Three words come to mind when describing Sanlúcar de Barrameda: bueno, bonito y barato—good, beautiful and cheap! 😉 I moved to Sanlúcar over 10 years ago, and this post contains my go-to list of free activities for when family and friends come to visit. If you’ve got any suggestions on other activities I should add to my…
Travel in Spain
Cadizfornia with kids: Visiting Sotogrande, Castellar, Tarifa & El Palmar
“Am I brave, or just insane?” I thought to myself as I hauled my 20-month-old son up the side of a cliff in Tarifa at midnight. We were walking back to our amazing rental and the “10 minute walk to the center” advertised on the website seemed to be more of a hike than I’d…
What to know before attending the Pasarela Flamenca in Jerez
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Pasarela Flamenca in Jerez de la Frontera. The event takes place mid-February every year at the beautiful González Byass Bodega (Tío Pepe). Over 14,000 people attend the Pasarela Flamenca from Thursday to Sunday; it’s ideal for anyone looking to learn more about flamenco culture and the local…
3 Day getaway to Barceló Punta Umbria Beach Resort with babies
With 13 month-old-twins, Javi and I are looking for “easy” travel destinations these days; places that are a short drive away, feature flat landscape (i.e. stroller-friendly), and have outdoor attractions to see. Luckily we live in Sanlúcar de Barrameda, which means there are lots of great places nearby. We decided to book a few nights…
U.S. travelers: What you should know before visiting Spain during COVID-19
Spain’s borders opened to international travelers this June and you best believe my parents were on the first flight out. Although we were excited they could finally visit us (and the babies) after months of waiting, the requirements for U.S. travelers going to and from Spain are confusing. That being said, they are much more lenient…
4 Day road trip through Extremadura: Mérida, Trujillo, Cáceres, Elvas, Zafra
I’ve just returned from a road trip through Extremadura with my family. We planned our visit during Holy Week (Easter) and were able to see religious processions in several different cities. The weather is unpredictable in spring but we got lucky with clouds and cool temperatures—perfect for exploring! The trip lasted 4 days, 3 nights…
2 Beautiful towns you’ve got to see in the Sierra de Cádiz (pet-friendly)
Javi and I enjoyed a weekend escape to the beautiful Sierra de Cádiz with our dog Pubma this October. Although I’ve been to El Chorro, Jubrique, Vejer, Grazalema and El Bosque there’s still so many places to see in the nearby Sierras of Malága and Cádiz! This trip we visited two new towns; Setenil de las…
Itinerary ideas for a 4 day sailing trip from Spain to Portugal
This August I embarked on a sailing trip from Spain to Portugal with my husband and his family. The journey took four days and three nights—we traveled from Puerto de Santa Maria, Spain to Albufeira, Portugal and back. We sailed for 36 hours total and spent each night on our 37 foot sailboat. I hope…
Finding flamenco dress inspiration at Pasarela Flamenca Jerez
As feria season approaches women all over Andalusia begin to prepare their flamenco dress or traje de flamenca. Feria season typically lasts from April to September. During this time cities throughout southern Spain are filled with flamenco fashion, music, and festivities as they celebrate their annual fair. Women tend to own numerous flamenco dresses (I…
Pet-friendly getaway to the Serranía de Ronda
Our pet-friendly escape to the Serranía de Ronda this weekend was fantastic. There were no crowds, the weather was perfect, and Pumba (our dog) had an absolute blast. Javi and I bring Pumba to the sierras of Cádiz and Malaga a few times a year…but this recent trip is one of my favorites! We wanted to…