Addis Ababa to Barcelona Air Europa Line Flights

  About Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa is the capital of Ethiopia and is one of the most important cities in Africa. It is also the largest city in Ethiopia. The city is also considered as the political capital of Africa since it houses the headquarters of the African Union and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. It is situated in the foothills of Entoto Mountains and is one of the five highest capital cities of the world. Ethiopia is known for producing the best coffee in the world, and there's nothing better than actually flying to the country to try some. The city has a rich economic, scientific and political history and several museums that showcase these findings. In fact, you will also come across a museum that solely focuses on telling people how politics can make bad history. Not to mention, it is also a great place to go on a shopping spree for Ethiopian products, lots of coffee grounds and souvenirs. While Addis Ababa is not a popular vacation destination, a lot of travellers usually explore the city when they have a long layover. If you do not have any time constraints as such, you can definitely explore the city and be amazed at how it has progressed.

Best Time to Visit Addis Ababa

Ethiopia is called the Cradle of Mankind and is one of the best places to visit in Africa. January to March is a high season in Ethiopia. The temperature ranges from 10 to 24 degree Celsius with slight rainfalls. It doesn't rain as much in Addis Ababa, but it does in the other cities. Summer is the perfect time for you to spot wildlife like giraffes, wolves and ibex. You can also attend events like Timkat and Leddet in summer. Hiking in the Bale or Simien mountains is one of the only things that you will not be allowed to do in summer. Since this is high season, make sure you book your flight tickets to Addis Ababa in advance and book your hotels in Addis Ababa several weeks in advance. The prices begin to surge since the city welcomes a lot of tourists in this season.

April to September is a low tourist season in Addis Ababa since this is when the monsoon begins. The city can get pretty hot, sticky and uncomfortable in monsoon. While you might get cheap flight tickets to Addis Ababa in monsoon owing to the dip in tourism, it is best to postpone your trip. However, if you still visit the city in monsoon, you will be allowed to go sightseeing at certain parks like the Omo and Mago Valley, but the major attractions remain shut. The temperature ranges from 12 to 25 degree Celsius during summer. October to December is also summer in Addis Ababa, and the temperature ranges from 10 to 20 degree Celsius. However, it is still a shoulder season in the city where only a few tourists will be seen. The weather remains cooler as compared to the high season. October to December is also an ideal time to go hiking in the Simien mountains. You might come across some excellent flight deals to Addis Ababa online during the shoulder season. If you plan to visit any time between October and December, ensure that you make the most of this deal. You will also get great discounts at the hotel you will be staying in, or maybe you pick one that comes with a lot of offers.

Places to Visit in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa has a lot of museums that narrate the sad story of its past. The 'Red Terror' Martyrs Memorial Museum is one of those museums that will shake you. It recalls the terrible incidents that have taken place in the city and give you a perspective in life. The National Museum is yet another popular tourist attraction that you can visit. St George Cathedral and Museum and Holy Trinity Cathedral are few of the other popular spots in the city that you cannot miss. Head over to Merkato if you want to go on a shopping spree. Fair warning: It will be crowded so be prepared for it. You can also visit the Lion of Judah Monument that holds a lot of significant positions in the city. The Derg Monument is a reminder to the people of Addis Ababa about the pain and struggles that they went through during the communist rule. You can also roam around the Addis Ababa University and be amazed at the beautiful campus. You can also climb up the Entoto Mountain and catch the panoramic view of the city from up here. It can get pretty overwhelming. However, make sure that you are hiking up the hill during the right season. It is not safe to hike in the mountains during monsoon. You can also visit the Addis Ababa Museum, which was founded in 1986. The city has a lot of museums and historical landmarks that you cannot miss.

Things to do in Addis Ababa

You can catch the magnificent view of the entire city from Mount Entoto. Hiking in the forest of Eucalyptus trees sure does count as quite an adventure. You can also sign for a sightseeing tour covering all the museums in the city. Mercato is Africa's biggest open-air market, and you will buy everything from handmade baskets to spices at the market. It also has a separate section where shopkeepers sell second-hand items. Head over to Tomoca Coffee for the most refreshing cup of freshly brewed Ethiopian coffee in different flavours. You can also order for Macchiato, which is equally excellent. The Red Terror Martyrs Memorial Museum is a great place to learn more about Ethiopia's tragic past. If you want to go on a shopping spree for traditional clothes, you can try the Shiro Meda; it is near the US Embassy in Addis Ababa. The restaurants in the city have a very active dance and music scene along with delicious food. Make sure you do try some of that. You can also check out the statue of Emperor Menelik II, who was the founder of Addis Ababa.

Lagar Railway Station is yet another tourist attraction that you cannot miss. It is the first-ever railway station in the city, and its unique architecture is what makes it special. Medhane Alem Church at Bole District is one of the biggest Ethiopian Orthodox Christian Churches, and it is breathtakingly beautiful. Head over to check out the Tiglachin (Dreg) Monument, which stands as a reminder that Ethiopia was victorious over all of its invaders. You can also sign up for a food tour in the city and get to know more about the culinary speciality here.

Food and Restaurants in Addis Ababa

Ethiopian food is known for being spicy, and while it may not be as popular as European or Asian food worldwide, it is worth trying. If you are new to Ethiopian food, your first experience will be out of this world. Addis Ababa has a lot of restaurants that serve traditional Ethiopian food with music and dance. They also have a lot of restaurants that serve other cuisines from all over the world and cannot be missed. Totot is a restaurant that specialises in Ethiopian cuisine. Make sure you order the Kitfo here that melts in your mouth and is quite spicy. The restaurant is packed on weekends so make sure you reach the restaurant early, so you don't have to wait for a long time. Yod Abyssinia is yet another restaurant that reflects the country's food, dance and music culture. The decor of the place is unique, and it is also quite close to the airport. You can order the tibs, Shiro and Doro wat here along with kitfo. The Addis Ababa restaurant in Arada can be a little difficult to find, but it is completely worth it. A lot of locals believe that the food here tastes like homemade food.

How to reach Addis Ababa (Transportation)

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is about 6 km from the city centre. The flight connectivity to Addis Ababa from India is excellent. Ethiopian Airlines has direct flights to Addis Ababa from India. Egyptair, Kenya Airways and Emirates Airline also have flights to Addis Ababa with layovers at Cairo, Nairobi and Dubai. It might be difficult to get cheap flight tickets to Addis Ababa if you book at the last moment. If you book several weeks in advance, you might get exciting flight deals to Addis Ababa online that are worth exploring. It is quite convenient to get a cab or car rental service from the airport to your hotel. However, it is advisable to pre-book your cab online. You can also opt for an airport shuttle service that your hotel might offer. The airport also has premium lounges, restrooms and a lot of other services for the convenience of the passengers. The airport opened its first business class lounge in 2012, and they are also planning to add spas and another lounge soon.

  About Barcelona

Snuggled up by the Mediterranean Sea on the coast of Spain is the beautiful city of Barcelona. The Mediterranean metropolis is one of the largest in Spain and has global recognition as one of the best cities to vacation at. Barcelona is a world leader in the tourism, financial and cultural industries with a tremendous contribution towards fields of sports, entertainment, arts, fashion and science. Barcelona has excellent connectivity with various other European cities via domestic and international routes. In fact, through the port, many cities can actually reach Barcelona, in style.

The bustling energy of the city is something that can only be experienced in person and not just in movies. Barcelona's fervent atmosphere will marvel you, as will the enthusiasm of the locals.

Best time to visit Barcelona

Barcelona is a town of celebration which sees lovely hues and carnivals irrespective of the sticky humidity. The months from May to June are when the temperatures act extra favourable to the tourists and even the residents of the city. With temperatures close to 22 degree Celsius, the summers certainly add more charm to the place. Witness a flurry of festivities that envelop the city as the onset of summer brings varied hues with it. For people travelling from hotter countries, the weather would certainly be a treat. Thanks to the numerous carnivals that take place in the city during springtime, it definitely adds more reasons to visit Barcelona in the said season. Events such as Verbene de Sant Joan and Sonar are some of the festivals that you would enjoy during spring. Although the tourism activities drop come September, the temperature is quite pleasant as it ranges from 20 degree Celsius to 23 degree Celsius. With rains taking over the city, not many tourists are able to visit the beach. Being a coastal delight to many, the lack of beach time automatically reduces the tourist potential.

The summers easily become a high point in Barcelona's tourism. The months July and August especially see a throng of tourists relishing the Mediterranean sun while they hit the lush beaches. Due to this being the peak season, it is obviously going to come with some expensive flight tickets and accommodations. Events such as El Grec and Festa Major de Gracia further attract more tourists to the city. If you want a relaxing vacation which also falls under a good budget, spring is the time for you to fly to Barcelona. The city has exquisite accommodations and even Bnbs. You can book hotels in Barcelona's luxury hotels such as Almanac, W, Mandarin Oriental, The Serras, etc., or go for backpacking and check in to hostels. Either way, you will receive excellent treatment as the staff in Barcelona are quite friendly and happy-to-go.

Places to visit in Barcelona

Barcelona's beaches and coasts might take up most of your attention but do give the city's Catalan-styled infrastructure a peek too. The city has ornate churches, parks, museums and of course, sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea will marvel you. You can simply walk through the beautiful streets of Barcelona and check out some of their whimsical structures. Some of the flamboyant places to visit in the city include Park Güell, La Sagrada Familia and Casa Batlló. While you're venturing out to check out the city, do not miss Barri Gótic, which translates to the Gothic Quarter. These are the oldest parts of the city. The scenic city streets with alfresco cafes and clubs will definitely get your attention. To see the works of famed artist Pablo Picasso, visit the famed museum Museu Picasso, also located in the city. For the tourists who love the sport football and have a soft spot for FC Barcelona, visiting Camo Nu Stadium should be on your list of places to visit. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Barcelona's Palau de la Música Catalana (Palace of Catalan Music) will amaze you with stellar acoustics and architectural features.

Things to do in Barcelona

La Barceloneta Beach is undoubtedly the best and the most popular beach in Barcelona that you should check out. There are various water sport activities that take place on the beach, which would entertain you. You can even take surfing sessions or parasailing, to name a few activities. The beach also has some amazing restaurants and food establishments where you will find lip-smacking seafood. While you're having fun at the beach, you should also sign up for a wine tour, especially if it's harvest season. Not only will you get to relish some of the finest wines made in the country, but you'll also get to interact with people from different parts of the world. The city also has a great nightlife with pubs and parties, some even held at the beach. A walk down Las Ramblas will be a fun experience for you since they have some amazing shops for souvenirs and local artworks.

Food and restaurants in Barcelona

Barcelona's cuisine is a perfect melange of traditional Spanish and Mediterranean dishes. From delicious gazpachos to Catalonian classics, you will get the best food experience in Barcelona. There is a lot of history infused in their cuisine which makes their food, a trip of its own. While the rest of Spain is big on dishes made from meat, the Catalonian food has more fish as the base for meals. It would help you tremendously to know what to expect in terms of food in Barcelona. With heavy investment in meat, you should make sure that you have enough room to try their varied cuisine. Catalans have a thing for mixing meat and experimenting with the flavours of diverse meat. It shouldn't surprise you to see chicken and prawns being served to you on a platter. That is just the way they roll. Paella is, of course, the biggest seller in terms of Spanish food in Barcelona. In fact, even Fideuà, a type of paella, is a rage in Barcelona and something you should try. The food culture is another reason why Barcelona stands at a high rank in the list of best places to visit in the world.

While they do love their meat, the food served in Barcelona also sees a nice balance of grilled vegetables nestled against marinated meat. Vegetarians need not worry as there are dishes for your taste buds as well. One traditional dish that you should definitely check out is the escalivada, grilled eggplant tossed with red peppers, olive oil and garlic. Another recipe for the vegetarian folks is the pa amb tomàquet snack, which is basically a bread topped with crushed tomatoes, olive oil and garlic. Make sure to save some room for desserts as well. Savouries such as Mel i mató (extracted from goat cheese) to Cava (Catalan sparkling wine), these dishes complement the classic Catalan rendition of creme brulee, also known as crema Catalana. Some of the best places to indulge in the Catalan and Spanish cuisine are La Patsa Lab, The Coffee House Barcelona, BelleBuon, Billy Brunch. You can further explore more taste at Pizzeria Da Nanni Barcelona, Manna Gelats, Chaka Khan, La Cava Cakery, Don Kilo Restaurant, Teoric Taverna Gastronomica, to name a few.

How to reach Barcelona

By Air

Located on the South coast of Spain, the city can best be reached via air. There are many international routes connected to Barcelona via air, making travelling convenient. Barcelona El Prat International airport has brilliant flight connectivity from Barcelona to major international cities, including India. Although there are no direct flights to Barcelona from India, many flights connecting to the Spanish city with layovers in London, Zurich, Munich, Singapore, to name a few. As one of the biggest tourist attractions in Spain, the city of Barcelona sees a good number of tourists throughout the year. Flight tickets to Barcelona from India are a little expensive, especially round trips. However, if you manage to book your flight tickets beforehand, you might find some great online flight deals to Barcelona. This might even help you cover your accommodation expenses. As a city catering to tourists, often the hospitality and accommodation prices are quite steep. However, as long as you make prior hotel bookings in Barcelona, you will not have much to worry about. You can either opt for luxury stays or go for hostels and homestays.

By Rail

Flight tickets to Barcelona from India could be expensive since it is a high-priced city, to begin with. However, the flight tickets to Madrid from India are comparatively very cheap and affordable. What you can do as a substitute to save up on some euros and get the best of both cities would be to fly to Madrid and use Madrid's domestic rail route to Barcelona. There are many trains to Barcelona from Madrid, Malaga, Zaragoza, Seville and Valencia. Not to mention how Barcelona also has impeccable train connectivity to French cities such as Marseille, Lyon, Toulouse and more.

By Sea

Considering how it is of the busiest ports in the Mediterranean Sea, Barcelona has great connectivity from the sea as well. There are many ships and cruises that connect the city with other European cities such as Rome, Nice, Marseilles, Corsica, Sardinia and more. If you are planning to backpack across Western Europe, then taking a boat or ferry ride to Barcelona from one of these city ports would be a fun voyage. Not to mention how you'll have a good time cruising the Mediterranean Sea.

  About Air Europa

Air Europa Líneas Aéreas, S.A.U. or better known by its brand name Air Europa, is the third-largest Spanish airline, following Iberia and Vueling Airlines. The airline has its headquarters in Llucmajor, Mallorca, Spain with its main hub at Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport. Air Europa's secondary focus cities are Palma de Mallorca Airport and Tenerife North Airport, both located in Spain. The airline covers about 44 destinations in Spain, North America, Europe, the Caribbean, Tunisia, South America and Morocco. Air Europa is wholly owned by Globalia, a tourism enterprise that is managed by Juan José Hidalgo with operations of domestic, medium-haul and long haul flights. The airline joined the SkyTeam alliance in 2007. Much recently, Air Europa made an announcement that its operations and management will be acquired by the International Airlines Group (IAG). The airline came into existence in 1986 as a part of ILG-Air Europe Group, a privately owned British airline that was established in 1978. Seventy-five per cent of Air Europa's stakes were owned by many Spanish banks. Initially, the airline's livery was quite similar to that of Air Europe but with a difference in the titles and aircraft that were registered in Spain.

Air Europa commenced charter flights for holiday destinations in the Mediterranean resorts as well as European cities by utilising Boeing 737-300s and Boeing 757s. Air Europa was recognised as the first Spanish private enterprise to operate scheduled flights on a national level. In 1991, the airline's parent company ILG Air Europe ceased operations and trading. However, this did not affect Air Europa, which continued to rake in huge profit margin with their fleet that consisted of Boeing 737s and 757s. A few years later, in 1998, Air Europa signed a franchise agreement with Spain's top airline, Iberia. The agreement has been dissolved since. In fact, Air Europa's business is now owned and operated by Globalia Corporación Empresarial S.A. With the 1990s ending, the airline brought in Boeing 737-800 jets which were introduced with the airline's brand new livery. In 2005, it was announced by SkyTeam that Air Europa along with four more airlines, would be associating with the airline alliance club. The airline was originally supposed to join SkyTeam alliance by 2006. However, the process was postponed to 2007.

Further, as plans of expansion and newer investment opportunities were scouted, Air Europa introduced Air Dominicana, the former flag carrier of the Dominican Republic, which declared bankruptcy by 2009. In 2019, Air Europa received permission from the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil to operate domestic flights in the country, making it the first-ever foreign enterprise to receive such authorisation from Brazil. The same was possible due to the changes made to the Brazilian laws. However, updates or details regarding Air Europa's domestic operations in Brazil have not been shared yet. Currently, Air Europa only serves international flights to two of Brazil's destinations, Salvador and Recife from Madrid. With over 66 aircraft operations that took place, Air Europa generated an operating profit of €100 million, as of 2018. In 2019, the parent company of Iberia, Vueling Airlines and British Airways, IAG, announced that the plan to acquire Air Europa from Globalia for a whopping €1 billion. The deal is yet to be closed and is speculated to happen in 2020. This synergy will enhance Madrid as a hub that could compete with Paris, Frankfurt and London in Europe.

Fleet size of Air Europa

Air Europa has the youngest fleet in the continent which stands at about 45 aircraft in service. Presently, the aircraft that are functioning includes eight Airbus A330-200s, two Airbus A330-300s, 20 Boeing 737-800s, eight Boeing 787-s and five Boeing 787-9s. The airline is undergoing a rapid fleet transformation where they intend to convert their mixed fleet into an all-Boeing fleet. Orders to replace the Airbus have already been made and are expected to join the fleet soon. As per speculations, Air Europa's last of Airbus flights will be replaced by 2022. Much recently, the airline also ordered for four Boeing 787 that will soon be joining the fleet to further enhance better in-flight services and to extend its international routes. All of Air Europa's Boeing and Airbus aircraft are equipped with personalised entertainment systems that are attached to the backrest of the seat in front of the passenger. The airline's aircraft engines are also of latest upgrades that have added to the efficiency of the flights and reduction in the fuel expenses.

Baggage Allowance

Air Europa is very precise when it comes to its baggage allowance policy. They have a general rule when it comes to the baggage weight and dimensions that are allowed and used by global standards. The airline expects passengers to carry not more than 23 kg for their checked baggage. The dimensions of the baggage should also not extend more than 158 cm. This is basically the sum of the length, depth and width and also includes the pockets, handles and wheels. As for excess baggage, the airline allows an additional weight that can go up to 32 kg. However, the baggage cannot exceed the 32 kg bracket. It is essential for passengers to first read through the airline's website regarding the baggage allowance. The weight of the baggage also depends on the type of ticket along with the cabin class. The airline does recommend that the passenger purchase extra baggage weight while booking the ticket to receive better tariff and not to have last-minute baggage concerns that could crop up. Depending on the route and the country of transit, the airline's baggage allowance rules also vary.

In-flight services

Air Europa's in-flight services are top-notch and in sync with its contemporaries. As one of the Spanish airlines, the in-flight services of Air Europa have also improved with time. They have better seating configuration now in their short-haul and long haul flights. The seats have a better recline degree to enable better legroom and armrest facilities. The airline also provides in-flight meals for passengers along with snacks that can be purchased on board. There are alcoholic beverages served in the flight. The seats also come with entertainment systems.

Popular routes and top cities for Air Europa

Founded in 1986, Air Europa has since expanded its wings to accommodate domestic route and international route connectivity. The airline's initial operations catered to linking the Canary Islands with London with the help of a Boeing 737-300 aircraft. Since then, the airline has consistently added more destinations to its list. By 2000, Air Europa had scheduled services to a plethora of cities such as New York City, Paris, London, Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, Havana, Santo Domingo and Porto, to name a few. Further, they added more destinations to its domestic route with places like Valencia, Madrid, La Coruna, Asturias, Ibiza, Bilbao, Zaragoza, Tenerife, Seville, Palma de Mallorca and more. Other top international destinations for Air Europa include Amsterdam, Athens, Bogota, Brussels, Buenos Aires, Casablanca, Copenhagen, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Geneva, Lisbon, Miami, Munich, Panama City, Quito, Stockholm, Tel Aviv, and Zurich. Much recently, they also announce to expand in the Brazil domestic market by introducing new routes and dedicated flights.

Why travel by Air Europa?

Air Europa has built quite a reputation for itself as a Spanish airline. Although it predominantly caters to only European countries and destinations, the airline has been eyeing for international route expansion. As it is part of International Airlines Group, which also has Iberia, British Airways and Aer Lingus as fellow compatriots, Air Europa does have the liberty to expand its international operations further and bring in better connectivity to more destinations. Air Europa already faces tremendous competition in the domestic market with stalwarts like Vueling Airlines and Iberia as threats. But that hasn't stopped its vision to reach the top spot. With new ownership, IAG intends to upscale much of the facilities and services. In fact, with accommodation of better fleet that comprises of Boeing and Airbus aircraft, the in-flight services have been enhanced. Passengers can enjoy the flight as the seats are much better, and the quality of in-flight services have been upscaled. However, the perks of Air Europa don't end here. The airline has made some transformations in terms of its facilities and working style to enable convenience to its customers.

They have incorporated web check-ins on their website to allow passengers to skip the check-in lines at the airport. In fact, further on this, passengers can also acquire details regarding their flight on the website. By adding details of the flight such as its PNR number, Air Europa's website will share flight status as well as flight schedules with the passenger. People can book an Air Europa flight ticket on their website. Thanks to its user-friendly interface, the process to book a ticket is quite self-explanatory. Following the ticket booking, passengers can also understand the stance of baggage allowance depending on their ticket type, on the website. Air Europa has incorporated its flight and customer-related details on the website to make life easy for passengers.