Spain Travel Blog: Real Recommendations From Someone Who Lives Here

Spain isn't just a destination, it's a home. After nearly a decade here I don't get excited by Las Ramblas anymore. I get excited by the alley where locals drink their morning coffee, and the view Google hasn't turned viral yet. If you landed here, you're probably not looking for the trip everyone else takes. You're looking for someone who lives this day to day and has already checked every corner for you. That's exactly this blog: a Spain travel blog with local recommendations, born from nonstop trips, a curious camera, and real life between the Pyrenees and the beaches of Mallorca.

Guides by City and Region

Spain is a mosaic of regions, each with its own character, language, and cuisine. Instead of just recommending the Prado, I'll tell you about the small galleries that move me. Instead of another obligatory loop down Las Ramblas, you'll get the neighborhoods actually worth staying in. Whether you're planning a family trip to Andalusia or looking for places to stay in Galicia and Mallorca, every guide comes from firsthand knowledge of the ground. One small tip: don't try to conquer the whole country in one trip. Each region has its own pace, and it's worth giving it that.

Routes You Won't Find on Google

The real magic starts the moment you step off the worn path. I give a big part of the blog to lesser-known routes: hikes in the Pyrenees I actually walk with my family or alone, and day trips from Barcelona to small Catalan villages and monasteries tucked into the mountains, including options for anyone traveling by public transport. Every route has photo stops (I am a photographer, after all), a spot for a picnic, and a small story that gives the path some meaning. All of it field-tested, hiking boots on and hands on the wheel.

Food and Vegetarian Options in Every Region

As a vegetarian living with a die-hard carnivore, I know how frustrating it is to find good food in Spain that isn't just ham. But Spain is going through a culinary revolution, and you feel it everywhere. The blog has a serious guide to vegan and vegetarian food in Spain, but not only that. I write about special restaurants in Costa Brava with fresh ingredients straight from the sea and the fields, and about the Michelin guide to Spain, with a focus on the creative restaurants of Barcelona. Because sometimes we deserve a real treat.

Families With Kids

Raising two kids in Spain taught me one thing: it's a paradise for traveling families, if you know where to go. In this category you'll find experiences with kids in Spanish cities, hidden water parks in Costa Dorada, and hotels that understand what a family needs. I write about places where kids can run free while you sip wine in the square. What my kids loved is here, and what turned into a logistical nightmare, I warn you about in advance. And a personal note: don't be scared of the big cities, but the real magic is in the villages.

Hotels and Apartments Worth Knowing

Where you sleep shapes the whole feel of the trip. Living here gave me a hobby (some would call it an obsession) of digging through Booking and apartment sites until I find the real gems. Not just the ones that photograph well, but the ones in a good location at a fair price. Whether you're after boutique hotels in Barcelona, vacation apartments in Madrid, or even recommendations outside Spain, I focus on design, service, and value. These are places I'd send my closest friends to. And the recommendations get updated every year, because even a good place can slip.

What's New in Spanish Travel

The world changes, and so does tourism in Spain. I like keeping a finger on the pulse: from shifts in rental laws to conferences like the Future Travel Summit in Barcelona. I also write about overtourism and its impact on the big cities, and how to travel more responsibly and pleasantly. A place that was a secret two years ago is packed today, and I'm here to point you toward what's next.

Why Trust a Local

There's endless information online, and the problem is the lack of filtering. Most big sites run translated content or sponsored pieces. This blog is different at its core: no paid articles, no partnerships dictating what I write, full transparency. I know when restaurants actually open (not what Google says), when it's worth booking tickets, and if a place has become a tourist trap I'll write it without hesitation. Credibility is my most valuable asset.

How to Choose a Region for Your Next Trip

Mostly it depends on the season and your style. Want sun and unique beaches? Mallorca or Menorca. A mountain and green-scenery person? Northern Spain, Galicia, Asturias, and the Pyrenees. My tip: look at the photos on the blog. Wherever your heart is drawn, that's where the next trip should be.

Mistakes Tourists Keep Making

The most common one: trying to do everything fast. Spain is a siesta country, take your time. The second: booking a hotel in the loudest part of central Barcelona or Madrid without knowing the surrounding neighborhoods. That's exactly why the blog has accommodation recommendations, so you sleep somewhere that feels like home, not a train station.

Saving Without Compromising

You can travel Spain on a high budget, and you can also have a wonderful time saving smartly. I recommend when to take the train and when to rent, where to eat a worthwhile Menú del día, and which apartments let you cook now and then. Local knowledge saves you a lot of money and a lot of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What sets this blog apart?

Mainly that I live in Spain. The information isn't from a week-long trip but from years of living here, and I don't get paid for recommendations.

How do I find recommendations for a specific destination?

The site is organized by region (Barcelona, Madrid, Andalusia) and by topic (kids, accommodation, food). Just use the navigation menu.

Who writes the recommendations?

I do. Inbal, a photographer and writer, living in Barcelona since 2017 with my family. Every word was written by me.

Are there vegetarian and vegan recommendations?

Yes, as a vegetarian this is a big part of the blog. I look for quality options in every destination.

Which regions are covered in the most depth?

Catalonia is closest to home: Barcelona, Costa Brava, and the Pyrenees. But Madrid, Andalusia, the Balearics, and the north get detailed guides too.

Can I reach out with a personal question?

Always. I try to answer every comment, and if the question is complex there's a personal consultation service too.

Want a specific recommendation or help planning? Leave a comment or send me a message.