Top 5 Things to Do in Barcelona
Ciutadella Park in Barcelona, Spain. Image by Enric
Barcelona is the capital of Spain’s Catalonia region and is well known as a popular international destination for travelers. The city is full of beautiful architecture, captivating art, deep Catalan culture, and so much more. Below are five things to do for anyone wanting to experience the most popular attractions in Barcelona.
La Sagrada Familia
La Sagrada Familia by Enrico
Catalan architect Antoní Gaudi is responsible for this architectural blend of nature and religion, which has been in construction for over 140 years!
The Holy Family, La Sagrada Familia, is the world's largest unfinished Roman Catholic church. Known to many as the number one sight to see in Barcelona, attracting locals and tourists worldwide.
Antoní believed in blending god and nature, so the architecture features natural shapes and curves complimented by beautiful stained glass windows. The church style has roots in Art Nouveau, Catalan Modernism, and Spanish Late Gothic design.
Casa Batlló
Casa Batlló by Max
Casa Batlló is another of Antoní´s genius architectural projects and another UNESCO World Heritage site. It is located in the center of Barcelona, at number 43 on Paseo de Gracia.
You can enjoy The iconic roof terrace view, walk down the Japanese-designed descent to the basement, or just admire the nature-inspired art of Antoní.
Unlike La Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló is finished so you can see the full extent of Antoní´s nature-inspired artistic vision. Here is the official website for learning more or buying tickets.
did I forget to mention that the roof tiles are dragon scales? This building is just full of surprises!
La Rambla
Arch de Triomf by Cosmin
La Rambla is a large boulevard located in the city center of Barcelona. It is full of lovely Barcelona activities. The above picture shows Arch de Triomf, a wonderful arch surrounded by trees along the walkway.
You can also enjoy watching the traditional Spanish flamenco dance, listening to live music, eating at restaurants, and seeing human statues. The Christopher Columbus monument is a neat attraction as well.
La Rambla is pedestrianized, so there is no need to worry about car traffic. This seems to be a common theme among many attractions in Spain.
Park Güell
Park Güell by Mehmet
If you get tired of the urban areas of Barcelona, you should make a trip to the relaxing Park Güell. Here you can take a peaceful walk through the beautiful gardens and appreciate nature. It also features architectural pieces and is another world heritage site.
Following the people first theme that is so popular throughout Spain, Some of the surrounding streets have been turned into pedestrian precincts.
The park is a perfect relaxing getaway from the busy Barcelona life, but it also features some architectural monuments. Scale the dragon stairway, view the city's heart from the Greek Theatre, or check out the weekly market in the Hypostyle room.
Gothic Quarter
Cathedral de Barcelona by Bruno
The Gothic Quarter, Barrio Gotic, has Medieval streets filled with bars, clubs, Catalan restaurants, and anything you're looking for. It used to be the Roman village of Barcino.
Roman ruins, medieval monuments, churches, cobbled lanes, and wide walking areas like the Placa Reial can be found in this historical location.
Top 5 Things to Do in Valencia
Image by Ana
Valencia has Everything you want for exploring a new city: museums, art, science, culture, food, and history. It is known for the arts and sciences, featuring old and new astounding architecture that will keep any traveler wanting to return for more. Below are a few things to enjoy when you visit this wonderful city!
City of Arts and Sciences
Image by Pixabay
One of Valencia's most popular tourist attractions, the City of the Arts and Sciences, is a must-see.
The City of the Arts and Sciences was started in July 1996 and designed by Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela.
You will discover architecture at the forefront of a futuristic design, They feature smooth curved shapes and daring designs. Reflective pools serve as a nice compliment to the already unique designs.
The architecture of the city complex is only part of the fun, there are plenty of activities and attractions to enjoy inside. There are six major areas with activities to do related to science, nature, and art.
You could watch intriguing movies in the IMAX cinema, interact with hands-on scientific exhibits in the science museum, or walk through the 14,000 square meters of the umbracle, which contains gardens featuring Mediterranean species.
Oceanogràfic
Image by mjimages
The Oceanogràfic is part of the City of Arts and Sciences. You can experience the largest aquarium in Europe while being underground!
The Oceanogràfic has over 500 different Mediterranean species spread out over several areas separated into different ecosystems. These ecosystems are the Mediterranean, Wetlands, Temperate and Tropical Seas, Oceans, the Antarctic, the Arctic, Islands, the Red Sea, and the Dolphinarium.
There are many activities here for both professionals and the general public. Sleeping with the sharks, beluga whales, and sealion activities are just a few available to you.
If you are craving Spanish food, go ahead and rest at the underground restaurant and appreciate the spectacular roofs designed by Félix Candela.
Central Market
Image by Themil
Central Market is the largest food market in Europe featuring fresh fruits, vegetables, and food products from the valencia region. The wide selection of food attracts tourists and locals alike, but the encompassing building is also part of the attraction.
The structure features iron columns, stained glass, and decorative tiles. When you step inside, you will notice a spacious interior with many food stands.
La Lonja de Seda
La lonja de Seda (the silk exchange) was part of the silk trade in the 15th and 16th centuries and is a world heritage site. The grandeur of this building makes it easy to understand the importance it had during the silk trade for the Mediterranean merchants.
It is a masterpiece of European Gothic art and a monument to the golden age of Valencia as a major trade and cultural center for Europe.
The great hall has wide open spaces for shops and features large artistic pillars reaching the ceiling.
Las Fallas festival
From the 1st to 19th of March, Las Fallas festival is a beautiful and satirical festival that marks the beginning of Spring. Las Fallas originated as an old carpenter’s tradition. They would celebrate the arrival of spring by burning their wood for holding up their lights during winter. It has slowly turned into the colorful and somewhat silly celebration it is today.
The huge cardboard Ninots with various themes are a gem to witness, although don’t be shocked when you see them burned to a crisp in Cremà.
There are many different activities to do ranging from cultural to not cultural, music, art, food, religious acts, and so much more. There are so many things to do and see it is quite difficult to put it into words; come and see for yourself!
Valencia is a wonderful city with so many things to do and is widely considered a great place to visit for an authentic Spanish cultural experience.
Today we went over five popular activities to do in Valencia: visiting the City of Arts and Sciences, appreciating the sea life at the Oceanogràfic, tasting delicious fresh produce from the central market, passing through the great hall of La longa de seda, and gazing upon the satirical Ninots. There is plenty more to see,
Spain´s Three-Michelin-Star Restaurants
Image by Ruslan
Spain has close to 10% of michelin stars awarded around the world, that is an impressive stat for any country to have. In this post we will go over all of the three-michelin-star restaurants in Spain. There are eleven in total, listed for you below:
Abac
ABaC has a strong focus on Tradition, Modernity, and Product. The food here is unique and can’t be found anywhere else in the world. with menu items like “Calcinated roots, seeds and bark, chervil horchata, smoked escamorza, and preserved truffles,” Your taste buds will thank you for trying one of Jordi Cruz’s award-winning dishes created with tenacity, passion, and constancy.
Akelarre
Akelarre has an impressive design and fantastic sea views. You can brace your taste buds knowing Pedro Subijana is leading a skilled and reliable team whose members have worked alongside Pedro for years.
You can Enjoy Modern Mediterranean dishes such as baby squid on tomatoes and peppers, with Añana salt.
Aponiente
Ángel León is the master of this wonderful restaurant and has a culinary obsession with the sea. Aponiente features a green star as well for Gastronomy and sustainability. He cares deeply for the environment and hopes to inspire others to do so.
Aponiente features an ocean-inspired menu of seafood.
Arzak
Juan Mari Arzak and Elena Arzak run this family-fun restaurant, Specializing in modern Basque fare. Arzak dishes resemble Mediterranean cuisine but are more likely to include hot peppers than what you are used to.
Azurmendi
Contemporary, elegantly plated basque dishes on a beautiful hilltop with a sustainable ethos.
The Azurmendi restaurant was designed with sustainability in mind, which is evident from its winning of the sustainable restaurant award of 2018. Eneko Atxa is the head chef of Azurmendi. He cares deeply for food and sustainability.
Cenador de Amos
located in Cantabria, Cenador de Amos features contemporary dishes with wine pairings.
Jesus Sanchez is the master chef behind what he calls a way of life. He is loyal to Cantabrian cuisine, an autonomous region in northern Spain.
Diverxo
Diverxo, located in Madrid, is a wacky adventure into Daviz Muñoz's culinary world. You can experience high-end and experimental ideas in a sleek dining room.
El Celler de Can Roca
Celler de Can Roca is run by three brothers, the Roca family. They love to craft Catalan-inspired dishes with their own ideas mixed in. You feel the at-home experience here; their mother cooks the staff meals daily!
Martín Berasategui
Martín Berasategui is a famous restaurant located in Lasarte-Oria. They feature Basque cuisine, which has won a staggering 10 Michelin stars.
Try some crispy black pudding, vegetable hearts salad with seafood, and some Luismi sirloin grilled on a bed of chard chlorophyll and cheese bonbon. That sounds like a palet adventure worth going on!
Lasarte
If you want an unforgettable gastronomic experience, come to Lasarte in Barcelona. Paolo Casagrande will whip together one of the best dishes you have ever tasted. The Lasarte menu is a basque-inspired culinary masterpiece in which Paola combines the flavors and aromas of his home country.
You could start your dining experience with a lamb shoulder with aubergine miso, crispy sweetbread, and spicy juice, and then end it with a decadent ginger and passion fruit sorbet with coconut and carrot.
Quique Dacosta
Quique Dacosta, located in Denia, Alicante, is a wonderful restaurant named after the creator himself. Dacota uses only locally sourced ingredients located within 75 km of his restaurant. Quinque Dacosta features pleasant dining rooms with culinary influences from art and architecture. You can expect common and unusual seasonal produce to be on the menu.
Today we went over the three-Michelin-starred restaurants located in Spain. Take a chance to eat at any of these beautiful places that inspire both in and outside the culinary world.
Top Five Spanish Dishes you Must try
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One of the best ways to experience new cultures is to try their local cuisine. The Mediterranean Diet enjoyed by Spaniards is simply part of their culture; What a wonderful food culture! Below are five popular dishes you should eat when visiting Spain.
Paella
Image by stefanie baeskau
Paella is a legendary rice dish derived from the Old French word Paelle for “pan.” It's authentic and arguably the most well-known dish in Spain. Paella is originally from Valencia, but it’s eaten all over the country.
You can make a delicious, authentic paella with simple ingredients like rice, chicken, saffron, vegetables, and seafood. It will make a great addition to your international collection of recipes. If you want to be authentic, you can have it with snails! Farmers would make traditional paella with rice and local ingredients, which could include snails.
Depending on where you go, paella can be quite different, but the two main versions are traditional Valencian and seafood paella.
You can pair this tasty meal with a casual dinner night or romantic date night. Parties are also a great option!
Gazpacho
Image by amoraio
If you are a fan of tomato puree-based recipes, you will adore gazpacho! It's one of my personal favorites.
You can think of gazpacho as a tomato-based puree with a few additional ingredients. It is quite simple, you just need to head to the produce section and grab some tomatoes, peppers, garlic, bread, and of course, olive oil. Preparation is easy, simply blend the vegetables and peppers and add the oil.
Before serving, strain the puree to remove any small unpleasant bits. That's it! Quick, easy, and healthy.
gazpacho can be eaten at any time during the day and with any meal; no reason to restrict yourself.
Tortilla Española
Image by Vecteezy
Do you know of any dish that can be eaten as a snack, appetizer, and main course; that can be served hot or cold; that's composed of only a few essential ingredients?
Look no further than The Spanish Egg and Potato Omelette (tortilla española.) This lovely dish will be a delightful addition to your breakfast collection.
First, Simply slow fry the potatoes and onions in olive oil, Then mix with beaten eggs to create a tasty Spanish Omelette. If you’re feeling adventurous, add some chorizo and ham, maybe even spinach, if you want a healthy boost.
Patatas Bravas
Image by May_hokkaido
Patatas bravas (spicy potatoes) are an interesting staple dish in Spain. Why are they interesting, you ask? Well, Contrary to what you might think, Spicy foods are not the norm in Spain.
Some locals insist that you can tell the quality of a place by the quality of their patatas bravas, which is an incredibly cheap and simple recipe to make. The recipe is fairly straightforward, just cut up some potatoes, shallow fry them, and then cover the potatoes in spicy sauce.
Spicy potatoes are a popular tapa option all around Spain. You can find patatas bravas in any tapas bar.
Jamon Iberico
Image by Ben_Kerckx
Iberian ham (jamón ibérico) Is a famous Spanish tradition and one of the most popular tourist foods! Iberian ham is also quite accessible, it’s available in sausage shops, supermarkets, and grocery stores. Similar to paella and tortilla española (Spanish egg and potato omelet), Spanish ham is a staple that you must try!
If you want to try jamon iberico in the comfort of your own home, you can order it on Amazon. Spanish ham can cost a few hundred dollars, though, depending on the size.
Spanish food culture is a delicious cuisine option. There are so many tasty dishes, you can start with tortilla española for breakfast, some delicious paella for lunch, and then finish off the day with a tomatoey gazpacho for dinner!
How to Save Money on Flights
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Saving money on plane flights is essential for frequent travelers, but anyone flying can benefit from these tips. In addition to saving money, you can earn hundreds of dollars for free by using these popular methods. Today, we will dive into three easy ways to save and earn cash when traveling.
Chase Sapphire Preferred
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is a fantastic card with tons of benefits. Let's dig into the tasty details down below.
Earn a Free $750
Yep, $750 for free is no joke! Well, the card does have a $95 annual fee, so it is not entirely free, but That return on value is just wild. There is one requirement to satisfy before getting your hands on the bonus; You'll have to spend $4000 within the first three months of your sign-on date.
Rack up Those Points
After getting the 60,000 bonus points as a sign-on bonus as described above, you can turn your attention to the generous point multipliers:
5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
5x on Lyft rides
3x dining at restaurants, delivery services, take out, select streaming services, online grocery purchases
2x on all other travel purchases like airfare, hotels, taxis, and trains
1x for each dollar spent on other purchases
Benefits Benefits Benefits
In addition to the point multipliers, there are many benefits to using the Sapphire Preferred card:
$50 annual Rewards for hotel stays purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
$10 monthly credit for Gopuff purchases
Complimentary access to DashPass includes zero delivery fees and lower service fees for DoorDash and Caviar.
10% anniversary points for purchases of the previous year.
25% more value on travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
No foreign transaction fees
1 to 1 point transfer for airline and hotel loyalty programs.
My Chase Plan: Eligible members can pay monthly payments for purchases of $100 or more
24/7 customer service
Travel and purchase protection benefits like trip cancellation
Loyalty Programs
Loyalty programs like the AAdvantage program are great ways to earn free rewards by buying flights. Make sure you sign up for the program on the airline website and sign in whenever you are flying to build up miles and loyalty points. These programs are usually free to join, so there is no paywall to start reaping the benefits.
They come with many perks:
Flights to almost any destination around the world
Upgrades
Vacations, car rentals, hotels
Point Stacking
Ok, now we know two different methods for earning points on flights. You are probably wondering if you can stack them. Can you buy a ticket with your reward credit card and sign in to a loyalty program to get more free miles? The answer is an astounding yes!
Membership Levels
It is good to note that the membership programs usually have different membership status levels depending on how many points you earn. For AAdvantage, the requirements are as follows:
AAdvantage Gold oneworld Ruby: 30,000 points
AAdvantage Platinum oneworld Sapphire: 75,000 points
AAdvantage Platinum Pro oneworld Emerald: 125,000
AAdvantage Executive Platinum oneworld Emerald: 200,000
Some rewards for achieving a higher membership level include increased mileage points for purchases, upgrades, and even companion upgrades for friends and family. Different airline programs will vary, so you can investigate and see what perks work best for you.
Avoid Luggage Fees
Luggage is not always needed, in fact, I believe most trips are short enough to deem it not necessary.
Luggage Can be a Pain
A terrible way to lose unnecessary cash is to pay for luggage fees when you don't have to. You can avoid extra fees if you purchase a quality carry-on bag capable of carrying more belongings.
Airlines are also capable of making terrible mistakes with luggage. I've been a victim of airline negligence and know plenty of people who have had their bags misplaced or lost.
When I traveled to Bogota, Colombia, The airline forgot to place my checked bag on the plane and told me I could not leave the country without my bag. The employees forced me to miss my flight.
You can imagine my shock and discomfort at that moment. I had to stay the night in the airport while they rebooked my flight, which was not fun!
Get a Travel Backpack
I purchased the Travel Backpack 45L to help me avoid luggage fees while traveling in comfort. The 45Ls give you plenty of space to pack everything you need, from oversized jackets to camera equipment.
The Peak Design bag is also quite comfortable. The stowable hip belt and sternum strap go a long way to make your treks more enjoyable. The backpack also collapses to a 35L day bag when you want to travel light.
If you are traveling with vulnerable items like cameras, clothing, and laptops, you know how important it is to have a weather-resistant bag to store your belongings. I can't tell you how often this travel backpack has saved my belongings from being soaked. The bag will encase your items in a Weatherproof nylon canvas shell that will protect anything inside, so you don’t have to worry.
I hope these tips help you save some money on your next flight. You might even save enough to book a second vacation. Who knows what could happen? Today we learned about saving money by getting a rewards travel card, using airline loyalty programs, and avoiding luggage fees by purchasing a travel backpack. If you are not using these methods to save money on flights, the best time to start is today!
Quick Guide to Valencia Transport
Today we will learn how to utilize public transportation to get around in the birthplace of the paella: The beautiful city of Valencia, Spain. Valencia is the city of arts and sciences, well known for wonderful sites such as the Valencia Cathedral, Old Town, Central Market, and many more. Here is a useful link for various public transport services available to you. Luckily for you, I have put together a brief guide on how to use the various forms of public transportation in Valencia:
Bus
Riding by bus is a great way to explore middle and long distances, whilst enjoying the scenery passing you by. Taking the bus will require you to pay close attention to where you are because you may not know where to get off. Understanding the route beforehand and using a GPS can be very helpful.
Valencia buses operate under the public bus networks of the city (EMT) and interurban (Metrobus). A single trip EMT bus ticket with no transfers will cost 1,50 €, the ticket can be purchased using the EMTicket app. The Valencia tourist card is another option if you are visiting Spain, this card will allow you to have unlimited rides for 24hrs (15 €) 48hrs (20€), or 72 hrs (25€) depending on what you want and transfers included. The tourist card will allow you to use urban and metropolitan buses. Here is a map that shows the routes.
Metro
Valencia's metro system is run by Metrovalencia and has ten lines with 142 stations. You can use the Metrovalencia map to assist your planning. An individual metro ticket can be 1.50€, 2.80€, or 4.80€ for one, two, or three zones respectively. There are many different fares for using the metro, here you can find information on the different ways to pay for a metro ticket.
You will need to decide for yourself what the best option is. If you have decision paralysis with so many choices, you can focus on one of three common options: SUMA 10, Single Ticket, and the Valencia tourist card.
High-Speed Train
The high-speed trains of Spain will allow you to commute between major cities like Valencia, Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, etc. Train tickets can cost anywhere from $16 to $100 depending on when and how you buy a ticket. Renfe is Spain’s national railway company that offers many options for purchasing tickets.
Be sure to check out my article: High-Speed Trains of Spain if you want to learn more about utilizing the high-speed rail system of Spain.
Taxi
While most locals like to walk, cycle, or take the metro, taking a taxi can be useful late at night. The cost of a taxi will depend on what time of day and how far the trip is. The price per km will be about 1.08 € - 1.18 €. With taxis, there is a minimum fee, start price of the journey, and additional costs for luggage and riding to/from the airport.
To get a hold of a taxi, you can use an app called Cabify, wave down a taxi with a green light, visit a taxi stand, or call for a taxi.
Walk
Spaniards love walking, and with good reason! Valencia is a very walkable city with tons of options to get around. Many people say that getting around by car can be difficult because parking has many difficulties. Many ex-pats go even further to say owning a car in Valencia is unnecessary. Valencia is a compact city. Even though it has a total area of about 134 km2, getting around by walking is very common, below are a few reasons why:
Plenty of parks and public spaces
Streets full of beautiful architecture designed for walkers, cyclists, and transit
Access to a wide variety of nearby businesses/services
One of the best public transportation systems in the world and
Valencia is a safe city, plenty of people are active all day and even late at night
Bike
Valencia is a bike-friendly city that is perfect for cruising around. The city center even has a speed limit for vehicles to keep cyclers safe, which is 30 kilometers per hour. The old course of the Turia River is a garden that cuts through the urban center of Valencia, it’s perfect for spinning your wheels or going for a nice relaxing walk. There are over 156 kilometers of cycle paths for visitors to enjoy, so the options are there. All you have to do is start exploring! If you want to rent a bike, look no further than Valenbisi.
In Valencia, there are so many options for commuting, it really is something special. If you are from a city that puts cars at the forefront of city planning, you know how difficult it can be live life without a car. the simplest things can be difficult and expensive, especially with rising gas prices. So, when you visit Valencia, I challenge you to take full advantage of the public transport. You could Go for a stroll along the Turia River, read a book while riding the metro, appreciate the Spanish architecture while peering out a bus window, and wonder why you didn’t visit sooner.
Next Sunday, we will look at how to save money on flights.
High Speed Trains of Spain
Image by vlada11
The high-speed trains of Spain are a must-see. The entire country is connected by a modern and well-developed public transportation network. After visiting the famous stations of this beautiful country, you will understand why the public transit systems of Spain are some of the best in the world. Below is information I gathered about the high-speed train system of Spain, operated by Renfe:
What is Renfe?
The high-speed train system of Spain is well known for being one of the best in the world. Imagine riding from Madrid to Barcelona, a 314-mile journey, in 2 hours and 30 minutes. You would be traveling over 180 miles per hour; That’s fast! You can thank the state-owned railway company in Spain known as Renfe. Trainline.com states that:
“Renfe is Spain’s national railway company, running most regional and high-speed AVE trains on the country’s extensive railway system. It’s easy to visit the biggest Spanish cities on the AVE train, such as Barcelona, Madrid and Seville.”
Alta Velocidad Española (AVE) is a high-speed rail service operating in Spain and run by Renfre. If you are planning to use any high-speed trains you will probably be cruising on a Renfe train. Using the Renfe trains, you can travel Most of the country using a simple train ticket.
Two train services to be aware of are Avant and Alvia. Avant trains are for short, and medium-distance travels with limited stops. These trains operate on the same lines as high-speed AVE trains. Rides are usually less than 2 hours, and popular destinations include Madrid, Barcelona, and Cordoba. Alvia trains on the other hand can operate both the high-speed and normal rail networks.
On the Train
Ok, so you know what a high-speed train is, but what is it like riding in one? You will be happy to know the trains are quite comfortable to ride. The type of amenities you can enjoy differ per train and route, but you can expect the following:
Air conditioning
Audio System
Bar
Child supervision
Children’s play area
Coffee bar
Disabled facilities
Newspapers/magazines
Power sockets
Restaurant/bistro
Video screens
How to Use the High-Speed Trains
The next step is understanding how to use this public transportation system. Below we will dive into a few interesting topics on using the high-speed train system in Spain.
How Much is a Train Ticket?
I looked up ticket prices at different times and found some pretty good deals. A one-way from Madrid to Valencia could be as low as $16 if you book a few months out. Last-minute purchases will raise the prices drastically; I’ve seen some tickets for around $100. The farther out you plan, the cheaper your tickets will be. It is important to remember that getting a Renfe Spain Pass or an EU rail pass might be a better option if you use the trains frequently. These passes can range anywhere from $100 to a few hundred dollars depending on how many days and what class you want.
How to Book a Ticket
If you are looking to purchase a ticket, here are a few options:
These websites all connect to Renfe’s ticketing system and sell the same trains at the same prices. If you want to buy the cheapest ticket possible, you should avoid rail passes and just buy your train ticket in advance. Rail passes will allow you to use whatever train you want without planning ahead.
Train Routes
Image by Trainline
You will be happy to know that all the major cities of Spain are easily accessible through the high-speed train network. The train network branches out from the central hub located in Madrid. To assist you in planning your travels, I have found a train route map that details all the Renfe routes in Spain. I hope this route information is useful to you!
Stations
Spain's main hub stations are Madrid Puerta de Atocha, Barcelona Sants, Irun, and Portbou. These main stations will allow visitors to explore Spain´s main cities and international locations.
Next week we will explore the actual birthplace of the paella. If you are interested in using a quick guide to Valencia transport, you will not want to miss it!
Spain Visa Options
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Spain is one of the world's most visited countries, with good reason. The Spanish people's art, beautiful cities, and relaxed attitude draw many visitors. Many different visas can be obtained depending on your situation. It is important to note that visa-exempt countries do not need a visa to visit.
Visa Exempt Countries
Certain countries do not need a visa to visit Spain. Visa-exempt countries include the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Argentina, and Japan.
EU Citizen
EU citizens can travel, work, and study in Spain without a visa. Talk about a great deal for citizens of the EU!
Different Types of Visas
There are many different types of visas for Spain depending on where you are coming from. Whether you are a traveler looking for a relaxing vacation, a sophisticated business person tired of hustle culture, or perhaps a student looking to expand their knowledge horizons, Spain has a visa for you.
Schengen visa
The Schengen visa is the coolest visa I have ever seen. Since the late 1950s, the EU has been trying to break down internal barriers to trade and travel. The Schengen visa is the answer to enabling European Citizens (and some other close friends) to travel between borders freely! A few of these countries include Spain, Italy, France, Germany, and the list goes on. It is important to note that Spain does not have an individual tourist visa. You will have to apply for a Schengen Tourist Visa, but only if you are not from a visa-exempt country.
Work Visa
If you are not an EU citizen, you will need a Work Visa to live and work in Spain. There are various types of Work Visas for Spain, a few are listed below:
Long-term Work Visas
Seasonal Work Visas
Au Pair Visas
EU Blue Card
There are many types of Work Visas that you can apply for, most require an application to your local Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country. For certain types of visas, your employer makes the initial application on your behalf.
Working as a highly-skilled employee is one option if your job is listed as a ‘Shortage Occupation.’ You may also consider Seasonal and self-employed/freelance work. The self-employed/freelance work visa is valid for one year but can be renewed if the requirements are met. Requirements are as follows:
Proof of sufficient finances to support yourself
Proof of relevant skills and experience
A business plan (if applicable)
Any contracts or commissions from companies
Any required licenses or registrations
The EU Blue Card is for those who have completed at least three years of higher education in a skilled profession or those with five years of professional experience at a high level.
Au Pairs live with a host family, participate in childcare, and become part of the host family for a short time.
Student Visa
Spain is a great choice for education with some of the world's best and most affordable universities. Once you are accepted to a course or program, you can apply for a student visa. You will be allowed to work up to 20 hours a week for the duration of your studies.
Digital Nomad Visa
The Digital Nomad Visa is an exciting new visa that Spain is supposed to release by September 2022. The visa is supposed to be valid for up to 5 years and includes tax incentives. If you want to know more details on this visa check out my blog post on the Spain Digital Nomad Visa.
Be sure to check back next week when we go over the high-speed trains of Spain, but until then, adiós!
Spain Digital Nomad Visa
The Spain digital nomad visa is a dream come true for the modern nomad. Finally, you can live your dream of waking up to Tapas and Speaking Castilian Spanish daily. In this article, you will find everything you need to know about the Spain Digital Nomad Visa. Below are the key points to save you some time.
What is the Spain nomad visa?
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa is a travel authorization allowing non-EU citizens to live and work in Spain. It is for people who can prove they work online and have a stable income. Please note the visa is a work in progress.
How long is the visa valid for?
The draft law (Startup Act) states that:
“Another step forward is in relation to the figure of “digital nomads,” entrepreneurs and remote workers that settle in Spain. These individuals will have the option of residing and working in Spain for five years, and will be eligible for a special tax regime, paying Non-Resident Income Tax.” - draft Startup Law
As reported by the statement above, the visa will be issued for five years. Keep in mind this is a draft version of the law and is subject to change.
Will I pay taxes?
I am sad to say that yes you will have to pay taxes however, there is a tax reduction!
“Significant tax measures are introduced, such as a reduction in Corporate Tax and in Non-Resident Income Tax (which drops from 25% to 15%) for four years, as well as interests and deposit-free deferral of tax debt payments.” - draft Startup Law
The corporate and non-resident income tax will be reduced from 25% to 15% for the first four years. That sounds like a deal to me; 25 is a large number…
What are the requirements?
There are a few things to be aware of to be eligible to apply. below is a comprehensive list of requirements you must satisfy:
Be a Non-EU citizen
Be a remote worker
Meet financial requirements set out by the Spain Government
Employed by a foreign company, that company cannot be located in Spain
Most visa applications will require the submission of common documents relevant to the application. These documents are not officially announced but most likely will include:
Employment contract
Letter from employer
Bank account statements
Declaration letter stating you plan to work and live in Spain
Proof of accommodation for the duration of stay
Right now you should be itching to get your hands on an application but do not worry. The answer to the question that has been bothering you since you opened this article is below.
When can I apply?
The Spain Nomad Visa is not ready just yet. However, it is set to be released in September at the latest. Let's hope they stick to that release date. Be sure to follow my blog to be the first to know when new information is out. If you cannot wait for the visa to be released, you're in luck. There are more options available! Next week we will take a look at more Spain visa options. Be sure to check back to learn about other visa options available to you.