Falling in Love with Spain: Our 10-Week Slow Travel Adventure

This past summer and fall, Jeff and I embarked on a 10-week slow travel journey through Spain, and it was an absolute dream! From the stunning volcanic landscapes of Tenerife to the vibrant culture of Andalusia, Spain captivated us with its beauty, affordability, and warm hospitality.

Tenerife: Island Life at its Best

We started our adventure in Puerto de la Cruz, a charming town on the north coast of Tenerife in the Canary Islands. The weather in August was perfect – sunny and warm with a refreshing breeze. We spent our days exploring the volcanic landscapes of Teide National Park, relaxing on black sand beaches, and wandering through the colorful streets of the old town. We found a great hotel through Booking.com that was perfect for our month-long stay. It was centrally located, had a balcony with amazing views, and even had a rooftop pool!

Torrevieja: A Home Away from Home

After a month in Tenerife, we headed to mainland Spain for a home exchange in Torrevieja. We found the perfect exchange partner on HomeExchange.com. This bustling coastal town on the Costa Blanca was the perfect base for exploring the region and catching up with family and friends. We even had a mini-reunion with some British friends we’d met during our travels in Bulgaria!

Torrevieja surprised us with its affordability. Compared to both Los Angeles and Mazatlán, living costs were incredibly low. We enjoyed delicious meals at local restaurants, strolled along the lively promenade, and soaked up the sun on the beautiful beaches.

Andalusian Adventures: Tapas, History, and Charm

Our next stop was Andalusia, where we experienced the magic of Seville through home exchange. We were captivated by Seville’s stunning architecture, vibrant flamenco culture, and delicious tapas. In Madrid, we explored world-class museums, strolled through grand plazas, and enjoyed the city’s lively atmosphere.

We also took day trips to Cordoba, Granada, and other charming towns, immersing ourselves in the region’s rich history and culture. We booked some fantastic tours through Viator and GetYourGuide.com including a guided tour of the Alhambra in Granada and a flamenco show in Seville. The “Menú del Día” lunch specials were a fantastic value, offering a complete meal with drinks for under €14.

Reflections on Spain

Our 10 weeks in Spain flew by, filled with unforgettable experiences and heartwarming encounters. We were consistently impressed by the friendly locals, the delicious food, and the beautiful weather. The cost of living was surprisingly affordable, especially compared to other parts of Europe and even our home base in Mexico.

Spain’s excellent transportation system made it easy to explore the country by bus and train. We used Omio.com to compare and book our train and bus tickets, which saved us time and money. We enjoyed scenic journeys through diverse landscapes, from the rugged mountains of Tenerife to the sun-drenched plains of Andalusia. We flew back to Mexico from Madrid utilizing credit card miles. You can review the cards we recommend here:

Tips for Fellow Travelers:

• Embrace Slow Travel: Take your time to explore each destination, savor the local culture, and avoid rushing from one place to the next.
• Consider TrustedHousesitters: Great way to score accommodations in exchange for pet sitting.
• Consider Home Exchanges: This is a fantastic way to experience a destination like a local and save on accommodation costs.
• Utilize Public Transportation: Spain has an excellent network of buses and trains, making it easy and affordable to get around.
• Enjoy the Local Cuisine: Spain offers a wealth of culinary delights, from tapas to paella to regional specialties. Don’t be afraid to try new things!
• Learn some basic Spanish: While English is spoken in tourist areas, knowing a few Spanish phrases can enhance your experience and interactions with locals. You can get started with Babbel or RosettaStone.com .
• We recommend travel and health insurance provided by World Nomads which offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world.

Our 10-week adventure in Spain was a testament to the joys of slow travel and the affordability of exploring new cultures in retirement. We highly recommend Spain as a destination for those seeking a rich and rewarding travel experience.

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