LIVING LA VIDA LOCA
Buckle up, mi amigo, because we’re about to embark on a vibrant journey through Spain, a country where every corner tells a story and every bite is a fiesta for your taste buds!
From the sun-kissed beaches of Costa del Sol to the historic streets of Barcelona, and not forgetting the mesmerizing islands of Ibiza and the Canaries, Spain is a treasure chest of experiences waiting to be unlocked.
Imagine sipping sangria as the sun sets over a bustling plaza in Seville, dancing the night away under the stars in Mallorca, or getting lost in the labyrinthine alleys of Granada’s Alhambra.
And let’s not forget about indulging in the world-renowned paella while the soothing sounds of flamenco fill the air. Spain isn’t just a place to visit; it’s a vibrant, living mosaic of cultures, flavors, and festivities that promises to steal a piece of your heart.
So, pack your bags (and don’t forget your dancing shoes) because Spain is calling, and trust me, you’ll want to answer.
SPAIN TRAVEL GUIDES
ANDALUSIA
10 Days in Andalusia: The Perfect Southern Spain Road Trip Itinerary
The Very Best 7 Day Andalusia Travel Itinerary
Alhambra Palace – Visit Granada ‘s Crown Jewel
9 Very Best Things To Do In Granada, Spain
The Perfect Seville 3 Day Itinerary
Seville with a Toddler – Everything you need to know
15 Incredible Things To Do in Seville
Visit The 10 Most Beautiful White Villages In Andalusia
9 Very Best Things To Do In Cordoba, Spain
Visiting Colomares Castle in Spain – A one of a kind castle
GRAN CANARIA
The Colorful Los Azulejos Hike In Gran Canaria
The Stunning Roque Nublo Hike In Gran Canaria
The Best 7 Days In Gran Canaria Travel Itinerary
The 19 Most Beautiful Places In Gran Canaria
The 9 Very Best Baby Friendly Luxury Hotels In Gran Canaria
The 6 Very Best Hikes In Gran Canaria
LANZAROTE
How to visit Museo Lagomar, Omar Sharif’s home in Lanzarote
How to visit Timanfaya National Park on Lanzarote
The Very Best 7 Day Lanzarote Travel Itinerary
Discover the best of César Manrique Attractions on Lanzarote
La Graciosa – The perfect day trip from Lanzarote
27x Beautifull Places on Lanzarote you can’t miss
The 5 Very Best Hikes in Lanzarote
TENERIFE
The Spectacular Roque de Taborno Hike In Tenerife
The Incredible Santiago del Teide to Masca Hike In Tenerife
The Incredible Punta del Hidalgo To Chinamada Hike In Tenerife
The Spectacular Roques de Garcia Hike In Tenerife
The 9 Very Best Baby Friendly Luxury Hotels In Tenerife
The Very Best 7 Days Tenerife Travel Itinerary
9 Very Best Things To Do In Anaga Rural Park Tenerife
The Ritz-Carlton Abama – The Best Luxury Hotel In Tenerife To Stay With A Baby
The 7 Very Best Hikes In Tenerife (Map + Tips Included)
FAVOURITE ACCOMMODATIONS IN SPAIN
EME Catedral Mercer Hotel – Sevilla
During our citytrip in Seville we stayed at EME Catedral Mercer Hotel, a 5-star hotel which immediately stole my heart due to its iconic location and epic views of the Seville Cathedral and Giralda.
We stayed in one of their Junior Suites which came with two typical Andalusian balconies, a double bed, a free cot, a separate seating area and a bathroom with a large bathtub. And lots of space for César to run around after a day of exploring.
Hotel La Bobadilla – Villanueva de Tapia
We stayed at Hotel La Bobadilla in Villanueva de Tapia to be centered between both Cordoba and Granada, which we we both visited on a day trip.
Kempinski Le Bahia – Estepona
We opted for a stay at the wonderful Kempinski Le Bahia in Estepona. An amazing 5⭐️ luxury resort that is ideally located to also explore other places in the area such as Ronda, Juzcar and other beautiful Andalusian villages.
RITZ CARLTON ABAMA – Tenerife
Staying at the Ritz Carlton Abama is what made our trip absolutely unforgettable. It’s only a short drive away from most hiking trails and you won’t have to deal with the daily traffic jams in the south of Tenerife.
We stayed at their Villa Club Deluxe which comes with a semi private heated pool, exclusive access to El Mirador for breakfast and includes complimentary drinks and snacks by the pool.
Paradisus by Meliá – Gran Canaria
My main draw to Paradisus by Meliá was its design and their luxury all inclusive service. Our baby stayed for free and we got a beautiful cot set up for him in our room.
There are several restaurants in the hotel but one of the biggest benefits for me was their lavish buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You never know how dinner will go with a baby and with a buffet you have a less strict schedule and can take care of your little one if he needs you.
They had plenty of high chairs for kids and also a kids pool where he could test the water without being too cold in the big swimming pool.
Alava Suites – Lanzarote
I opted for their deluxe appartement which also came with a private terrace. Breakfast is included and was different and delicious every single morning. For our dinner we had our own kitchen to cook something simple.
The property also comes with a fitness and a shared swimming pool.
All in all the perfect oasis from where to explore the island of Lanzarote!
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT SPAIN
The best time to visit Spain largely depends on what you’re looking to experience, but generally, the spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) months are ideal. During these times, the weather is pleasant, with mild temperatures perfect for exploring cities, enjoying the beaches, and participating in outdoor activities without the intense heat of the summer.
Spring brings vibrant festivals like Feria de Abril in Seville and blooming landscapes, while fall offers the grape harvest and beautiful autumn colors, especially in the northern regions.
If you’re heading to the islands like Ibiza or the Canary Islands, summer (July and August) can be great for beach activities, though it’s the peak tourist season. Winter (December to February) is less crowded and ideal for enjoying Spain’s cultural indoor attractions, skiing in the Pyrenees, or experiencing the mild winters of the southern and coastal regions.
Each season offers a unique charm, making Spain a year-round destination.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN TRAVELING TO SPAIN
Language – When traveling to Spain, expect Spanish (Castilian) to be the primary language spoken throughout the country. However, Spain is diverse, with several regions having their own co-official languages, such as Catalan in Catalonia, Galician in Galicia, and Basque in the Basque Country. In major tourist areas and cities, many people, especially those in the hospitality and service industries, speak English to some degree, making communication easier for non-Spanish speakers.
Currency – When traveling to Spain, expect to use the Euro (€), which is the official currency across the country, including its islands.
Credit Cards & ATM’s – Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most urban areas, hotels, restaurants, and shops, making transactions convenient. However, it’s a good idea to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller towns, rural areas, or local markets, where card payments might not always be an option. ATMs are readily available in cities and towns, but be mindful of potential fees for international transactions. When making purchases or dining out, it’s also useful to familiarize yourself with the local sales tax (VAT) and tipping customs to manage your expenses effectively.
Plugs – When traveling to Spain, it’s important to know that the country uses Type F and Type C electrical plugs. Type F is also known as a Schuko plug, which has two round pins as well as grounding clips on the sides, while Type C is the standard “Euro” plug with two round pins. The standard voltage is 230V, and the frequency is 50Hz.
Safety – When traveling to Spain, you can generally expect a safe experience, as Spain is known for being a secure destination for tourists. However, as with any popular travel spot, it’s important to stay vigilant and aware of a few safety considerations. Overall, by taking standard travel precautions and staying informed about your surroundings, your trip to Spain should be enjoyable and safe.
TIPS FOR YOUR FIRST TIME VISITING SPAIN
Learn Basic Spanish Phrases – While many Spaniards speak English, especially in tourist areas, knowing some basic Spanish phrases will enrich your experience and is appreciated by locals.
“Hola” – Hello “Por favor” – Please “Gracias” – Thank you “¿Dónde está el baño?” – Where is the bathroom? “¿Cuánto cuesta?” – How much does it cost?
Embrace the Spanish Timetable – Meals and daily activities in Spain often happen later than in other countries. Lunch is typically around 2-3 PM, while dinner can be as late as 9-10 PM. Adjusting to this schedule will help you blend in with the local lifestyle.
Stay Hydrated and Protected – The Spanish sun can be intense, particularly in the summer. Always carry water, wear sunscreen, and consider a hat or sunglasses for protection.
Explore Beyond the Mainland – Spain’s islands, like the Balearics and the Canaries, offer unique cultures and landscapes. Consider adding them to your itinerary for a diverse experience.
Tapas Culture – When dining out, embrace the local tradition of tapas – small dishes that are often shared. It’s a great way to sample a variety of Spanish cuisine.
Use Public Transport – Spain’s cities offer excellent public transportation options, and the country’s high-speed trains (AVE) make city-hopping efficient and comfortable. Consider purchasing transport cards or passes for savings and convenience.
🚘 ROAD TRIPPING THROUGH SPAIN
When it comes to choosing a rental car company things can get a little confusing cause there’s a lot of companies out there ready to rip you off.
Horror Story: In South Africa the rental car company that I booked with actually copied my credit card details and 1 day later my card was blocked. So there I was, in the middle of South Africa and without a credit card. Luckily we would switch to a different company the next day for the further duration of our trip but you really don’t want this to happen on your holiday.
You also don’t want any hidden costs added to your bill.
A good rental car company should include the following in your rental price: unlimited mileage and a fair fuel arrangement, third-party insurance of at least €7.5 million, damage insurance, theft insurance, towing cost if your car breaks down and cancel or change your reservation without any hassle.
For my road trips I always prefer booking with SunnyCars. Here you can already rent a car for as little as €27 per day and every single cost is included upon check out. Oh, and all of the things that I mentioned above that should be included are also included with them!
💡 TIP – Sometimes the local rental company will try to make you pay for additional insurance. This is in no way necessary cause SunnyCars offers you full coverage.
CHECK OUT THE RATES AT SUNNY CARS
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