Must-visit destinations to celebrate the art of travel: Barcelona, Porto and Seville

Barcelona, Porto and Seville are cities that offer completely different experiences. In one, the Mediterranean and a unique energy await you; in another, charming weathered façades and the aroma of world-famous wine drifting along the river; and in the third, historic squares and a character that always leaves you wanting to return.

In this article, we’ll explore what makes each destination special and how to enjoy them to the fullest, turning any getaway into a trip you’ll always remember.

Barcelona: The City That Never Stops Surprising

The Catalan capital is best experienced from within: walking its streets, turning down unexpected corners, and looking up to discover Modernist balconies or the unmistakable silhouette of the Sagrada Família rising between the buildings.

The Born district, with its cobbled streets and renowned cafés, coexists with the more contemporary side of Poblenou, a former industrial neighbourhood transformed into a hub of innovation and contemporary art. In between, the Boqueria Market remains a gastronomic landmark, while the beach bars of Barceloneta prove that the Mediterranean is, above all, a way of life.

Sagrada Família / Photo: Magnific.

Barcelona’s cultural offering feels endless. The Fundació Joan Miró, the MNAC, the Museu Picasso, and the Palau de la Música Catalana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are just a few examples of everything the city has to offer. Even so, few experiences can rival the pleasure of wandering through the streets of the Gothic Quarter and discovering its most authentic essence.

Palau de la Música Catalana (Barcelona) — Photo: Tudoi61 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Hotels in Barcelona

If there is one thing that can completely transform a getaway to Barcelona, it is choosing the right place to stay. Having the city within easy reach, being able to explore some of its most interesting neighbourhoods on foot, or ending the day in a comfortable setting makes all the difference.

Buffet Breakfast - Vincci Mae 4*.

Room at Vincci Gala 4*.

Swimming Pool at Vincci Bit 4*.

Lobby of Vincci Marítimo 4*.

That is why the Vincci Hoteles properties in Barcelona are designed to help you discover the city in comfort while enjoying many of its main attractions just minutes away.

Porto: Discovering the City Through Tiles and Wine

If Barcelona is vibrant and full of light, Porto is intimate and nostalgic—in the very best sense of the word. It is a city of cobbled streets, façades covered in azulejo tiles, and privileged viewpoints overlooking the Douro River.

Porto is a city with many layers. The first is the most visible: the Clérigos Tower, the iconic Livraria Lello, and the majestic Dom Luís I Bridge. Yet beneath that first impression lies the true soul of Porto: the markets of Bolhão and Matosinhos, the courtyards of the Bonfim district, and the historic Port wine cellars.

Livraria Lello (Porto) — Photo: Scott Edmunds / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0).

The local cuisine is hearty and delicious. Codfish prepared in countless ways, the famous francesinha, and the traditional pastéis de nata are essential parts of any visit. And, of course, Port wine—whether tawny, reserve or vintage—completes the experience.

In recent years, the city has also strengthened its contemporary side. The Serralves Foundation is one of the leading modern art institutions on the Iberian Peninsula, while the Cedofeita district has become a creative hub filled with galleries, restaurants and independent boutiques.

Francesinha – a traditional Portuguese sandwich. Photo: Magnific.

Hotels in Porto

Choosing the right accommodation can make all the difference on a getaway to Porto. Being able to explore the historic centre on foot, stroll leisurely along the Douro River, and enjoy easy access to the city’s main attractions allows you to make the most of your stay.

Swimming Pool at Vincci Ponte de Ferro 4* Hotel.

Façade of Vincci Bonjardim 4* Hotel.

Lobby of Vincci Porto 4* Hotel.

That is why the Vincci Hotels in Porto are the ideal choice for discovering the destination in comfort and making the most of every moment of your trip.

Seville: the city you will want to return to

Seville proves that life can be intense, passionate, generous, and beautiful all at once. Few European cities preserve such a strong identity and such a close connection between history and everyday life.

The historic centre of Seville is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to some of Spain’s most impressive monuments: Seville Cathedral, the Royal Alcázar, and the Archive of the Indies. Yet the city is so much more than its landmarks.

Royal Alcázar of Seville — Photo: FlyingCrimsonPig / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0).

The Triana district, on the opposite side of the Guadalquivir River, is the birthplace of flamenco, Seville’s ceramic tradition, and a distinctive character that can be felt on every corner. Its bars, squares, and streets reflect the city’s most authentic essence.

And, of course, there is Seville’s renowned gastronomic scene. Strolling through the Triana Market, enjoying a traditional pringá sandwich, or embarking on an impromptu tapas crawl around the Alameda de Hércules are among those simple pleasures that help you understand the Sevillian way of life. For culture lovers, flamenco remains one of the city’s most unforgettable experiences.

Alameda de Hércules (Seville) — Photo: Michiel1972 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0).

Hotels in Seville

In a vibrant city such as Seville, having comfortable, well-located accommodation is essential to make the most of every day.

Swimming Pool at Vincci Selección Unuk 5* GL Hotel.

Room at Vincci La Rábida 4* Hotel.

Terrace at Vincci Molviedro 4* Hotel.

That is why the Vincci Hotels in Seville are designed to offer the perfect balance of comfort, location, and relaxation, creating a much more complete travel experience.

Travelling Well: A Skill Worth Learning

Barcelona teaches us that beauty can be bold and provocative, and that art does not need a frame to exist. Porto reminds us that depth has value and that historic cities offer something no fleeting destination can match. And Seville proves that some of life’s most transformative moments happen in a square, during a spontaneous conversation, or to the rhythm of flamenco handclaps.

What connects these three cities is neither geography nor language, but a shared belief: that living well is also a form of intelligence. Choosing where to travel, how to stay, and at what pace to discover a destination are decisions that completely transform the experience.

Those who choose Barcelona, Porto, or Seville are not simply choosing a city. They are embracing a journey where culture, gastronomy, architecture, and authenticity take centre stage. And that is precisely the true art of travel.

About Vincci Hotels | 25th Anniversary

In 2026, Vincci Hotels celebrates its 25th anniversary, reaffirming its unique vision of hospitality: The Vincci Perspective. An approach that enhances every destination through design, architecture, gastronomy, and an authentic connection with its surroundings.

Over the years, the company has built a distinctive model based on adapting each property to the identity of its location, integrating heritage, local culture, and contemporary influences. This philosophy is currently reflected in a portfolio of 41 hotels across Spain, Portugal, Tunisia, and Greece.

The anniversary represents far more than a celebration. It is a statement of continuity and a reaffirmation of a philosophy of travel, hospitality, and design that has accompanied Vincci Hotels since its beginnings and continues to shape its evolution today.

"Come. Be surprised. Discover more than 40 four- and five-star hotels where every experience is unique. Open your eyes. Take a look around. Enjoy the most privileged locations. See. Touch. Feel a design and style reflected in every detail. Rest. Relax. Let yourself be cared for by a service where you are at the centre of everything. Dream. Smile. Live. You're at a Vincci."

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