Easter Weekend in Barcelona 2018 - The Ultimate Guide!

Despite not being quite as religion-centred as it used to be, Spain is still one of the most Catholic countries in Europe and the Easter weekend is full of brilliant celebrations and parades to enjoy. Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays but lots of Spaniards take the whole 'Semana Santa' (Holy Week) off work and decide to get out of the city to visit family or see parades in other towns. This leads to a kind of mass exodus called 'operación salida' (operation exit), with up to half a million cars hitting the roads and getting out of the city during the week!

What To See

Most of the parades take place on Good Friday and are run by various religious groups. They tend to centre around Barcelona Cathedral which is in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. Good Friday 2018 - Iglesia de San Agustín  Processions by Hermandad del Gran Poder y la Esperanza Macarena Paso Cristo: Nuestro Padre Jesús del Gran Poder Paso de Palio: María Santísima de la Esperanza Macarena Start: 17.00 Iglesia de San Agustín, Plaça Sant Agustí, 2, Raval area. At 20:00 both processions join the procession of Nuestra Señora de las Angustias in front of Barcelona cathedral Finish: around 22.30 same place Procession route: Plaça Sant Agustí, La Rambla, Santa Ana, Portal del Ángel, Arcs, Plaza Nova, Avenida Catedral, Boters, Pi, Plaza del Pi, Cardenal Casañas, Boqueria, Hospital and Plaça Sant Agustí Good Friday 2018 - Iglesia de Sant Jaume Procession by Hermanidad y Cofradía de Nuestra Señora de las Angustias Paso: Nuestra Señora de las Angustias - Our Lady of Sorrows Start: 19:00 Iglesia de Sant Jaume in Gothic area on Carrer de Ferran 28. At 20:00 they meet in front of Barcelona cathedral with the procession of la Hermandad de la Macarena Finish: 23:00 at Iglesia de Sant Jaume Procession route:  Iglesia de Sant Jaume, Ferrán, Plaza San Jaime, Bisbe, Avenida de la Catedral, Boters, Portaferrissa, Ramblas and Ferrán, Iglesia de Sant Jaume Good Friday 2018 - Santa Maria del Mar Procession at Santa Maria del Mar basilica Start: 09:30 Via Crucis procession - Procession of Stations of the Cross. Procession route: Santa Maria del Mar, Fossar de les moreres, Pg del Born, Carrer del Rec, Carrer Bonaire, Carrer Rere palau, Marques argentera, Pla de Palau, carrer Espaseria and finish as Santa Maria del Mar Good Friday 2018 - Barcelona Cathedral Service and procession at Barcelona Cathedral Start: 15:00 Sermó de les Set Paraules. The Bearers of the Holy Christ of Lepanto bring the Holy Christ to the front of the Cathedral to be adored by the faithful at 15:00 on Good Friday. A Canon reads the Sermon of the Seven Words, discussing the last seven words said by Jesus before his death Start: 18:30  Via Crucis procession on Avinguda de la Catedral Procession of Stations of the Cross on the Avinguda de la Catedral Procession route:  On Avinguda de la Catedral Hope that helps! Let us know what you get up to - Erin

Escape the City to Empuriabrava: A Day Trip from Barcelona

This week I took a trip with a couple of friends up the beautiful Costa Brava to Empuriabrava and Cadaqués. Cadaqués, a cute little fishing village nestled among the hills and with stunning views across the Mediterranean, is one day trip we've already written about but to my surprise none of our interns had ever been to Empuriabrava!

The Venice of Catalonia

Empuriabrava is know as the Venice of Catalonia and is a great place to escape from the Barcelona rush. It is a series of man-made canals with little houses either side about an hour and a half up the coast (and its just half an hour further on to get to Cadaques). Each house has its own little (or large) boat which they move around the canals with and head out to sea on. Some of them even have jet skis! First off we decided to rent a boat (which you can do without a license by the way) and saunter up and down the main canals in the sunshine. Just imagine it, the wind in your hair, the sun on your face, and the prospect of lunch, the most important part of the day, at the end of it. We definitely recommend that you rent with Ecoboats as their electric boats are much quieter than the ones from other rental companies and are really easy to use. Its about 5/6 people to a boat so perfect for fitting a family on.

Beachin'

Once you're done exploring the canals, there is a huuuggeeeeee beach to enjoy just a few minutes walk from the Ecoboats dock. Given that its May it was pretty quiet - most of the houses seem to be second homes and holiday homes - so the beach was almost completely empty leaving us plenty of space to lie in the sun. I have to say it was nice to be able to chill on the sand without having people constantly coming up to to you asking if you want beer or a massage like they do on Barceloneta! But before we got our towels out, we decided to grab some lunch at one of the beachside restaurants. There's quite a few to choose from with some great food on offer for very reasonable prices, but if you're really looking to save money or just want something lighter, there are a couple of supermarkets a little further in-land where you could easily buy a selection of snack foods and sandwiches to make up a lovely little picnic to take to the beach.

Empuriabravery

If you're feeling really brave, Empuriabrava has one activity that's got to be on your schedule...skydiving! The region is famous and is one of the most visited skydiving spots in Europe, in fact even Suitelife founder Benny has done it! Check out Skydive Empuriabrava to book your spot...but maybe wait to have your beachside lunch until afterwards! ------------------------- Thanks for reading! Make sure you check out Empuriabrava the next chance you get and let us know what you think! - Erin

What's it like living in Barcelona - An Insider Guide

We might be biased, but we think Barcelona is by far one of the greatest cities in the world! It has it all: beautiful architecture, historic sites, great weather, amazing food and the Mediterranean sea right on your doorstep. Because of all these things (and more) it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. But what's it like to actually live in Barcelona, away from the tourists and once the summer sun isn't around for quite so long? We've got all the answers, so stick around to find out exactly what its like to live in Barcelona!

The Weather

First of all, the weather. I'm a Brit so obviously for me this is the number one most important thing. The good news is, it really is always sunny in Barcelona! That's it. There is no bad news. The most you get is the occasional rainy couple of days in January and February and maybe an overnight thunderstorm or two in August. Apart from that its sunny almost every day from March to November! Its pretty warm right up to November - we're talking mid to high 30s - and it gets a little chilly during winter but rarely is it SUPER cold, more like a nippy 7/8 degrees. Living in Barcelona means living in the sun all year round!

The Food

I'm going to expand this one to eating/drinking out in general because there's just so many places to go! Barcelona is one of the gastronomic capitals of the world with 24 Michelin Starred restaurants within its borders. But you don't have to pay astronomical prices for a great meal. The food here is always fresh and delicious though it can sometimes be very oily and salty (not necessarily a bad thing) just because of the mediterranean style of cooking. The drinks are also pretty cheap and every other shop seems to be a bar so you'll never run out of new places to try! It also tends to be very reasonably priced, especially in comparison to some of the Northern European countries and the UK. Here's a couple of things you've just GOT to try: any kind of cold meat dish (especially jamón serrano), tortilla española, pimientos de padrón, choricitos (de sidra if you can find them), calçots, patatas bravas (because we all deserve patatas bravas at some point in life) and the Catalan staple Pa amb tomaquet. Living in Barcelona is like living in food heaven!

The Properties

There are some incredible places to live in Barcelona. Every corner of Barcelona has some sort of architectural wonder to marvel at. Luckily for you, the buildings are just as beautiful inside as they are out! Most people in Barcelona live in apartments which vary A LOT depending on which neighbourhood you live in. The absolute dream is having a top floor apartment with an amazing terrace to enjoy the Barcelona sun! Check out some of our properties to see if there's one that takes your fancy!

The Neighbourhoods

Barcelona's neighbourhoods are all so different that you'll never run out of new places to visit. It's one of the best cities to walk around because sometime you cross a street and its like you've entered a whole different world. There's something for everyone here, from Eixample (a little fancy, lots of light, big apartments) to Borne (older buildings, tons of charm, winding streets) so you're sure to find a place which suits you. Be warned though...you might love every neighbourhood so much you can't decide where to live in Barcelona!

The Lifestyle

Spain is famous for its laidback lifestyle and Barcelona is no different. Living in Barcelona is the chillest of the chill. Everything starts late, closes later and there's always plenty of time to take a long and relaxing lunch. Working hours can be pretty long - normally 9 or ten hours a day - but also things tend to be slower paced so it isn't like half your day is spent completely stressed out! Also, the people here tend to put a lot of value on family and on their time outside of work. Drinks are always on the cards after work and people always seem to have something to look forward to at the end of the day! There are also loads of festivals throughout the year as well as public holidays so there's plenty to take your mind off work and (if you plan it well enough) a lot of long weekends to be had. So if you're a late riser who doesn't mind working long hours if it means you get a couple of hours lazing around on the terrace with a glass of wine in the evening...well...this is the city for you! ----------------- Hope that's helped you get an idea of what its like to live in Barcelona! Let us know if you've got anymore questions or if we can help you move here (we know you want to!) - Erin

Do you know your Catalan from your Castilian?

If you've ever been to Barcelona, or anywhere in Cataluña for that matter, you'll have noticed that not everything is written in the kind of Spanish you might expect. In fact, most of the time it isn't written in Spanish at all! Even though in places like the metro most signs are written in both Catalan and Castilian (the original name for Spanish), often only Catalan is used. This is because Barcelona is in Cataluña, one of the 17 autonomous communities in Spain (defined regions with their own devolved regional powers and a high level of self-government) and a community which uses Catalan as its primary official language. Even though Castilian is an official language of Cataluña and is widely used in Barcelona, the most widely spoken, and the language used in most official documentation, is Catalan.

But what's the difference?

Castilian, or Castellano, is the old Spanish name for...well...Spanish. This is because the language we call Spanish today originated in the old kingdom of Castille which was one of the key building blocks in creating the region we now know as Spain, and whose language spread throughout the peninsula, becoming the main official language. Catalan is the original language spoken in Catalauña and in areas throughout Valencia, the Balearic Islands and Aragon. During the dictatorship, the teaching and speaking of Catalan was not allowed (though obviously people still used it in secret at home). Fortunately, that is no longer the case and the Catalan people are allowed to use their language as they see fit.

Isn't Catalan basically the same as Castilian?

NOPE. They're two completely different languages and although, of course, there are some similarities and Spanish speakers are able to get the gist of the sentence most of the time, (though its a lot easier to understand written down that spoken) you'll also notice many similarities with French, Italian and even Portugese because Catalan shares the same latin and romantic roots.

So what if you're moving to Barcelona and can't speak a word of Catalan?

DON'T WORRY. We've written a handy list of the most common phrases in Catalan, along with their Spanish and English equivalents to get you started. Bon dia = Buenos días = Good morning Bona nit = Buenas noches = Good night Benvingut = Bienvenido = Welcome Adéu = Adiós = Goodbye Com estàs? = ¿Cómo estás? Em dic... = Me llamo...= My name is... Gràcies = Gracias = Thank you Moltes gràcies = Muchas gracias = Thanks a lot Mol bé = Muy bien = Very good No ho enterc = No entiendo = I don't understand Parla anglès? = ¿Hablas inglés? = Do you speak English? D'on èts? = ¿De dónde eres? = Where are you from? Sòc de... = I am from... So, good luck, bona sort, buena suerte, with your language learning. Let us know how you get on in the comments below! - Erin

What is the ITP rental tax and how can I pay it?

There’s a tax on everything these days from cars to your weekly shop. But is renting a home in Barcelona subject to tax? YES! It’s called ITP, otherwise known as the ghost tax - because most people don't pay it, or even know what is is! - and its one to watch out for because they're beginning to enforce it. But who’s responsible for paying it? That'll be you, the tenant. So if you want to rent in Barcelona, read on and get clued up so you don’t get caught out!

What is it?

It is a government tax on all property rentals, charged at 0.5% of the taxable base, which must be paid within 30 days of signing the contract.

What is the taxable base?

Well that depends on the length of your contract. For contracts of one year or more, the taxable base is the total amount of the rent to be paid during the term of the contract, and at least three years. For seasonal contracts of less than one year, it is the total amount of rent to be met for the entire duration of the lease. If the duration of the contract is not stated, it is the total amount of the rent to be paid for six years. The amount to be paid is then calculated by working out 0.5% of the taxable base. Here are some example numbers: On April 1, 2016, a private rental contract is formalised for a period of five years, with a monthly rent of 500.00 euros. The taxable base will be equal to: 500.00 (rent) x 12 (months) x 5 (years) = 30,000.00 euros. 
The fee to be paid will be: 0.5% x 30,000.00 = 150.00 euros. If you still aren’t confident working out out yourself then you can book an appointment with the tax office and they will help you with everything. The office is at: Oficina Territorial al Barcelonès Nord Carrer de Joan d'Àustria, núm. 39-47 08005 Barcelona Telephone 93 551 50 00

 

How do I pay the tax?

First, you have to fill out the form Modelo 600 which you can download here  (and you can also download some instructions to help you out). Then you take this form to the bank where they will stamp the paper and then you can pay the tax. Here is the list of banks you can pay at. There is no need to present a copy of the rental contract on condition that it is submitted to the Catalan Land Institute (INCASÒL) within a maximum period of 2 months after the signing of the contract. Otherwise, it is necessary to present both an original and copy of the rental contract either in person or, if the procedure is done online,  you must attach a scanned copy. For more info you can take a look at the government website, however this is only available in Catalan and Spanish so have a friend handy who can help you translate if you need to. You'll also need to have your NIE which can take months to apply for. Fortunately, we've written a handy guide to getting your NIE in Barcelona to help you out.

How long do I have to pay?

You have 30 days from the signing of the contract to pay. If the final day is a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday then the period is extended until the next working day. If its not paid within the stated time your risk being fined. Hope that's helped you! Let us know if you have any more questions and we'll be happy to help. And if you're still looking for a flat be sure to check out our properties for rent! - Erin

The Best Places to Visit in Catalonia - Time for a Road Trip!

With cute little hamlets and villages, beautiful landscapes and a stunning coast, the autonomous region of Catalonia in the North East of Spain is one of Europe's gems. We're based in Barcelona, a city at the top of many people's bucket list, but there's so much more to Catalonia than its famous capital. So if you're thinking of visiting Barcelona, or living here long term, these are some great places outside of the hustle and bustle to escape to - and most not more than just a couple of hours away! So, let's get into it, our 12 best places to visit in Catalonia in 2018.

1. Vielha

This little town is nestled right up in the Pyrenees and is one you can't miss. Its in Aran, a municipality in the northwestern corner of Catalonia, and is one of the only Spanish towns on the northern side of the mountains. In fact, its so far north that, until the tunnel was built in 1948, the only way to reach it from Spain was by a road which even then was totally impassable in winter. But don't let that put you off of a visit once the snow has set in! The place turns into an absolute winter wonderland and would be the perfect pitstop on your way from France to Spain for a bit of skiing before hitting warmer climate.

2. Monells

Monells is a gorgeous medieval village in the province of Girona, just north of Barcelona. Its winding stone streets and intricate arches seem to go on endlessly, filling up every corner with buckets of charm. And, if you can stop wandering, don't forget to enjoy a glass of wine in the main square (preferably at sunset) to really enjoy the town's vibe.

3. Besalú

Also in the Girona province is the adorable Besalú. This town was designated historic national property in 1966 owing to some of its incredible features, including the Romanesque bridge over the Fluvià river which was built in the 12th century and is still in use today! The town also features a restored mikveh, a ritual Jewish bath from the 11th or 12th century, as well as a medieval synagogue - just a couple of the fascinating monuments left from the historical impact of the Jewish community on this town.

4. Castellfollit de la Roca

This stunning town definitely has to be seen to be believed. Its perched on top of a basalt cliff's edge and bordered by the Fluvià and Toronell rivers. In its thinnest part, its just two houses wide! Balconies and windows look straight down over the 50m drop. and the houses are tightly packed on the precipice but somehow, everything just seems to just about fit. Not sure I'd risk hanging the laundry out of those windows!

5. Siruana

Siruana, located in the province of Tarragona, is a climber's paradise. It has 30 world-renowned climbing crags and 50,000 routes of varying difficulty as well as incredible 360 views of the surrounding views - and the town isn't too shabby either!

6. Pals

Pals is a small medieval town just up the coast from Barcelona. The old gothic quarter has been beautifully restored with the old cobblestones, arches and stone balconies looking just as picturesque as the day they were first built. Despite being just a little place there is plenty to see and do here like visiting the town's walls and towers, the Josep Pa viewpoint, the Plaça Major and the Romanesque church of San Pere. Its also just a few  kilometres from the sea so its perfect for a summertime getaway!

7. Tossa de Mar

Tossa de Mar is a town on the Costa Brava, midway between France and Barcelona and its one of those places the world needs to know about. A sandy beach, crystal clear blue mediterranean sea, stunning white houses nestled into the bay and an old cliffside castle converted into a lighthouse. You'll have to take our word for it - its gorgeous. And conveniently close to the airport for a summer trip.

8. Taüll

Taüll is a cute little town in the province of Lleida in the northwest of Catalonia. It is at the bottom of a valley and split in half by a ravine, with the two resulting halves of the town being called La Guinsa and Lo Barri. Its got some stunning examples of Romanesque architecture and some beautiful surrounding landscapes to enjoy.

9. Montblanc

Montblanc is a little bigger than most of the other towns on this list of best places to visit in Catalonia but it hasn't lost any of its charm for being a little on the sprawling side! With its cobbled streets, old stone outer walls and beautiful architecture there's more than enough to keep you busy. There have even been cave dwellings found dating back to the Palaeolithic period - if people have stuck around for that long then you know its a great place!

10. Cadaques

Cadaques is the quintessential Spanish seaside town. It has a beautiful little beach and is made up of an array of adorable little white houses dotted against a mountain backdrop. Its not hard to see why both Salvador Dalí and Picasso liked to spend their summers here getting inspiration for their work and enjoying the town and the surrounding nature. Despite is being a bit of a tourist hotspot in summer, the town has been built up and restored with love and care and hasn't given way to the kinds of mass tourism which often spoils beachfronts. If you want to know more here are some tips for a day trip to Cadaques from Barcelona.

11. Artíes

This little village is right up in the Pyrenees in the Northwest of Catalonia. Just like Vielha, this village was totally inaccessible in winter until the building of the tunnel connecting it to the rest of Spain, and if you didn't know it was part of the more southern country you'd think you'd stumbled into a French ski resort, filled with lovely cosy chalets. This one is  perfect for a winter retreat!

12. Sitges

Last but certainly not least is the cosy little seaside town of Sitges. This one is probably the most famous and most popular of our choices but that doesn't mean its any less worth visiting. Sitges has some beautiful beaches to visit and the town itself is a winding labyrinth reminiscent of a more southern Spanish town rather than one this far up the coast. And best of all its just an hour on the train to Barcelona so if you live in the city its the perfect getaway! Or if you're visiting Sitges but want a glimpse of the bright lights, now you know that the Catalan capital is just a few stops away along with all its many (many many) tourist attractions. ----------- That's it for our list of the 12 best places to visit in Catalonia in 2018 but there's loads more to explore and plenty of hidden gems to uncover! Let us know in the comments below what your favourites from the list were. Any more you think we should add? Until next time, - Erin

Primavera Sound 2018: Line up, tickets and more...

It's back. The biggest music festival of the year returns to Barcelona. Primavera Sound has been lighting up the summer since 2001 and this year will be no different. With around 200 of the best of pop, rock, alternative and underground electronic and dance music artists descending on the city for a full five days of music, this is one you won't want to miss. Save the dates. 28th May - 3rd June.

Line-Up

This is the bit you've all been waiting for. This stellar line up is bringing the absolute best of the best together  this summer. The Artic Monkeys will be back on stage for the first time in four years.. Lorde. Haim. Migos. A$AP Rocky. Björk. The National. The War on Drugs. Tyler, The Creator. Cigarettes After Sex. CHVRCHES. Father John Misty. And dozens upon dozens of other incredible artists from every genre imaginable, from flamenco to heavy metal, form underground to (somewhat) mainstream.

Tickets

Tickets are on sale NOW. From the 29th January until they sell out, full festival tickets are available for 215€. You can also spread the price out with their instalment program if you prefer to pay that way. If you have a Carnet Jove you can buy for a discounted price of 180€ (just make sure you bring the card and some ID with you when you attend the festival). You can also get tickets for this price if you were born or are a resident in Barcelona (for details and what to bring to prove your residency click here) VIP tickets are 400€ and will get you entry from the 30th May- 3rd June as well as access to all VIP areas, access to exclusive viewing areas (until full capacity), access to a NEW VIP area with exclusive backstage parties with a pool, bar and restaurant service, preferential access venues with limited capacity and a welcome pack. Day tickets are not yet available but you can check here to see when they are. If you prefer to get everything included you can also book travel package tickets which get you either a ticket + camping site spot or any one of the great mobile homes on offer, a hotel, an apartment, travel around Barcelona or extras like city tours (great if you only want to attend 1/2 days a the festival and spend the rest exploring the amazing city). Let us know if we can help you with any more info! - Erin

Which tourist attractions in Barcelona are worth the hype?

Barcelona is the tourist capital of Spain and as such a lot of the popular attractions will be on your to-do list when you come to visit. But which of those places actually live up to the hype? We've done a bit of investigating so you don't have to. The best attractions in Barcelona are listed below, each with its own hype rating so you know which ones are worth visiting. 10/10 means out it in the diary right now. 0/10...well, best to not bother. Sit back, relax, and get ready to tweak your itinerary.

1. La Sagrada Familia

We're starting off with the big one. Not visiting La Sagrada Familia when in Barcelona is like not taking a gondola ride in Venice. Sure, its a little pricey to get in (€20 minimum) but this is one of those things that just HAS to be done. Its absolutely gorgeous inside and if you have any interest in architecture at all prepare to have your mind blown by the stunning stained glass windows, the impressive construction and the level of detail crammed into this cathedral. And if you can spare the cost we'd recommend getting the audio guide for an extra four euros because it'll help you spot a lot of things you might otherwise have not noticed. Hype rating: 10/10

2. Barceloneta

Barcelona's beach has become something of an icon, despite only being built during the 90s for the Olympic games. Every year hundreds of tourists flock to the sands to soak up some of that mediterranean sun with the convenience of not having to leave the city. It has great views along the city's shoreline and is almost always sunny. But honestly, if you're prepared to travel even just a tiny bit, you can have a much better experience somewhere else. In peak season, Barceloneta is crowded, noisy, dirty and full of people constantly trying to sell you beer or blankets or massages or whatever else they can fit in a cooler box. Our advice? Head one stop further down on the metro to Ciutadella/Vila Olimpica for a more peaceful experience without travelling too far. Its still busy but more than bearable for a couple of hours of topping up your tan. If you're looking for total tranquility though its best to get out of the city and head to one of the other amazing beaches nearby. Hype rating: 3/10

3. Montjuic

The mountain overlooking Barcelona is one of its most popular tourist attractions. With a castle, the botanical gardens, the olympic park and a cable car to the port its definitely got something going for it but the best thing about Montjuic are the amazing views right across the city. As its so close its definitely worth a visit but be prepared for a bit of a trek to get up there! Hype rating: 6/10

4. Tibidabo

This is the other mountain overlooking Barcelona. There is a little amusement park up there, incredible views across the city and an enormous cathedral. If you've got kids this is brilliant as there is loads for them to do, but beware of the queues during summer. Otherwise, its maybe one to give a miss. It's a bit of a hassle to get to by public transport and if you're looking for views there are better ones out there Hype rating: 4/10

5. Park Guell

Originally intended to be an exclusive neighourhood of 60 houses, Gaudi's landscaped masterpiece is absolutely incredible. Around every corner there is something beautiful to catch your eye and you could spend hours, days even, wandering around this place, discovering hidden corners and glimpses of Gaudi's genius. The houses never got built but there is more than enough here to enjoy. The views f are brilliant too; straight down towards the sea and across the whole city. You can even stand inside Gaudi's house and see the Sagrada Familia, still being built all these years later! Its crazy to think he would've stood right there, watching his masterwork take shape. It can get very very VERY busy in summer so its probably better to head there during the off season if you're looking for a more relaxed experience. Hype rating: 10/10

6. Picasso Museum

This is one of the most popular attractions in Barcelona...and for good reason! If you're an art lover or interested in history/Picasso's life in general then this is the place for you. The work displayed covers everything, right from his unbelievably accomplished school work from when he was 13 to his revolutionary modern paintings in later life. The museum is really well laid out with loads of information available to soak up. And its in a gorgeous old palace which helps. Its open every day except Monday and is often free if you time your visit right/are a student. Definitely worth a visit for everyone, even if you aren't big into faces with all their features in the wrong places. Hype rating: 8/10

7. Montserrat

This is one of Barcelona's hidden gems. Just an hour outside the city is this beautiful mountain monastery, nestled up in the Catalan hills. Since its one of the hidden gems, I guess its not exactly 'overhyped' as such given that, well, no one knows about it. But this is definitely one for the bucket list.  The views across the mountains are absolutely stunning and the monastery is a treasure trove. Pro-tip: its worth visiting the museum. Hardly anyone goes down there and there is some incredible stuff. We're talking Dalí, Monet, Picasso.... Hype rating: 12/10 (points added due to being under-hyped)

8. Las Ramblas

If you've heard of Barcelona, you've probably heard of Las Ramblas. This famous street stretches from the port all the way up to Plaza Catalunya in the centre of the city. It's tree lined street is symbolic of the city with tourists from all around the world descending on it to enjoy the market stalls and street performers. Fun fact: Its actually made up of five separate streets which have all joined together over the years. In summer it is exceptionally busy but if you get there in the off season, or early in the morning, its a great place to take a stroll and the perfect way to get from one end of the city to the other on foot without ever getting bored. The only thing that can get a little annoying are the guys constantly asking if you're looking for a coffee shop (hint: they're not selling you coffee. Think Amsterdam.) Overall though its a bit like La Sagrada Familia; one of those things you've just got to do. Hype rating: 7/10 That's just a handful of some of the major attractions in Barcelona but there's so much more to discover...and even more hidden gems throughout the city which only the locals know about. So get your itinerary out and get planning because there's always tons to do in Barcelona! Let us know in the comments below where you're headed. - Erin

How to take real estate photos...by people in the know!

They say a picture is worth a thousand words but pictures of your property could easily be worth a million! Real estate photos are one of the most important factors in making sure that a property is sold or rented. By following just a few easy steps you can increase the quality of your photos and make it far more likely that you can secure a tenant or buyer quickly. We’ve written a list of our top tips below so that you can show off your property in its best light (quite literally!)…

1. High Quality Images

Good image quality is key to drawing in prospective buyers or tenants. High quality pictures appear brighter and clearer, giving them a good idea of the space as well as reassuring them that you have nothing to hide! It also suggests that you have a professional attitude towards your properties and that all contracts and agreements will be above board and expertly handled. You can cram so much information into those few extra megapixels - well worth investing in a decent camera or using a high quality smartphone!

2. Lighting

This is the most important factor of all. Lighting is essential to making your property appear more attractive and a key factor in tenants/buyers choice of property. Take your photos at midday when the sun is strongest and open all curtains to flood the room with natural light. It might be worth strategically placing mirrors on the walls to reflect as much light around the room as possible. If your property doesn’t get much sunlight then LED bulbs are your best friend - invest in a few and they’ll pay you back tenfold.

3. Exposure

It is also important to make sure your pictures aren’t over-exposed. This means keep the light coming through the windows and the light inside the property in balance. You don’t want to be able to see the trees perfectly but not be able to see a thing inside - or vice versa! However, be careful not to over edit your pictures as this can make it look like you’re trying to hide something or look a bit unprofessional.

4. Keep it clean and tidy

It seems obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many times we’ve seen dirty dishes in the sink in property photos! Rooms must be clean and tidy, right down to the small details such as hiding cords and remote controls, even putting away your toiletries. If it is clean and tidy, it suggests the property has been looked after and will be in good shape when the buyer or tenant arrives. It also leaves some space for imagination - the person viewing the property can picture themselves living in the space rather than seeing themselves living amongst other people’s clutter!

5. Make it look like a home

Keeping it clean and tidy doesn’t mean it needs to be stripped back to the bare bones! Put a vase of fresh flowers on the table and buy a comfy looking throw and cushions for the sofa - maybe even leave a teddy bear on the bed of the kids room! Hint at the home the buyer/tenant could have rather than just showing them a house which could belong to anyone.

6. Work on your angles

Angles can make all the difference in an image. Make sure you line up the floor and walls horizontally and vertically (some cameras have a grid-like viewfinder to help you with this) and try to get as much of the room in the image as possible. Kneeling can help you to get an angle which shows the walls and furniture without taking up too much of the image with the floor or ceiling.

7. Get Decorating!

A fresh coat of paint and new bedding can make all the difference in the world. Stick to bright, neutral colours on the walls to maximise the space and add splashes of colour with soft furnishings to lift the room and make it feel more homely. Hopefully these tips have helped you to work out how to get the most from your property photos. Now put them in to practice and get snapping! - Erin

Guide to the Best Shopping Malls in Barcelona: Shop till you drop!

Barcelona is one of the shopping capitals of the world. Its beautiful streets are lined with everything from luxury stores and big brands to one-off boutiques and vintage shops. You’ve got the seemingly endless Passeig de Gracia, where you can find H&M, Zara, Mango, Massimo Dutti, Gucci, Chanel and more, or there’s the winding streets of El Born, every corner revealing a new small business with gorgeous clothes just dying to be worn. And these are all very well, but sometimes when a bit of retail therapy is needed, nothing but a big ol’ mall stuffed with the best shopping the world has to offer will suffice! So, without further ado, here is our list of the best shopping malls in Barcelona…try not to come home with too many bags under your arms!

L’Illa Diagonal

L’Illa Diagonal is the biggest shopping centre in Barcelona. With 170 shops and 35,000m2 of space to enjoy you could spend hours in this shopaholics paradise and never run out of clothes to buy! And to make things a little easier for parents, there are infant care facilities such as a microwave and diaper changing area so you can look after you’re little ones. To get there take L3 to Les Corts station or there are plenty of buses stopping nearby if you prefer

Maremagnum

This port-side shopping centre has the distinct advantage of being the only one open on a Sunday. With 59 shops to choose from as well as a restaurant on the upper floor you’ve got plenty to fill your weekend afternoons with at this mall. And on those hot summer days, why not grab an ice-cream and sit outside looking over the water and the beautiful yachts moored nearby? As the land its on is a little out to sea you might think it’d be difficult to get to but you’d be wrong. The V13 bus stops right outside and if you take the L4 to Barceloneta or any bus to Passeig de Colom its just a short walk past the old port. There are worse places to have to drag your shopping bags!

Las Arenas

Probably the only mall with a history, this shopping centre is built int he old bullfighting ring in Plaza Espanya. It has lots of shops and places to eat and even a cinema with films in their original version if you need to take a break from sales shopping! There’s also a fantastic view across the city from the top…if you can manage to get all your bags up there! Its very easy to get to, just take L3 or L1 to Plaza Espanya or take any of the buses stopping nearby.

Diagonal Mar

This mall is at the complete opposite end of Avenida Diagonal from L’Illa Diagonal so don’t worry if the first one on our list is a little far away. There are all the usual shops and restaurants as well as a cinema which offers some films in their original version. To get there take L4 to Maresme Forum or any of the many buses which stop along Avenida Diagonal.

La Maquinista

With 168 shops, 46 restaurants and a small cinema this mall rivals the size of L’illa Diagonal, though it is a little further out from the centre. Just take L1 to Sant Andrew or L9N/L10 to Bon Pastor to get there.

Glories

Just off diagonal, this could be the perfect pit stop on a shopping escapade from L’Illa to Diagonal Mar. But with 89 shops and 39 restaurants this pit stop might end up taking a little longer than you think! To get there take trams T5 or T6 to La Farinera, L1 to Glories or hop on any of the many buses stopping along Diagonal. All the above malls are usually open around 9am and close around 9pm, though some may stay open later in summer. All, aside from Maremagnum, are closed on Sundays, except on some festival days, bank holidays and during sales periods. Check each shopping centres website individually as it can vary. ------------------- Thanks for reading, hope thats helped you decide which to visit! Stay tuned for more Barcelona info and check out our properties if you're thinking of staying a little more permanently! - Erin