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Our mission…

… is to share something relevant, something authentic, something real, something cool, something interesting, something personal & something different, via travel stories & images. We are focusing on ideas from local sources, giving tips that are usually unknown for travelers and foreigners, guides to secret places which only the guy from the given neighborhood could know about, to the hidden picturesque view, with recommending everything besides the obvious: the local real feel, the adventure of discovering the unknown, the authenticity, culinary guide to the meals that locals are really cooking and eating at home, and much more. Hope you will read us, feel inspired and enjoy the journey, as much as we do!

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OUR LATEST TRAVEL STORIES:

Altafulla – The town of thousand magic gates on Costa Daurada, in Catalonia, Spain

This is an article about what to see in Altafulla, a coastal gem on Costa Daurada with an impressive historic heritage. Altafulla is mainly known because of its beach. Costa Daurada itelf is famous for the sandy coastline and lovely beaches, but this territory is much more than that. And besides their amazing and not that much-spoiled beaches, there are a lot of interesting spots among its historical villages and towns. Altafulla is a very good example of that. Altafulla is located 12 kilometers South direction from Tarragona. Read hear more about the area. The town has three main neighbourhoods: …

Continue reading “Altafulla – The town of thousand magic gates on Costa Daurada, in Catalonia, Spain”

by danigarciagimenez

Entrevista amb la Dolors Torné del Celler Cal Serafí a Torredembarra – Versió en Català

Aquesta és la entrevista a la propietària de Cal Serafí, un icònic celler al vell mig del centre històric de Torredembarra. És la Dolors, que de seguida ens va respondre per correu electrònic que es prestava a fer l’entrevista. Hem quedat a les quatre, quan el celler està tancat i ens rep amb dues persones més de la seva família, vinculades al celler i que col·laboraran en l’entrevista. És un negoci familiar dels que dona gust visitar. El celler és agradable, amb un toc clàssic, una versió actualitzada dels de tota la vida per fer-lo boutique. Encantador. Clica aquí per …

Continue reading “Entrevista amb la Dolors Torné del Celler Cal Serafí a Torredembarra – Versió en Català”

by danigarciagimenez

Interview with Dolors Torné, Cal Serafí wine-shop, Torredembarra – English version

Here you can read an interview with the owner of Cal Serafí, the iconic wine-shop in the old part of the historic center of Torredembarra. She is Dolors Torné, who immediately answered us by e-mail and kindly accepted to do the interview. We met at 4 p.m. when the wine-shop is usually closed and she introduced us to two more persons from her family, who also collaborated in this interview since they are also linked to the business. This is a traditional family business that is definitely worth visiting once you are in Torredembarra. The shop is indeed very nice, …

Continue reading “Interview with Dolors Torné, Cal Serafí wine-shop, Torredembarra – English version”

by annaczuczor
Torredembarra the jewel of Costa Daurada

Torredembarra – The jewel of Costa Daurada

If this is the first time you hear or read the name of this town, for sure you would be asking back, Torre…hm… what?! It was the same for me and most likely for everyone who is coming from abroad and never been to this lovely town before. But believe me, it’s enough to dedicate an afternoon, or if you are more generous with time, even a day, to remember its name forever. This article will explain why to visit Torredembarra, the jewel of Costa Daurada. Not to mention, that many of our dear readers commented on how it could …

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by annaczuczor
Roman route in Tarragona Province

Tarraco Romana II. A Roman heritage route in Tarragona Province

This is a Roman route in Tarragona Province. Actually this is the second part of our article about a Roman itinerary in Tarragona city. We will follow this time in this route the path of the main preserved monuments of Roman times in the nearby area of Tarragona. Some of these spots obtained on November 30, 2000, from the declaration of World Heritage by UNESCO for the Roman archaeological site of the ancient Tarraco. Below you have the full itinerary. Some of the places are not good prepared to be reached by car and it can be very difficult to …

Continue reading “Tarraco Romana II. A Roman heritage route in Tarragona Province”

by danigarciagimenez

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BEST FROM BESIDES THE OBVIOUS:
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Read our complete article about Altafulla here: https://besidestheobvious.net/2020/05/19/altafulla-the-town-of-thousand-magic-gates-on-costa-daurada-in-catalonia-spain/ Are you ready to spend the next 2 minutes admiring the beauty of Altafulla? Well, Altafulla is mainly known because of its beach. Costa Daurada itself is famous for the sandy coastline and lovely beaches, but this territory is much more than that. There are a lot of interesting spots among its historic villages and towns. Altafulla is a very good example of that. Just walking around its streets you will catch up with one of the secrets of the town: its entrance gates. There are many all-around in different shapes and patterns with date inscriptions on the upper part of their arches. Many of them date from the 18th Century and allow the visitor to observe the architecture evolution throughout that century and overall along with history. Altafulla Centre – where most of the local inhabitants live – is quite unknown for massive tourism (fortunately). But anyhow it is a heritage treasure. The origin of the town is medieval and its castle – even remodeled – is a good testimony of that time and you can admire it from many points as a part of the town’s skyline. The Castellers monument is located in one of the corners of Placa del Pou and was inaugurated in 1989. The entire monument with its eight pillars is made of baked clay. Are you convinced? Not yet? Then you should read our full review about Altafulla on Besides the obvious.net.
ALTAFULLA in 2 minutes
YouTube Video UCwfRvIWenqaTh7Nj712DQbw_c84_-_BOkGo
During these 2 minutes, we will guarantee that you will fall in love with #Torredembarra. Let us guide you now virtually in the town located in the heart of Costa Daurada. The old town has a distinctly medieval feel, and the roots date back to the Romans, as does most of the province of Tarragona. Charming cobbled streets, a castle, churches, and an old tower set quite a nostalgic scene. You can walk around comfortably in the old quarter in a couple of hours while admiring the beautiful, colorful houses. But don’t forget to take a look inside and admire the very well-conserved patios. Of the original wall which completely surrounded the town during the 17th century, two entrances still remain. The Padrines gate and the La Bassa gate. The San Pere church can be found in the heart of the old town. The construction was completed in 1680 to connect this church to the original one, making it one single structure. Ah and look at the oldest building in Torredembarra, Torre de la Vila! It can be found right in front of San Pere church. It dates from around the 12th century. Just right next to the Torre you can find the town’s best wine seller, Cal Serafi. Don’t forget to jump in and check their outstanding wine, vermouth, and cava selections! The Icart Castle is easily accessible via the Pandrines gate. Currently the headquarters of the town council. The intention of the castle was to act as a fortress and residence. The building is laid out in a square with a tower on each side. Of course, a visit to Torredembarra cannot be complete without going to its neverending sandy beach and admiring the fishermen's boats and the waves of the turquoise Mediterranean sea. Torredembarra also has a rich maritime heritage. And the Far is not far either. The lighthouse of Torredembarra is one of the highest towers in Catalonia. It rises 38 meters high and provides us with an outstanding panorama on the near bays. Oh and not to forget the castle and church of Clara neighborhood. The parish church of Sant Joan de Clarà, documented since the 13th century! Are you convinced? Not yet? Then you should read our full review about Torredembarra.
TORREDEMBARRA in 2 minutes
YouTube Video UCwfRvIWenqaTh7Nj712DQbw_ioT0KkO-r30
Have you ever been to #Tarragona? Oh, not yet? Let us guide you now virtually, but be prepared, by the end of this video you cannot resist booking a trip to Tarragona! This port city is located in northeast #Spain on the Costa Daurada by the #Mediterranean Sea. Tarragona, or as it was called #Tarraco was founded in the 5th century before Christ, and currently, it is the capital of the Province of Tarragona and part of #Catalonia. The ancient #Roman walls are surrounding the old district and still, today are part of the local houses. The historic centers of cities are often the most interesting areas to go and Tarragona could not be otherwise. Located in the upper part of the city, the Old Town is a maze of narrow and short streets full of old buildings with a very charming and romantic vibe and definitely an unmissable spot on any visit to the capital of the province. Just look at those orange trees and what is hiding behind them, the Tarragona Cathedral. The #Cathedral Square and its surrounding streets are the epicenter of the #medieval quarter in Tarragona old city. Not to mention Carrer de Comte with all the colorful pilons. And the number of small bars, restaurants, and cafes serving tapas, local seafood, and Catalan dishes. Ohh, and how about a #vermut nearby the 2000 years old ancient walls? More into history? Just check out the breathtaking view of the roman #Amphiteatre. Are you convinced? Not yet? Then you should read our full review! https://besidestheobvious.net/2021/02/22/tarraco-romana-a-roman-itinerary-in-tarragona/
TARRAGONA in 2 minutes
YouTube Video UCwfRvIWenqaTh7Nj712DQbw_iMZ6s-X_SsU
How to prepare the tasty #Hungarian #Pogácsa? Here comes the detailed #recipe 👉 https://besidestheobvious.net/2021/02/06/pogacsa-the-hungarian-cheese-biscuit/ Pogácsa, the Hungarian cheese biscuit – or as it’s simply called: ‘pogi’ – is one of the most popular baked biscuits in Hungary and all around the Carpathian – Pannonian Basin. Every kitchen makes its own version, everyone learned a version of the recipe usually from their mothers or grandmothers and then adjusted it further based on their own taste. If you are interested in more tasty and culturally relevant recipes, don't hesitate to visit our Culinary Journey page too 👉 https://besidestheobvious.net/culinary-journey/ WE LOVE TO EXPLORE GASTRONOMY FROM ALL AROUND THE WORLD. NEW FLAVORS, UNKNOWN SPICES, BRAND NEW RECIPES, FORGOTTEN INGREDIENTS, LOCAL FOOD & DRINK SELECTION… THEY SHOULD ALSO BE PART OF AND COMPLETE EVERY JOURNEY. AS THEY SAY, ACT LIKE LOCALS! ENJOY ALL THE LOCALLY GIVEN GOODS TO UNDERSTAND THEIR CULTURE BETTER AS WELL.
Pogácsa, the Hungarian cheese biscuit
YouTube Video UCwfRvIWenqaTh7Nj712DQbw_aR_1fsUjmVo
To #RodaDeBera with love 💕 👉 https://besidestheobvious.net/2021/02/03/lets-get-lost-in-catalonia-the-10-most-beautiful-villages-of-costa-daurada-part-iii/ Roda de Berà has a very special place in our heart since Besides the Obvious is based here for almost a year. During this time, and especially during the pandemic we had a lot of time to discover this picturesque village, and by now we know almost every corner of it. The village is situated on the coast and the ancient roman Via Augusta ran through the municipality, and a triumphal arch – Arc de Berà – survived in the middle of the present N-340 coast road. This monument is part of the Archaeological Ensemble of Tarraco, which was added to UNESCO‘s list of World Heritage Sites in 2000. Its name derives from the count Berà. It is a triumphal arch with a single opening consisting of a central body on a podium, decorated with fluted pilasters crowned by Corinthian capitals. The monument was built as a result of the will of Lucius Licinius Sura and it was erected in the reign of Augustus, around 13 BCE. It is thought it was dedicated to Augustus or to his genius, and that it marked the limit of the district of Tarraco.
Roda de Berà
YouTube Video UCwfRvIWenqaTh7Nj712DQbw_34Xej_6w-X8
Have you ever been dreaming to go to #Açores? Read our complete article about São Miguel island here 👉 https://besidestheobvious.net/2020/01/24/one-week-on-the-green-island-sao-miguel-acores/ Nicknamed as ‘The Green Island’, offers a number of nature-related activities with its interesting vegetation and geography, thus making it an excellent holiday destination with a difference. São Miguel is also influenced by the cyclonic Gulf Stream, which functions as a moderating force in the island, keeping temperatures hovering between 14 °C and 26 °C throughout the year. The real feel though could be colder during the night and on the gloomy, rainy days, and the other way around, when it’s sunny, you suddenly get the desire to jump into the milky white ocean waves.
São Miguel, Açores – 7 reasons to go…
YouTube Video UCwfRvIWenqaTh7Nj712DQbw_sHI0Hh2Pu4I
How to prepare the famous #Hungarian recipe, #RakottKrumpli in Spain? Where can we find the right ingredients? Check this out! 👉 https://besidestheobvious.net/2021/01/31/rakott-krumpli-hungarian-layered-potatoes/ It’s such a simple, tasty, and feeling recipe that comes from the old times in Hungary when you needed to gain a lot of energy from your meal before going to the fields to work. And when you needed to cook with the simplest and cheapest ingredients that you could find at home. Yes, Rakott krumpli, alias Hungarian layered potatoes is a dish from the old times that people prepared only at home, it was nothing fancy about it. But this dish recently was reborn and out of sudden, it started to appear on daily menus, or even on fancy restaurants’ offers of course with a twist, or with more interesting ingredients. But trust me, there is nothing better and tastier than the original recipe. I tried to recreate it with ingredients available in Spain – since we are based here, so I’m listing the right equivalents that you can find in Spanish supermarkets too.
Rakott krumpli – Hungarian layered potatoes
YouTube Video UCwfRvIWenqaTh7Nj712DQbw_XyWemYzytYI
💙 One of the most emblematic representations of #Porto’s history and culture are those beautiful tiles we see all over the city which are known as #azulejos. They come in different colors, but most commonly, they are in white and blue.🤍 Read more about Porto here 👉 https://besidestheobvious.net/2020/02/05/porto-for-beginners/ 🤍💙 #Porto #Oporto #Patterns #Azulejos
Porto Patterns #Azulejos
YouTube Video UCwfRvIWenqaTh7Nj712DQbw_Q9VE8ZEsopI
Rice with what? 😋 Check out our #Paella tour around #Spain and #Catalonia! 👉 https://besidestheobvious.net/2020/08/11/rice-with-what-on-the-route-of-spanish-rice-dishes/ Well most likely everyone knows, that Paella is a traditional Spanish dish from the Valencia region. It is a rice dish that can have meat, fish, seafood, and vegetables and is characterized by its use of saffron to give it a yellow color and unique flavor. So let’s put my favorite ones in order (please note that I don’t eat meat, so those variants won’t be included in my list of preferences) and I give you the tip on where to taste them exactly. You might need to travel a bit around, but believe me, it would worth all the kilometers. WE LOVE TO EXPLORE GASTRONOMY FROM ALL AROUND THE WORLD. NEW FLAVORS, UNKNOWN SPICES, BRAND NEW RECIPES, FORGOTTEN INGREDIENTS, LOCAL FOOD & DRINK SELECTION… THEY SHOULD ALSO BE PART OF AND COMPLETE EVERY JOURNEY. AS THEY SAY, ACT LIKE LOCALS! ENJOY ALL THE LOCALLY GIVEN GOODS TO UNDERSTAND THEIR CULTURE BETTER AS WELL: https://besidestheobvious.net/culinary-journey/
Rice with what? #Paella
YouTube Video UCwfRvIWenqaTh7Nj712DQbw_eZ1qPY7rPQY
Memories from #Fuerteventura 👉 https://besidestheobvious.net/2020/10/14/vuelta-a-fuerteventura-top-20-spots-to-make-the-perfect-roundtrip-around-this-canary-island/ We review the following places: #Corralejo - https://besidestheobvious.net/2020/10/10/corralejo-the-northern-star-of-fuerteventura-7-things-to-do-within-a-4-day-long-visit/ #Ajuy - https://besidestheobvious.net/2020/10/11/ajuy-the-hidden-gem-of-the-wild-west-coast-of-fuerteventura/ #Cofete - https://besidestheobvious.net/2020/10/15/jandia-peninsula-the-wild-welcoming-south-on-fuerteventura-island/ #ElCotillo - https://besidestheobvious.net/2020/10/14/vuelta-a-fuerteventura-top-20-spots-to-make-the-perfect-roundtrip-around-this-canary-island/ Enjoy 😉
Memories from Fuerteventura
YouTube Video UCwfRvIWenqaTh7Nj712DQbw_1TDH_tSdSVQ


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