As someone who grew up in a country surrounded by water and with no land borders, crossing one has always felt like a big deal. I’ve done a few before, but this trip easily takes the top spot. Not only did we cross country borders, but we crossed continents, from Europe to Africa.

After Spain, my travel companions suggested Morocco. I immediately said yes, The Alchemist came to mind, and it would be my first time in both Morocco and Africa. From Seville, we took a bus to Tarifa, then a ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar to Tangier, where we spent a night. From there, we took a train to Casablanca for another night before heading to Marrakesh for two days, finally flying back home via Turkey.

Tangier

In Tangier, we stayed at Socco Hotel in the heart of the medina. Walking from the port was easy, though the crowd of tourists nearly threw me off track.

The old medina is a maze of white-washed alleys, centuries-old walls, and lively squares. After settling in, we explored the vibrant streets. Traditional music filled the air as kids played football, tourists wandered about, and food stalls offered everything. 

After indulging in tapas in Spain, I welcomed the change. I had sardines for a late lunch and early dinner, followed by a sweet dessert. A chicken stand with a long queue caught my eye, so I grabbed some to eat back at the hotel.

Our sunset was spent on the hostel rooftop, with panoramic views of Tangier bathed in golden light, a perfect end to our first night in Morocco.

Casablanca

After a Moroccan breakfast at our hostel, we walked out of the medina and took a cab to the train station. A few hours later, we arrived in Casablanca.

We stayed at Syracuse Hotel and took a brief walk to a nearby park, but the heat drove us to Rick’s Café, our main agenda in Casablanca. 

Rick’s Café recreates the iconic scenes from the movie Casablanca. I had lamb paired with Casablanca beer, and of course, we snapped photos in this highly photographed spot.

It is cozy and elegant, with warm lighting, dark wood furnishings, Moroccan tiles, and vintage décor that transport you to 1940s Casablanca. The bar, piano, and intimate tables complete its timeless, cinematic charm.

Later, we walked toward Casablanca’s medina and saw the old walled town along the way. It wasn’t as authentic as I expected, so we returned to our hotel to rest.

Marrakesh

The next day, we took a train to Marrakesh and stayed at Riad Babouchta & Spa in the medina. A riad is a traditional Moroccan house built around a central courtyard or garden. The riad’s architecture, carved wood, zellige tiles, and intimate courtyard made it a beautiful choice.

We booked a day trip to the Agafay Desert, just 30–40 km southwest of Marrakesh. Unlike the Sahara’s towering sand dunes, Agafay is a rocky, moon-like desert. We rode ATVs across the rugged landscape, then later took a camel ride. I wish I could call it relaxing, but for me, it was thrilling from start to finish.

Our evening ended with Moroccan cuisine, live music, and a fire dance. I must admit, Moroccan tour guides know how to get everyone dancing and enjoying the night.

Back in Marrakesh, we explored the medina’s famous markets. Each souk has its specialty. Souk Semmarine sells leather goods, Souk Ableuh has olives and spices, Souk Haddadine is known for metalwork and lamps, Souk Chouari for wooden crafts, and Souk des Teinturiers for colorful textiles. The narrow, winding alleys are alive with artisans, shoppers, and the scents of spices and leather, offering a truly immersive experience.

We also visited Dar Cherifa, one of the oldest houses turned restaurants in the medina. Dating back to the 17th century, it retains its riad charm with carved wood, zellige tiles, and a central courtyard. It serves Moroccan cuisine and tea and often hosts art exhibitions and live music, making it a cultural as well as culinary stop.

Another highlight was the Centre de la Femme Artisane, a women’s artisan center supporting local female craftspeople. Here, artisans create and sell traditional Moroccan handicrafts such as textiles, embroidery, pottery, and jewelry. Visitors can watch demonstrations, shop directly from the artisans, and even take short workshops. It is both a cultural and socially conscious experience.

It feels like we just whisked through Morocco, and we really did. It was just an afterthought this time, but I already know I need to go back to truly soak in more of its colors, flavors, and vibrant culture. Next time, Morocco will be the agenda.

The name Montserrat means “serrated mountain” in Catalan, a tribute to its jagged peaks. Legend says angels carved them with a golden saw to create a throne for the Virgin Mary. Another tale claims the Holy Grail, long sought by kings and mystics, is hidden here. The mountain also inspired Antoni Gaudí, and its shapes and energy can be seen in his designs, especially the Sagrada Família.

Yet despite all the stories that swirl around Montserrat, my reason for visiting was simpler. It is home to a Benedictine monastery, perched on a hill that looks otherworldly, and it offered another chance for a hike.

We booked our tour online and met the group early at a bus station in Barcelona. From there, we were taken to a small train station where the real ascent began. The rack railway climbed steadily, revealing spectacular views as we gained elevation. Soon we were surrounded by jagged rocks while the entire region spread out beneath us.

The first thing I did was browse the souvenir shop to claim our free cookies and wine. Then we boarded the Sant Joan Funicular. In only five minutes, it carried us higher until we reached a viewpoint. We did a bit of hiking afterward. Mist curled around us as we walked, soft and cool, giving everything a dreamlike quality.

On the way down, the skies suddenly opened. It rained hard, and we were completely drenched by the time we reached the rest of our tour group. We were soaked as we made our way toward the heart of Montserrat.

The Benedictine Monastery of Montserrat has stood here for nearly a millennium. Today, around 70 monks live in the community. The monastery sits sheltered by natural stone walls and appears cradled halfway up the mountain. The monks also run a boys’ choir school devoted to the study of sacred music, one of the oldest in Europe.

In the monastery’s atrium lies a circular black-and-white marble design that has become famous among visitors. Many New Age and spiritual travelers consider it an energy point or vortex. They believe that Montserrat is crossed by powerful telluric energy lines and that this exact spot holds a concentration of heart chakra energy. It is common to see people standing in the center barefoot, or with their arms extended, hoping to feel a wave of healing or clarity.

We continued toward what many consider the soul of Montserrat, the statue known as La Moreneta. The 12th-century Romanesque wooden sculpture depicts the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child. Its dark color gave rise to its affectionate name, The Little Black One. She is the patron saint of Catalonia and is honored not only by Catholics but also by non-Catholics who see in her echoes of ancient mother goddess traditions.

According to legend, shepherd boys discovered the statue in a cave around the year 880. They were guided by mysterious lights and heavenly music. When church leaders tried to move her downhill, something strange happened. The statue grew heavier with every step. This was taken as a sign that she wanted to remain on the mountain, so the monastery was built on that exact spot.

Through the centuries, pilgrims have claimed healings and miracles through her intercession. Walls filled with ex-votos, or tokens of gratitude, testify to her influence. In 1881, Pope Leo XIII officially declared her the patron saint of Catalonia. She has remained a symbol of protection for the region and even survived the turbulence of the Spanish Civil War, when she was hidden for safekeeping.

After visiting The Black Madonna, we made our way back to the basilica. The Basilica de Montserrat features a blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles. It was heavily damaged during the Peninsular War and later rebuilt in the 19th century.

Inside, we experienced Lux Splendens, a 360-degree audiovisual show created for the millennium anniversary of the abbey. The production weaves imagery, music, and light into three movements that explore Creation, the Virgin Mary, and Christ. 

The symphonic-choral soundtrack is inspired by the Virolai, the hymn of Montserrat. The immersive visuals transform the basilica, making the space feel alive and filled with meaning.

After a long and wonder-filled day, we walked back toward the bus station, stopped at a small market, and then boarded our ride home. I fell asleep almost immediately on the way back to Barcelona.

Montserrat is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. Its combination of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, spiritual energy, and enduring legends makes it a destination unlike any other. 

Since we were already in Spain for the Camino, we decided to spend a week exploring more of the country. It was my first time here, and our itinerary took us through Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville, three of Spain’s most popular and iconic cities.

MADRID: A Quick Stop in the Capital

Barcelona was the plan, but we decided to include Madrid as a stop since the train from Santiago de Compostela required a transfer in the capital. We arrived early evening, checked in at Adventure Hostel, and went out for a simple welcome dinner to ease ourselves back into city life after two weeks on the Camino.

The next morning, after breakfast, we set out on a walking tour recommended by a Filipina we had just met. It began at Plaza de España, a spacious square known for its monument to Cervantes and its mix of classic and modern buildings. From there, we walked toward the Temple of Debod, an actual ancient Egyptian temple gifted to Spain in the 1960s. Set on a small hill with reflective pools and wide views of Madrid, it felt calm despite being in the middle of the city. 

We continued on foot toward the Royal Palace, the grand official residence of Spain’s monarchs, used today for state ceremonies. Across the plaza in front of it stands Almudena Cathedral, the seat of the Archdiocese of Madrid. Unlike most European cathedrals, it was completed only in 1993, which explains its bright interior and modern details. After our short but satisfying introduction to the capital, we headed to the train station for our trip to Barcelona.

BARCELONA: Gaudí, Markets, and Mountain Views

In Barcelona, we checked in at Safestay Barcelona Passeig de Gràcia, conveniently close to Casa Batlló, one of Gaudí’s iconic works. Its colorful, curved façade is unmistakable, and having it just a few steps from our hostel felt like an ideal welcome. We spent our first afternoon walking through Las Ramblas, the city’s famous pedestrian boulevard, then wandered around Plaça Catalunya and along Passeig de Gràcia, where shops, restaurants, and Modernist buildings line the avenue. There were some festivities going on, so we bought a small bag of olives and enjoyed them on a bench before having dinner outdoors.

The next day was reserved for a trip to Montserrat. The mountain range, with its striking serrated peaks, is home to Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey and the revered Black Madonna, patron saint of Catalonia. The entire place has a peaceful atmosphere, and the views from the monastery are remarkable.

Back in Barcelona that evening, we returned to Las Ramblas and visited La Boqueria, the famous public market filled with fresh produce, jamón, sweets, and ready-to-eat tapas. From there we walked to the port area, where the Mirador de Colom stands, a tall monument with a statue of Christopher Columbus pointing toward the sea. We took a short boat cruise from this area, giving us a different view of the coastline.

Our third day was dedicated to covering more ground using Hop On Hop Off tickets. We rode the cable car up Montjuïc Hill, which brought us to the Palau Nacional, a grand building now home to the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya. The terraces surrounding it offer panoramic views of the city. 

The day ended at the Sagrada Família, Barcelona’s most famous attraction. Even after seeing countless photos, walking into the basilica’s interior, filled with tall columns and colored light, was a highlight of the entire trip. The next morning, it was time for another train ride, this time heading south.

SEVILLE: Andalusian Charm, Cobblestones, and Flamenco

We arrived in Seville and checked in at For You Hostel Sevilla, tucked between narrow cobblestone streets and close to many restaurants. The city immediately felt warmer, both in temperature and atmosphere. On our first evening, we crossed the river to Triana, a lively neighborhood known for ceramics, flamenco culture, and its bustling market. The riverbank here offers a relaxed view of the city, especially at sundown.

For the next two days, we explored Seville using Hop On Hop Off passes. 

We visited the Metropol Parasol, or Setas de Sevilla, a massive wooden structure with a walkway on top that gives an unusual but memorable view of the city.

We spent time at the Real Alcázar, a royal palace famous for its Mudéjar architecture and sprawling gardens. The Seville Cathedral was another major stop, one of the largest cathedrals in the world and home to the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Nearby, the Plaza de España made an immediate impression with its semi-circular design, tiled alcoves, fountains, and a small canal where visitors can rent boats.

We ended our stay in Seville with something that feels essential when visiting Andalusia: watching live flamenco. The intensity, emotion, and rhythm made it a fitting finale to our journey. 

Three cities, each with its own character, Madrid with its regal calm, Barcelona with its creative energy, and Seville with its Andalusian soul, made this seven-day trip a memorable introduction to Spain.