If you’re frequently traveling and staying somewhere for a month or two, it’s not convenient to bring along all your clothes and material possessions.

In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how to pack light and how to have all you need in one place. We will teach you some tips on how to travel without spending money and energy on carrying enormous amounts of luggage or buying all that you’re missing „when you’re there.“

Best clothes for traveling light

The best tip for packing your clothes is to plan 5-10 outfits upfront. Of course, the key thing is to pick clothing pieces that can mix and match with many other clothes.

👕 For example, pack a basic t-shirt that goes great with jeans but that can also be a base layer below your clothes or go with a skirt or sweats.

👖🩳 Pack 2-3 bottoms, one casual, one semi-casual, and one formal-ish. For example, you can pack sweats, jeans, and a skirt or trousers. If you’re traveling in the summer, then shorts, light long pants, and casual/sports shorts.

👚👔 Pack 4 tops that can mix and match – 2-3 t-shirts, a shirt, two sweaters, or sweatshirts (depending on your style). Again, if there’s no need for sweaters, some light sweatshirt or a long-sleeve shirt will do.

🥼 Try to pack only one overcoat, like a suit top, cardigan, or a shirt that can go both casual and formal. It all depends on your style, but you should pick pieces that can mix with at least two other outfits.

👟👡 When it comes to shoes, if you can, bring only two pairs of shoes + sleepers or flip-flops for inside. Two shoe types can differ in warmth or formality. If you think you have universal shoes that go with everything, it’s okay to bring only those.

Another rule to follow is to wear all the bulky items when traveling and leave the light clothes for packing. If you’re not traveling in summer, layering is a great way to save space.

What cosmetics to pack when traveling lightly

If you’re doing makeup, pack only the essentials. One to two things for your face, one for your eyes and brows, and one or two things for your lips. One smaller eye shadow palette is more than enough to stay creative but pack light.

Other than makeup, bring only essentials that are expensive to buy again. Those can be face or acne creams that you cannot go without, but that you typically renew only a few times a year.

You should invest in travel-size packaging and take your stuff like that. For example, these traveling containers from Amazon can come in handy.

If you click this link and make a purchase, as an Amazon Associates we will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Other things like shampoos, toothpaste, showering gel, etc., you should either buy at your destination or bring in solid form. Solid shampoos last longer and help save space, and reduce plastic use so they’re often the “eco” option so it’s a win-win. You can find these on Amazon or your local pharmacy.

Doing laundry on the road

If you decide to wash your clothes on your trip, you will see that it will save you so much space when packing. To make this happen, try finding accommodation with a washing machine or one close to a local washing place.

Self-service washing places

Washing places in Europe charge from 2-4 euros per load and another 1-3 euros for using the dryer. However, even the smallest load in these places fits a lot of things so you can wash all your clothes with one load.

If you’re using these self-service washing places, they will have washing powder included, so you don’t need to buy one. If you’ll use a washing machine at your accommodation, you can buy washing powder for as cheap as 2 euros that can last for a few weeks. There are also many options of solid washing powders that come in small blocks that can be super easy to carry through the airport.

Try to fit all your electronics in one place

Depending on your job or hobbies, you will have some essential electronics that you’ll need to take with you. And I’m not talking about hair dryers and curling irons here – these are not essentials if you’re traveling light. The key to traveling light is to pick your accommodation in a way that you will have all the stuff you need there.

But, when it comes to essential electronics, we’re talking about your laptop, phone, chargers, cameras, etc.

A tip is to try to fit all of these into the laptop carrier or in one compartment of your suitcase instead of having a separate case for every piece of electronics. There are some great compartments for organizing the electronics that you can buy on Amazon.

However, maybe the best thing is to go for a backpack as an all-in-one solution.

Our advice is to choose a backpack that can cover both traveling and daily working needs. That way you don’t need to pack an additional one, which can save you a lot of space in your suitcase.

In the end, if you need more space, you can always combine the two and separate the backpack with organizing cubes, thus allowing yourself a better-organized space.

Bring energy bars instead of potato chips and other snacks to save space.

If you’re bringing food to your travels, it’s best to buy energy bars or other protein and energy foods that will not take much space but will also keep you going longer.

Chips and other similar snacks will not help you fulfill hunger nor give you energy and will take too much of your space.

Stick to a packing list

This one seems obvious but is very important. Write a strict list of the things you’ll be carrying and stick to it. When you’re not following a list, you’ll put a lot of things you don’t need but found while packing.

If you brainstorm and find out you need only three shirts, stick to it and do not bring the 4th one with you.

Use packing cubes

Packing/organizing cubes like these from Amazon are a smart thing to invest in, especially if you’re carrying a suitcase.

Organizing your clothes in one place, cosmetics in another, and electronics in third, really helps you think about the essentials.

It’s great to have 5-6 packing cubes that you designated to specific categories and stick to those categories. If you already filled out the packing cubes you meant for clothing, don’t pack your clothes anywhere else.

If something can’t fit into the cubes, leave it, or swap it with another piece. This will help you stay on track.

Another great product to invest in are compression packing cubes. Packing your clothes in compression compartments is life-saving and will allow you to bring much more things. There are plenty of options on Amazon for this, too.

We hope these tips will help you pack lighter and be more organized. Remember, living lighter is rewarding and will make your life simpler and more stress-free.

Travel safe!

We appreciate your support!

Thank you for reading our content and following our journey! We are working towards becoming full-time content creators and being able to share stories with you even more frequently. If you’d like to support us to be one step closer to that goal, you can do it through Ko-Fi! 👇🏽

Secure yourself the best travel experience

• SafetyWing – The best travel insurance for digital nomads and remote workers. It is perfect for all people who want to experience a coliving way of lifestyle.

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The post How to pack light when traveling as a digital nomad appeared first on My Coliving Space: Spain.

Southern Spain has a lot of things to do. It is rich in food, culture, and nature, so it has a lot of options for spending a great weekend in it.

Many things that we connect to Spain are native to Andalusia, like Spanish dance and music Flamenco, or their famous fashion with large dresses and flowers in hair. So, if you are planning on visiting Andalusia, you will certainly have a lot of fun.

As we lived in Andalusia, many people have asked us how to spend the best time there, so we decided to share some suggestions that you can use to navigate your trip and have an amazing time!

Disclaimer: This piece of content may contain some affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase or book through one of our links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

When to visit Andalusia?

The first important thing is to pick the right time when planning a trip. The good thing is that when it comes to Andalusia, there is almost no wrong time to visit it. Why? Because Andalusia is sunny, warm, and full of life most of the year.

The best way to decide on your dates is to set your goals – are you going site seeing or are you going on a vacation? Do you plan on walking the whole day, or are you planning on sunbathing in the sun?

If you are planning on a sunny escape from your cold winter life, the best time to visit Andalusia is somewhere between late February and early April. Late winter and super-early spring are cold in most countries, but not in Spain. So, if you want to meet Spring earlier this year, that is the best time.

If you are planning on sunbathing and swimming (a summer vacation) the best time is in late August, September, and middle October. June and July are the sunniest and the hottest months, but that means temperatures around 40 degrees Celsius and almost unbearable daytime. The air in Andalusia during summer is very heavy so being outside between 1 pm and 7 pm can be dangerous and unpleasant.

Must see places in Andalusia

The best places to visit in Andalusia, Spain, depending on your likes and interests. An amazing thing is that there is something for everybody – amazing food and drinks, crazy nightlife, relaxing nature and hiking spots, tranquil but vibrant villages, or big and loud cities.

All the places in Andalusia are worth visiting, but let’s break them down into categories of must-see places.

Must-see places in Andalusia are:

• Big cities (Seville, Granada, Cadiz, Cordoba)
• Little town and villages (Jerez de la Frontera, Ubeda, Baeza, White Villages)
• Mountains (Sierra Nevada, Cazorla)
• Parks (Parque de Federico Garcia Lorca, Parque de Maria Luisa Sevilla)
• Traditional bars with flamenco show
• Historical monuments and houses (Real Alcazar, Casa de Federico Garcia Lorca, Museo Picasso)

The best cities to visit in Andalusia

The best places in Andalusia can be found all around the biggest Andalusian cities. You can even find nature inside some cities, like Alahambra in Granada.

Places in south Spain are always decorated with big colorful flowers and plants, so you will feel like walking around an oasis even when you’re in the biggest boulevards.

If you are visiting cities in Southern Spain, the things to do there are countless. Nightlife in Andalusia is crazy, so if you’re into that, you will have the best time of your life. Also, tapas bars with drinks are a great way of a more casual and tranquil night out.

One of the best things to do in Andalusia is to chill in their city parks because they are so well taken care of. The abundance of flora and labyrinth-like paths make for a truly meditative experience.

Here are the top places to visit in Andalusia if you like big cities:

Seville (Sevilla)

Seville is touristic heaven. It has a lot of history and monuments you can visit all day long but it is also full of restaurants and bars to sit down and try paellas.

Unlike many big Spanish cities, Sevilla isn’t on the seashore, but it has a river. The river is followed by a beautiful quay full of bars and people, so it also has an intimate local atmosphere.

The best things to visit in Seville are the Royal Alcazar of Seville, Plaza de España (Spain’s Square), Seville Cathedral, La Giralda, Maria Luisa Park, and a football match at the stadium Sanchez-Pizcuan.

Malaga

Malaga is the most urban Andalusian city. It is a center of good parties, great nightlife, young people, and amazing opportunities.

Malaga is right on the seashore, so it makes a great summer destination. If you like more tranquil summer escapes, the villages around Malaga are what you should be looking for, because they are close to the city, but not as crowded. If you are more of a party animal, book a room in the center of Malaga and you will not regret it.

Must-see things in Malaga are the Picasso Museo, Alcazaba palace and castle of Gibralfaro, Costa del Sol (Malaga’s coastline), the city center, and Benalmadena.

Cordoba

Cordoba is a characteristic city with a historical entrance. To come inside it, you need to cross a stone bridge making it look like you are coming inside a kingdom.

Besides that, Cordoba is the most famous for its flower wall decoration. White walls are decorated with blue paint and little hanging pots with colorful flowers. Cordoba is cozy and romantic, but it also has a big variety of tapas bars in the city center.

The top places to visit in Cordoba are Mezquita-Catedral, Alcazar de Los Reyes Cristianos, Puente Romano (Roman bridge).

Granada

Granada is one of the most popular cities in Andalusia. Its charm lies within the combination of a historical city center and a huge natural museum of Alhambra. Granada is a student city, so there are a lot of young people and a lot of parties and bars for students and youngsters.

It is not an enormous city, so you can check it out pretty quickly, except for Alhambra. Alhambra requires time, it is very big, very beautiful and you should save the whole day just for it.

Must-see places in Granada are Alambra and Generalife, Palacios Nazaries and the city center.

Cadiz

Cadiz is a city of stone, narrow streets, the ocean and beautiful little squares. Cadiz resembles Portugal more than it resembles its Andalusian neighbors, so it will leave you with a different vibe than Granada or Malaga.

It is a peaceful sea-oriented city with great places to surf, eat and walk around. It is a city with an almost village-like atmosphere, so it will make you fall in love with it.

The best places to visit in Cadiz are the cathedral of Cadiz, Tavira tower, the castle of Santa Catalina and the ocean.

The most beautiful towns in Andalusia

If you don’t like big cities but would rather visit a town and have a similar experience as in the city, but with fewer crowds and tourists, Andalusia has a lot of options.

Some of the most beautiful places in Andalusia are not popular ones, which gives them even more charm.

If you were to visit towns and little cities in Andalusia, Spain, the best places to visit are:

• Jaen (world’s capital of olive oil and Spain’s capital of free tapas)
• Jerez de la Frontera (home of famous Sherry wine, horse fair, and capital of MotoGP races)
• Almeria (a town of the sun and a perfect beach)
• Ronda (a famous town on a cliff)
• Tarifa (a town of surfing, windsurfing, and swimming with dolphins and whales)

There are many towns and cities to visit in Andalusia, and all are charming in their own way. Andalusia truly has it all, so the longer you can stay, the better.

Top things to do in Andalusia

When you are in Andalusia, the best thing to do is to explore.

The top things to do in Andalusia consist of walking around town, checking bars, socializing with locals, and asking around for a history lesson.

By talking to the locals, you will find the secrets of that particular place, because there are different customs in every city or town. Locals are very proud of these customs and they will gladly teach you a new phrase or show you a thing they drink or a place they like to go to.

The best things to do in Andalusia are going on tapas tours, trying out gin and tonic with their special spices, going hiking on the mountains, taking a day to chill in the park, going to a Flamenco show, attending a feria, trying olives and olive oil, drinking Tinto de Verano, and going to a football (soccer) game or just watching it in a bar full of people.

What is Andalusia famous for?

Andalusia is famous for:

• Flamenco
• Hand-clapping music and singing (also from Flamenco)
• Big dresses and flowers in hair
• Horses
• Olives and olive oil
• Gin and tonic
• Sangria
• Tapas bars
• Moorish influence
• The sea
• The Sun

We appreciate your support!

Thank you for reading our content and following our journey! We are working towards becoming full-time content creators and being able to share stories with you even more frequently. If you’d like to support us to be one step closer to that goal, you can do it through Ko-Fi! 👇🏽

Explore Spain

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The post Best of Andalusia 2022 – Guide to a perfect weekend in Southern Spain appeared first on My Coliving Space: Spain.

Tapas 101

• • Tips and Tricks

Tapas 101 – Complete Tapas Guide

• ByGala
• June 3, 2020

There are a lot of different types of tapas. Every region in Spain has its own serving traditions and specific local food. Because of that, it would be hard and unfair to call some tapas THE BEST and not neglect another.

I personally know that feeling when you read an article on the most important or popular tapas in Spain, and it doesn’t even mansion your favorite; I mean, HOW?! It is the most delicious tapas, and the writer forgot it!? Wow, what a disappointment!

My favorite tapas dishes in Spain

So, because of that, I am not going to write about the best or the most popular tapas. For now, I am simply going to tell you about MY favorite tapas. I will give you a piece of personal advice on what you should try but remember there is a lot more out there.

For example, one of the most popular tapas are croquets, but I am not a huge fan. So, for now, I will leave it aside, and focus on the ones I cannot get enough of. It may not be to your taste, but don’t worry, this is most certainly not my last tapas list!

👉 While you are waiting for our next list, you can explore more dishes in this awesome book with more than 60 tapas recipes.

If you click this link and make a purchase, as an Amazon Associates we will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

But first, you can check my personal favorites! It will mostly be Andalusian because there is where I lived.

Although, to be honest, I sure hope to expand my list with some northern dishes very soon. It’s a trip waiting in line!

So, here is a list of my top 5 Andalusian tapas.

Olives (Aceitunas)

Alright, it’s time for a miniature geography lesson. Spain is THE largest producer of olives in the world, therefore with over 200 varieties, this is the place everybody can find a perfect olive match.

Don’t like olives? Well, leave that self behind, because you are going to change your mind.

Olives are the most basic tapas dish, so prepare to eat them daily.

Yes, you could just skip them, but then you would miss the magic that happens when you mix this salty and spicy taste with your favorite beer or wine. I do not recommend skipping!

If you don’t like one type, give a chance to another, mix the scents, experiment, and believe me, you will eventually discover that one pearl from paradise you will later dream of.

To all that different olive sorts add all the different ways of seasoning and preparing.

Many Different types of Spanish Olives

Mostly, they are salty, sometimes bitter, and sometimes even sweet. If you prefer a more herbal taste, try that natural-looking with a little stem to them, or if you like more spicy and hot notes, you should try the reddish ones, because that is a promising paprika color.

Somebody prefers them with beer and somebody with wine, I personally love them with wine. But, of course, the type of olive and its spices is a big deal when pairing it with food.

They are mostly seasoned pretty good so you would need a sip of that cold and fresh beverage just after the bite, but then when the taste is washed off, you WILL want more of it because it was so delicious and it got every single part of your taste receptors involved. Then you would take another bite and another sip and so on: believe me – it is a never-ending circle.

• Tapas Serving size: a handful, but they often go as side-tapas
• Where to try it: Andalusia, or wherever in Spain

Papas aliñás (Potato salad)

These are not the most common tapas dish in Jaen or Malaga, but it is in Cadiz and Jerez de la Frontera. And they are undoubtedly my absolute favorite when it comes to potato tapas.

I tried them for the first time in Cadiz, but I later tried them wherever I could find them and even prepared them myself thousands of times because I was so obsessed. Of course, they are the best in Jerez de la Frontera, because of the special ingredient – the famous vinegar from Jerez.

So, what is this dish exactly?

It is a salad made of white potatoes, perfectly cooked, so they would be soft and firm at the same time, cut in perfect little cubes; just about the size to pop them in your mouth. The salad is chilled and covered in fresh parsley and thinly chopped spring onion to give that crisp note on your tongue and to break the mildness of the potatoes.

All that is garnished with smooth and rich Spanish olive oil that holds the herbs together and gives potatoes that greenish spark. And of course, the salad is bathed in the secret ingredient, tart and aromatic vinegar of Jerez de la Frontera that swirls the taste around together. It’s just mesmerizing.

• Tapas serving size: 2-3 tablespoons
• Where to try it: Jerez de la Frontera or Cadiz

Patatas Alioli (Potatoes with sauce)

This is another potato dish, and it is absolutely loved by the Spanish people. I would say that it is one of the most popular tapas dishes in Andalusia.

The sauce is also well-liked and can be found in every supermarket. For me, this sauce can sometimes be too much, as it contains a lot of garlic, and my stomach is not the best of pals with garlic.

But honestly, sometimes I just couldn’t resist.

This white sauce is something like mayonnaise with garlic and olive oil, sometimes mixed with lemon juice, parsley, pepper, etc. It is very creamy and very well mixed. It is not as thick as mayonnaise, but rather smooth and light.

However, it has a very specific and strong taste. The garlic isn’t dominant in taste, it is very well mixed and structured with other ingredients, but it is very present. So, if you are not a fan of garlic, it may not be the best dish for you.

I suggest trying it anyways! With beer, it goes like peas and carrots!

• Tapas Serving size: 1 -2 scoops
• Where to try it: Wherever in Spain  

Russian salad (Ensaladilla rusa)

This salad is a form of the classical Russian salad, but mostly with added olives to give it a Spanish signature. For me, it goes the best with red wine, Sangria or Tinto de Verano, but I am starting to think I just prefer wine over beer. Anyways, the salad is awesome because it is served with little crunchy breadsticks that go fantastically with it.

It is special though, at least for me. We make this salad very often in my country but the Spanish one is much creamier and thicker. I looked for recipes online to see what the difference is, but it is mostly the same. I would say not too much mayonnaise and a very creamy cheese spread. And the bread sticks, I think they play a big role.

It is sometimes made with tuna, which then makes it a tuna salad, but the ingredients are the same, so let’s call it a Russian-tuna salad. When tuna is involved, then it maybe goes better with lager beer or cava (Spanish sparkling wine)

• Tapas Serving size: 2-3 scoops 
• Where to try it: Anywhere in Spain, Malaga

Jamón Ibérico (Iberian Ham)

Jamón Ibérico is another Spanish symbol. There is no tapas bar without at least one pork leg hanging from the ceiling or sitting at a countertop. Why? Well, because it is waiting to be sliced and served with your cold drink.

Iberian ham is so popular, that even supermarkets have sections with all these prestigious hams spiced differently and, of course, a lot of pork legs just hanging from the ceiling. Of course, not all of the ham in Spain is Jamón Ibérico. There is also Serrano ham (Jamón serrano). There are some major differences between the two, but for an amateur, they could come as similar.

If you are not used to the smell of both Iberian ham and Serrano ham, you will find them very overwhelming. You would probably want to get as far away as possible from them. But once you get used to delicious taste of them, your tummy will start growling.

So, why are these hams so special?

Well, both Iberian ham and Serrano ham are special snowflakes among charcuterie (charcutería) because they come from pigs that are native only to Spain and Portugal. Also, because these pigs live their lives being free, running in the fresh mountain air and eating corns and cereals.

Their habitat is more natural, and they have a higher life quality, thus their bodies are formed naturally, and they don’t produce stress hormones as pigs kept in captivity. They are genuinely happy and fairly free, so the meat is full of good hormones and natural vitamins. Also, they are kept in small herds, so compared to hundreds of pigs in pig factories, the product must cost more.

• Tapas Serving size: 1-2 slices of ham on a piece of bread
• Where to try it: Anywhere in Spain

So, there are my 5 personal favorites, but it wasn’t an easy choice.

There are so many different ones, and the best ones are those unique and improvised sandwiches you get once and never again.

As I promised, this will not be my only tapas list so be prepared for more good food, and great places to try it!

Qué aproveche!

We appreciate your support!

Thank you for reading our content and following our journey! We are working towards becoming full-time content creators and being able to share stories with you even more frequently. If you’d like to support us to be one step closer to that goal, you can do it through Ko-Fi! 👇🏽

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• ByGala
• June 3, 2020

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The post 5 Popular Tapas Dishes you should try in 2022 appeared first on My Coliving Space: Spain.

Spain has always been one of the most popular travel destinations for tourists from all around the globe.

Last year Spanish borders were closed for a good amount of year, and countless tourists missed their opportunity to see one of Europe’s most visited countries.

In recent months, the situation has stabilized, and borders are now fully open, but many people still wonder: Is it now finally safe to travel to Spain?

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Is Spain a safe country to visit?

In normal circumstances, Spain is a safe country to travel to.

Problems you could face are pick-pocketing and minor street trickery. Both are something that happens in most big cities around the world. The important thing is to always take care of your possessions and who you are socializing with.

Generally, Spanish people are incredibly positive, and if you had a problem, you would easily find someone to help you resolve it.

Because of that, Spain is one of the safest countries to travel to.

But let’s be honest, with the current circumstances, pick-pocketing is not on the top of the safety issues people worry about when traveling. Keeping that in mind…

Does border opening mean there is nothing to worry about?

Is it safe to travel to Spain right now?

Even though the situation got much better, there are still several rules that need to be followed. In case you are planning to visit Spain in near future, you should be aware of the latest travel restrictions.

A good source for anyone who is traveling from Europe is the Schengenvisainfo news website.

Spain entry requirements

At this moment for anyone to enter Spain, they must:

• have proof of residency or citizenship
• be a health worker or a frontier worker
• have evidence of why it is essential to enter Spain
• have a proof of flight that is transiting Spain

For countries that are not in the European Union but do not need a visa for a 90-day stay in the Schengen area, these requirements are:

• valid passport (3-6 months before expiration date) or other travel documents
• return ticket (this is not a necessity, but you could be asked for it)
• enough funds for the desired stay up to 90 days

For a stay of more than 90 days in E.U., you should acquire a visa according to your necessity and rights.

How to plan a trip to Spain?

Planning a trip to Spain at this time can be a little bit tricky because many things are yet uncertain. But planning your steps carefully can help you minimize unexpected problems.

Choosing your accommodation

The smart way to plan a trip is to book a hotel or other accommodation on time. Some hotels may not accept guests at regular capacity, so checking that information on time is a good idea. It is recommendable to find your place to stay before you start planing other things.

In addition, hotels may have some requirements or rules that you should be aware of before booking. For example, they may ask for extra documentation before checking in or have some specific house rules that could affect your plans. So be thorough and do not hesitate to contact staff by mail or even phone.

Booking your flight

When you decide on accommodation, before setting the dates, you should also find a corresponding flight.

If you are traveling from anywhere inside Europe, Ryanair could be a good option. Their flights are frequent so, there is plenty of times and dates to choose from. On top of that, they offer superb deals.

It is always recommendable to buy a return ticket and save yourself from unnecessary fuss at the customs.

Professional tip: Don’t limit yourself only on choosing flights to the city you are staying in. Sometimes you can find much better deals and save a lot of money by flying to adjacent cities. Spain has airports in a lot of places and usually a good connection between them.

Transportation from airport

Another important thing you should take into consideration is how you will get from the airport to your destination.

If you book a flight to another city, be sure to check how the mobility between the places is regulated.

Do you need travel insurance for Spain?

Even though travel medical insurance is not required for you to enter Spain (at least in most cases), you should definitely consider buying one. In the current situation, being insured is crucial.

There are plenty of options to consider based on factors like the duration or type of your trip or other specific reasons related to your health.

When we were planning our trip to Spain and Portugal in 2020, we made sure to compare a great number of options and choose the one that will make us feel the safest if something were to happen, and we suggest you do it, too.

In the end, we decided to go with Nomad Insurance from SafetyWing. It seemed like the best option for someone traveling to multiple countries and not having it all planned out.

Luckily, nothing went wrong, but we were safe and sound, and that was super important. If you’re not sure where to start, we recommend checking their website by clicking the button below.

We know we’ll be using their plans again.

Here are some of the reasons that influenced our decision on going with SafetyWing:

• In times that carry extra concerns on top of your standard health worries during traveling, it’s good to have a plan that addresses these concerns specifically. So, on top of dealing with regular medical problems, this plan had a segment just for these crazy times. That made us feel extra safe.
• Their website is very intuitive and easy to navigate. This may not seem like an important thing for insurance, but let’s face it – it’s 2021, and being able to finish things in a few steps over the phone sometimes is a lifesaver.
• If you’re a Digital Nomad or just frequently changing countries during your trips, you get bored of all the documentation. SafetyWing makes this process easy and smooth, plus all the illustrations on their website make buying insurance more fun than it should be.
• Unlike many other travel medical insurance plans, SafteyWing lets you buy insurance when you’re already abroad. So if you forget to do it before your trip, it’s not too late to do it from your hotel room.

Of course, you don’t have to be a nomad or plan a giant trip to find a suitable plan from SafetyWing. They also cover short stays and vacations from 5 days onward.

We appreciate your support!

Thank you for reading our content and following our journey! We are working towards becoming full-time content creators and being able to share stories with you even more frequently. If you’d like to support us to be one step closer to that goal, you can do it through Ko-Fi! 👇🏽

Prepare for Spain

• • Spanish Language

italki 2022 Review – The Best Platform to Learn Spanish Online

• ByMarko
• February 26, 2022

• • Coliving Movement

Why Spain should be your first coliving experience?

• ByMarko
• November 18, 2021

Secure yourself the best travel experience

• SafetyWing – The best travel insurance for digital nomads and remote workers. It is perfect for all people who want to experience a coliving way of lifestyle.
• italki – Why not learn some Spanish before your trip and make your coliving even better? italki is the perfect platform for that, where more than 3500 native speakers are waiting to help you with your Spanish.
• Discover Cars – Spain is a large country, and there is a lot of land to cover. The cheapest way to do that and truly explore Spain is by renting a car.

The post Is it safe to travel to Spain right now? Spain travel guide 2021 appeared first on My Coliving Space: Spain.

A long year is behind us, and I think we could all benefit from a bit of Malaga to unwind.

And why Malaga? Well, do you love the beach? And how does a cold glass of Spanish Cava sound, maybe even with delicious sardine skewers or a tasty gazpacho on the side? Or perhaps you love a great nightlife and want loads of options on a Saturday night?

If you said Yes! to any of the above, that’s more than enough of an excuse to book that ticket to Malaga ASAP!

If you’re still unsure—let’s tickle your imagination a bit.

First, I’ll tell you that Malaga’s city center will leave you in awe. It starts with all these tiny squares and charming narrow streets full of people, shops, and bars, that will make you think Oh! Okay, this is cozy and nice. But just a few moments later, as you are walking the streets up and down, you will exit onto this beautiful, enormous, Larios Street. It’s the main shopping street, so ample and always full of people (well, maybe except during siesta). This street is also very often decorated and draped in all sorts of colors. Even though it depends on the part of the year—Malaga, like the rest of Andalusia—will find all the excuses to put on a bit of festive makeup.  

Besides that spectacular city center, Malaga has a lot more—we’re just getting started. Malaga seems to actually have it all—a beautiful and busy coastline, a lot of green corners and shade, a number of intriguing historical landmarks, and a colorful nightlife. So, in a sense, it truly has something for everybody.

What should you put on your must-see list?

There are loads of articles online on what not to miss in Malaga, so I won’t write just another post like that. 

Here’s what I know: In 2017, Malaga was the first stop on my Erasmus journey, and I came to this city completely unprepared. When I think about it now, I don’t know why I didn’t check what to do or see in Malaga—maybe I was young or just inexperienced—but I just didn’t. I packed my bags to move to a nearby city, Jaen, as an exchange student, and Malaga was just an exciting stop before I reached my destination. But this unpreparedness turned out great for me, because it created this adventurous atmosphere full of accidental discoveries. I didn’t know what to expect, and I was surprised by every step I took.

So, with that in mind, I wanted to create a flexible tour guide for you, just nudging you in a certain direction, so you can discover you’re own favorite spots. I want you to feel the city, because, in the end, we are all different. I want to help you to find a part of yourself in Malaga because I know she holds a part of all of us somewhere, and in some things—we just need to look for it. 

Connect to your adventurous side

Listen: this tour guide will work only if you put on your adventure cap. The whole point is that you find your own connection with the city. So, you must trust your gut. Don’t follow my guide word by word if it doesn’t seem like you.

If you feel like skipping a super famous monument or not going to the beach at all, and you end up spending the day walking around and finishing off with a kebab on the street—good for you. You’ve got to see the real-life, am I right?

So, go with the flow and look for secret clues that make YOU fall in love with this city.

I now also look up places before I visit and tend to plan what I’d like to see. But, I always leave space for wandering around the place without a plan, and let go of the guilt before I arrive because I know there will be things I will not manage to see because something else will turn my head. And that’s okay!

So, with all that in mind, here’s my flexible list of suggestions on what to do in Malaga in 2022 based on what type of traveler you are! 

Disclaimer: This piece of content may contain some affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase or book through one of our links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Alcazaba and Castillo Gbrialfaro – walk through Malaga’s history and gardens

This suggestion is for all the history buffs, more classical tourists, those who love a great city walk or an urban hike, those who enjoy looking at a city from the birds’ perspective, and those who find walking through historical landmarks immersive and meditative. 

So, how does this sound: you’ll go to one of the oldest and most important landmarks in Malaga, where you’ll learn about its medieval history, relax in the shade, and finish the tour with a mesmerizing aerial view of the city? If that sounds like something you would enjoy, then the famous Alcazaba and the Castle of Gibralfaro are for you!

I won’t spoil it much, because I want to give you that surprise effect, but you’ll have the opportunity to go back in time and explore two major landmarks from completely different periods and enjoy a complex perfect for hikers, walkers, viewers, and history lovers. If you want to make it about stories and history, this is the place to be. 

You can learn about the conflicts, rulers, or stroll through the Arab baths and imagine the olden days. If you are not so much into this and you are just a wanderer, get lost in the labyrinth of fountains, baths, gardens, and passages; investigate the walls and the paths, corners, and the bushes.

If you are a hiker and a nature lover, this is also a great spot for you. It is a long walk uphill to the castle and the palace, which makes it a great exercise with lots of greenery.

And lastly, if you’re a painter, a sketcher, a photographer, a daydreamer, or you’re there just for the views, you can enjoy the 360 views of the city, the sea, the ships, the buildings, the rooftops, and the life going beneath your feet. In my opinion, looking at the above is a wonderful way to get to know the city and its patterns. 

So, as you see—this one landmark can be a great spot for many different people, and only when you decide to experience it the way you want it, will it make the most sense.

Heads up: do prepare for lots of tourists around you, so I’d suggest you take your time and look for peaceful corners for just yourself and your thoughts.

Weekend Beach Festival – the perfect excuse to let a bit loose

If you’re feeling young, wild, and free, book your tickets to Torre Del Mar’s Weekendbeach Festival. On just a half-hour trip from Malaga center, this little town becomes the center of attention during the first week of July.

Of course, I’m joking—you don’t have to be crazy, young, or wild to enjoy a good festival, especially one on the beach. Weekendbeach festival’s lineup has something for everyone, and the beach is, well, like always, welcoming to all, and the atmosphere is whatever you make of it.

Are you down to party all night long? No problem, just the place for that. Or maybe you’re more of a listen to one artist and then have a light dinner and go to bed by 10 PM kind of person? No problem with that either. Just don’t book the accommodation in the camp, and you should be good to go!

Or maybe you’d like to enjoy the hot sand and cold waves and not be bothered by the music for most parts, but then you’d like to have one night letting your hair down and dancing? Not to worry, the beach has its private corners, and not the whole festival takes it up. There’s plenty of room for every person who comes to Torre Del Mar during the Weekendbeach festival, and that’s what’s amazing!

I know festivals aren’t for everybody, and you’re free to skip this part altogether! But let me tell you: we slept like babies, 5-8 hours a night, listened to just about 5-8 artists, sunbathed like crazy, swam, and enjoyed the sea, and the best of it all—the food in Torre Del Mar was exceptional!

And if you prefer to stay and party in Malaga center, you’ll have plenty of choices—from coctails by the marina, to bars and nightclubs in the city center. If you don’t know where to go, just put on your best look and direct yourself to the center. You will be invited to clubs in no time, I promise you that. The best days for going out are Thursdays and Saturdays. 

Game Day – go bar hopping with local football lovers

Well, this one is a bit different but very flexible!

The only thing you need to do is to be in Malaga during a big football (soccer) game. I know, I know… it doesn’t sound that flexible. But—trust me on this—it is not going to be that hard considering how crazy Spaniards go for football. For you as a tourist, this is interesting, because they love to watch games together in bars and cafes.

The craziest atmosphere will be in the city center in the pubs and tapas bars, but if you don’t like crowds, maybe it’s better to wander off to the insides of the city, where you could find local places with fewer people and enjoy the game with them.

If you show any interest at all, they will welcome you with open arms, so don’t worry if you enter a super local place. The best stories come from those, anyway. 

El Palo, Malaga – eat and swim like a local just half an hour from the city

Cool suggestions—but where is the real beach vacation!? – You might be thinking. Well—here it is!

Here is a suggestion for a truly peaceful and sea-inspired vacation. Just sit on a bus and go to one of the villages in the Malaga region.

And yes, Malaga has a very famous city beach, La Malagueta, and while the beach is great, especially if you combine it with sightseeing, drinks, or shopping, I know you’re going to discover this without my help. So, I’d like to give you a tiny “local” tip and help you explore a bit further than the city beach. This is especially for those who will stay a few days in Malaga and would like to experience a more local vibe, away from the tourist epicenters. 

There are so many little villages on the coastline that you can visit for only 2-6 euros and a 15-30 minute bus ride from Malaga city center.

These places are a heaven for a more relaxed and private vacation. The beaches and food in these places are something else. The food is super fresh and local, and restaurants are run by families or local fishermen. The beaches are raw, natural, and just give off retro family vacation vibes. 

If you eat seafood, the best thing you can do is try Malaga’s famous espeto. Espeto is a snack made of six sardines on a skewer, grilled over coal right in the beach sand. It is a delicacy. Beach bars are selling a crisp glasss of cold beer and a sardine skewer for 3 euros total. Honestly, what else could you wish for!? 

If you’re a real foody, I’d definitely recommend visiting one of these little villages, regardless of the beach and vacationing, at least for lunch, because the quality is incomparable with mainstream restaurants. Everything is locally produced and prepared with thoughtfulness and tradition, and the service is, of course, much more personalized and heartwarming. 

So if you’re exploring Malaga’s best dishes or best beaches, or you just want to get away from the city crowd a bit, pack your things and find the perfect village around Malaga for yourself. I bet you will have a hard time leaving once you are there.

Our personal choice is El Palo, which I can’t recommend enough—but hey, we all have different tastes! Ask around, investigate, or just sit on a bus and get off when you see something you like. Tap into that adventurous spirit you brought with you, and I promise you’ll find yourself a personal little paradise.

Airbnb yacht – explore Benalmadena like you’ve just sailed in

If you feel like relaxing by the sea and sunbathing, and the ordinary Airbnb just doesn’t make the experience unforgettable, why not book a cabin on a yacht in the port of Benalmadena?

Yes, you’ve heard that correctly. You can spend your entire vacation on a boat, chilling, sunbathing, and enjoying the pretending you’re a yach owner at least for a few days. If you’ve never had a chance of trying out something like that, now is the perfect opportunity. You will have all that you need: a living room, a bedroom, a toilet, a kitchen, and all the kitchen amenities that you need—but you’ll live in a yacht—how fun is that!?

Sleeping on a small yacht below the water surface is something different. It can be a bit frightening, but it is certainly amusing. You fall asleep with waves crashing on your window and wake up to seagulls cruising the port for food. You hear boat sirens and listen to all that sailor talk you don’t really understand.

Moreover, the beach is super close to the port, and the best thing is that on Thursdays, the restaurants lining the port open like it’s the most special night of the year, and it becomes the nightlife center. Just imagine—everything is glossy and sparkly; people are drinking wine, cocktails, laughing, and living their best lives. It feels like a huge, luxurious boat party, and you are a part of it.

Of course, you can still visit the port and this luxurious nightlife center without actually sleeping on a boat. As much fun and experience as this can be, I understand it may not be everyone’s cup of tea.

Either way, there are plenty of accommodation choices nearby that are more convenient, especially for longer stays. If that’s more your thing, our friend Paulina wrote a great article on some of the best Airbnbs in Malaga, so we recommend checking that out! Wherever you stay, sitting on a local bus and going a bit out of Malaga will do wonders, so don’t be afraid to experiment.

I hope you don’t need any more convincing to see why Malaga should be your top destination in 2022 and why you should give it a shot.

Whenever you go, do try some of these 5 things we recommend doing in Malaga and add your twist to them. For some other fun suggestion, check out Get Your Guide. You’ll find tons of other unusual activities to spice up your trip there.

Go for it and have an adventure of a lifetime—Malaga is waiting for you!
Salud!

We appreciate your support!

Thank you for reading our content and following our journey! We are working towards becoming full-time content creators and being able to share stories with you even more frequently. If you’d like to support us to be one step closer to that goal, you can do it through Ko-Fi! 👇🏽

Secure yourself the best travel experience

• SafetyWing – The best travel insurance for digital nomads and remote workers. It is perfect for all people who want to experience a coliving way of lifestyle.
• italki – Why not learn some Spanish before your trip and make your coliving even better? italki is the perfect platform for that, where more than 3500 native speakers are waiting to help you with your Spanish.

Explore Spain

• • Tips and Tricks

Tapas 101 – Complete Tapas Guide

• ByGala
• June 3, 2020

• • Our Journey

First time in Spain: The expectation trap

• ByGala
• November 4, 2019

The post Top 5 things to do in Malaga in 2022 appeared first on My Coliving Space: Spain.

Even in bigger cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, or the coastal ones, the average cost of living is somewhat lower compared with mid-range cities in France or the UK.

According to Numbeo, a website that allows people to enter the average costs of everyday things in their countries, the average cost of living in Spain is 14 – 30% lower than in the United Kingdom. This is not unusual because the average salary is also 55% higher in the UK than in Spain.

We can see a similar situation between Spain and France (up to 40% lower cost of living in Spain), somewhat more significant differences between Spain and Germany (up to 60%), and drastically bigger between Spain and Scandinavia (up to 100% lower average living costs in Spain).

Compared to the United States, the average cost of living in Spain is as high as 85% cheaper than in the US.

For example, grocery prices are about 55% higher in the US than in Spain, while rent prices are 85% higher in the US. According to Numbeo, the average monthly salary in Spain is 134% lower than in the US.

The average monthly cost of living in Spain

The average monthly cost of living in Spain is around €900 for one person. A couple can easily live for €1500 a month.

It all depends on the region. The priciest cities are Bilbao, Barcelona, and Madrid. The prices go up with rent, restaurants, and touristic attractions.

Spain is the home of some of the famous clothing distributors such as Zara and Bershka. Subsequently, the clothing cost is more affordable in Spain (at least if you buy in these places).

The lowest cost of living in Spain is in Andalusia, and the priciest is in Madrid and Barcelona.

In case you are looking to move to Spain in recent future, we think it might be helpful for you to read an article from our dear friend Gabi from The Lithuanian Abroad. She has written a perfect article about what things you know before moving to Spain. She covers what her experience was like in Madrid, while here at Travel & Tapas, we concentrate more on Southern Spain and Valencia.

Andalusia is the most affordable place in Spain, so many students choose to go there to study. Not only it is cheap, but it has some of the most famous Spanish touristic attractions, and some of the most famous Spanish cities are located in Andalusia.

So, let’s see what the cost is of living in Andalusia.

Cost of living in Southern Spain

The expenses of living in Andalusia are by far the lowest in Spain. Even in big cities such as Seville and Granada, the living cost doesn’t exceed 1000 euros per month.

The average cost of groceries for two people would be around 100-150 euros per week.

Don’t forget that the Spanish people love dining out, and the average cost of a meal is between 8 and 12 dollars. The prices of tapas and drinks vary, but you can easily dine out for 10 euros.

For more on restaurant prices, check out our Tapas 101 article.

Let’s see which big cities are the cheapest to live in, and what is the average cost of living in them.

The average cost of living in Seville, Spain

The average cost of living in Seville for a month is around 900 euros.

Most of that budget goes on the accommodation that is approximately about 500-600 euros per month. Of course, this is for a one-bedroom apartment. If a couple splits it, it costs 250-300 euros each.

One drink in a club costs 6-8 euros, and a meal in a restaurant is around 10 euros.

Sevilla restaurant prices

For one month of “living like a local” in Seville, you wouldn’t need more than 900 euros.

Seville is the capital of Andalusia and one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. It attracts a lot of tourists and could easily be more expensive than it is.

One downside of Seville is that it is not on the coast. The nearest coastal towns to Seville are Huelva and Cadiz. They are approximately an hour, an hour, and a half away from Seville. A one-way ticket from Seville to one of these places is around 10 euros, but you can also find BlaBla car or Amovens rides for 5 per person.

If you want to stay in Seville for a month, a budget of 900 euros will get you a great life. You will even be able to treat yourself once in a while and visit beaches outside the city. Just skip one dinner in a restaurant, eat at home, and use those 10 euros for a round ticket to the beach.

Other than that, Seville has a wild nightlife and loads of things to do. If you are thinking about going for a month or two, but doing all the touristic stuff, and not living like a local, then bring extra 200 euros, and you will live like a king.

Student accommodation Seville, Spain

Students usually share an apartment with two or three other people. That is why there are a lot of students that rent individual rooms, rather than whole apartments. 

The usual cost of a room in a shared apartment in Seville is around 300 euros per month. This price sometimes also includes utilities. Maybe this sounds a lot to you, and maybe cheap, depending on where you are from, but it is a good deal.

One suggestion from a former international student in Andalusia, who shared an apartment with other students:

Don’t think of that money as the money for your room; you are actually renting the whole apartment, just sharing it with other people. I know a lot of people who limit their selves to their room, simply because they rented a private room instead of an apartment.

During my student days in Jaen, I spent most of the time in the living room and the kitchen, and I never felt like I was paying only for only a bedroom. It depends on how you look at it. So, relax, and think of it as if you pay 300 euros for an 80sq meter apartment (and most likely, a pool), and you don’t need to pay the bills.

Now, that sounds like a good deal, doesn’t it?!

The average cost of living in Malaga, Spain

The average cost of living in Malaga is around 1000 euros per month for one person.

It all depends if the person lives alone or with a roommate. Typically, sharing an apartment will save you 300 to 350 euros per month.

One-bedroom apartments are usually more costly compared to those with 3 or 4 separate bedrooms. This is usual in most countries around the world.

According to Numbeo, a single person needs around 650 euros without rent in Malaga. Now, if you don’t want to share an apartment, that will probably sum up to 1250 euros per month. But most of the apartments for 2 or 3 people cost between 650 and 800 euros, so by splitting the rent and the bill, you won’t be paying more than 260-300 euros per month.

The prices of food and drinks in Malaga, Spain

The prices of food and beverage in Malaga are the same as in Seville.

Restaurant prices are around 10 euros (in the inexpensive restaurants), and 15-18 euros in the more expensive ones.

Una copa (a drink like gin and tonic or similar) costs around 7 euros. Some clubs charge 12-15 euros for the entrance. On the bright side, with the entrance ticket, you also get one “copa”.

I will also tell you that they don’t spare their drinks, so if you order gin and tonic, you will most likely get 2-3 fingers of gin, and of course, a whole bottle of tonic water. Two drinks and you are more than tipsy!

Burgers, pizzas, and fast food cost between 5 and 8 euros.

The gym costs around 30 euros, but there are also various free outdoor options for training and physical activity. Many parks are built for recreation and equipped with running trails, football and basketball fields, sports machines, etc. Spanish people really love physical activity, and the cities are built around that.

Student accommodation Malaga, Spain

Student accommodation in Malaga costs up to 300 euros in a private room in a shared apartment. The utilities are also included in this price.

There are options for students to live in the accommodation provided by the university, but those options always cost a bit more than a shared apartment. For example, in the Residence Campus Malaga, it is stated that the standard monthly price for a room with a bathroom is 763 euros.

Of course, some students choose to stay in the accommodation provided by the campuses to be closer to the Uni. If you are unable to find a near place, you may spend 3-4 euros daily for transport, and have a complicated return to your home.

The average cost of living in Valencia, Spain

The average cost of living in Valencia, Spain is 1000 euros per month.

The budget of 1000 euros is estimated to be just enough for one person to live a full, easygoing life without any bigger sacrifices. This includes renting an apartment for one person, living alone, buying groceries for one, eating out at least a couple of times per week, going out on the weekends, visiting public pools, the beach, the cinema, etc.

Restaurants and nightclubs in Valencia are somewhat more expensive than in Andalusia.

According to Numbeo, the average meal price in Valencia is around 10% more expensive than in Seville (the capital of Andalusia). In the city center the average meal for one person will be around 15 euros, and drinks in nightclubs around 10 euros.

Basic utilities in Valencia for a 2-bedroom apartment are around 120 euros, which really is not that expensive if you share it with other people.

Without rent, one person needs around 550 euros per month.

A local gym costs around 30 euros per month, but Valencia also has gorgeous parks where you can easily train and run.

Student accommodation Valencia, Spain

Students usually rent a room in a shared apartment, which costs around 250 euros per month. With this price comes the room and the shared spaces such as the kitchen, living area, bathroom, etc. This price also usually includes utilities because most of the landlords choose to pay the bills by themselves. With a shared apartment, students can easily live with 600-700 euros per month.

There are also university accommodation options for students. University rooms are modern, nice, and close to the campus, but they cost a bit more. This type of accommodation costs around 600 euros per month.

Prepare for Spain

• • Spanish Language

italki 2022 Review – The Best Platform to Learn Spanish Online

• ByMarko
• February 26, 2022

• • Coliving Movement

Why Spain should be your first coliving experience?

• ByMarko
• November 18, 2021

The cost of Studying in Spain

Every year, over 60,000 students worldwide choose Spain as their studying destination. But why?

Spain has many opportunities for international students and is one of the leading countries in Erasmus programs. Even though most students coming through Erasmus receive scholarships, there are still a lot of young people that decide to enroll in higher education programs in Spain as full-righted students.

Two main reasons may be behind this decision. First, Spain has a wide range of programs and careers for students to choose from, and second – Spain has one of the lowest university tuition fees in Europe.

Public universities in Spain offer amazing programs and deliver quality knowledge and practices during studies.

On this, I can confirm firsthand. Besides that, they are very affordable.

Bachelor’s studies in public universities in Spain cost approximately between 800 and 2500 euros per year.

Master’s studies cost about 1500-3000 euros in total, for the students who are enrolling the first time. The prices go up if you are applying the second, third or fourth time.

In Spain, prices are defined by credits. The fees for a Master’s degree go from 10 to 25 euros per credit, which then adds to 600-1500 euros per year, or 1200-3000 euros in total for two years.

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• For European citizens, Spain is great because of its famous beaches, casual lifestyle and laid-back atmosphere. For those from eastern countries, it represents a door to another culture.
• For North, Central, and South America, Spain is important because of the language. Given that the Spanish language is native to Central and South America and the most important foreign language in the United States.

Given all that, Spain has opportunities for many countries to send their students to a student exchange program. 

Since there are more and more international students in Spain every year we wanted to help them. We thought we’d put together a list of the best tips on how to prepare for the life of international students in Spain.

Sun, sun, and SUN!

Spain is very sunny! Even in winter and autumn, most of the days, the sun just follows you wherever you go. During the summer and middle fall, it can be dangerous to walk around the town without sun protection.

Sun is the brightest between 4:30 and 7:30 in the afternoon, so don’t let the hours fool you! A hat along that sun protection is also a good choice, and well, a bottle of water. Even if your skin is naturally darker and usually doesn’t burn – in Spain, it will. Bring sunscreen!

Cold nights in Spain

Spain usually doesn’t have cold winters, nor cold autumns. The temperature usually doesn’t drop below 4 Celsius, but here is a catch. 

Many people in Spain don’t have central heating systems at home because they don’t need heating for 10 out of 12 months. I don’t know about family homes, but most rental places for international students in Spain don’t have a heating system.

The problem begins when the 4 Celsius outside becomes 4 Celsius inside. This may be a normal temperature for the outside, but it’s too cold for your bedroom.

So, without a jumper and good fluffy sleepers in your home, you will freeze. When you are freezing in your home, you are also freezing outside. So, it’s an inescapable circle that makes winter seem harsher than in Northern countries.

Yes, there are small heaters that can help you during the winter; but they will double your energy bills. And since the homes are built to keep the heat away so you could survive summers, they also chase away the heat the minute you turn off the electric heater. 

If you see a circular hole in the dining table, that’s a hole for the heater.

Also, buy a scarf – Spain may not be cold, but it’s windy. Especially at night. So, please, this is not your grandma speaking, but, please, cover-up!

Nightlife in Spain

The majority of the country uses the standard Central European Time (GMT +1). Because of the differences with Central European countries, this time zone makes the sun in Spain rise around 8 AM and settle around 9 PM. In the summers, you can see the sun even at 10 PM. If you are not used to this, it’s pretty weird at first.

Besides these naturally late days, Spanish people LOVE late nights! Nightlife is one of the things international students in Spain love the most!

Spaniards normally start their days around 9 AM and have dinner around 10 PM. When they go out – and they do love going out a lot – they don’t go out before 1 AM.

And this is still pretty early. Most clubs open around 1 AM but don’t get crowded until 3 AM.
So if you are planning on going out, I suggest taking a siesta in the evening, because you’ll need a lot of energy at 2 AM!

Spanish kiss greeting

Spanish people greet each other by kissing two times on each cheek, starting from the right cheek. These kisses are not exactly real kisses, but more like a kiss in the air while your cheeks touch.

Shaking hands is acceptable only in very formal situations or between men. On any other occasion, men and women and two women will kiss to greet.

In Spain, you will not kiss only your friends, but anybody that you meet and greet. It’s a custom, and it would be weird if you would try and shake their hands. It doesn’t depend on age or status either, so prepare to kiss your friend’s mother or even your teacher if the environment is casual.

Siesta culture

The middle of the day in Spain is reserved for a siesta. A siesta (nap time) starts around 2 PM and lasts until 5 PM. Even though it means “taking a nap”, siesta in Spanish culture is much more than that.

During this time, most shops, stores, and restaurants close. They open again at 5-6 in the afternoon. But around 2-3 PM, the cities almost turn into ghost towns.

Siesta is a time for everyone to take a break from their work and go home to rest, take a nap, or have a hot lunch. Of course, nobody is obligating you to go home or take a nap, but you will have a hard time finding an open spot to have lunch.

You’ll see that days in Spain have a unique rhythm. Even if you are used to working 10 hours a day, in time you will learn how to relax. In Spain, it’s not a sin to have a rest and gather energy for the rest of the day.

It can be hard to grasp this at first, but you will find a way to appreciate it. Believe us, siesta culture rules!

Tapas culture

Snacking is a big part of Spanish culture. Those snacks are called Tapas. Tapas are served in every bar (except nightclubs) and with every round of your drinks. Tapas culture is a big part of social life in Spain.

Every day is a tapas day. After a long day of studying or working, or just to get out of the house and meet some friends, tapas are a great solution.

Spanish people are very social, so they love hanging out with friends. They are also very family-oriented and like to spend time with their families at dinner parties and tapas.

While in most countries, Fridays are meant for parties and going out, in Spain Friday evening is for tapas and dinner. Friends and families go out and enjoy each other’s company while partying goes on Thursdays and Saturdays.

If you are afraid of getting out of shape because of the tapas culture, you will see you are wrong. Spaniards also have a big culture of training and jogging. They eat and drink a lot, but they are also very fit and take care of themselves.

Life in Spain is hedonistic but healthy. I can guarantee that their life philosophy will enlighten you.

Traffic in Spain

Traffic in Spain is very chaotic and confusing. If you come from well-structured and rule-oriented countries, you will be a little lost for the first two days.

First, Spanish streets are super narrow, which makes most of them a one-way street. Second, Spain is the third European country with the most density per capita of roundabouts. This surely makes traffic, well… more fun! 😀

Traffic in Madrid, Spain

Also, traffic lights are not the most respected thing in the country. It’s not that Spanish people do illegal stuff, but sometimes they have more fate in themselves than a traffic light. And this system works, surprisingly.

Spanish drivers respect other drivers and passengers more than in other countries. They may not stop at every red light in minor streets, but they will gladly stop in the middle of the driving area for someone to cross over.

Also, the zebras are a bit strangely put. Passengers sometimes have a hard time finding the place to cross from point A to point B. Drivers understand this and respect it. So, there’s that.

All in all, the traffic in Spain may be chaotic, but it is also super respectable towards others.

If you, however, do wrong by someone (cross their way, cause an accident, block their car, etc.), then prepare for… let’s call it a lecture. Spanish people may be nice and respectful towards others, but when you cross them, you sure will remember it. They know how to fight their fights and are not afraid to defend themselves.

Active life

Spanish people love to walk, hike, and jog. We already said that they look fantastic, and even in their 70’s. This is because they love strolling the town with friends, and how most of the cities are steep, they walk every day up and down.

During our life in Spain, we were in the best shape of our lives. It is because we would walk every day half an hour down to the faculty and then half an hour back up.

There are buses, metros, cars, and motors, but if you can walk – why not walk? Madrid or Barcelona are huge cities, so without public transportation, you are very limited. But if a city is smaller like Jaen was – there is no need for a bus; only if you are in a big rush.

The most common personal vehicle is a motorcycle or a scooter. Because the streets are narrow and steep, it is easier to get around on those than in a car. If you are a driver, some agencies rent scooters and bicycles for international students in Spain.

Bicycle is a good idea wherever you go, but maybe not so much in Spain. It would require excellent skill and physical condition to ride the bicycle uphill.

Bicycle is not a good idea in Spain

We had a roommate who rode his bike down the faculty every morning – a piece of cake – he was there in 5 minutes. But, whenever he was returning home, he pushed the bike back up. So, you decide which is easier – walking or cycling.

Festive days

Spain has a lot of festive days. And when I say a lot, I mean A LOT. They have at least one day off every couple of weeks (not counting weekends). Whether it’s a saint day or a feria – or close to some saint or a feria – it’s a day off.

When Spanish people work, they are super focused and productive. Their schools and faculties have very active and engaged students. Professors give their 100% to their lectures and their students, and so do employees of other branches. But because of that – they love to take breaks.

First, we had a siesta, and now we have whole days off. These days are not some lazy sit-at-home days. They are reserved for get-togethers, parties, hobbies, excursions, etc.

So some would say that Spanish people are lazy – but I assure you, THEY ARE NOT. They are very active and productive in their lives, and that is the main reason they are happy, relaxed, and look amazing!

Informal speaking

In Spain, it is a custom to refer to everyone by their name (even nickname). It is not usual to use a formal way of addressing.

Some languages have formal ways of addressing strangers, people with higher status or older by age, and so does the Spanish language. But even though they have this formal addressing thing, they use it only in super-formal situations or with the elderly (sometimes).

At faculties and even in schools, students address their teachers by nicknames and use informal addressing language.

It is not unusual for some people to be offended if you use formal language around them. That can make them feel old or seem as if you want to put a certain distance in your dialog.

For me, it is not that simple to this adopt this concept because from where I am, we use formal addressing in schools, faculties, with our friends’ parents, etc.

Can international students work in Spain?

International students in Spain who hold a student visa are eligible for 20 hours of work per week. If you want to get a job while studying, you should contact local authorities or the Association of International Students for Economics and Commerce to obtain a special work permit.

If you are from the EU, you don’t have to hold a visa or a special permit to find a job. You only need a DNI for foreigners and a registration at the Social Security office. Once you register, you are eligible to find work like any other Spaniard.

The problem with this method is that most employers will hire a Spaniard first. So, to try and go around this problem, you can also contact the Association of International Students for Economics and Commerce or ask your university for help.

So if you are preparing for Spain, be sure to have these things in mind. But don’t overthink it. Try to relax and enjoy. I must say I am jealous of your new home and new adventures. Spanish people are amazing, and Spain is a paradise on Earth. You will definitely have the time of your life!

Saludos!

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Improve your Spanish before moving there?

• italki – Why not learn some Spanish before your semester abroad and make your experience even better? italki is the perfect platform for that, where more than 3500 native speakers are waiting to help you with your Spanish.
• SpanishPod101 – Real Spanish conversations. Learning based on your objectives and needs. Practice and compare your pronunciation with natives’ using voice-recording tools. Direction from a personalized teacher tailored just for you. On top of all, it is completely free to start.
• MosaLingua Premium – It is an all-inclusive language learning platform. The perfect tool for people who want to expand their vocabulary with an option to personalize the learning content that fits their needs.

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This is why we decided to write this ultimate tapas guide and to prepare you for the best Spanish experience.

Let’s start with the first lesson – What is tapas exactly?

Many cafes around the world like to give their customers a compliment snack with their drinks, but none do it like the Spaniards – trust us. Forget about one bowl of peanuts for the table or a handful of potato chips for the 4 of you.

In Spain, these things are the compliments of the compliment snacks you get. The main tapas can be everything from sandwiches, hamburgers, salads, seafood, paellas, and soup.

If you hit the right place, you can even skip dinner after only two rounds of 0.20 glass of beer, and compliment snacks that you get alongside.

How did tapas originate?

It is thought that the word tapa comes from an old Spanish custom of covering a glass of beverage with a piece of bread or ham.

This was done to prevent the mosquitoes or flies from finding their place inside your glass. The verb TAPAR in Spanish means TO COVER, which is logically related to the custom.

Another story says that one day King Alonso XIII was in Cadiz when he ordered a glass of wine to drink it outside.

”…It was a windy day, and the wind started carrying the sand from the ground. When the sand rose too much and threatened to get into the wine of King Alonso XIII, the bartender saved the day. He quickly covered the king’s glass with a piece of ham. The king loved the idea, so when he finished his drink, he asked for another glass with a “tapa” (a cover).”

There are many stories like these, and every part of Spain has its own legend. So, if you want to know the answer to the question “How did tapas originate?”, we may disappoint you. No one knows the real truth. However, the origin of the word is clear – “tapa” is a “cover”.

The most used word, however, is the word tapas, which is a plural form of the word tapa. That is because most times tapas are served for the whole group at the table. A secret to getting the most out of this tradition is to order in rounds, and not individually.

Waiters usually serve tapas when you order for everyone at the same time. If you finish before your friends and make an order, you may not get a second snack.

Tapas portions

Tapilla

Tapilla is a diminutive word for tapa. This doesn’t mean you will get a teeny tiny tapa; it is common in the Spanish language to use diminutive forms of words. So, tapilla is a popular word that can be heard a lot from waiters in Andalusia.

You can ask the waiter for specific meat or ingredient telling you would like tapilla de cerdo, tapilla de ternera, tapilla íberica, etc.

Para picar

Pare picar is an expression that metaphorically means to have a bite with a toothpick as if you would at a party. This expression can describe tapas, or it can describe food plates that can be shared among friends.

These are mostly cheese plates or meat plates as Plato Iberico and Plato de queso. Also, Plato Marinero for those who like seafood, or patatas caseras for those who prefer veggies.

Raciones

It is referred to as bigger portions of tapas that are meant to be shared among the group, which is something that Spanish people do a lot.

Raciones can also be regular-sized one-person servings. In Madrid and the area around it, the culture of tapas is truly a culture of raciones.

Para compartir

Para compartir literally means for sharing, and that is another way of describing raciones. In some bars, you will find only tapas and raciones (tapa only for you or a plate for a group), and in some, you will find meals, the plates for sharing, individual tapas, etc.

If you order something under para compartir you will get a serving enough for two people to be almost full, and for three or four people too, well, picar while drinking.

As I said before, Spanish people love to dine this way. They will go out with friends or family on a Friday night and order 4 or 5 different plates for sharing and share it all while drinking a beer or a soda. They sure can decide as a group, don’t they?

Pintxo-pote or pincho

Pintxo-pote or pincho is a northern, Basque version of tapas, pintxo referring to food and pote to drinks. It is served on a specific day of the week for a couple of hours, and the price is a bit higher than when ordering just a drink.

👉 If you want to make tapas at home we recommend this awesome book with more than 60 recipes.

If you’re more of a dine-out kind of a person, then keep reading to learn where to find tapas bars in Spain, how to order, and what’s the cost.

If you click this link and make a purchase, as an Amazon Associates we will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

What is a Tapas bar, and where to find it?

If you ask for a tapas bar in Spain, you may be referred to a lot of different places. The truth is that in Spain, almost every bar is a tapas bar, or at least serves tapas, even if the main purpose is not that.

Every bar and cafe in Spain serves food, so they also have some of the above-listed versions of tapas.

Places that don’t serve tapas are coffee places, restaurants, pubs, and nightlife bars. But even when I say they don’t serve it, they do. I get excited when bars in my country serve free handfuls of chips or peanuts with beer, and that is usually a the-manager-is-in-a-good-mood surprise.

For the Spanish people, who are used to much bigger stuff than just chips, this is the least they expect. Potato chips in Andalusia are like a side dish for tapas and every place serves it. Fancier places and restaurants serve chips, or other small tapas even if you already ordered some food and drinks.

How much do tapas cost in Spain?

Tapas are sometimes completely complimentary, and sometimes they cost. It all depends on the place, city, or region, but the cost is usually something that is “worth it”.

In Andalusia, with an accent on Jaen, the tapas are usually free, and you will get one tapa per drink.

I tried a lot of different places in Jaen, and I haven’t got into one that charges for tapas. But, in Cordoba and Seville, I was charged every time.

When you pay for them, tapas tend to be a bit bigger than those that are free, but they are a lot of exceptions. Jaen had some places that had free tapas that were huge. But they say Jaen is the center of the tapas culture.

So, how much do tapas cost?

When bars charge for tapas, it is usually a small amount compared to what you get, so it is still a good deal. Those tapas that you pay for are usually something like a small size main course, like meatballs in sauce, chicken with mushrooms, seafood, etc. The food is not so much of a snack, but a small course.

It can differ from place to place but in Andalusia a regular meal costs from 8 to 15 euros. Knowing that you can conclude what the size of the tapas is according to its cots. If the tapas costs 6 euros, it is the size of two or three people. If it cost 2 euros, it is probably only for one person (2-3 meatballs).

How is tapas served?

In some places, you get to pick your tapa, and in some, you get a random tapa. Of course, if you are paying for it, you have a menu from which you choose. But, if tapas are completely complimentary, you either get a surprise tapas or also choose from the menu.

There are a lot of places that have free tapas but also have a menu for you to choose from. Those tend to be bigger but simpler – less quality and more quantity. These tapas are mostly hamburgers, ham and cheese sandwiches, sausages, etc.

Other tapas bars in Spain bring you tapas of their choice. The charm of not knowing what you will get is both risky and amusing. Those tapas are usually some homemade recipes, so it is somewhat more interesting and unique. Of course, you have the risk of getting something that you don’t like, but hey, you tried something new.

So, speaking from personal experience, no way is better than the other. It is simply your mood (or stomach) that chooses whether you would go with safe and big, or small and bold.

For the hungry ones, some places let you choose a regular-sized sandwich or a burger, alongside a drink of 1.5 euros.

There are also chain-places, or the fast-food of tapas, where the balance between quality and quantity is great, but they lack the cultural atmosphere.

How to order tapas?

When you first come to Spain and somebody takes you to tapas, you will lose your head over the food that keeps coming to your table. It keeps coming because you keep ordering drinks.

So, that is one way of ordering tapas – to order a drink. Tapas go with ordering a beer, wine, or soda. Sometimes you can get it with sparkly water, but usually not. So, if you order water, strong alcohol, or fresh juice, you will not get tapas.

So, the drinks are not big. This is a shock for people who are used to drinking 0.5 or a pint, but that means that you will order two or three, even four beers. And with every new order, you will have food coming to your table. This means that with the beer and food, you will be full by the end of the night.

Everybody loves free food. So, when you always pay for food in your country, you are enlightened when you come to Andalusia.

Ordering Tapas from the menu

If you order the drinks, the waiter may bring the surprise tapas to you, or he may ask you what would you like to snack. He will do this by asking “Y de tapilla?” or “Algo para picar?” (something to bite?), for example, and that is when you have to order something from the tapas menu. So, be sure to check the menu before ordering and see what the bar is offering.

If the tapas are not complimentary, then you will have to order them. If you don’t do it, you will not get them, clearly. Check the menu, and remember the name or the number of your order. Be sure to check the price, and conclude if the tapa is for one person, or for the table.

When you decide, you can say “Para picar (the name of the snack)” or “De tapa (the name of the snack)“. There will probably be the tapas menu, and the main course menu, so try not to mix up those two (search for the prices under 5-6 euros).

Tapas culture in Spain

So your first impression is that Spanish people love to eat, and you love them for feeding you.

But there is a lot more to it, than just love for the food and drinks. They don’t go to tapas only for the food, but to hang out with friends, to have a get-together or simply to have some alone time.

People get to their local bars every day to have a drink, eat a tapa, and talk to the bartender, the owner, or whomever.

These bars are also places to be when football (soccer) is on TV. Spanish people rarely watch games in their own homes.

The atmosphere in the bars when the game is on is indescribable. Basically, they love to be out, they love to be with other people, and tapas is giving them a nudge. It also justifies beer or wine at 13 o’clock, so that’s a nice one!

So, now when you passed your first lecture, you can go through our yummy list of classic Spanish tapas.

Better read it with your stomach full so you don’t get hungry?

¡Aprovecha!

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Thank you for reading our content and following our journey! We are working towards becoming full-time content creators and being able to share stories with you even more frequently. If you’d like to support us to be one step closer to that goal, you can do it through Ko-Fi! 👇🏽

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We decided to answer the most common questions, like “what is a feria?” or “why are ferias organized?”.

When you get these answers, you will 100% want to visit one. For inspiration on where to go, check the previous article, and read more about the largest ferias in Spain.

What is a feria?

A feria is a social, cultural, and industrial event that takes place in the open air. It usually has a previously determined date. It can be a festival, a carnival, but also a “farmer’s market-like” event, but with music, drinks and food.

Spanish ferias are a very popular holiday concept and are heavily respected in Spain. Most Spanish cities have their local city ferias They are considered holidays, so people usually have free days at schools and jobs in the time of a feria.

A feria is a place to meet with people, celebrate and enjoy music, but also to sell handcrafts, promote local businesses, and sell agricultural products.

Why are Spanish ferias organized?

The main goals of a feria are:

• supporting local business
• the economic growth of a city or a region
• touristic and cultural promotion of the region

Spanish ferias and fiestas

When we say traditional feria, we often imagine the typical Andalusian feria.

The whole country has all sorts of fiestas and events that have the same vibe and goals as ferias. But, in central and Northern Spain a feria can more often stand for a classical fair (as a book fair or job fair in a closed space) or a festival (like Las Fallas in Valencia).

Las Fallas is a carnival that includes the whole city, while typical Andalusian feria is held in a specific place like a market or an amusement park.

So, to break the confusion, we will refer to ferias here as events and fiestas in Spain that can be all the forms listed above.

Elements of an Andalusian feria

A typical Andalusian feria is held in the open-air ferial area with a lot of different elements.

Some of the distinctive elements of a feria in Spain are:

• Big, colorful decoration with various lights and ornaments
• Little stands of artisanal and handcrafted products
• Stands of souvenirs, shirts, bags, etc. (like an on a flea market)
• Casetas (tents decorated as rooms with food, drinks, and music)
• An amusement park area
• Traditional symbols of the region (horses in Andalusia, fallas in Valencia)
• People wearing traditional clothes
• Lots of people drinking and mingling around the ferial area

What does feria mean in Spanish?

In conclusion, a feria in Spain represents an event with cultural, entertainment, and business elements. The goal and the type of feria will set the ferias spirit and direct the focus on one or two of these things.

Ferias in Spain

There are a hundred of ferias and fiestas held in Spain every year. The largest ferias in Spain have a huge tourist impact and bring hundreds of thousands of tourists.

Spanish ferias are not your typical fairs, nor a typical musical festival, more like a big celebration or carnival-like event that will spin your head around. To illustrate, when the fiesta is in the city, it becomes the most important thing for everybody.

Some of the best ferias in Spain don’t even have a character of what you would call a fair, but rather a festival. The largest ferias in Spain and the most popular ones are:

• Semana Santa – the most important religious celebration
• Las Fallas – a festival of fire and spring in Valencia
• Feria de Abril – the best feria in Southern Spain, and the one you could take as an example of typical Spanish feria that we are talking about
• San Fermin in Pamplona – a bull running event
• Saint Joan’s day – Barcelona’s beach party for everybody

Spanish feria dresses

People often ask what traditional Spanish feria dresses are. The truth is that when they ask that question, they once again think of Andalusian ferias or Feria de Seville and typical Flamenco dresses.

However, Spain is a traditional country, and it likes to celebrate its customs, so we see the traditional clothing of different regions in events all over the country.

Flamenco dresses and suits

Flamenco dresses are typical to Southern Spain and they are what we often call a traditional Spanish dress. Even though Flamenco is native to Andalusia, it is practiced and respected throughout the whole country. In Andalusia, women wear these dresses to all kinds of celebrations, and it’s not unusual to see them dress up.

We can say that Flamenco dresses are traditional Spanish feria dresses because all the women dress in them when going to a feria in Andalusia.

A typical flamenco dress is a combination of three different cultures – Gypsy, Muslim, and Spanish. They are made from different materials, thus are vibrant and colorful. The bottom and the sleeves have big flounces.

The men wear typical suits that resemble bullfighters’ uniforms.

Clothes for San Fermin (running with bulls)

For this event in Pamplona, the typical dress code for men is a white shirt, with a pair of wide white pants and red shawls that go around the neck and waist. Since running with bulls is not popular amongst women, there this is not traditional clothing for them.

Vestido fallera (clothing for Las Fallas)

A typical dress for the festival of Las Fallas in Valencia consists of numerous elements, like princess dresses from centuries ago.

The interior clothes consist of a sleeveless shirt, a traditional corset-blouse (chambra), white stockings, traditional interior trousers (pololos), and an interior skirt that give volume.

The exterior part consists of a vest, a colorful skirt, a traditional doublet, and a decorative apron over the skirt, and a traditional lace cloak.

Accessories include earrings, peinatas, needle pins, and shawls. The shoes are made from the same material as the dress, so they would go together nicely.

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Thank you for reading our content and following our journey! We are working towards becoming full-time content creators and being able to share stories with you even more frequently. If you’d like to support us to be one step closer to that goal, you can do it through Ko-Fi! 👇🏽

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The spring is coming, so is the feria season. We are slowly saying goodbye to the cold days, and what’s a better way of welcoming longer and sunnier ones than with a celebration? And which country is the master of celebrations? Spain, of course!

Therefore, we made a list of the 3 Spanish ferias upcoming in the next 3 months that you should not miss if you want to welcome spring in the way it deserves to be welcomed! Say BIENVENIDOS to sunny days!

Las Fallas

Las Fallas festival is one of the most popular events in Spain. It attracts many tourists every year because of how big and unique it is. If you have ever searched for events, festivals or ferias in Spain, you have most likely heard of Las Fallas de Valencia. Its popularity is not without credit, even UNESCO has inscribed it in one of the lists of Intangible Cultural Heritages.

What is Las Fallas?

So, what is las Fallas de Valencia? Is it a festival, a feria, a celebration? It’s a little bit of all. Las Fallas is a festival, a group of events that takes place in Valencia, throughout the whole city. The main event involves making big sculptures and puppets, which are later to be burnt down.

Las Fallas is divided into many events, but you should expect fireworks, traditional clothes, a lot of music, a carnival-like atmosphere, a lot of food and drinks, and big beautiful puppets that you will see burn.

The puppets, called ninots in Valencian, are made from paper mache, carton, polystyrene, and other flammable materials. They are very realistic, colorful and can be tall up to 30 meters. The installations and puppets represent some satiric situations in the light of actual events in politics, the world, media, etc. They are somewhat of a critic of what is happening in the world.

Where is Las Fallas celebrated?

Las Fallas is celebrated in the city of Valencia, but in the last decade, it spread to other cities and villages in the Valencian community. There are also celebrations in some parts of Alicante, Castellon, Getafe, Ciudad Real, Mancha Real, Mallorca, etc.

In Valencia, the celebration is divided into routes and zones that cover most of the city.

What is the origin of Las Fallas?

The origin of Las Fallas is thought to be when the day of Saint Joseph was proclaimed to be 19th of March. That day, the carpenters would make small bonfires outside their shops consisting of something like sawdust and pieces of wood, alongside a lit candle. This represented all the workdays during winter that they have passed in the darkness with a candle supported by wood dust. This was as a welcome to spring and longer days that would give the carpenters longer working hours.

The tradition then took a turn when somebody put clothes on this wooden bonfire, making it look like a person. This is where the bonfires became ninots. It is believed that the ninots represented rich, higher class persons or politicians. The tradition of critical approach towards the ongoing subjects is still respected.

When is Las Fallas de Valencia?

Every year from 15th to 19th of March Valencia becomes home to the Las Fallas festival. This popular Valencian festival starts as early as the last Sunday of February, and by the 1st of March, the city has already prepared for the upcoming las Fallas.

The night between 15th and 16th of March is known as la plantá and that is when the bonfire puppets are erected to stand tall. The 19th of March, or on the day of Saint John (San José), is known es la cremá, and that is when the statues are burnt down.

Every day, starting from the 1st of March, in the Town Hall of Valencia square (plaza del Ayuntamiento de Valencia), a pyrotechnic spectacle is happening. This is called la mesclatá.

Why is Las Fallas de Valencia celebrated?

The celebration of Las Fallas focuses on the coming of spring, but also on the day of Saint Joseph (día de San José). Saint Joseph, the patron of carpenters, is celebrated today in a similar way it is thought the carpenters celebrated it centuries ago.

For the coming of spring, the city is decorated with flowers, petals, and colorful ornaments. For honoring the focus of las Fallas, which is the fire and the burning of puppets, one of the biggest symbols are firecrackers.

Las Fallas 2020

This year, las Fallas week starts Sunday 15th of March and ends Thursday the 19th of March.

The ceremony already began on the first of March, and there will be events until the 19th of March. This is the most popular touristic attraction in Valencia, and there are thousands of tourists every year. The city’s population almost doubles in this period. For more information on this year’s las Fallas, consult some of the local schedules online.

Feria de Abril

The most popular feria in Spain is probably Feria de Abril. Whenever someone mentions a feria, this is everybody’s first association. It is also one of the most popular events in Andalusia, and one of the Andalusian symbols.

What is Feria de Abril?

Feria de Abril in Spain (April’s feria) also known as Feria de Sevilla is an annual fair and festival made to celebrate spring. This huge celebration is proclaimed a Fiesta of International tourist interest in Spain, as it gathers thousands of hundreds of tourists every year. Feria de Abril makes a magical time to stay in Andalusia, so if you are not coming to Andalusia for the sea, you might want to come in the time of Feria de Abril.

Where is Feria de Abril celebrated?

Feria de Abril is celebrated in the city of Sevilla, Andalusia. It is held in a ferial area that has 3 parts – El Real de feria, La calle del Infierno and parking. El Real de feria is the main place of the event. It has 15 streets where all the music, food and drink are. La calle del Infierno (the Street of hell) is the place where the amusement park is.

How did Feria de Abril originate?

La feria de Abril in Sevilla started as an agricultural trading fair in 1847. The first fair was held at Prado de San Sebastian. How the time passed, and the city grew, the fair became one of the most visited events in Sevilla, and thus gain a social character and not an agricultural one.

When is Feria de Abril?

The biggest Andalusian fiesta, Feria de Abril, starts about 2 weeks after the Semana Santa, which is normally around the end of April and lasts until the beginnings of May. The date is not fixed because it depends on the full moon and Easter date.

Why is Feria de Abril celebrated?

Feria de Abril is celebrated to commemorate the begging of spring. What started as a trading fair is now the most famous annual spring festival in Spain.

Casetas are one of the biggest symbols of ferias. They are something like open rooms, tents, decorated by the person who “owns it”, they are offering food, drinks, and music. The important thing to know about casetas is that they are mostly private, and they require an invitation. Families or different organizations often can rent these rooms or tents. There are public ones, but it’s better to have an invitation, so before you go, make some contacts! 😀

In the modern days, these casetas have modern music like in discos, but the tradition is music called sevillanas.

Other symbols are Andalusian horses, traditional Andalusian Flamenco dresses and suits and bright and colorful decoration.

Feria de Abril 2020

La feria de Sevilla 2020 will begin on 26 of April and end on the 2nd of May. Like every year, the area of the feria will be decorated with hundreds of colorful lights that will open the feria. There are expected more than 500 thousand visitors.

Do tourists wear dresses for Feria de Abril?

Yes, tourists can dress in traditional Andalusian clothes. If you have the opportunity, dress up traditionally! But be aware that these dresses are expensive and cost several hundred euros. If you decide not to dress up in traditional wear, dress up nicely, as you would to a wedding!

P.S. Be sure to visit Feria de Abril both during the day and during the night. It’s two totally different experiences. That way, you will complete your visit.

Feria de Jerez – Feria del Caballo

Feria del Caballo in Jerez is another colorful and amazing fair! The special thing about this festival is that it can be both local, and full of tourists. It all depends on another big event – motorcycle races. It can happen that these two events are held at the same time, or near each other, which means a lot of people and tourists will be there.

Where is Feria del Caballo celebrated?

Feria del Caballo is held in a beautiful city of Jerez de la Frontera, very close to Cadiz. This city is famous for its amazing Sherry wine, special kind of vinegar and motorcycle races. In 2013, it was the Wine capital of Europe, and a year later World’s motorcycle capital.

Every year around May, there are two main events in Jerez de la Frontera – Moto GP and Feria del Caballo. If the year is good, and they overlap – it’s another level of fun and experience!

What happens at Feria del Caballo?

Feria de Caballo in Jerez is similar to Feria de Abril in Seville, only more local and less big. It’s charming and traditional, very fun, with lots of things to do. Jerez is a beautiful town, small but charming. It has that vibe like Cadiz and Portugal, a little bit different than central Andalusia.

Jerez is maybe my favorite Spanish city; I dream a lot about it and I hope to come back to it soon. Maybe it’s a personal feeling, but I guarantee you that it is worth visiting.

Feria de Caballo sets the ground to an amazing night out, many bars alongside the road to the ferial area are working the whole night, with modern music and cocktail. It’s great.

Also, horses. You will see a lot of beautiful unearthly horses.

When is Feria del caballo?

Jerez de la Frontera hosts Feria del Caballo (Horse fair) every may. This time of the year in Andalusia is fairly warm. I remember wearing shorts, but also a leather jacket during the night. It may be a bit odd, but do bring sunscreen, because the sun can be pretty harsh even if you don’t feel it.

May is the most beautiful time of the year in Andalusia. If the fall wasn’t cold, you may even swim in Cadiz a bit!

Why is Feria del Caballo celebrated?

Celebrating horses and spring is the main thing at Feria del Caballo in Jerez.

Horse breeding is very important in Spain. Andalusia is famous for its horses, and Andalusians take this job seriously. Horses are one of the many symbols of Andalusia, and I am sure you do make a correlation between horses, Flamenco, Spanish men in traditional uniforms, etc. It’s part of their heritage and they keep their traditions proudly.

Feria del Caballo is a fair and festival dedicated mainly to Andalusian horses and horse-breeding practices. For breeders, it is time to show their skills and make connections.

Feria de Jerez 2020

This year Feria del Jerez will be celebrated between 9th and 16th of May. Sadly, the dates of Moto GP (3th of May) and Feria del Caballo do not overleap this year, but that only means a more local and intimate atmosphere.

If you are nearby, I highly recommend it. Previous two Ferias already have their popularity world-wide, so I find it’s our duty to recommend this Feria de Jerez.

So, here are 3 Spanish ferias you must visit in 2020, or at least once in a lifetime! Explore some of the photos or videos, and you will see how fun and colorful they look!

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