Welcome to Part One of Two of my foodie travel blog where I will share all about our recent Spain and Portugal adventures! Recently, we embarked on a journey through Spain and Portugal with our 1-year-old son, Weston. We visited the vibrant cities of Barcelona (Spain), Lloret de Mar (Spain), Porto (Portugal), and Lisbon (Portugal). Our trip was the best blend of cultural immersion, culinary exploration, and family bonding. It was the most rewarding experience watching Weston engage in new cultures, and see new things (who knew he’d be so obsessed with Pigeons haha). Here’s a detailed account of our experiences, focusing on the local food and traditions we embraced, where we stayed and cost of stay, some travel tips for feeling and looking your best while traveling, as well as navigating these beautiful countries with a toddler.
Feeling and Looking your Best While Traveling
When traveling, it is importance that we find a balance between engaging in delicious food but also honouring our bodies and health! What this balance will look like will be different for each person and depend on what their specific goals are- for example, if someone is a maintenance phase vs. if someone has a fat loss goal with a strict timeline. Personally, some trips i’ve been more flexible with my nutrition, other trips I have been more structured, but no matter what, I have honored my HEALTHY HABITS while traveling. These are your foundation for health and can go a LONG way to maintaining a healthy body composition.
What do I mean by honoring healthy habits?
Walk, walk, walk.
While traveling, I aim for MINIMUM 12,000 steps/day. Walking is a great way to explore a new city, and also helps maintain a healthy body composition and promote regular digestion
Aimed for protein at each meal
This helps curb cravings, balance blood sugar, and ultimately allows you to feel your best while traveling! At every restaurant I ensured we ordered at least 1 protein source/meal to have. I aimed for a palm-sized serving at each meal (and would encourage you to do this as well). I also purchased high protein yogurt shakes at local supermarkets- this was such an easy afternoon snack to pair with my favourite treats (like gelato!).
Prioritized 3 cups of veggies/day.
This meant ordering grilled veggies at 1-2 meals/day, and having 1 salad/day to ensure I hit this goal. Veggies contain fiber and are very low calorie, both of which can help with hunger regulation and digestion.
Hydration
I had at least 3L of water each day, aiming for 15-20 oz before meals. I also had a water bottle with me constantly. While traveling I like using large disposable bottles so if I lose it it isn’t a big deal! I ordered 1 glass of water at every restaurant (even though in Europe you do have to pay for water) and ensured I had 1 glass with every alcoholic beverage I drink.
Prioritize whole foods
On this trip I was more flexible and my whole foods was probably more 70/30 then 80/20. Because my food quality was lower, I had small portions. Remember, highly palatable foods are very calorie dense, so the portion/serving is quite small! This is important to remember if food quality is lower, although, Ideally we keep food quality quite high. Purchasing raspberries at local supermarkets was also a super easy way to boost my fiber intake while on the go! Raspberries are incredibly high fiber- close to 10g of fiber/cup while being very low calorie!
Be picky with treats
If you don’t like something, don’t finish it. If you want a treat, share it with your travel companions. This is a great way to enjoy local cuisines, but still honor hunger/fullness and not feel uncomfortably full.
For more tips on looking and feeling your best while traveling, read the full travel blog that I wrote for YQL Nutrition. You can check out the blog here!
Now, let’s dive into what we did in Spain!
Barcelona: A Vibrant Start
Stay: Hesperia Gotic Hotel
Barcelona, with its stunning architecture and bustling streets, was the perfect start to our trip. We stayed at the Hesperia Barri Gotic Hotel, centrally located and within walking distance of many attractions. The biggest thing we focus on when choosing a hotel is location. By doing so, this allows for us to walk around to explore the sights and get the most out of our time! It also had an elevator which was SO nice for us when using the stroller frequently!
A Note on The Stroller that Saved Us:
As far as travel strollers go, this stroller is a GAME-CHANGER! We have tried multiple travel strollers, and none compare to this one for two reasons: it fully reclines to flat which allowed Weston to nap so well in it, and it is very affordable! I would HIGHLY recommend this travel stroller. I’d pay 2x as much for how much it added to our experience on this trip. I truly think we would have been able to do a lot less on this trip if we didn’t have this stroller.
Cost of Accomodations:
We did find staying in Barcelona to be the most expensive out of all of our locations. Two nights at this hotel was 630 Canadian, but honestly this was worth it for how centrally located it was. Our room was SMALL- this is something to consider when staying with a toddler- there was not a lot of room for play in this room. Thankfully, Barcelona has SO many parks so we made sure to look up parks using google maps (just search playgrounds) and visit these during wake windows so Weston could play! I will say the amount of parks/outdoor spaces in Barcelona was one of my favorite things about this city, even though it was a big city it didn’t feel big!
Food Highlights:
Tapas Delight
Our culinary adventure in Barcelona began with tapas. Small plates of patatas bravas (a potato based dish), jamón ibérico, and pan con tomate were perfect for sharing. The vibrant La Boqueria Market offered a sensory overload of fresh produce, meats, and cheeses- we really enjoyed some of the fruit from this market!
Churros and Chocolate
For dessert, we couldn’t resist churros dipped in thick, rich chocolate. This sweet treat quickly became a favorite for both us and Weston! We visited the oldest chocolate shop in Barcelona, Gran Jala Pallares, which was located on the Carrier de Petritxol street (more info on why this street is amazing later in this blog!).
Sangria
You know your girl LOVES her wine, we tried Sangria at multiple places and it was truly so delicious!
Cultural Traditions:
Dinner Timing: In Barcelona, it is traditional to eat late dinners (typically around 9pm). It was fascinating to see families with young children out and about, enjoying the vibrant nightlife. We personally chose to eat earlier (7pm) to honor Weston’s bedtime. There were a LOT of places open at this time- I was surprised to see this as I thought it would be more of an issue.
One of our favorite restaurants we visited was a small local place called La Guinda.
We tried the Chicken Bao Buns and the Cochinita Pibil Tacos- both were SO delicious! This restaurant was recommended to us by our walking tour guide and it did not disappoint!
Siesta: The tradition of the afternoon siesta, though not as strictly observed as in the past, still influences the rhythm of life in Barcelona. Shops and businesses often close in the afternoon, allowing locals to rest and recharge. This slower pace gave us the perfect excuse to enjoy a leisurely lunch and take a break before resuming our exploration. This also was very nice for Weston’s afternoon nap- if we didn’t decide to do an activity during this time and have him nap in the stroller, we could relax back at the hotel while he napped!
Sardana Dance: The Sardana is a traditional Catalan dance that symbolizes unity and community. Locals form circles and dance to the rhythm of live music, often performed by a cobla (a traditional Catalan music ensemble). Participating in or simply watching the Sardana dance was a wonderful way to connect with the local culture- we got to do this while exploring the city during our walking tour!
Activities in Barcelona
Barcelona offers a wealth of activities for families with toddlers, I cannot say enough how welcoming this city was to our little man!
Guided Walking Tour: Gothic Quarter and El Born
We embarked on a guided walking tour through the historic Gothic Quarter and trendy El Born neighborhood. This tour provided an immersive experience into Barcelona’s rich history and vibrant culture. We got to stroll through narrow medieval streets, discover hidden squares, and visit iconic landmarks. Here is the link to the walking tour we did and we would highly recommend it!
On this tour we discovered a street called “Carrier De Petritxol” which is known as the street of milk, chocolate, and art! This is my kind of street ! This is where we enjoyed the BEST Churros with Chocolate!
Barcelona Aquarium
Located in Port Vell, Barcelona Aquarium is a fascinating attraction for families. Here we explored marine life from the Mediterranean and around the world, including sharks, rays, and colorful fish. The aquarium offers interactive exhibits and educational programs suitable for all ages, making it a perfect outing for toddlers to learn about the underwater world. Weston LOVED looking at the sharks- it was honestly the best little activity for our family!
Sagrada Família
No visit to Barcelona is complete without seeing Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece, the Sagrada Família. This architectural marvel captivates visitors with its intricate facades and towering spires. We didn’t enter this, but rather enjoyed it from the outside. If you like going into sights such as this, I highly recommend booking tickets in advance as the line seemed quite long !
Weston really loved the views of this one 😉
Waterfront Promenade
We loved taking a leisurely stroll along Barcelona’s waterfront promenade, stretching from Barceloneta Beach to Port Olímpic. The wide pathways are perfect for walking with a stroller, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and city skyline. Stop at one of the beachside cafes for refreshments or you can build sandcastles with your little one on the sandy shores. There is also a lot of coffee shops in this area- we loved grabbing a coffee and walking the promenade in the afternoon while Weston napped in his stroller! This was such a great way to get movement in while seeing some breathtaking views!
Ease of Visiting Barcelona with a Toddler
Honestly I’m giving this one a 10/10 for visiting with a toddler- most places had highchairs (see traveling with a toddler section in part two for other tips on this), there were tons of parks, and most areas were stroller accessible. The people genuinely were engaged with Weston and made us feel so welcome with him!
Next, we took a short, 1 hour bus to Lloret de Mar!
Lloret de Mar: Coastal Bliss
Stay: L’azure Hotel
Our next stop was Lloret de Mar, a beautiful coastal town known for its stunning beaches and relaxed atmosphere. We stayed at the L’azure Hotel, which was an incredibly beautiful hotel that was very toddler friendly.
It even had this beautiful splash park which was SO fun to play at with Weston!
Cost of Accommodations:
Here we knew we would be spending a lot of time at the hotel, so we invested more money to have a nicer room. During our stay in Lloret de Mar was when I would be doing the majority of my client checkins, meaning I would be working a lot at the facility so I wanted to be at a place I would enjoy! They had a BEAUTIFUL 8th floor that was adults only and had a private infinity pool- this is where I did the majority of my work!
To stay here for 5 nights with breakfast included was 1375 Canadian dollars, which we felt was very reasonable given that we got the suite! We booked this stay through Expedia.ca
Food Highlights:
- Dining at The Factory: The Factory, located within the L’azure Hotel, offered a culinary experience that combined Mediterranean flavors with contemporary cuisine. We enjoyed dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients, served in a stylish and relaxed atmosphere. A few of our favorite dishes were the Burrata Salad, the Foie Gras, the Dorade with Mushroom Risotto, Shrimp Ravioli, and the Milk and Chocolate bar for dessert! We had the sweetest servers Alejandro and Alex and they truly were such a delight!
One of the nights when we dined at The Factory (we ate there twice) we left Weston sleeping in our room and brought the baby monitor down to the restaurant so we could monitor him and have some alone time. I recognize not everyone would be comfortable with this, but it was really nice for us to have some time to connect as a couple alone on this trip. If you do not have a monitor that would allow for this, I know other friends have done facetime or used an app (example annie) to do this.
- Buffet Delights: The resort’s buffet-style dining at La Plaza provided a variety of options for every palate, including fresh seafood, salads, and regional specialties. The casual setting was perfect for family meals, allowing us to sample different dishes and enjoy the convenience of all-inclusive dining. I really enjoyed eating at a buffet with Weston as we were able to provide him with new things to sample, but could introduce small portions for him to start with to see if he liked it.
- La Rambla Restaurant: Located in the heart of Lloret de Mar, La Rambla Restaurant offered traditional Catalan dishes with a modern twist. We savored the Salmon Poke Bowl, Steak with mashed sweet potato and berry compote, the Pumpkin and Cheese Ravioli, and the Coca bread with Tomato, all accompanied by local wines.The staff here was so incredible- we ended up buying a stuffed hippo that was handmade by our servers mother-in-law!
- Marsol by the Water: Dining at Marsol, a restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, was a highlight of our visit. We indulged in clams, carbonara, and the BEST strawberry salad while soaking in breathtaking views of the coastline. The relaxed ambiance and fresh sea breeze made our dining experience truly memorable. We also really enjoyed that this restaurant had an outside option- we found it easier to have meals at restaurants outside with Weston. If he started to get fussy, we could get up and pace around outside with him or show him new things to keep him entertained- he also is a people watcher like us and being outside allowed for this!
Cultural Traditions:
In Lloret de Mar, we embraced the Mediterranean lifestyle, which emphasizes leisurely meals and siestas. This slower pace allowed us to relax and enjoy quality time with our toddler, who adapted well to the new routine. I would say this part of our trip was the most relaxing and exactly what we needed at this time!
Activities in Lloret de Mar
Exploring the City: Walking through the charming streets of Lloret de Mar was an amazing experience. The city is full of vibrant shops, historic sites, and beautiful architecture that make for a pleasant and relaxing stroll. We enjoyed wandering through the bustling streets and discovering hidden gems along the way. While this town was busy, it did not feel over-crowded.
Located in the heart of Lloret de Mar, Sant Romà Church is a stunning example of Catalan Gothic architecture with modernist influences. The church, built in the 16th century, features colorful mosaics and intricate details that reflect the artistic heritage of the region. It’s a significant cultural landmark and a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
The iconic Castell d’en Plaja castle is perched on a cliff overlooking the sea at the eastern end of Lloret Beach. Built in the 20th century, Castell d’en Plaja has become a symbol of Lloret de Mar. The castle offers panoramic views of the coastline and is a great spot for photography and exploration. I really enjoyed these views!
Beach Time: One of the highlights of our trip was spending time at the beautiful beaches of Lloret de Mar. The pristine sands and clear waters provided the perfect backdrop for relaxation and play. Weston loved playing in the sand and splashing in the shallow waters, making it a wonderful family-friendly activity.
Hotel Splash Park: Staying at the L’azure Hotel was a fantastic choice, especially because of its amazing splash park. Our little one had a blast playing in the water, going down the slides, and interacting with other kids. It was a great way to cool off and have some fun without leaving the hotel.
Day Trip to Tossa de Mar: We took a day trip to the nearby town of Tossa de Mar by bus. This charming coastal town is known for its medieval castle and picturesque views. We had the best coffee at a local café, and the overall experience was one of our favorites from the trip.
Ease of Visiting Lloret de Mar with a Toddler
I would rate visiting Lloret de Mar with a toddler a 10/10 IF you stay at the L’azure hotel. If we had a different hotel I am not sure if it would have been as easy for us to entertain Weston without worrying about the sun (ie if we spent all day at the beach each day). Having access to our room to clean up and for him to have the occasional nap was really nice because then we were able to get right back to playing at the splash park after! Having the amazing restaurants in hotel was also really nice as it saved us a lot of time while allowing us to try some delicious food!
A few Notes on Traveling with a Toddler
I will cover more tips and tricks for traveling with a toddler in my next blog, but I just wanted to write a quick note here in case you don’t read part two.
In short- do it. It was the BEST experience for our family to travel with Weston. As a family we grew so much, and it will be a trip that I will remember for the rest of my life. Yes there were challenges, but overall, it was 10000% worth it.
Portugal
Next, we took a short, 2.5 hour flight to Porto, Portugal, which was my FAVORITE place we visted!
I will be covering all things Portugal in Part TWO of this travel series, so please read this as well! You can read Part Two HERE. I have also hidden a new, delicious recipe inspired by one of our favorite treats while traveling in this blog, so you don’t want to miss it!
Thank you for taking the time to read this,
Megan, Nils, and our favorite travel companion, Weston.
