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.
See the Sights in Spain
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
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Spain Travel FAQs
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.



