Cities that I’ve been:

1. Barcelona, Valencia and Loret de Mar 2013
2. Ibiza and Formentera Island 2016
3. Merida and Sevilla 2016
4. Madrid 2017

• My first time in Spain:

My first time in Spain was in the summer of 2013, a holiday that still feels vivid in my memory. I travelled with my friends Maddalena, Daniela, Paolo, and Paolo, and together we set off on a spontaneous adventure through Barcelona, Valencia, and Lloret de Mar. I was just 18, and although I had travelled abroad before but not much, this was only my second time leaving Italy on my own. It felt exciting, a little reckless, and incredibly freeing. My mum trusting me enough to go made it even more meaningful.

August 2013 in five around Spain

( The fist day in BCN, in the pic my foot on the moquette of the Hotel )

DAY 1 – 19.08.13

( Night at; Hcc Open Hotel, Barcelona )

We drove all the way from Casale Monferrato to Barcelona, a nine-hour journey that felt even longer in the summer heat. Paolo, the only one with a driving licence, somehow managed the entire trip. To this day, I don’t know how he did it, but we made it.

We arrived in the evening, tired but buzzing with energy. After checking into a hotel, we headed straight out to walk along La Rambla. The city felt alive in a way I had never experienced before: music, lights, people everywhere. It was the perfect beginning.

DAY 2 – 20.08.13

( Night at: Camping Masnou, Barcelona )

We moved to a campsite by the beach, about 15 minutes from the city centre by train. That day was all about slowing down after the long drive. We spent hours at a beach club, soaking up the sun and enjoying the sea.

That night, we headed back into Barcelona and experienced its nightlife for the first time. One drink turned into many, and before we knew it, we were up until sunrise.

DAY 3 – 21.08

( Night at: Camping Masnou, Barcelona )

I don’t think we slept at all. At some point during the day, we met up with another group of friends who had arrived from Italy. Together, we visited the Sagrada Familia and wandered through the city streets, half-exhausted but still excited.

That evening blurred into another night out, laughter and chaos blending into one long.

DAY 4 – 22.08

( Night at: Camping Masnou, Barcelona )

This day felt calmer. Maddalena and I went into Barcelona on our own to explore. We saw Casa Batlló and Casa Milà, though only from the outside since we hadn’t booked tickets. Even so, just standing there and admiring the architecture was enough.

We visited the Barcelona Cathedral and ended the day by the port, watching the sunset. It was one of those rare quiet moments where everything felt still.

DAY 5 – 23.08

( Night at: Camping at Rototom sunsplash festival )

We left Barcelona and began driving south toward Benicàssim for the Rototom Sunsplash Festival. The journey itself is a bit of a blur, but I remember the anticipation building as we got closer. That night, we arrived near the festival grounds, ready for the next chapter of the trip.

DAY 6 – 24.08

( Night at: Camping at Rototom festival )

These days were all about music, the beach, and a carefree atmosphere. During the day, we stayed by the sea, relaxing under the sun. At night, the festival came alive with reggae music, lights, and crowds from all over the world.

It felt like stepping into another reality, one where time didn’t really matter and everything revolved around the moment.

DAY 7 – 25.08

( Night at: Camping at Rototom festival )

A slow start after the night before, then straight to the beach to recover and relax. In the evening, back to the festival for another big night music, dancing, and that same carefree energy all over again.

DAY 8 – 26.08

After the festival, we drove to Valencia. We spent the day at the beach and wandered through the city, still running on low energy but high spirits. That night, with no real plan, we ended up sleeping in the car. It wasn’t comfortable, but it’s one of those memories that now feels strangely special, well if only i can remeber.

DAY 9 – 27.08

( Night at: Apartment in between Valencia and Gandia )

We finally reached the apartment we had rented near the beach between Valencia and Gandia. After days of constant movement, it felt good to have a place to settle.

DAY 10 – 28.08

( Night at: Apartment in between Valencia and Gandia )

( All together at the City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia )

We spent the day exploring Valencia, including the City of Arts and Sciences. The futuristic buildings felt completely different from anything we had seen so far on the trip. It was one of the highlights of Valencia.

DAY 11 – 29.08

( Night at: Apartment in between Valencia and Gandia )

These days blended together in the best way. Mornings at the beach, lazy afternoons, and simple evenings. After the intensity of Barcelona and the festival, this part of the trip felt slower and more relaxed.

DAY 12 – 30.08

To be honest, this day is a bit of a blur. We probably spent it the way we had been spending most of our time there at the beach, taking it easy, enjoying the sun and the sea. By the evening, we were back at the apartment, relaxing and unwinding after another long day.

DAY 13 – 31.08

That morning I went to the beach alone and took a few photos. It was really beautiful and calm, a quiet moment just for myself after so many busy days.

Later, we left and drove towards Lloret de Mar. By the time we arrived, Paolo was completely exhausted from driving. We decided to stop and rest: Maddalena, Daniela, and I slept on the beach, while the two Paolos slept in the car. It wasn’t planned, but it turned into one of those unforgettable travel moments.

DAY 14 – 01.09

( Morning drinks at Platja de Fenals, Loret de Mar )

I remember Maddalena and I waking up and going into the city because we had almost no money left. We were just trying to find something to eat when a man kindly offered us croissants and drinks. Meanwhile, we somehow lost Daniela and later found her sitting on a bench, completely fine.

We spent the whole day driving back. Instead of crossing directly into Italy, we ended up going all the way to Lyon. It was a long, exhausting journey, and we arrived in Casale very late at night.

I still remember my boyfriend picking me up. I felt overwhelmed, like I had been away for much longer than two weeks. It felt like I had lived a completely different life during that trip, one I’ll always carry with me.

Final Thoughts

Looking back, this trip was far from perfectly planned. At the time, I had no real idea how to organise a trip, and we mostly just went with the flow, making decisions as we went. But maybe that was part of its charm. It was raw, spontaneous, and completely unfiltered.

It was also a very different version of me. I lived those days without too many limits, and while that meant some memories are now a bit blurred, the feeling of that time still stays with me carefree, intense, and full of discovery.

In a way, this trip marked both a beginning and an end. It was my first real experience of travelling independently, but also the last time I travelled like that. After this, I changed. I became more aware, more organised, and much better at planning my trips. The journeys that followed were different more structured, more intentional but this one will always stand apart.

Not because it was perfect, but because it wasn’t. Because it was my first, and because it taught me something I didn’t even realise at the time.

• Second time in Spain: Ibiza and Formentera island

Ibiza From 7th to 15th of August 2016 with my boyfriend

My second time in Spain was a one-week summer holiday in Ibiza and Formentera in August 2016, spent with my boyfriend. It was the perfect mix of slow beach days, road trips, sunsets, and, thanks to me insisting on it, at least one proper night out.

We stayed at Apartamentos Xaloc in San Antonio, in a central location that made it easy to reach both beaches and nightlife. The apartment was simple but practical, with everything we needed as a base for exploring the island. From the airport, we picked up a car from Europcar, which turned out to be one of the most important choices of the trip. Ibiza really comes alive when you can move freely between coves and viewpoints.

DAY 1 – 07.08.2016

( Night at: Apartamentos Xaloc, San Antonio )

We flew in the evening from Milan Malpensa with EasyJet, landing in Ibiza around 22:00. Even at night, the island already felt warm and alive, with a soft sea breeze as soon as we stepped outside the airport.

After collecting the rental car, we drove north toward San Antonio. The roads were quiet and unfamiliar, and I remember looking out of the window trying to catch glimpses of the coastline in the dark, imagining what everything would look like in daylight. We arrived at the apartment late, unpacked quickly, and fell asleep excited for the days ahead.

DAY 2 – 08.08.2016

( Night at: Apartamentos Xaloc, San Antonio )

We woke up early and immediately headed to Cala Comte, one of Ibiza’s most famous beaches. The first impression was unforgettable: water so clear it almost looked unreal, with shades of turquoise, deep blue, and even green depending on the light. We spent the morning swimming, lying in the sun, and slowly getting into holiday mode.

The atmosphere was relaxed but still lively, with boats anchored offshore and people moving between small rocky viewpoints to take photos. It already felt like one of those places where time doesn’t matter.

In the afternoon, we drove to Cala Tarida. This beach felt slightly calmer and more laid back. We stopped at a chiringuito right on the sand and ordered drinks while watching the sea slowly change colour as the sun started to lower. The sunset there was soft and golden, and we stayed until the sky faded into pastel tones.

It was the perfect introduction to Ibiza: two beaches, two moods, both beautiful in completely different ways.

Day 3 – 09.08.2016

( Night at: Apartamentos Xaloc, San Antonio )

( Sangria time at Cafe de Mar )

We spent the morning at Cala Bassa, a beach surrounded by pine trees and known for its incredibly calm, clear water. It was easy to spend hours just floating in the sea or walking slowly along the shoreline.

This was also the day I tried jet skiing for the first time. I was both excited and slightly nervous, but once I got the hang of it, it turned into one of the most fun parts of the trip. The feeling of speeding across the water, with waves splashing and the coastline moving past, was unforgettable.

After a long beach day, we went in the evening to Café del Mar Ibiza in San Antonio. The atmosphere there is iconic: chill music, people sitting quietly facing the sea, and everyone waiting for the sunset as if it were a shared ritual. We ordered sangria and watched the sun slowly disappear into the horizon while the music built the mood in the background.

It was one of those evenings that feels simple but stays in your memory.

Day 4 – 10.08.2016

( Night at: Apartamentos Xaloc, San Antonio )

The weather was cloudy with occasional rain, so we decided to explore Ibiza Town instead of going to the beach.

Walking through Dalt Vila, the old town, felt like stepping into a completely different side of the island. Narrow cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, small shops, and hidden corners gave it a much more historic and local atmosphere compared to the beach areas.

We also visited the hippie market, where colourful stalls sold jewellery, clothes, and handmade items. It was less about shopping and more about wandering, looking, and soaking in the atmosphere.

Even without the beach, the day felt rich and interesting in a completely different way.

Day 5 – 11.08.2016

( Night at: Apartamentos Xaloc, San Antonio )

( Formentera island, Cala de Migjorn )

We woke up early and took the ferry from Ibiza port to Formentera. The sea crossing already felt like part of the experience, with the water becoming clearer and bluer as we approached the island.

As soon as we arrived, we rented a scooter, which was the best decision of the day. Formentera is small, and exploring it this way felt free and effortless.

We started at Cala de Migjorn, a long and peaceful beach where everything felt quiet and open. Later we continued to Caló des Mort, a small hidden cove that felt almost unreal, with turquoise water surrounded by rocky cliffs.

The highlight of the day was definitely Ses Illetes. The water there was unbelievably clear, almost like a tropical postcard. We spent hours swimming and just lying in the sun, not really wanting to move.

In the evening, we took the ferry back to Ibiza tired but completely sun-drenched.

Day 6 – 12.08.2016

( Night at: Apartamentos Xaloc, San Antonio )

We spent the day driving around the eastern side of Ibiza, exploring smaller beaches and stopping wherever something looked interesting. This part of the island felt quieter and less crowded, with more natural scenery and fewer big beach clubs.

We had lunch at Cala Xarraca, a peaceful spot with clear water and a relaxed atmosphere. It felt like a break from the more famous west coast beaches, more local and less busy.

In the evening, we returned again to Cala Tarida for another sunset. Even though we had already been there, it was one of those places that felt worth repeating.

Day 7 – 13.08.2016

( Night at: Apartamentos Xaloc, San Antonio )

We spent the entire day at Cala Salada, a beach surrounded by pine forest with a more natural and slightly wild atmosphere. The water was calm and perfect for swimming, and the whole day passed slowly without any rush.

This was also the day I pushed for something different. At 21, I loved the beaches and relaxed pace, but I also really wanted to experience Ibiza’s nightlife at least once. My boyfriend was happy to stay in beach mode the entire time, but I insisted that we had to go out properly at least one night, because Ibiza is famous for both sides.

So that evening, we went to Ushuaïa Ibiza.

It was a completely different world compared to our beach days: loud music, huge crowds, lights, performances, and a very intense energy from the moment we arrived. It felt like stepping into another version of Ibiza entirely. I remember thinking that it was exactly the contrast I wanted, even if it wasn’t his natural choice.

It ended up being one of the most memorable nights of the trip, not because it was relaxing or romantic, but because it was so different from everything else we had done.

Day 8 – 14.08.2016

We returned one last time to Cala Comte in the morning, one of our favourite beaches of the trip. The atmosphere was calm and unhurried, making it the perfect setting for a final swim. We stayed for a while, soaking in the views and trying to hold on to those last moments by the sea.

Eventually, we headed back to get ready for our evening flight home, already feeling nostalgic about a week that had passed far too quickly.

• 3 Merida and Sevilla 2016:

My third time in Spain was in Merida and Sevilla durng my erasmus period in Tomar and we went there with the ESN Lisbon.

MERIDA AND SEVILLA ERSMUS TRIP 2016

( Plaza de Espana, Sevilla )

In November, during my second Erasmus in Tomar, I decided to plan a weekend trip to Seville with my friends Lucrezia and Agnes. Life in Tomar was quiet and charming, but we were all craving a change of scenery and something a bit more dynamic for a few days.

Since our local ESN group was not organizing any longer trips, we started looking at other options and found a weekend getaway organized by ESN Lisbon from the 18th to the 20th of November. It included stops in both Mérida and Seville, which made it even more appealing. We contacted them to ask if we could join from Lisbon, and luckily they said yes. That small decision ended up turning into one of the most memorable weekends of my Erasmus.

The itinerary promised a mix of history, culture, and social moments, exactly what we were looking for. Mérida, founded in 25 BC, is known for its incredibly well-preserved Roman ruins and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Seville, on the other hand, is famous for its vibrant atmosphere, stunning architecture, and the charm of southern Spain. It felt like the perfect combination for a short but intense trip.

Day 1 – 18.11.2016

( Night at Oasis Hostel, Sevilla )

( Me, Lucrezia and Agnes in Merida )

The day started very early. We took the first train from Tomar to Lisbon, still half asleep but excited for what was ahead. Once we arrived, we made our way to the meeting point at IST, where dozens of Erasmus students were already gathering. There was an immediate sense of energy and anticipation, with people chatting, introducing themselves, and getting ready for the journey.

At 07:30, we boarded the buses and the trip officially began. The atmosphere quickly became lively, with music playing and people getting to know each other. It felt like the start of something fun even before reaching our first destination.

Around 11:00, we arrived in Mérida. The city had a completely different feel from anywhere I had been before, with Roman history visible in every corner. We visited the ancient ruins, walking through old structures that have stood for centuries. It was fascinating to see how well preserved everything was, and it gave a real sense of stepping back in time.

For lunch, we chose a random local restaurant, keeping things simple and spontaneous. After eating, we had some free time to wander around the city, take photos, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere before continuing the journey.

At 14:00, we left Mérida and headed towards Seville. By the time we arrived around 17:00, the light was starting to soften, giving the city a warm and welcoming feeling. After checking in at Oasis Hostel, we took some time to rest and freshen up.

In the evening, we met again at 20:00 for dinner at the hostel. A traditional Spanish paella was served, along with drinks, creating a relaxed and social atmosphere where it was easy to connect with other students. The night naturally turned into a small party at the hostel, with music, conversations, and laughter continuing for hours before we finally went to sleep.

Day 2 – 19.11.2019

( Night at Oasis Hostel, Sevilla )

We started the day with breakfast at the hostel, slowly waking up and getting ready for a full day of exploring. The city tour organized by ESN Seville gave us the chance to discover the most important landmarks while also learning more about the history of the city.

Seville immediately stood out for its vibrant atmosphere, colorful streets, and a mix of cultures visible in its architecture. One of the main highlights of the day was visiting the Alcázar of Seville. The intricate details, the tiles, the arches, and especially the gardens made it one of the most beautiful places we saw during the trip. It was easy to spend time just walking around and taking everything in.

The rest of the day was spent exploring the city, moving between narrow streets, open squares, and lively areas filled with people. There was always something to look at, whether it was a small hidden corner or a busy street full of life.

In the evening, we met again for dinner at a local restaurant, enjoying more Spanish food and the relaxed atmosphere of the group. Later, we headed to an Erasmus party at Club Abril. The contrast between the cultural daytime and the energetic nightlife was part of what made the trip so special. The club was full of students from all over the world, and the energy was high, with music, dancing, and a sense of freedom that comes with traveling during Erasmus.

Day 3 – 20.11.2019

Our final day started with breakfast at 09:00, followed by check-out at 10:00. Even though we were tired from the night before, we still had time to explore more of the city.

We joined a guided tour that took us around Seville once again, including a visit to the beautiful Plaza de España. Despite the rain, which followed us for most of the morning, the place was still impressive. The large open square, the bridges, and the detailed architecture made it one of the most iconic spots in the city.

For lunch, I took a break from the group and met up with two friends from Casale Monferrato who were living in Seville, along with another girl who had just arrived for her Erasmus. It was a completely unplanned moment, but it made the experience feel even more personal and special, like a small connection between different parts of my life.

In the afternoon, I returned to the group at the hostel, and at 16:00 we began our journey back to Lisbon. The bus ride was much quieter this time, with most people either sleeping or reflecting on the weekend.

We arrived in Lisbon around 22:00 and then took the train back to Tomar. By the time we reached our residence, it was around midnight. We were exhausted, but it was the kind of tired that comes from a full and meaningful experience.

• 4 The capital of Spain, Madrid:

My Fourth time in Spain was in Madrid with my Erasmus friend Lucrezia and Murathan.

ERASMUS TRIP IN MADRID, FEBRUARY ’17

While I was doing my second Erasmus in Tomar ( Portugal ), I decided to spend a few days in Madrid with my Italian friend Lucrezia and our Turkish friend Muratan, who had just finished his Erasmus and was flying back home to Turkey from there. It felt like the perfect chance to explore a new city together before going our separate ways again.

Even after just a few days, I can say that Madrid is an amazing city. It has such a vibrant atmosphere, full of life, culture, and energy. It is definitely a place I would love to return to in the future, maybe during the summer, to experience it more deeply and stay a bit longer.

DAY 1- Tuesday 14.02.2017

( Night at: Motion Hostel, Madrid )

( Metropolis building, Madrid )

We actually left Tomar two days earlier, on the evening of the 12th. After dinner, we took a taxi to Entroncamento, a small town near Tomar, where we caught the night train to Madrid at 22:30. Spending the whole night on the train was not the most comfortable experience, but we managed to rest a little and arrived in Madrid around 08:40 the next morning.

After dropping off our bags at the hostel, we headed straight into the city. Our first stop was Puerta del Sol, one of the most central and lively places in Madrid. From there, we walked to Plaza Mayor, surrounded by beautiful historic buildings and filled with people enjoying the day.

We spent the afternoon walking around, getting our first impressions of the city, and simply enjoying the atmosphere. In the evening, we stopped at 100 Montaditos for an aperitif, a casual and fun way to end our first day in Madrid.

DAY 2 – Wednesday 15.02.2017

( Night at: Motion Hostel, Madrid )

We started the day early, but this time we split up. Lucrezia and Muratan decided to visit the stadium, while I chose to explore some of Madrid’s most famous museums on my own.

I visited the Museo Reina Sofía and the Museo del Prado, both incredible in completely different ways. Walking through the galleries alone gave me time to fully take in the art and enjoy the experience at my own pace.

We met again later for lunch, and in the afternoon we headed to the Royal Botanical Garden of Madrid and then to El Retiro Park. It was a sunny day, and the park was full of people relaxing, walking, and enjoying the weather. One of the highlights there was the beautiful Palacio de Cristal, reflecting the light and surrounded by nature.

In the evening, we visited the Mercado de San Miguel, where we tried different foods and soaked in the lively atmosphere. Later, we treated ourselves to churros with chocolate, the perfect sweet snack to end the day.

DAY 3 – Friday 16.02.2017

( Night at: Motion Hostel, Madrid )

We started the morning early again, and this time I met up with Nerea, a Spanish friend I had met in Ireland while we were both working as au pairs. It was really nice to reconnect in a completely different place.

We spent the morning catching up and then went out for lunch at a local restaurant she recommended which I don’r remember the name. Afterward, we met Lucrezia and Muratan near the Royal Palace of Madrid, where we spent some time exploring the area together. Nerea became our unofficial guide, showing us around and sharing local insights.

We continued walking through the city until we reached the Temple of Debod, one of the most unique spots in Madrid, especially for its views.

Later, I met another friend of mine, Francesca, whom I had known since kindergarten and middle school, and who was also doing her Erasmus in Madrid. We grabbed a beer together, which made the day feel even more special, full of unexpected reunions.

In the evening, we all got ready for our last dinner together. We went to a restaurant recommended by Nerea, Casa de Valencia, where we had a delicious paella in a warm and friendly atmosphere. It was the perfect way to end our final night in Madrid.

DAY 4 – Saturday 17.02.2017

On our last morning, we woke up early and said goodbye to Muratan, who left from Plaza de Cibeles to head to the airport and fly back home.

After that, Lucrezia and I spent the day together, enjoying our final hours in the city. We met another friend of mine, Chiara, from my hometown Casale Monferrato, who was also doing her Erasmus in Madrid. Together, we walked through the city, visited a few last spots, and simply enjoyed the beautiful weather and relaxed atmosphere.

Our flight was in the evening at 21:05. We landed in Lisbon around 21:10 due to the time difference, and from the airport, we took the metro and then the train back to Tomar. We finally arrived around 23:00, completely exhausted but happy after a trip full of experiences, reunions, and unforgettable moments.