View of Roque Nublo over pine forest

Best Days Trips from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

The capital city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is a delightful juxtaposition of surf bums and historic buildings. Beachgoers flock to the sandy shores of Las Canteras Beach while cultural enthusiasts roam the winding cobbled streets of the antique Vegueta neighborhood.  While the city boasts its fair share of attractions, from the Gothic towers …

Girl in white shirt and sunglasses looking over Spanish mountain village.

The Most Beautiful Towns in Gran Canaria

The diverse landscape of Gran Canaria is speckled with charming towns, from quaint fishing villages to mountaintop hamlets. Shaped like a nearly perfect circle, this volcanic island belongs to the Spanish archipelago of the Canary Islands. With influences from North Africa, Latin America, and the original Indigenous inhabitants — the Guanche people — the Canary …

Black rocky beach and white and blue restaurants in Puerto de las Nieves

Puerto de las Nieves: What to do in Gran Canaria’s Quaint Port Village

This dazzling little port village is all beauty and high contrast, its striking white and blue buildings shining against the coffee-colored volcanic cliffs and crystal-clear azure waters. Puerto de las Nieves (Port of the Snows) is located on the northwestern coast of Gran Canaria, the third largest of the Canary Islands.  A former fishing village, …

Marina with waterfront restaurants.

Guide to Puerto de Mogán: Gran Canaria’s Magical Beach Town

A sparkling gem is located on the southern coast of striking Gran Canaria — whitewashed houses with colorful trim dripping in vivid bougainvillea, and a bustling harbor with crystal clear water.  Puerto de Mogán is one of the most charming towns in Gran Canaria, and it’s an easy day trip from Las Palmas or the …

Panoramic view of the Bay of Palma seen from Castell de Bellver.

Palma de Mallorca: A Guide for Auxiliares de Conversación

During the 2022-2023 school year, I lived in Palma de Mallorca as an auxiliar de conversación with Meddeas. I fell in love with the island and had an amazing experience living and teaching in Palma. If you’re planning to move to Palma as an aux, or are curious about what it’s like to get settled …

White house decorated with blue ceramic plates and plants in Granada.

Gems of Andalusia: Málaga, Granada, Córdoba, and Seville

Andalusia is an enchanting region of flamenco, Moorish architecture, tapas, and sprawling coastline. As mainland Spain’s southernmost autonomous community, it boasts an arid climate and unmatched sunshine year-round, making it the perfect getaway from winter or springtime blues (but watch out for the scorching summers).  Discover the beauty of these four Andalusian pearls, Málaga, Granada, …

View of ornate facade of the Cathedral of Mallorca at sunset.

10 Things to Do in Palma: The Ultimate Guide to Mallorca’s Capital

If you’re heading to Mallorca, I highly recommend visiting the island’s capital, Palma, which boasts stunning architecture, gastronomy, and a rich history. After nine months in this Mediterranean port city, I’ve curated a list of ten essential things in Palma that you won’t want to miss during your next Mallorcan holiday. (For my favorite things …