Why Spain?

Spain has always been that special place of happiness for me. From countless family holidays to solo exploring less-touristy regions, there’s something about Spain that just makes me happy!

Maybe it’s the food. Maybe it’s the people. Maybe it’s the stunning architecture. Or maybe it’s the amazing culture. It’s hard to put my finger on it but I can say that I’m always at my happiest when I’ve just stepped off that airplane and onto Spanish soil.

I’ve been to some incredible places in my time and so many countries hold such special memories for me, but Spain just has that ‘it’ factor that for me makes it the perfect destination.

I love that every region has its own distinct culture, food and traditions. It’s kept me coming back to Spain again and again and even after 30+ visits, I am still excited to discover more!

The love I have for Spain is indescribable and I hope that you fall in love with this beautiful country as much as I have!

My Travel Philosophy

I believe the best travel experiences happen when you step away from the guidebook crowds and discover Spain like a local.

Don’t get me wrong – Madrid’s Prado Museum and Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia are incredible and absolutely worth visiting. But some of my most treasured Spanish memories come from stumbling upon a tiny village festival in Extremadura, sharing tapas with locals in a hole-in-the-wall bar in Seville, or discovering a centuries-old monastery tucked away in the Castilian countryside that most tourists never even know exists.

This is exactly the kind of Spain I want to share with you. Yes, I’ll give you all the essential must-sees, but I’m much more excited to tell you about the family-run restaurant where the abuela still makes paella the way her grandmother taught her, or the viewpoint that offers better sunset views than any famous landmark.

My approach is simple: experience Spain through the eyes of someone who lives there, not just visits. That means eating where locals eat, exploring neighbourhoods that don’t make it onto Instagram, and taking the time to chat with shopkeepers, bartenders, and fellow travellers along the way.

After three decades of exploring every corner of this country, I’ve learned that Spain’s real magic isn’t in checking boxes off a tourist list – it’s in those unexpected moments of connection, discovery, and pure joy that happen when you’re brave enough to wander off the beaten path.

That’s the Spain I fell in love with, and that’s the Spain I’m here to help you discover.

Beyond Spain

While Spain holds my heart, I’ve been fortunate to explore 36 countries across six continents. From bustling Asian markets to European vineyards, from Central American beaches to African safaris – each destination has shaped my understanding of what makes great travel.

But here’s what all this global experience has taught me: the more places I visit, the more I appreciate what makes Spain truly exceptional. Having experienced hospitality worldwide, I can say Spanish warmth is unmatched. Having tasted international cuisines, I still crave perfect jamón ibérico.

My world travels haven’t diminished my love for Spain – they’ve deepened it. They’ve given me the perspective to understand exactly why this country continues to captivate me, and why I’m so passionate about sharing its authentic experiences with you.

Spain isn’t my specialty because it’s all I know – it’s my specialty because, after seeing the world, it’s where I choose to return.

Why I Blog

After three decades of exploring Spain and visiting all 17 autonomous communities, I’ve discovered something that breaks my heart: many travellers are missing out on the real Spain. While millions of visitors flock to Barcelona and Madrid, they’re walking past some of the most extraordinary experiences Europe has to offer.

I’ve watched tourists rush through Toledo in two hours when they could spend days uncovering its layered history, or skip the north entirely, missing out on some of the most authentic Spanish culture and cuisine you’ll find anywhere.

This is exactly why I started this blog. I want to show you the best that Spain has to offer, away from the typical tourist traps, by sharing the food, culture, and unique experiences that each autonomous community brings to the table. My goal is to give you the local recommendations and insider advice that only come from someone who’s spent years building relationships with locals across the country.

More than anything, I hope to inspire you to consider the lesser-visited parts of Spain – places like Asturias with its dramatic coastline and incredible cider culture, or La Rioja where you can cycle through vineyards and stay in wine hotels that most tourists never hear about.

Because here’s what I know after all these years: the Spain that will truly capture your heart isn’t found in the places where everyone else is taking photos. It’s found in those quiet moments – sharing a meal with a family in rural Castilla-La Mancha, discovering a hidden monastery in Galicia, or stumbling upon a village festival that’s been celebrated the same way for centuries.

That’s the Spain I fell in love with, and that’s the Spain I’m here to help you discover.