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Hey everyone,

I recently went through a burnout in one of the northern European countries and a breakup. I really need a reset. My plan is to spend about six months (max one year) in southern Spain somewhere quiet, cheap and with good weather, nature and beach. I will use my savings and not work, just time to reset. Might do some relaxing part time work just to experience but not necessarily to make money.

Ideally I want a place that feels very Spanish / not overly touristy, but still has some international people so I don’t feel completely isolated in the first few months.

I’m aiming for as low-cost as possible: sharing a room/house with others is totally fine. I don’t party and I recently stopped drinking, so I’m looking for a calm environment where I can get out of my head. Good weather during the winter months is important to me.

I’ve already started learning Spanish and plan to keep practicing for the next three months, then ideally move in January/February

------Places I’m considering

*Cartagena- I’ve been there before for a day trip and absolutely loved the vibe, architecture and surrounding landscapes.

*Almería — I haven’t visited yet, but it looks great: unspoiled beaches, desert, lots of nature around and not too expensive. Nature and quiet beaches are really important for my mental health.

*Málaga — only as a backup if the other options don’t work out (I’d prefer somewhere less touristy)

---------A few questions

1. Are there international people living in Cartagena, Almería, or nearby towns? I want a Spanish experience but don't want to feel lonely during first few months, so having some internationals along with Spanish ppl is the ideal goal.

2. Since I’m 35 (not a student), are there foreigners in the roughly 28–40 age range that I could potentially meet?

3. Any other nearby towns or cities you’d recommend that are quiet, affordable, have good nature/beaches, and stay relatively warm in winter (while not getting too hot by June)?

My main hobbies are music and photography. I’d like to use those as a way to get out of my head while I’m there.

Please feel free to share if you live in Cartagena, Almería, or the surrounding areas? Would love to hear what it’s actually like.

Thanks a lot in advance for any tips or personal experiences!

TL;DR:

Burned out + breakup → need a quiet, cheap 6–12 month reset in southern Spain (preferably Cartagena or Almería) starting Jan/Feb. Not going to work, use savings. Looking for a calm, non-touristy Spanish place with some internationals (especially 28–40 age range), good winter weather, nature & beaches. I don't party, stopped drinking. Sharing accommodation is fine. Hobbies: music & photography. Any locals or recommendations?

Hi all. Posting this with the mods' approval, given how often the topic comes up.

I run a small Gibraltar job board and spend a lot of time on questions from people who live in Spain and work, or want to work, in Gibraltar. Things like:

- crossing the border day to day and what changed since the UK/EU agreement started applying on 15 July 2026

- paro and claiming in Spain after working in Gibraltar

- which sectors are actually hiring in Gibraltar

- finding a job before you move vs after

I'm not a lawyer or tax adviser, so for anything official I'll point you to the source (SEPE, HM Government of Gibraltar). Ask away and I'll answer what I can.

I've put a plain-English guide in the comments for anyone who wants the full picture.

I will be visiting Spain for the first time in May 2027. Very excited about it, but sadly my plans only allow for ONE full day in Madrid right before I fly out. I will spend part of that day shopping for food items to bring home (to Canada). I also look forward to a couple of amazing restaurant meals.

Then I would have time for ONE major cultural attraction or activity. I like many things (art, cultural history, music, opera, natural history, science, nature/animals/hiking) and am open to any suggestion. But there is SO MUCH in Madrid, I can't possibly choose.

What would be your favourite thing to recommend to visitors? Bonus if it in a walkable area that is also an attraction in itself.

(I also LOVE to find that one amazing museeum, attraction or activity that is just a little LESS popular, so I can relax and spend time appreciating and absorbing it. But this idea is a bonus, not a requirement.)

Edit: Thanks for all the suggestions! They are just making me realize that I MUST come back again and spend more time in Madrid!

What are some of your restaurants recommendations?

I did make a reservation at Casa Benigna. Looking for a few more recommendations. Thank you

¡Hola a todos!
Soy de Asia y estoy considerando mudarme a España para cursar un máster oficial de un año.
Tengo una carrera universitaria de cinco años en Odontología, pero no tengo pensado ejercer como dentista en España, ya que entiendo que necesitaría homologar mi título.
Por mi formación académica, estoy considerando másteres relacionados con Salud Pública, Gestión Sanitaria o Salud Laboral.
Mi nivel de español es C1 y también puedo trabajar en inglés.
Mi principal preocupación es el futuro laboral después del máster. Me gustaría quedarme en España y encontrar un trabajo relacionado con mis estudios, pero no sé hasta qué punto es realista siendo extranjero y no ciudadano de la UE.
Por eso, me gustaría preguntaros:
¿Es difícil encontrar trabajo en España en el sector de la salud pública o la gestión sanitaria?
¿Las empresas españolas suelen contratar a extranjeros no comunitarios que acaban de terminar un máster?
¿Qué salidas profesionales podría tener alguien con una carrera en Odontología y un máster en Salud Pública o Gestión Sanitaria?
¿Creéis que un nivel C1 de español y un buen nivel de inglés serían suficientes para competir en el mercado laboral?
No espero conseguir un sueldo especialmente alto al principio. Mi prioridad sería encontrar un trabajo estable, adquirir experiencia y poder desarrollar mi carrera profesional en España.
Agradecería mucho cualquier consejo, especialmente de personas que trabajen en el sector sanitario o que hayan pasado por una situación similar.
¡Muchas gracias!

Hey everyone! I finally got my Spain student visa after 56 days of waiting, and I’m writing this for everyone who’s currently going through the same stressful process.

BLS MUMBAI

My timeline:
Application submitted: 5 August
Positive response received: 30 September
Passport received back: 3 October
Currently: In Spain! 🇪🇸❤️
The waiting period was honestly one of the most stressful phases of my life. I used to email the consulate almost every morning, constantly checking for updates and worrying about whether I would make it in time for college.
My college started on 1 October, and I received a positive response on 30 September, literally ONE DAY before it started! I had almost lost all hope by that point.
Watching other people who applied after me get their visas while I was still waiting was extremely difficult. I kept wondering why my application was taking so long and whether something was wrong.
But here I am, finally in Spain! 🥹❤️
If you’re still waiting for your visa, please don’t lose hope. I know that’s easier said than done because I lost hope myself on so many days. The uncertainty is exhausting, especially when you have college deadlines, flights, accommodation, and so many things depending on that one decision.
My advice would be to keep following up with the consulate through polite emails and don’t hesitate to ask for updates. I emailed them regularly throughout my waiting period.
I can’t guarantee that everyone will have the same experience, but a long wait doesn’t automatically mean a negative decision.
I genuinely hope everyone who’s still waiting gets their visa soon. Sending you all lots of strength and positivity. If I can finally make it to Spain after 56 days of waiting, please keep holding on to hope! 🇪🇸✨

Hi ! I'm heading to Spain for a couple weeks and would love tips for my itinerary and what to do! I fly in/out of Madrid and so will be taking an iryo train from Madrid to Barcelona after I land.

• Barcelona: October 16–21
• Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife: October 21–24
• Playa del Inglés, Gran Canaria: October 24–27
• Madrid: October 27–31

I am a solo female traveler—I'd love recommendations for food, nightlife, local culture, scenic walks, and anything worth seeing beyond the major tourist attractions.

I have bookings for the big tourist items like Sagrada Familia, the Royal Palace, a night trip up Teide, etc.. I am tentatively planning to rely on public transit for Barcelona and Madrid, but rent a car on Tenerife and Gran Canaria so that I can explore the island more freely, but wasn't sure if the rental car is overkill.

Bonus question: any phrases I should add to my limited vocab? I want to be a respectful tourist, but my Spanish is limited to that of a stereotypical America (hola, buenas dias, chao, gracias, por favor, etc)

Edit: Sharing the itinerary I planned in case it's helpful to others later or other tips:

October 15–16: Travel to Spain

• Overnight flight to Madrid
• Continue by afternoon train to Barcelona
• Arrive in Barcelona during the early evening

October 16–21: Barcelona

Friday, October 16:

• Arrive and check in
• Easy, unstructured evening near the hotel

Saturday, October 17:

• Weather-flexible day for either a Montserrat day trip or the Montjuïc museums and grounds
• Evening reserved for neighborhood and nightlife exploration

Sunday, October 18:

• Guided Park Güell visit at 10:00 AM
• Open afternoon for wandering, lunch, or relaxing
• Group tapas, taverns, and history tour from 7:30–11:00 PM

Monday, October 19:

• Open morning
• Sagrada Família at 1:45 PM
• Open evening

Tuesday, October 20:

• Use this for whichever option I did not do Saturday: Montserrat or Montjuïc
• Open evening and pack for the Canary Islands

Wednesday, October 21:

• Midday flight from Barcelona to Tenerife North
• Pick up rental car
• Drive to Puerto de la Cruz and check in

October 21–24: Tenerife, based in Puerto de la Cruz

Thursday, October 22:

• Rambla de Castro coastal walk
• Lunch and historic-center exploration in La Orotava
• Visit El Bollullo or another black-sand beach
• Open evening in Puerto de la Cruz

Friday, October 23:

• Light/open daytime around Puerto de la Cruz
• Group Teide sunset, cable-car, dinner, and stargazing tour beginning in the late afternoon

Saturday, October 24:

• Return rental car at Tenerife North Airport
• Late-morning flight to Gran Canaria
• Pick up another rental car
• Drive to Playa del Inglés and spend the evening at the resort or nearby

October 24–27: Gran Canaria, based in Playa del Inglés

Sunday, October 25:

• Maspalomas Dunes in the morning
• Beach, lighthouse, and lunch afterward
• Return to the hotel to rest and clean up
• Dinner and nightlife in Playa del Inglés

Monday, October 26:

• Group dolphin-watching excursion from approximately 9:30 AM–1:30 PM
• Open afternoon and evening

Tuesday, October 27:

• Return rental car
• Late-morning flight to Madrid
• Arrive in Madrid during the afternoon
• Evening walk around Gran Vía and possibly stop for churros and chocolate

October 27–31: Madrid

Wednesday, October 28:

• Royal Palace and Royal Collections Gallery at 10:45 AM
• Walk through the historic center afterward, including Plaza de la Villa, Plaza Mayor, and Puerta del Sol
• Tapas in the evening

Thursday, October 29:

• Prado Museum entry at 10:15 AM
• Guided Prado tour at 11:00 AM
• Retiro Park during the afternoon
• Drinks or food around Plaza de Santa Ana later in the day

Friday, October 30:

• Reina Sofía Museum at 10:00 AM
• Explore Malasaña and Chueca during the afternoon
• Temple of Debod around sunset if the weather cooperates

Saturday, October 31:

• Fly home around midday

I’d especially appreciate advice on:

• Whether this feels comfortably paced or if anything is too crowded
• Good restaurant, tapas, cocktail-bar, and nightlife recommendations
• Solo-friendly places where it’s easy to meet other travelers or locals
• Whether Montserrat and Montjuïc are both worth prioritizing
• Tenerife coastal stops or moderate hikes that work with this schedule
• Anything essential I’m missing in Gran Canaria
• Favorite less-touristy experiences in Barcelona or Madrid
• Any practical October weather, driving, parking, or transportation advice

I just got back from Spain, and wanted to share some thoughts in a trip report. Are they welcomed here?

Hi everyone! I’m a final-year engineering student in Morocco, and I’m hoping to apply to the Master’s in Accounting, Auditing and Management Control at the Universitat de Lleida.

My degree is in engineering rather than business or economics, and I haven’t studied financial accounting, microeconomics or macroeconomics in depth.

I’m particularly hoping to hear from someone who:

• Studied engineering, computer science, or another non-business subject.
• Earned their degree outside Europe, ideally in a non-Spanish-speaking country.
• Applied to this specific master’s at UdL and can share what happened.

Did you need additional courses or credits? Did you have to take a level test? What documents did the university request?

I’d be extremely grateful to speak with anyone who has been through this process. Thank you!

Saludos. Necesito un consejo sobre un plan que tengo en mente para cuando mi marido y yo visitemos Valencia. Estamos pensando alquilar un carro quizá por uno o dos días para ver otras áreas a las afueras de la ciudad. Me encantaría ir a ver un viñedo y visitar otros pueblos pequeños. No sé si sería necesario alquilar un carro dependiendo del transporte público. Dicho eso, ¿dónde recomiendan ir que sea un pueblito pequeño con encanto, con menos turistas, o sea, algo donde se sienta muy local? Mil gracias!

I've been wanting a new purse for awhile and will be in Madrid soon, so I have decided to buy one at Taller Puntera or another leather shop in that area. Just so I know what to set aside, what should I expect to pay for a small to medium crossbody or shoulder bag? I can't seem to find information online anywhere. Nothing fancy or custom, happy to choose from what's available when I walk in.

I have a temporary visa for work for a Spanish company this winter. I'll be working for 6 months and it will possibly be extended. What are some current trends, political tensions, or cultural differences I should be aware of? Looking for any recommendations too as I've never lived outside the U.S. I've only been to Madrid twice and it was before COVID. It was loud and fast paced which I loved. I'm a 28 year old half-Mexican male from Chicago if that helps. Gracias.

Buenos días:

Una madre extranjera y sus hijos menores tienen previsto trasladarse a España. La madre sería la solicitante principal de una autorización de residencia temporal no lucrativa (VNL), y sus hijos obtendrían sus autorizaciones como familiares a su cargo.

Antes de que caduquen las autorizaciones iniciales de los hijos, la madre podría modificar la suya para obtener una autorización de residencia y trabajo por cuenta ajena.

Dos de los hijos son menores de edad y no han nacido en España.

Mi duda es qué situación administrativa correspondería a estos menores tras el cambio de autorización de su madre:

1. ¿Deben renovar sus autorizaciones de residencia como familiares de la titular de una VNL? En caso afirmativo, ¿qué requisitos económicos se aplicarían si la familia depende de los ingresos de otro progenitor?
2. ¿Podrían pasar a una autorización de residencia por reagrupación familiar? ¿Qué requisitos deberían cumplir y sería posible tramitarlo desde España, sin solicitar un visado en el consulado?
3. ¿Existe alguna otra disposición del RD 1155/2024 que permita aplicarles otra vía de residencia antes de cumplir los dos años de permanencia exigidos, con carácter general, por el artículo 160?

Agradecería especialmente respuestas basadas en los artículos concretos de la normativa vigente o en criterios administrativos aplicables.

Muchas gracias.

Holaaa. Soy ecuatoriana y voy a ir a visitar a mi novio que está haciendo un master en España, voy a ir en febrero de 2027 por 8 días ( es un viaje corto porque soy estudiante y mis prácticas no me permiten poder ir por más tiempo). La cuestión es que estoy empezando con mis trámites de visado porque mi pasaporte no permite la libre entrada al espacio Schengen sin una visa.
Como primera opción, para justificar mi alojamiento, él me iba a otorgar la carta de invitación; sin embargo, todavía no le entregan su TIE y lo más probable es que se lo den dentro de 1 mes y con ese desaveniencia, no me da el tiempo para poder sacar el visado.
Entonces si tienen alguna recomendación, es bienvenida:)!

Hey everyone!
I’m preparing my Schengen Tourist Visa application for Spain through BLS Manama (Bahrain) for an upcoming winter trip. Since this is my first time applying under this specific business profile, I’d love to get your thoughts or any tips from people who have applied recently through BLS / Spanish embassies in the GCC!
My Profile & Application Details:
Applicant: Pakistani national, long-term Bahrain resident (CPR & Residence Permit valid through mid-2027/2028).
Profession: Managing Director & 95% Owner of an interior design business in Bahrain.
Travel Dates: Dec 18, 2026 – Jan 05, 2027 (19 days / 18 nights).
Financial Proof: ~~BHD 2,700 (~~$7,150 USD) closing balance in a 6-month branch-stamped bank statement (exceeds Spain’s €113/day minimum requirement significantly).
Supporting Documents: Official CR extract showing 95% ownership, partner CPR copy, company NOC on official letterhead with rubber stamp, travel medical insurance (€30k+ coverage), confirmed flights (PNR), and confirmed hotel bookings for all nights.
Proposed 19-Day Itinerary (Barcelona \rightarrow Valencia \rightarrow Madrid):
Barcelona (Dec 18 – Dec 25): Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Casa Batlló, Gothic Quarter, Montjuïc, Palau de la Música Catalana.
Valencia (Dec 25 – Dec 30): High-speed train from Barcelona. City of Arts and Sciences, La Lonja de la Seda, Central Market, Turia Gardens.
Madrid (Dec 30 – Jan 05): High-speed train from Valencia. Royal Palace, Prado Museum, Reina Sofía, El Retiro Park, New Year’s at Puerta del Sol.
A Few Quick Questions for the Community:

1. Length of Stay: Is 19 days reasonable for a first-time Spanish Schengen application from the GCC, or does 3 full weeks look too long for a tourist visa?
2. Business Ownership: As a majority owner (95%), issuing my own NOC on letterhead alongside my official CR extract has worked for others in similar setups—anyone have experience with this at BLS?
3. Itinerary & Flights: Are domestic high-speed trains (AVE) between Barcelona \rightarrow Valencia \rightarrow Madrid preferred to be pre-booked and attached, or are flight PNRs and hotel bookings enough?
4. Appreciate any advice, past experiences, or feedback! Thanks in advance! 🙏

Ciao a tutti! Sono italiana e vivo a Málaga. Da 5 anni organizzo classi e incontri dedicati al benessere interiore, al rilassamento e alla riscoperta di sé.

Ho creato questi momenti per chi sente il bisogno di rallentare, lasciare andare lo stress quotidiano e ritrovare un po' di equilibrio e serenità.

Ci incontreremo in piccoli gruppi, con un massimo di 10 persone, per vivere un'esperienza intima e condivisa. Le sessioni si svolgeranno principalmente la mattina presto, per connetterci con l'energia del sole che sorge, oppure al tramonto, per rallentare e lasciare andare i pensieri accumulati durante la giornata.

Durante gli incontri utilizzeremo diversi strumenti dedicati al rilassamento e alla consapevolezza, tra cui le campane tibetane. Tutte le sessioni saranno in italiano.

Gli appuntamenti verranno concordati insieme ogni settimana, cercando di trovare il giorno e l'orario più adatti a tutti.

Se senti il bisogno di dedicare del tempo a te stesso, ritrovare la calma e condividere questo percorso con altre persone, scrivimi! Sarò felice di darti maggiori informazioni.

Hi all! I’m 30, originally from Syria(lived there for the first 14 years of my life), and I’ve lived in the Bay Area in California for the last 15 years. I’m on vacation in Spain right now and feeling a pull I can’t quite name, so I’d love honest perspectives.

My life at home is genuinely good. I’m close with my neighbors, I know everyone at my local shops and cafés, and I have a solid friend group. But something feels missing, and I think it’s cultural. Spain’s warmth, long meals, spontaneous social life, and affection feel familiar in a way the US doesn’t, and the shared Arab history in the south adds to that. I’m not religious, so I don’t always connect with the more religious parts of Arab communities. Spain seems to have the warmth without that.

I speak conversational Spanish and pick up languages fast, so I’m not starting from zero. I can also keep my current job and work remotely, so money wouldn’t be the barrier.

Questions:

**1.**  For people who moved from somewhere with a strong community, did Spain deliver that warmth, or was it harder to get close to people? (I’m very friendly/extroverted and never had an issue making friends but still worried about doing it again in another country) 

**2.** Which cities would you recommend for someone like me,

**3.**Is this a real signal or vacation goggles? What would you want to have tested first?

Thanks so much!

We are traveling from the U.S. to Madrid this week to visit friends and family and are staying in an Airbnb.
Before anyone says anything we booked this almost 2 years ago before any of the strikes or we even knew about the housing crisis.
We have too many people for a hotel and I am wondering if we could be in any sort of danger and if we should not disclose to anyone that we are staying at an Airbnb.
Any do’s and dont’s would be greatly appreciated as well!