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Lauren Belzer

From seaside towns to storybook cities, Spain captures the art of living — effortlessly, joyfully, beautifully.

La Vida Española

From the vibrant plazas of Seville to the quiet charm of Mallorca’s mountain villages, Spain is a country that celebrates life in every moment. Explore my favorite stays, guides, and slow-travel escapes across its sun-soaked corners.

Say "Sí" to Spain

See the Sights in Spain

Seville

Mallorca

All Spain Posts

There is no nightlife in Spain. They stay up late but they get up late. That is not nightlife. That is delaying the day.

— Ernest Hemingway

Recent Spain Guides

Hotels Spain

Where to Stay in Mallorca: The Dreamiest Hotels & Island Escapes

December 11, 2025

Mallorca is one of those places that completely steals your heart — warm, golden light,[...]

Hotels Spain

Where to Stay in Seville: Boutique Hotels Filled with Andalusian Charm

December 9, 2025

Seville is one of those cities that wraps you up immediately — orange blossoms, tiled c[...]

Spain

Day Trip: Córdoba & The Great Mosque

March 31, 2024

If you're planning a trip to Spain, one spot that must make the list is Córdoba. Tucked[...]

See All Spain Posts

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Spain Travel FAQs

What’s the best airport to fly into for Spain?

Spain is pretty big and spread out—it also has island destinations—so the best airport depends entirely on your itinerary.

  • For southern Spain trips (Seville, Córdoba, Ronda, or the White Villages), Seville Airport (SVQ) is the most convenient. It’s small, easy to navigate, and close to the city center. You can also fly into Málaga (AGP) if you’re visiting the Costa del Sol or planning to explore Granada and the surrounding region.
  • If you’re heading to the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca (PMI) is the main hub and best for exploring Mallorca and nearby coastal towns like Valldemossa, Deià, and Sóller. It’s well connected to Madrid, Barcelona, and most major European cities.
  • For central Spain, Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) is the largest international hub, ideal for starting or ending a multi-region trip. It’s also an easy jumping-off point for connecting flights throughout Spain.
  • For northern or eastern Spain, Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) is the go-to hub for Catalonia, Costa Brava, and Mediterranean road trips.
What’s the best way to get around Spain?

Getting around Spain is surprisingly easy, but the best option depends on your route:

  • Trains: Spain’s high-speed AVE trains are excellent for major routes like Seville–Córdoba–Madrid or Madrid–Barcelona. They’re comfortable, fast, and scenic.

  • Car Rentals or Private Transfers: Perfect for exploring smaller towns or rural areas—like the White Villages near Seville or Mallorca’s mountain roads.

  • Domestic Flights: Convenient for covering long distances or hopping between regions, especially from the mainland to the islands.

  • On Foot: Cities like Seville and Córdoba are made for walking—narrow streets, charming plazas, and hidden tapas bars around every corner!

If you’re visiting multiple regions, mix and match.

How many days do you need in Spain?

Give yourself at least three nights per destination (ideally four). For example:

  • Seville + day trips (Córdoba, Ronda, White Villages): 4–5 days

  • Mallorca (Palma, Deià, Valldemossa, Sóller): 4–5 days. We only gave ourselves 2 days in Mallorca for our first trip, and it was way too quick! Will definitely need to come back.

What’s the best time to visit Spain?

Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) bring warm weather, stunning landscapes, and fewer crowds. Summer (July–August) is great for beaches but can be very hot in southern Spain. Winter is mild in Andalusia but chillier up north—still perfect for cozy tapas bars and slower-paced travel.

Do you need a car in Spain?

It depends on your itinerary and destination(s). For example:

  • Seville: Not necessary—the city is walkable and compact! We spent 5 days in Seville in 2023 (with day trips outside of the city) and highly enjoyed walking around the city, despite the early October heat).

  • Córdoba & Ronda: Easier with a rental car for flexibility. We had a private driver for our day trip to the White Villages and Ronda and that was also lovely. We were on a group tour (on a big bus) for our day trip to Córdoba and Carmona.

  • Mallorca: A car is essential if you want to explore coastal areas, mountain villages, and hidden spots outside of main spots like Palma.

What should you eat in Spain?

Tapas are the heart of Spanish dining. Try jamón ibérico and croquetas in Andalusia, ensaimadas and sobrasada in Mallorca, and local wines and sangria quite literally everywhere. Eating in Spain is an experience—slow, social, and best enjoyed outdoors (if it’s not too hot).

Is Spain expensive to visit?

Spain offers great value when it comes to visiting compared to some other Western European countries. Boutique hotels, tapas bars, and local markets are budget-friendly year-round. Summer in Mallorca and coastal cities can be pricier, but spring and fall offer excellent deals. Like any destination, you can find both budget or luxury to fit your preferred trip.

Is Spain safe for travelers?

Yes—Spain is very safe. The main thing to watch for is petty theft in touristy areas (like pickpocketing), so keep your bag zipped and valuables close in busy areas or train stations.

Do people speak English in Spain?

Yes, in major cities and tourist areas, you’ll get by easily. In smaller villages, English is less common, but even a few Spanish basics (hola, gracias, por favor) go a long way. Locals appreciate when visitors try!

Got a question I didn’t cover? I’d love to hear from you! Send me an email at laurenbelzer@live.com, or slide into my DMs on Instagram @lobelz.

Instagram

OC, you never disappoint. ✨🌊🍊

PS. my Newport Beach guide is here !!! where to stay in Newport Beach (@bayshoresnewport 👀✨) where to eat (@fableandspirit is a non-negotiable), what to do & how to make the most of a weekend here.

🔗 you know where to find it!🫶🏼

#orangecounty #newportbeachca #newportbeach #californiatravel #onlyinsoutherncalifornia
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OC, you never disappoint. ✨🌊🍊 PS. my Newport Beach guide is here !!! where to stay in Newport Beach (@bayshoresnewport 👀✨) where to eat (@fableandspirit is a non-negotiable), what to do & how to make the most of a weekend here. 🔗 you know where to find it!🫶🏼 #orangecounty #newportbeachca #newportbeach #californiatravel #onlyinsoutherncalifornia
2 days ago
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1/5
there’s something about standing beneath one of the seven wonders of the world at sunset … ✨👀🌅

#rome #colosseo #romancolosseum #italy #europeantravel
lobelz
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there’s something about standing beneath one of the seven wonders of the world at sunset … ✨👀🌅 #rome #colosseo #romancolosseum #italy #europeantravel
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/5
who am i trying to impress?👀✨

the younger version of me who thought traveling to dreamy destinations was something other people did. the girl who would have been thrilled just to go to some of these places once. who wouldn’t have imagined visiting some of the places she has (some multiple times) …

… the girl who made the dream of an Italian wedding a lived reality.

i’ve wandered Rome more than once, sat on the rocky beaches of Mallorca in the late summer sun, admired places up close that that i used to pin on Pinterest like they weren’t even real ...

& yes i share it all. the hotels. the research. the lessons. the mistakes. the magic. ✨ i share the stories because they matter to me — and because maybe they’ll matter to you, too. 🫶🏼

stories & guides to dreamy destinations in the U.S. & beyond on laurenbelz.com → ✨🔗💛

#travel #boutiquetravel #boutiquehotels #europeantravel #ustravel
lobelz
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who am i trying to impress?👀✨ the younger version of me who thought traveling to dreamy destinations was something other people did. the girl who would have been thrilled just to go to some of these places once. who wouldn’t have imagined visiting some of the places she has (some multiple times) … … the girl who made the dream of an Italian wedding a lived reality. i’ve wandered Rome more than once, sat on the rocky beaches of Mallorca in the late summer sun, admired places up close that that i used to pin on Pinterest like they weren’t even real ... & yes i share it all. the hotels. the research. the lessons. the mistakes. the magic. ✨ i share the stories because they matter to me — and because maybe they’ll matter to you, too. 🫶🏼 stories & guides to dreamy destinations in the U.S. & beyond on laurenbelz.com → ✨🔗💛 #travel #boutiquetravel #boutiquehotels #europeantravel #ustravel
6 days ago
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3/5
a place where time stood still & golden sunsets lingered.✨🇮🇹☀️

📍 @masseriagrieco was a dream come true for our destination wedding, truly a place i find myself escaping to in my dreams. the golden light, the olive trees, the centuries-old stone. there’s something subtly cinematic about life in Puglia that keeps drawing me back in. i can’t wait to return, next time as a guest of the masseria, someday soon!

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#masseriagrieco #masseria #puglia #ostunicittàbianca
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a place where time stood still & golden sunsets lingered.✨🇮🇹☀️ 📍 @masseriagrieco was a dream come true for our destination wedding, truly a place i find myself escaping to in my dreams. the golden light, the olive trees, the centuries-old stone. there’s something subtly cinematic about life in Puglia that keeps drawing me back in. i can’t wait to return, next time as a guest of the masseria, someday soon! • • • #masseriagrieco #masseria #puglia #ostunicittàbianca
3 weeks ago
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4/5
@alaskaair out of @pdxairport in the wintertime will always be a treat — especially when you get stunning views like these of Mt. Hood. ✨✈️🏔️❄️

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PDX airport | pacific northwest | alaska airlines | winter travel
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@alaskaair out of @pdxairport in the wintertime will always be a treat — especially when you get stunning views like these of Mt. Hood. ✨✈️🏔️❄️ • • PDX airport | pacific northwest | alaska airlines | winter travel
3 weeks ago
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5/5
@lobelz
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