Segovia: Beauty, Blisters 🏰☀️🥵

Day 3:

Our day started before the sun had even thought about clocking in. The alarm went off at 5:30 a.m. so we could make it to Moncloa Bus Station for our adventure to Segovia. Little did we know we were about to spend the day sightseeing... inside what felt like a giant air fryer.

By 12:25 p.m., the temperature had reached a jaw-dropping 44.5°C. At that point, sightseeing became an endurance sport, and hydration stops weren't optional—they were a matter of survival! 💧😂 We lost count of how many times we stopped for water, shade, and the occasional "Are we melting yet?" check.

Despite the blistering heat, we explored Segovia almost entirely on foot, and every single step was worth it. We stood in awe beneath the magnificent Roman Aqueduct, admired the unique Casa de los Picos, wandered along the bustling Calle Real, soaked up the atmosphere in the beautiful Plaza Mayor, and visited the impressive Segovia Cathedral.

We meandered through the charming Jewish Quarter, climbed the Muralla de San Andrés for spectacular views, and made our way to the breathtaking Mirador de la Pradera, where the postcard-perfect panorama of Segovia made us forget—if only for a moment—that we were slowly being roasted.

The undisputed highlight of the day was the absolutely mesmerizing Alcázar of Segovia. Rising dramatically above the landscape like something straight out of a fairy tale, it's easy to see why it inspired Disney's castles. It truly is one of the most magical places we've ever visited.

Of course, no day is complete without getting delightfully lost in the cobbled streets of the Old Town, browsing the local shops, and soaking up the incredible atmosphere that makes Segovia so unforgettable.

Today's stats:

🌡️ Temperature at 12:25: 44.5°C

🚶‍♀️ Walking: Pretty much the entire city!

💧 Hydration stops: Too many to count (and every one was deserved!)

📸 Photos: Hundreds.

❤️ Memories: Priceless.

Segovia tested our stamina, our sun tolerance, and probably our deodorant... but it also stole our hearts. Scorching hot, endlessly beautiful, and without a doubt one of the highlights of our Spanish adventure. Until next time, Segovia! 🇪🇸❤️

Madrid - Day 2

 🇪🇸 The day we challenged the sun… and almost lost! ☀️🥵

Our Madrid adventure officially began today, and wow… Madrid did not ease us in gently! After arriving from Lisbon, we stepped outside and immediately understood why the Spanish have perfected the art of the *siesta*. The heat was not just hot—it was the kind of hot that makes you question whether your shoes are melting and whether your suitcase should have come with a snorkel! 🔥

But we came to explore, not surrender!

After settling in on Calle Almansa, we grabbed our water bottles, put on our walking shoes, and headed out to discover the magic of Madrid. Of course, with temperatures that could fry an egg on the pavement, our sightseeing strategy quickly became: walk, admire, find shade, hydrate, repeat!💦😂

Our first day took us through some incredible places:

📍 Plaza Mayor – where history meets beautiful architecture and thousands of footsteps from travellers before us.

📍 Puerta del Sol – the heart of Madrid, full of energy and the perfect place to say: “Yes, we really made it!”

📍 Royal Palace of Madrid – absolutely magnificent and a reminder of the grandeur of Spain’s royal past.

📍 Almudena Cathedral – a stunning oasis of beauty and a welcome break from the blazing sun.

📍 Royal Basilica of St. Francis the Great – a hidden gem with breathtaking interiors that made us forget, for a moment, that we were being slowly cooked outside!

📍 Sabatini Gardens – a beautiful green escape beside the palace, where the trees provided some much-needed shade and our feet got a little holiday of their own.

📍 Mirador de la Cornisa – the perfect finale to the day, with spectacular views over Madrid and the Royal Palace. A place to stop, breathe, take photos, and think: “Okay… walking through a Spanish oven was totally worth it!” 😍

Along the way, we made plenty of very important pit stops:

💧 Water refill? Absolutely.

☕ Cold drink break? Essential.

🌳 Shade hunting? A competitive sport by this point.

By the end of the day our feet were tired, our water bottles were empty, and our faces probably looked slightly sun-dried… but our hearts were full.

Day 2 Madrid report:

☀️ Heat level: “Is this a holiday or a survival challenge?”

🚶 Steps walked: Enough to earn a tapas feast.

💦 Hydration stops: Too many to count (and not nearly enough!).

❤️ Memories made: Already priceless.

Madrid, you tested us today… but you also amazed us. Tomorrow, we explore even more! 🇪🇸✨

Hola Madrid

🇵🇹➡️🇪🇸 Day 1 – The Adventure Begins: Lisbon to Madrid by Bus

The alarm clock went off early today, but when you're about to start an adventure, excitement makes waking up easy!

At 9:45 a.m, we left Lisbon behind, watching the familiar streets slowly disappear as our bus headed towards Spain. There's something wonderfully relaxing about travelling by road—you get to watch the scenery change from bustling cities to rolling countryside, endless fields, and charming little villages along the way.  

Road trips aren't just about reaching the destination; they're about the journey itself. They give you time to chat, laugh, listen to your favourite music, snack far more than you probably should, and dream about all the places you're about to explore.

Madrid has been on our travel list for a long time, the first time we were there was on our honeymoon on our way to Palma de Majorca  and it's hard to believe that in just a few hours we'll be wandering its historic streets, admiring beautiful architecture, discovering hidden gems, and, of course, tasting plenty of delicious Spanish food.

For now, we're simply enjoying the ride, soaking in the changing landscapes, and counting down the kilometres until we arrive in Spain's vibrant capital.

Here's to new adventures, unforgettable memories, and another journey that reminds us why we love travelling so much.

Next stop: Madrid! 🇪🇸❤️