Spain and Portugal 2023

March - May 2023

We arrived in Barcelona this morning and will be spending a few days exploring here before heading close to Salamanca. I already have a feeling this will not be our only trip to Spain. So much to explore in this beautiful country! Read more

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Traveler Spain and Portugal 2023
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- Apr 19, 2023, 1:35pm
- ☀️ 63 °F
- Altitude: 62 ft
- Spain Galicia Finisterra 42.908489, -9.26265842°54’31” N 9°15’46” W
Day 30
Finisterre, R& R at the end of the world
April 19, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F
Although the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, Spain is considered the ending point of the Camino de Santiago, many pilgrims continue their pilgrimage on to Finisterre. The name Finisterre comes from the Latin Finis Terrea, which means “the end of the world.” Romans once thought Finisterre was the end of the known world, thus for some pilgrims it is symbolic to come here to reflect on what they just accomplished and the burdens they’ve left behind, perhaps now with a fresh outlook on life. Kevin and I were hoping to come here and spend some time at the nearby beach, but it has been rainy and cold, so instead we’re giving my knee some much needed rest time. Although the weather isn’t cooperating, I never tire of looking out at the sea.Read more
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- Apr 30, 2023, 1:54pm
- ☁️ 63 °F
- Altitude: 62 ft
- Spain Galicia Muxía Mugia Punta Lagosteiras 43.098775, -9.20516743°5’56” N 9°12’19” W
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Day 41
Muxia, Spain
April 30, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F
We moved a little further north along what is known as La Costa da Morte, "The Death Coast," to Muxia, [pronounced moo-she-a]. We spent a few days here before both of us caught stomach bugs. After 2 months of traveling, it was bound to happen. We still managed to explore this quaint fishing village rich in legend and gooseneck barnacles.

Some believe that Mary (yes, the Virgin Mary, Jesus’ mother) appeared along the rocky shores of Muxia in a stone boat to encourage the Apostle James to keep preaching. The stone boat then broke up into smaller stones. These stones are still here, and legend has it that they possess healing powers. Pagan legend predating Christianity’s takeover of Spain also regard the stones with mysticism.

Perched behind the mystical rock formations stands the Sanctuary of “A Nosa Señora da Barca” the Virgin of the Boat, originally built in the 12th century to replace Celtic worshipping grounds. Whether you are a believer or not, seeing the cathedral along the rocky shores is a sight to behold, especially at sunset. To me, that’s when the real magic happens.

Like Finisterre, Muxia is another finishing point on the Camino de Santiago. If you saw the movie, "The Way," this is where Martin Sheen’s character sat on the rocks and released the ashes of his son.Read more
Traveler I see the bugs swimming in that beer!
5/7/23Reply
Traveler 😂that’s just extra protein!
5/7/23Reply
Traveler Can you ring the bell? Or is it reserved for Viking alerts?
5/7/23Reply
Traveler Pretty sure the Guarda Civil would have had a little chat with us had we tried!
5/7/23Reply
Traveler Lovely beach.
5/7/23Reply
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Traveler Spain and Portugal 2023
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- May 3, 2023, 11:33am
- ⛅ 66 °F
- Altitude: 3,432 ft
- Spain Madrid El Escorial Jardín de Los Frailes 40.588122, -4.14780840°35’17” N 4°8’52” W
Day 44
San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain
May 3, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 66 °F
We left Muxia by bus and headed to Santiago de Compostela for the night. From there, we rented a car and drove to our next destination, San Lorenzo de El Escorial, a surprise for me! Kevin happened upon information about the remarkable Monastery/Palace/Mausoleum, a UNESCO World Heritage sight and saw that within the palace was a world-renowned library and knew I would love to see it. He made secret plans for us to spend a few days here before heading to Madrid. The library was exquisitely constructed with painted frescoes and paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries, centuries-old books, many with gold inlay that I am amazed still exist (no touching!). Other than the library, there is an impressive sanctuary and mausoleum. Unfortunately no photos are allowed in most of the palace. It was interesting to compare the differences in architecture as compared to what we’ve seen in France and Italy. The Palace is surrounded by a forest with several walking paths that we took advantage of.Read more
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- May 6, 2023, 4:27pm
- ☀️ 81 °F
- Altitude: 2,146 ft
- Spain Madrid La Latina Mercado de San Miguel 40.414305, -3.70807540°24’51” N 3°42’29” W
Day 47
And finally…Madrid🇪🇸
May 6, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F
I’m not gonna lie, Madrid was the city I was looking forward to visiting the least. In researching places to visit in Spain, I read several times to skip Madrid, sort of like Quito in Ecuador. After spending a day exploring Madrid, listening to talented street musicians, absorbing the art in the Prado Museum, and getting blown away by a spectacular flamenco performance, I must say, I am glad we made the time for Madrid. Yes, it is touristy, much like every other major city in the world, but there is beauty to behold, the sights you’ll want to see are very walkable and the metro is clean and easy to navigate.

After two months of exploring Spain and Portugal, the time has come to make our way back home. This will be our final footprint on this journey. I thank all of you who have followed us along the way. We hope you will come along on our next adventure! 🐧Read more
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Spain and Portugal 2023

Finisterre, R& R at the end of the world

Muxia, Spain

San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain

And finally…Madrid🇪🇸