A born and raised New Yorker, I moved to Spain in 2013 for what I thought was going to be a one-year gig. Little did I know, I would meet my now husband and years later, I am still here- living and working in Madrid.

When it comes to the day to day, I am most definitely a city girl- I love the energy, the hustle and bustle, and the people. Yet, when it comes to time off, I seek the exact opposite- charming small villages tucked away in the mountains, pristine beaches where the masses DON’T flock to, basically anywhere new to explore and disconnect. During my time in Spain, I have done my fair share of traveling, taking advantage of the fact that Madrid is located right smack in the middle of the country, meaning that a five-hour drive can land you at the beach, in the mountains, or in the desert.

I have kept a record (and a very long google-maps Favorites list) of my trips over the year, and the time has come for them to see the light. Most of these escapadas can be done different ways, and I will try to highlight different approaches so that they are suitable for all budgets.

Spain is so much more than Madrid and Barcelona- the “España profunda” safe holds some of Spain’s most defining values- family, food, and savoring the moment, surrounded by those who are near and dear to you. For those of you like me, looking for destinations that are off the beaten path, I hope this blog helps you to plan your next getaway, and discover some of Spain’s hidden gems.