One of the many joys of traveling through Europe is how easy and affordable it is to hop between countries, like from Italy to Spain. Discount airlines, trains, and buses make the logistics surprisingly smooth — though not always in a straight line.
We couldn’t find a reasonably priced flight from Pisa to Barcelona, but a quick search revealed cheap airfare to Girona, a smaller Spanish city just a short distance away. From there, we uncovered a gem on the Costa Brava: a charming seaside town called Tossa de Mar — complete with a 12th-century castle and fortified walls. Some sources even suggest Tossa’s history stretches back much further.
We booked it.
Tossa de Mar, Spain: Quiet Paradise on the Costa Brava
Our full-sized motor coach from Girona had just one other passenger — plus a cheerful British tour guide who worked for the bus company. It felt more like a private shuttle.
Once in Tossa de Mar, we found our way to the hotel by walking through a bar-restaurant, which led to a cozy room with a balcony view of a church. Comfortable and peaceful — and for the first time on the trip, no bidet in sight. That was fine with us. (We still hadn’t figured out how to use one.)
Speaking of bathroom confusion: Public restrooms in Europe seemed designed to challenge visitors. Some required you to squeeze, pull, slide, or even punch in a key code just to get in. We often found ourselves laughing — or frustrated — at the latest door puzzle.
But those were minor quirks. Tossa de Mar quickly became one of our favorite places on the whole trip. The combination of sunny beaches, crystal-blue water, historic ruins, and laid-back Catalonian charm made it feel like a dream. Best of all, prices were far more reasonable than in France or Italy.
Empty Streets and Twilight Vibes
After a full day of hiking, exploring, and lounging on the beach, we enjoyed dinner beside the sea and walked back to our hotel in the dark. As we passed restaurants, we noticed something strange — no customers. Lights were on, staff were standing outside, but the places were empty.
Then we reached our hotel’s open-air bar and found it… fenced off and closed. No lights, no people. For a moment, we wondered: Did our hotel go out of business while we were gone? Are we in the Twilight Zone?
Eventually, someone showed up and let us in. It must have been a quiet weekday before the summer rush. Whatever the reason, the town’s peaceful, uncrowded vibe was a welcome contrast to the crowds in places like Cinque Terre. Tossa de Mar is somewhere we’d happily return and stay longer.
Barcelona, Spain: Where Gaudí Meets the Mediterranean
We boarded a bus to Barcelona and picked two random seats with a view — only to discover, once passengers started checking seat numbers, that we had accidentally chosen our exact assigned seats. A small but satisfying win!
From the Barcelona bus stop, we walked along the waterfront promenade, past beaches bustling with people, and checked into Hotel Poblenou BnB, tucked into a vibrant (and very busy) neighborhood. But then again, all of Barcelona felt busy — buzzing with energy, color, and architecture that seems to defy the ordinary.
Gaudí’s Barcelona
We began with Parc Güell, a quirky, colorful park featuring mosaics, terraces, and twisting architecture — unmistakably Gaudí’s work. While crowded, it was fascinating. But for me, the real highlight came next: La Sagrada Família.
Still under construction since 1882, Gaudí’s massive basilica is unlike any church I’ve ever seen. Organic shapes, surreal towers, and incredible stained glass combine into a space that feels otherworldly. Even amid the bustle of tourists, it left a deep impression.
Exploring the Old City
On our second day, we wandered the Gothic Quarter, explored Las Ramblas, and visited the famous La Boqueria Market, a sensory overload of colors, smells, and flavors. Fruit, seafood, meats, pastries — everything on display like edible art.
We wrapped up the afternoon with a stroll along Playa de la Barceloneta, one of the city’s popular beaches. After all the walking we’d done across three countries, sitting by the sea felt like a reward.
Flying Home & Final Thoughts
Our return flight to the U.S. was on American Airlines, and it turned out to be far better than the one we took with Icelandair. Great service, free wine, multiple meal options (chicken teriyaki, pizza, carrot cake, and even ice cream), plus a generous lineup of movies — the kind of flight you almost don’t mind taking.
Lessons We Learned Along the Way
- When you’re on the road long enough, it starts to feel like your normal life. Strange, but true.
- People are friendly — often far more than you expect. Parisians surprised us in the best way.
- Consider looking for quiet, out-of-the-way places. Matera and Tossa de Mar were among our favorite spots. Cinque Terre was beautiful, but it’s definitely been discovered.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Seriously — it saved us at least three times.
Next Up?
We’ve now seen parts of France, Italy, and Spain, but there’s still so much more to explore. If anything, this trip deepened our desire to keep traveling — not just to check off countries, but to walk the streets, taste the food, and stumble into unexpected moments (and sometimes, train strikes).
If you’re considering your own European adventure, start small, stay flexible, and don’t be afraid to wander off the path.
European Vacation: Reflections & Highlights of a Journey Across France, Italy, and Spain
Looking back, our trip to Europe feels like a lifetime of experiences packed into a few short weeks. We wandered historic streets, hiked coastal trails, sat by quiet harbors, and marveled at both world-famous landmarks and hidden gems.
Traveling mostly by train and bus, with a few discount flights thrown in, we discovered not only beautiful destinations but also the joy of the journey itself — mishaps, happy coincidences, and all.
Highlights by Country
- France – Paris blended history, culture, and romance. (See: Paris: The Start of Our European Vacation)
- Italy – Four very different stops: the canals of Venice, the cave dwellings of Matera, the seaside trails of Cinque Terre, and the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. Italy is endless layers of history and beauty. (See: Italy: From Canals to Clifftops)
- Spain – A surprise gem in Tossa de Mar stole our hearts, while Barcelona dazzled with Gaudí’s architecture and Mediterranean energy. Spain was both lively and laid-back in equal measure. (See: Spain: Sun, Castles, and Coastal Calm)
Lessons Learned
- Europe’s public transportation is an adventure in itself — sometimes confusing, often efficient, and always memorable.
- Famous places are worth seeing, but the quieter, lesser-known spots often become the highlights.
- A sense of humor goes a long way when you’re lost, tired, or facing an airline strike.
- The people you meet — whether locals or fellow travelers — often shape your memories as much as the sights.
Why We’d Do It Again
This wasn’t our first European trip, and it certainly won’t be the last. Each time, we come home with new stories, new lessons, and a deeper appreciation for the richness of history and culture across the continent.
Travel isn’t just about where you go — it’s about how those places change you. For us, Europe reminded us to slow down, savor the unexpected, and keep saying yes to adventure.
Here’s to the next journey.
Blog Table of Contents
- Paris: The Start of Our European Vacation
- Italy: From Canals to Clifftops
- Venice
- Matera
- Cinque Terre
- Pisa
- Spain: Sun, Castles, and Coastal Calm
- Tossa de Mar
- Barcelona