural School. Barely a corner of the city has been left untouched by this genius’ surrealist vision.  There are more than twenty Gaudi sites you could visit throughout the city and surrounding area, seven of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The crowning masterpiece and arguably most famous of Gaudí’s designs is Basilica of Sagrada Família which has been in ongoing construction since 1882. A devoutly religious man, Gaudí designed Sagrada Família to be shorter than nearby Montjuïc hill as he didn’t want his work to be taller than God’s. Casa Batlló is one of the most photographed building in the city and known as the ‘house of bones’ for its skeleton like appearance. It typifies Gaudí’s fun and fluid approach to design with pretty stained glass and pops of colourful mosaics. Park Güell gives great views over the city and the enchanting gardens contain two Gaudí designed gingerbread style houses and pretty collonaded walkways.

Don’t overlook Barcelona’s other gems when you visit, as it has more to offer than just Gaudi’s unusual architecture. The ancient Gothic quarter has graced the city for centuries with its narrow winding streets which open up into pretty squares and hidden courtyards. The La Seu cathedral is a Gothic and neo-Gothic masterpiece and the dazzling Palau de la Música Catalan is one of the most stunning buildings in the city. There is a thriving street art scene in Barcelona means the whole city feels like an artistic canvas, and evokes notorious artistic legends of the past who have been drawn to the city like Picasso, Miro and Dali.

You can fly to Barcelona directly from Cardiff or Bristol and it’s a great destination to visit year round although I’d recommend late summer when it’s not too hot or too busy. Visit in October or early November, when it’s started to get colder in Wales but the Spanish sun is still strong enough for eating al fresco and the city is quieter, making it ideal for exploring.

Where to stay?

Budget

DestinationBCN Apartment Suites offer one and two bedroom city centre apartments in various locations that look like the pages of a design magazine and offer the chance to live like a local in a chic self-catering pied à terre at surprisingly affordable prices.

Mid Range

Stylish boutique Corner Hotel has a superb city centre location, close enough to walk to all the sights and also the seafront. There’s a small outdoor pool on the rooftop terrace and rooms are very quiet giving you sanctuary from the bustle of the city. 

Top end

The W Barcelona is located right on the beachfront and boasts panoramic views over the Mediterranean Sea and the city below. This luxurious hotel has a spa set over two stories, glamorous pool scene with sun terraces and cabanas plus Michelin Star rated food.

Korcula

Korcula town in Croatia is located on a small island of the same name just a short ferry hop from mainland. Nicknamed ‘mini Dubrovnik’ it shares many similarities, from its herringbone layout of narrow cobbled marble streets to the imposing medieval stone walls that encircle the old town. Clinging to a peninsula the town is surrounded by crystal clear sapphire waters that are perfect for swimming and water sports. Korcula has a rather interesting claim to fame.  It is said that its most famous resident was the medieval Venetian merchant and adventurer Marco Polo, who was allegedly born in the town and then went on to travel the Silk Road from Europe to Asia in the middle ages. However the evidence that Marco Polo was born here is sketchy and tenuous to say the least. This however doesn’t stop the town from proudly marketing itself as his birthplace so tourist are invited to visit the house where he was born and even admire the Marco Polo museum. Polo himself was no stranger to myths and legends. The argument over whether it is legend of fact that Polo introduced pasta to Italy is still a hotly contested debate. He frequently mistook the animals he saw on his travels for mystical creatures, such as elephants, monkeys and crocodiles. As one of the first Europeans to witness a rhinoceros, Polo wrote that he thought the horned beasts were unicorns! 

No stay in Korcula would be complete without a sunset drink at Massimo Cocktail bar located close to Marco Polo’s house at the top of medieval Zakerjan Tower with panoramic 360 degree views. Access to the rooftop bar is via a steep wooden ladder which can prove tricky to navigate on the way back down, depending on how many cocktails you’ve had! Drinks are served up courtesy of a basket that’s raised and lowered the two stories up and down via a pulley system.

You can travel to Korcula by flying directly from Cardiff or Bristol to Dubrovnik and then it’s a short hop on the local ferry to Korcula Island. It’s perfect for combining with a stay in Dubrovnik itself, or for using as a launch pad to other Croatian islands such as buzzing Hvar or sleepy Mljet. The best times to visit are between May and September, although I love Spring time here the best when it’s not too crowded. 

Where to stay?

Budget

Korcula has some great budget properties M & J Central Suites can’t be beaten for their central location right in the heart of the medieval old town and just a stone’s throw from Marco Polo’s house and museum. 

Mid Range

Families will love the Port 9 Apartments in Korcula, ideally located on serene Shell Bay. There are one and two bedroom self-catering apartments, a perfect crescent of beach and it’s only a 15 min walk into Korcula’s old town. There’s a bakery and pizzeria on the doorstep and access to a range of amenities including large outdoor pool at the adjacent Port 9 Hotel. 

Top end

Villa Soul Sisters offer two modern design villas overlooking the bluest Adriatic waters just a short drive from the old town. Absolutely ideal for a group of friends you’ll be hard pressed to leave this luxury nest.