Hidden Gems from Barcelona, Italy, and Slovenia
If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen my recent update on why I’ve been quiet lately—juggling big work projects, navigating challenging world events, and creating new habits for self-care. In that same post, I promised a deeper peek into our unforgettable European adventure. Today, I’m excited to share a detailed look at our travel highlights, insider tips, and hidden gems from Barcelona, Italy, and Slovenia.
Discovering Barcelona: Festive Markets, Tapas, and Late-Night Churros
Festive Streets & Holiday Markets in Barcelona
Traveling in December was magical. Barcelona’s twinkling lights and bustling Christmas markets set the perfect backdrop for a dream holiday experience. One of my favorite memories was enjoying a decadent, chocolate-covered churro in La Barceloneta with my daughter Jess and my husband, Alex —every bit as indulgent as it sounds!
Tapas Galore and Local Dining Tips
Our standout meal was at The Time Out Market, where we discovered a unique twist on classic tapas with delicious shrimp tempura sushi topped with spicy rice flakes. Travel tip: Remember that many restaurants in Barcelona close during siesta hours (2–5 PM), so plan your dining accordingly.
Hidden Gems in the Gràcia Neighborhood
Alex and I had so much fun exploring Gràcia together, it felt like a treasure hunt. We stumbled upon Bendito, an Italian restaurant offering fresh focaccia, artichoke & tomato skewers, and melt-in-your-mouth tuna tartar. A reminder that sometimes, getting “lost” leads to the best discoveries.
Barcelona: Ancient Baths, Evening Adventures, and Farewell Magic
Exploring Barcelona feels like stepping into a living work of art. There’s a kind of magic in the air—the way the light wraps around the trees, the graceful swoop of birds in the sky, and the unique rhythm of life flowing through its narrow streets. On Day Four of our adventure, we experienced a blend of relaxation, connection, and unexpected twists that left us both refreshed and enchanted.
Aire Spa: A Journey to the Past
Our day began with a cab ride to Aire Ancient Baths, located in the trendy El Born neighborhood of Ciutat Vella. This serene escape offered a much-needed chance to unwind in a setting steeped in history. The spa’s concrete and brick walls, tall arched hallways, and softly lit spaces evoked the ambiance of ancient Roman baths. We moved between temperature pools—from hot to cold—and indulged in the sauna and steam rooms. Floating in the salt bath with Alex felt intimate and freeing—a perfect moment to release, reconnect, and simply be.
The experience left me feeling light as air, as though I had let go of everything weighing me down. It was a beautiful reminder of how restorative, shared moments of calm can be.
A Stroll Through El Born and Ciutadella
After our spa experience, we wandered through El Born, catching sight of the Arc de Triomf and the Hivernacle del Parc de la Ciutadella, a gorgeous greenhouse structure I can’t wait to explore fully one day. The streets of El Born, lined with designer boutiques, cozy cafés, and historic charm, pulsed with energy and creativity—offering a glimpse into Barcelona’s vibrant urban soul.
Exploring Gràcia and a Nighttime Adventure
Later, we hopped on a bus back to Gràcia in search of lively streets to explore and a family-run restaurant (which, unfortunately, was closed for siesta). This gentle reminder to embrace Barcelona’s slower pace helped us truly enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
Our plans took an unexpected twist that evening when Alex realized he had left his wedding ring at the spa. What followed was a delightful nighttime adventure as we retraced our steps back to Ciutat Vella. The holiday lights illuminated the streets, casting a magical glow over the quiet city. Along the way, we stumbled upon Akatsuki Botiga d’Anime, a charming anime shop in El Born that added a fun, whimsical note to our evening.
Thankfully, the spa still had Alex’s ring, and we made it back to Jess’ apartment just in time to pack for our next adventure: Italia.
Italy: Pizza, Panoramas, and Spa Dreams
Montegrosso d’Asti: A Warm Italian Welcome
Our Italian adventure began in Montegrosso d’Asti at Cascina Vecchia Pizzeria Ristorante with a traditional pizza feast—one small pizza per person, the true Italian way! The warm, cozy vibe and fresh local ingredients made it a memorable start.
Culinary Delights in La Morra
In the heart of Piedmont, we enjoyed lunch at Osteria Veglio overlooking the Barolo vineyards. I savored seared calamari and tortellini en brood, with a remarkable tiramisu dessert that was simply divine. After lunch, we explored the cobbled, stoned streets of La Morra and found a special spot to stop for a round of hot chocolates, Le Delizie sitting outside toasting to time well spent together.
A Scenic Lake Como Day Trip
In Lake Como we embarked on a relaxing ferry ride around the Lake, taking photos and sipping hot chocolate. Although we planned to visit Milan, we chose to slow down and relish the moment with family—proving that sometimes “less is more” in travel.
Slovenia: Snowboarding Adventures, Spiritual Moments, and Cozy Vibes
Kamnik: Honoring Memories and Embracing Nature
Our Slovenian journey started in Kamnik, a charming town surrounded by the majestic Kamnik Alps. Attending a memorial mass for my mom here was deeply emotional and inspiring—a heartfelt reminder to honor loved ones while exploring new places.
First Snowboarding Experience at Krvavec Ski Resort
We had our first family snowboarding adventure at Krvavec! While skiing usually comes more naturally to me, there’s something magical about trying snowboarding—and yes, sometimes the best way to slow down is by falling in fresh powder with lots of laughter.
Thankfully, our European holiday adventure included an unforgettable day at Krvavec Ski Resort, the second-largest ski resort in Slovenia. Nestled in the stunning Kamnik–Savinja Alps, Krvavec is located in the Municipality of Cerklje na Gorenjskem, making it the perfect destination for seasoned adventurers and casual snow lovers.
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of snowboarding, especially on the season’s first snow day. While skiing feels a bit more intuitive for me, I can’t resist the pull of snowboarding—it’s a mix of challenge and freedom that’s hard to beat. Plus, when things get tricky, there’s always the option to fall into the snow gracefully (or not-so-gracefully).
The day was filled with laughter as we cheered each other on, tried new moves, and tumbled our way down the slopes. Watching younger kids effortlessly glide past brought back memories of carefree moments with my mom, like riding roller coasters and sharing those bursts of excitement and laughter.
A Cozy Retreat Amid the Peaks
After a morning of snowy fun, we took a break to warm up with steaming mugs of hot chocolate at the welcoming RTC Krvavec. There’s something about being surrounded by snow-capped peaks while sipping on rich, velvety cocoa that feels downright magical.
As the day wound down, the sunset over the Kamnik–Savinja Alps painted the mountains in hues of gold and pink, creating a moment of pure awe. Sitting there, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the love of family, I couldn’t help but feel deeply grateful for the simple joys of life.
A Cozy Christmas Day in Ljubljana
Imagine a medieval castle on a hill, festive holiday lights, and hot chocolate so rich it’s like dessert. That’s Ljubljana on Christmas Day. Its storybook charm, from the Ljubljanica River views to the enchanting atmosphere, created memories I’ll cherish for a long time.
Get the Full Scoop and Stay Connected
For a detailed day-by-day recap with restaurant suggestions, cultural tips, and insider advice on navigating European cities by train, bus, and on snowy mountain roads, be sure to check out my original European travel post.
If you missed my Instagram update, you can catch it here (or find me on Instagram @judithraenyc). I’d love to hear your favorite memory from a winter trip or the dream destination you’re itching to explore next. Send me an email with your thoughts —let’s inspire each other’s next adventure!
Until next time—stay curious, stay playful, and never keep exploring.
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