Travel Guides

Best eSIM for Spain Spain is one of the easiest countries in Europe to travel through. The roads are excellent, trains connect most major cities, and navigating between regions is straightforward. But staying connected matters more than people expect. Maps, parking apps, train tickets, restaurant bookings, translation tools, remote work calls; almost every daily travel task depends on reliable mobile data. When I road-tripped across Spain for two months with my dog Roly, connectivity was something I barely had to think about. My setup was simple: a SIM-only plan with EE from the UK, which includes EU roaming and unlimited data. That meant my phone worked exactly the same across Spain as it did back home in London. No airport SIM cards No roaming surprises No switching networks Google Maps worked instantly navigating cities like Barcelona and Madrid. Parking apps, restaurant bookings, train tickets and work calls all functioned normally. For UK travellers with EU roaming plans, that setup often works perfectly. But if your carrier charges roaming fees or you’re travelling from outside Europe, an eSIM is usually the easiest way to stay connected in Spain. This guide breaks down the best eSIMs for Spain, how they compare, and which options make the most sense depending on how you travel. Quick Answer: Best eSIM for Spain If you’re visiting Spain and need mobile data, these are the best options: Best overall: Airalo Best unlimited data: Holafly Best budget option: Nomad eSIM Best for remote work: Ubigi Best local network: Orange Holiday eSIM For most travellers visiting Spain for 1–2 weeks, Airalo usually offers the best balance between price, coverage and easy installation. Table of Contents How Mobile Data Works in Spain Do You Actually Need an eSIM in Spain Best eSIM Providers for Spain Best eSIM Providers Comparison Best eSIM by Travel Style How Much Data Do You Actually Need How to Set Up an eSIM Before Arrival How Mobile Data Works in Spain Spain has excellent mobile coverage across most of the country. Cities, highways and coastal regions typically have strong 4G and 5G connectivity, making it easy to stay connected whether you’re navigating historic centres or driving between regions. Spain’s main mobile networks include: Movistar Orange Vodafone Most travel eSIM providers don’t operate their own networks. Instead, they connect through these carriers. That means mobile data generally works well whether you’re: navigating major cities, travelling by train, road-tripping across the country, working remotely. The main difference between providers usually comes down to data limits, price and ease of installation. Do You Actually Need an eSIM in Spain Before buying an eSIM, check your current mobile plan. For travellers from the UK or EU, many SIM-only plans include EU roaming at no additional cost. During my two-month Spain road trip with Roly, my EE SIM worked across the entire country without needing to change anything. If your plan already includes EU roaming, you may not need an eSIM at all. However, eSIMs become useful if: your carrier charges international roaming your roaming allowance is limited you’re visiting from outside Europe you want a temporary travel data plan For many travellers, eSIMs are simply the most convenient way to stay connected. Best eSIM Providers for Spain Airalo Best overall eSIM Airalo is one of the most widely used eSIM platforms globally. It offers flexible data plans designed for short trips and longer stays. Advantages include: simple installation reliable European coverage competitive pricing multiple plan sizes For most travellers visiting Spain for 1–2 weeks, this is usually the easiest option. Holafly Best unlimited data option Holafly specialises in unlimited data plans. This makes it attractive for travellers who: stream frequently work remotely rely heavily on navigation Unlimited plans remove the need to monitor data usage, which many travellers find convenient. Nomad eSIM Best budget option Nomad offers competitively priced plans for travellers who only need basic data. Advantages include: low-cost packages simple activation reliable coverage For short trips or city breaks, Nomad is often one of the cheapest options. Ubigi Best for remote work Ubigi focuses on strong speeds and stable connections. This makes it particularly useful for travellers who rely on: video calls remote work large uploads Orange Holiday eSIM Best local network eSIM Orange is one of Spain’s major telecom operators. Using a local network can provide strong nationwide coverage and reliable speeds. This is a good option if you prefer local telecom providers rather than global eSIM platforms. Best eSIM Providers Comparison Provider Best For Data Type Typical Price Airalo Overall travel use Limited plans €4–€30 Holafly Unlimited data Unlimited €19–€69 Nomad Budget trips Limited €4–€20 Ubigi Remote work High-speed €10–€40 Orange Holiday Local network Fixed packages €20–€50   Best eSIM by Travel Style Choosing the best eSIM depends on how you’re travelling. Short trips (3–7 days) Nomad or Airalo Standard holidays (1–2 weeks) Airalo Heavy data use or remote work Holafly or Ubigi Travellers who prefer local carriers Orange Holiday eSIM For most travellers, Airalo offers the most balanced option. How Much Data Do You Actually Need Most travellers use less data than they expect. Typical usage looks like this: Light travellers 5–10GB per week Average travellers 10–20GB per week Heavy users / remote workers 30GB+ or unlimited Cities like Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia often increase usage because travellers rely heavily on maps, booking apps and transport platforms. How to Set Up an eSIM Before Arrival Setting up an eSIM usually takes just a few minutes. Typical process: Choose your provider Purchase the plan online Receive a QR code Scan the code from your phone Activate the eSIM when you arrive in Spain Many travellers install the eSIM before flying, allowing their phone to connect immediately upon arrival. Final Thoughts Spain is one of the easiest countries in Europe to explore, but reliable mobile data makes the experience much smoother. Navigation, restaurant bookings, transport tickets and travel planning all rely on mobile connectivity. For travellers with EU roaming plans like my UK SIM setup while road-tripping Spain with Roly; your existing SIM may already work perfectly. For everyone else, eSIMs offer a simple alternative. Instead of searching for SIM cards at the airport or relying on public Wi-Fi, you can activate a data plan in minutes and stay connected from the moment you arrive. And when you’re travelling across a country as varied as Spain, that simplicity makes a big difference. For city-by-city breakdowns and deeper regional planning, explore the full Spain Travel Guides.

Best Day Trips from Marrakech Marrakech works well as a destination in its own right, but it works even better as a base. That’s because the city sits in one of the most useful positions in Morocco. Within a few hours you can reach the Atlas Mountains, Atlantic coastline, rocky desert landscapes, major waterfalls and one of the country’s most famous historic ksars. If you’re researching the best day trips from Marrakech, the key isn’t just choosing the prettiest option. It’s understanding which trips are actually worth doing in a single day, which ones are better as part of a wider route, and what kind of contrast you want from the city. Some day trips are about cooler air and mountain villages. Some are about nature and walking. Some give you the coast. Some only really make sense if you’re comfortable with long hours on the road. During my time travelling Morocco by car with Roly, Marrakech became one of the clearest examples of how quickly the country changes once you start moving. A few hours out of the city and the atmosphere, terrain and pace can feel completely different. This guide breaks down the best day trips from Marrakech, how far they are, who they suit best, and which ones I’d prioritise depending on the kind of Morocco trip you’re building. If you’re mapping a bigger route through the country, start with my Morocco 10 Day Itinerary first, because several of these places also work better when connected into a wider road-trip arc. Table of Contents How Day Trips from Marrakech Actually Work Atlas Mountains Day Trip from Marrakech Ourika Valley Ouzoud Waterfalls Essaouira Day Trip from Marrakech Agafay Desert Aït Benhaddou How to Get There Typical Day Trip Costs Which Marrakech Day Trips Are Actually Worth Prioritising How Day Trips from Marrakech Actually Work Before choosing a trip, it helps to understand the reality of distance. Marrakech is well positioned, but Morocco is not a place where every nearby pin on the map feels equally easy in practice. Some trips are genuinely simple. Others are technically possible in a day, but involve enough driving that they work better as part of a bigger route. Here’s the rough logic: Easy / low-effort day trips Agafay Desert Ourika Valley These work well if you want to get out of the city without giving over the whole day. Strong full-day trips Atlas Mountains Essaouira Ouzoud Waterfalls These give you the biggest payoff for a single day away from Marrakech. Possible, but long Aït Benhaddou Worth it if architecture or Atlas-road scenery is a high priority, but better still as part of a wider southern route. That’s really the lens this guide uses: not just “can you go there?”, but is it actually worth using one of your Marrakech days on it? Atlas Mountains Day Trip from Marrakech Drive time: ~1.5–2 hoursRegion: High AtlasType: Mountain villages / viewpoints / hiking If you want the fastest and clearest shift from Marrakech, head south into the Atlas. This is one of the most logical day trips from the city because the change happens quickly. The flatter land around Marrakech begins to lift, the roads start climbing, and within a relatively short distance you’re in mountain terrain with Berber villages, terraces and cooler air. Most organised trips focus on Imlil, which acts as a gateway to the High Atlas and to longer trekking routes deeper into the range. Even without doing a serious hike, it’s one of the best ways to see a different physical version of Morocco in a single day. This trip makes particular sense if you’ve already spent a few days inside the medina and want space, altitude and movement. Best for: first-time visitors, mountain scenery, hiking light, escaping the city heatNomad note: better as a dedicated excursion than a place to try and work fromDog note: one of the easier options if you’re travelling with a dog thanks to open terrain and outdoor stops Ourika Valley Drive time: ~1–1.5 hoursRegion: Atlas foothillsType: Valley / river / easy nature escape Ourika Valley is one of the easiest ways to step outside Marrakech without committing to a major outing. It sits in the foothills of the Atlas and works more as a soft nature break than a dramatic destination in its own right. The road follows the valley, restaurants line the river, and the whole atmosphere feels more local-weekend-escape than big-ticket excursion. If you want something short, scenic and relatively low effort, Ourika works well. If you want a bigger visual payoff, the Atlas or Essaouira usually lands harder. This is a good choice if: you only want to give half a day or a lighter day to an excursion you like riverside lunches and scenic driving more than “must-see” landmarks you want a softer break from Marrakech rather than a full terrain shift Best for: easy escape, riverside lunch, short nature outingNomad note: not a work base, more of a half-day resetDog note: generally manageable thanks to river paths and outdoor seating Ouzoud Waterfalls Drive time: ~2.5–3 hoursRegion: Middle Atlas foothillsType: Waterfalls / walking / nature Ouzoud is one of the most visually impressive day trips from Marrakech. The waterfalls are the tallest in North Africa, and the destination gives you something Marrakech doesn’t: height, greenery and a very clear natural focal point. You walk down through olive groves toward the falls, with different viewpoints along the way, and the scale of the cascade does justify the drive. This is a trip that suits travellers who want a clear destination rather than just a change of scenery. It’s also one of the better options if you’re in Marrakech for several days and want one outing built around walking, viewpoints and lunch somewhere scenic. What it is not: a light, casual excursion. It’s a full day. Best for: nature lovers, walking, big visual payoff, photographyNomad note: too far and too structured to combine with workDog note: doable, but the paths and stairs can make it more awkward than mountain or coastal options  Essaouira Day Trip from Marrakech Drive time: ~2.5–3 hoursRegion: Atlantic CoastType: Coastal town / harbour / medina If you want the biggest contrast to Marrakech, go west to Essaouira. This is the day trip that changes not just the landscape, but the mood of the trip. You swap red-earth city energy for sea air, a creative laid back energy and a much more navigable medina. I actually based myself in Essaouira for several weeks while travelling Morocco, so I know firsthand that it’s not just a “quick excursion” town. It’s one of the easiest places in Morocco to settle into properly. That said, it still works well as a day trip if your time is short. For travellers trying to understand Morocco beyond Marrakech, Essaouira is particularly useful because it shows how varied the country is. Same country, totally different pace, geography and feeling. Best for: coastline, seafood, softer medina, biggest contrast to MarrakechNomad note: one of Morocco’s strongest bases for longer stays and remote workDog note: one of the easiest places in Morocco with a dog thanks to beach access and more outdoor-friendly daily life  Agafay Desert Drive time: ~45 minutesRegion: Marrakech outskirtsType: Rocky desert / sunset experience Agafay is the closest “desert-feel” trip to Marrakech. It’s important to set expectations correctly here. This is not the Sahara. There are no giant dunes. It’s a rocky desert landscape with rolling hills and open light rather than deep sand. What makes it popular is convenience. You can get out of the city quickly, do a sunset dinner or camel ride, and be back in Marrakech the same night. That makes it a good option if you want a desert-adjacent experience without using up an entire day or committing to a multi-day southern route. If you specifically want the iconic Sahara experience, Agafay is not a substitute. If you want a short, atmospheric outing close to the city, it works. Best for: sunset excursions, short desert-style experience, half-day plansNomad note: more of an experience than a destinationDog note: depends heavily on the provider and what activity you’re booking Aït Benhaddou Drive time: ~3.5–4 hoursRegion: South of the Atlas / Ouarzazate routeType: Historic ksar / Atlas crossing / road-trip stop Aït Benhaddou is one of the most iconic road-trip stops in Morocco. This earthen fortified village sits on the old caravan route south and looks exactly like what people hope Morocco might occasionally look like: cinematic, earth-toned, dramatic and historically layered. The catch is the time. Yes, you can do it as a day trip from Marrakech. Organised tours do. But this is one of those destinations where route logic matters. It often works better folded into a larger Atlas / Ouarzazate / desert arc rather than treated as a simple out-and-back day. So whether this is worth doing depends on your tolerance for long drives and your travel style. If you love architecture, mountain-road scenery and film-location drama, it can justify the effort. If you want an easier day with more time at the destination itself, other options land better. Best for: architecture, Atlas crossing, road-trip scenery, film-location interestNomad note: not a day to mix with anything else; better as part of a wider southbound routeDog note: manageable, but terrain inside and around the ksar can be uneven How to Get There There are three main ways people do day trips from Marrakech: Organised tours Most visitors staying in the medina book through their riad, hotel, or online platforms. This is the simplest option for travellers who don’t want to deal with transport. Private driver This works well for couples, small groups, or travellers who want more flexibility with stops and timings. Self-drive This is how Morocco made the most sense to me overall, because it gives you full control over timing, route logic and pace. If you’re already road-tripping, several of these day trips make more sense as route segments rather than excursions. For travellers who already have a car, Marrakech becomes less of a fixed base and more of a pivot point. Typical Day Trip Costs Approximate organised excursion costs from Marrakech: Atlas Mountains / Ourika Valley: £25–£50 Ouzoud Waterfalls: £30–£55 Essaouira: £35–£60 Agafay Desert: £40–£90 Aït Benhaddou: £60–£120 These are broad ranges. Online platforms, hotel concierges and local agencies can all price differently. In Morocco, local booking often gives you more room to negotiate than pre-booking everything online. Which Marrakech Day Trips Are Actually Worth Prioritising? If you only have a few days in Marrakech, I’d think about it like this: If you want the clearest landscape change Choose the Atlas Mountains If you want the clearest mood change Choose Essaouira If you want easy nature without overcommitting Choose Ourika Valley If you want a strong natural landmark Choose Ouzoud Waterfalls If you want desert atmosphere close to the city Choose Agafay If you’re architecture-first and don’t mind a long road day Choose Aït Benhaddou For most travellers, the strongest pairing is: Atlas Mountains + Essaouira That gives you one inland mountain contrast and one Atlantic coastal contrast; two very different versions of Morocco from the same base. Final Thought Marrakech can easily dominate a Morocco trip if you let it. It has enough intensity, beauty and movement to keep most people occupied for days. But the city makes even more sense once you start using it as a launch point. That’s when the wider shape of Morocco begins to appear. Mountains. Coastline. Waterfalls. Desert roads. Historic ksars. Not as separate postcard moments, but as connected parts of a country that changes quickly once you get moving. If you choose the right one or two day trips, Marrakech stops being the whole story and starts becoming the point from which the rest of Morocco opens out. That’s really the smartest use of Marrakech. Not trying to do everything. Just using the city to open up the country in the right directions.

Best Cities to Visit in Spain After road-tripping down through France, I crossed into Spain via San Sebastián and spent two full months driving the country with my dog Roly, gradually moving south through the Basque Country, into central Spain, across the Mediterranean side, then down into Andalusia before reaching Tarifa at the southern edge. This wasn’t a rushed highlights reel. It was a lived-in route. A mix of short stopovers, longer city stays, work weeks, beach resets, dog walks, late dinners, neighbourhood routines and those in-between drives where Spain changes faster than you expect it to. And that’s exactly why Spain is such a compelling country to travel through. It doesn’t feel like one place. It feels like a sequence of distinct identities stitched together by excellent roads, long lunches, late nights and wildly different regional atmospheres. The Basque Country feels structured, food-led and coastal. Madrid expands outward with neighbourhood energy and cultural weight. Barcelona is packed with design, nightlife and Mediterranean light. Valencia softens everything. Then Andalusia arrives with layered history, courtyards, flamenco and midnight dinners. If you’re researching the best cities to visit in Spain, the key isn’t just choosing the biggest names. It’s understanding what each city actually adds to your trip. Some cities are your entry point. Some are better as a stopover. Some deserve a full week. Some are ideal if you’re travelling with a dog. Some work best if you care more about food than sightseeing. And some only really make sense when you see how they contrast with what came before. This guide breaks down the best cities to visit in Spain based on the route I actually drove, what each place feels like on the ground, and how to decide which ones belong in your trip. If you’re mapping a wider route, start with my Spain Road Trip Itinerary (10–14 Days) guide first. Table of Contents Best Cities to Visit in Spain How Spain Changes By Region Best Cities in Spain for First-Time Visitors Best Cities in Spain by Travel Style Best Time to Visit Spain Best Cities to Visit in Spain San SebastiánRegion: Basque Country San Sebastián was my first stop in Spain, and honestly, it’s a strong one. Crossing in from France, Spain doesn’t hit you with chaos or a dramatic shift. It eases you in through sea air, green hills and a city that feels polished without being stiff. La Concha Bay is one of the most beautiful urban coastlines in Europe, but what really defines San Sebastián is the food culture. This is where Spain introduced itself to me through pintxos, Basque cider, long lunches and a social energy built around eating well. It’s also one of the easiest Spanish cities to enjoy without needing a packed itinerary. You can walk the promenade, move between Antiguo, Old Town and Gros, sit by the sea, and let the city unfold slowly. Best for: first stops from France, food-focused trips, elegant coastal city breaksDog note: very manageable with beaches, promenades and dog-friendly spotsRoute role: perfect northern entry point Read more: San Sebastián, Spain: Pintxos, Sea Breezes & Slow Living by the Bay PamplonaRegion: Navarra Most people hear Pamplona and think of one thing: Running of the Bulls. But outside festival season, Pamplona is something else entirely. For me, it worked as a grounded pause between San Sebastián and Madrid. The drive in is beautiful with mountain backdrops and bright, open road, and the city itself feels lived-in rather than performative. Less “must-see” energy, more daily-life Spain. Pamplona is also one of those cities that makes more sense if you stay well. My aparthotel stay there at Kora Kilikí changed the pace of the route completely. Suddenly there was a gym, kitchen, workspace, proper reset energy and room to breathe. It’s not Spain’s flashiest city. That’s exactly why it works. Best for: slower travellers, digital nomads, people who like comfort over hypeDog note: very manageable, especially in modern neighbourhoods like LezkairuRoute role: a smart transitional city between north and centre Read more: Pamplona, Spain: Sunshine Drives, Mountains & My First Aparthotel Stay MadridRegion: Central Spain Madrid surprised me. Not because it was beautiful, I expected that but because it felt so liveable. Some cities are exciting for 48 hours and then exhausting. Madrid isn’t like that. It gives you options. You can base yourself on the outer edge like I did in Valdebebas and ease into the city through park walks, long-stay accommodation and co-working life. Or you can go all in on the centre through neighbourhoods like Chamberí, Malasaña, Chueca, La Latina and Lavapiés, where the whole city seems to run on wine, conversation and momentum. Madrid isn’t coastal, so it doesn’t have that instant holiday feeling Barcelona gives. But what it has is depth. Great neighbourhoods. Better social energy than I expected. A genuinely strong long-stay setup. And one of the most dog-friendly big-city experiences I had in Spain. Best for: longer stays, remote workers, people who like cities that feel social and layeredDog note: one of the easiest large cities in Spain with a dogRoute role: central anchor city that changes the pace of the trip Read more: Madrid: Living Between Neighbourhoods, Long Lunches & Late Nights BarcelonaRegion: Catalonia Barcelona hits differently. By the time I reached it, I’d already spent weeks on the road. So arriving into Eixample with its wide boulevards and strong city energy felt like entering a new phase of the trip entirely. Barcelona is one of the most complete cities in Spain because it gives you multiple versions of itself at once. You have Gaudí and grand architecture. Beach afternoons at Barceloneta. Late-night drinks and queer nightlife. Quiet coffee shops for work. Historic streets in El Born and the Gothic Quarter. And then the softer residential side in Eixample where the city actually feels livable, not just impressive. For me, Barcelona was also personal. Coming back there a second time and rewriting the experience made the city land differently. It felt joyful, present, alive. Best for: first-time visitors, nightlife, architecture, stylish city lifeDog note: extremely dog-friendly in daily life, though not all attractions allow petsRoute role: a major city anchor on the eastern side of the country Read more: Barcelona, Spain: Food, Nightlife & Everyday City Energy ValenciaRegion: Eastern Spain Valencia is one of the most underrated cities in Spain. What struck me immediately was how open it felt after Barcelona. More space. More light. Less intensity. It still has architecture, beach access, strong food and a clear identity, but it doesn’t feel like it’s performing all the time. That’s why Valencia works so well. It’s one of the few cities in Spain where daily life, beach access, modern architecture and neighbourhood ease all sit comfortably together. The Turia Gardens cut through the city. The City of Arts and Sciences gives it visual impact. El Cabanyal brings colour and coastal history. And the beach is close enough to actually be part of your week, not just a one-off detour. Best for: longer stays, relaxed city breaks, people choosing quality of life over hypeDog note: easy city for dogs, especially with beach and green space accessRoute role: a softer, more sustainable stop after bigger cities Read more: Valencia, Spain: Where the City Meets the Sea AlicanteRegion: Costa Blanca Alicante isn’t as layered as some of the other cities on this list, but that doesn’t make it less useful. In my route, Alicante worked as a coastal pause between Valencia and Andalusia. I based myself near San Juan Beach, which immediately changed the tempo. Long walks, easy lunches, sea air, cava, not much pressure. That’s Alicante’s strength. It doesn’t ask a lot of you. It gives you ease. The city is flatter, simpler and more straightforward than Barcelona or Valencia. For some travellers that may feel less exciting. For others, especially if you’re breaking up a road trip, it’s exactly what you need. Best for: short stays, easy beach stops, simple route pacingDog note: very manageable, especially around San Juan BeachRoute role: a strategic and enjoyable stopover on the way south Read more: Alicante, Spain: Two Days by the Water GranadaRegion: Andalusia Granada was only a short stop for me, but it still made an impression. That’s partly because of the setting. Driving down from Alicante, the air changed, the roads rose and the mountains returned. It felt like crossing into a different season in a single afternoon. Granada gives you something Spain does particularly well: contrast within contrast. You’re in Andalusia, but not in the same way as Seville. There’s more altitude, more intensity in the landscape, and the Alhambra gives the city a historical gravity that extends far beyond the usual “pretty old town” category. Even as a short stop, Granada has weight. Best for: history, architecture, mountain-backed city staysDog note: better as a short stop than a long dog base depending on where you stayRoute role: strong one-night or two-night transition between coast and deeper Andalusia SevilleRegion: Andalusia Seville has presence. Some cities need time to win you over. Seville doesn’t. It lands immediately through colour, texture, old stone, hidden courtyards, bars glowing at night and an energy that feels deeply Andalusian from the start. I was there over Christmas, which added another layer entirely with lights, ice rinks, festive energy, long meals, horse-drawn carriages moving through the city, flamenco shows drifting out into open air. But even without the seasonal atmosphere, Seville has depth. It’s one of the strongest cities in Spain if you care about history that still feels alive. Not preserved behind glass. Still part of daily life. Best for: atmosphere, history, romantic city breaks, winter sunDog note: manageable, though older historic centres always require more planningRoute role: one of the emotional high points of southern Spain Read more: Seville, Spain: Flamenco Streets, Hidden Courtyards & Midnight Dinners TarifaRegion: Andalusia / Southern edge Tarifa is technically more of a town than a city, but I’m including it because it adds something so specific and memorable to a Spain route that leaving it out would weaken the guide. It’s the final southern edge. The place where Europe thins out, the Atlantic takes over and Africa starts to feel close. After Seville, Tarifa stripped everything back in the best way. Beach mornings. Whitewashed old town. Fresh seafood. Big skies. Simplicity. It felt like the perfect pre-Morocco hinge point; a place where the route narrows, the air sharpens and the whole journey prepares to shift again. Best for: beach-led travel, wind sports, minimalism, crossing toward MoroccoDog note: one of the easiest places in Spain with a dogRoute role: final southern anchor before crossing continents Read more: Tarifa, Spain: Atlantic Energy, Beaches & Southern Edge Living ZaragozaRegion: Aragón Zaragoza wasn’t a major chapter in my Spain route, but it played an important role. I used it as an overnight stop between Madrid and Barcelona, and that’s exactly where cities like Zaragoza prove their value. Not every place on a route needs to be a headline destination. Some need to be well-placed, comfortable, and interesting enough to make a transition feel like part of the trip rather than just logistics. Zaragoza gave me that. It marked the pause between central Spain and the shift into Barcelona. A place to sleep well, reset, and arrive into the next chapter with more energy. Best for: road trippers, practical stopovers, people who value pacingDog note: manageable for short staysRoute role: transition city that improves the flow of longer drives How Spain Changes By Region One of the main reasons Spain works so well as a longer trip is that the cities don’t blur together. They intensify through contrast. Northern Spain Think San Sebastián and Pamplona. Greener, more food-led, more contained. Central Spain Madrid expands outward through neighbourhood life, long lunches, late nights and cultural weight. Mediterranean Spain Barcelona, Valencia and Alicante bring in more light, more sea, more openness and a different relationship to daily life. Andalusia Granada, Seville and Tarifa feel older, warmer, more textured. This is where history, atmosphere and late-night culture deepen. That’s why Spain rewards longer routes. You don’t just see different cities. You move through different versions of the country. Best Cities in Spain for First-Time Visitors If it’s your first trip to Spain, I’d prioritise: Barcelona For architecture, nightlife, the Mediterranean and instant visual impact. Madrid  For neighbourhood culture, museums and a proper capital-city experience. Seville For the most atmospheric and historically layered version of southern Spain. If you want to add a fourth, choose based on your style: San Sebastián if food matters more than landmarks Valencia if you want something softer and more livable Granada if history is a priority Best Cities in Spain by Travel Style For food lovers San Sebastián Madrid Valencia Seville For coastal travel San Sebastián Barcelona Valencia Alicante Tarifa For longer stays / remote work Madrid Valencia Barcelona Pamplona For history and atmosphere Seville Granada Córdoba (worth adding if you expand Andalusia) For dog-friendly travel Madrid Barcelona Valencia Tarifa San Sebastián Best Time to Visit Spain  Spain can work year-round, but timing changes the route dramatically. Spring (April–June) One of the best times to visit. Warm, bright, and easier for city-hopping without summer heat. Autumn (September–October) Also excellent. Fewer crowds, and better temperatures in the south. Summer (July–August) Best for northern Spain and beach-heavy routes. But inland and southern cities can become intensely hot. Winter (December–February) Surprisingly good for southern Spain. Cities like Seville, Tarifa and Valencia still work very well, while the north feels cooler and moodier. Final Thought The best cities to visit in Spain aren’t just the ones with the biggest names. They’re the ones that give your route shape. San Sebastián eases you in. Madrid expands the pace. Barcelona energises. Valencia softens. Seville deepens. Tarifa strips everything back again. That’s the beauty of Spain. It doesn’t hand you one version of itself. It keeps changing. And if you let the country unfold in the right order, the contrasts do half the work for you. For city-by-city breakdowns and deeper regional planning, explore the full Spain Travel Guides.

Is Marrakech Expensive? Marrakech is one of those cities people arrive in already asking the same question. Is it expensive? Before arriving, the internet will give you two completely different answers. Some say Morocco is incredibly cheap. Others say Marrakech has become expensive because of tourism. The truth sits somewhere in the middle. When I drove into Marrakech from Casablanca with my dog Roly, the city immediately felt different from anywhere else in Morocco. The scale is bigger. The energy is louder, and the tourism infrastructure is far more developed. Riads, rooftop restaurants, hammams, luxury hotels, boutique cafes, design stores, private tours, it’s all there. In my experience, Marrakech was one of the more expensive legs of my Morocco road trip, particularly when compared with coastal towns like Asilah or even Casablanca. That doesn’t mean Marrakech is expensive in the same way as European cities, but compared with other destinations in Morocco, prices do start to climb depending on how you choose to experience the city. You can eat a tagine in the medina for a few euros. Or sit on a rooftop terrace with cocktails watching the city glow as evening settles over Marrakech. You can stay in a beautiful riad hidden inside the old city walls. Or check into a luxury resort with pools and gardens on the edge of town. Both versions of Marrakech exist at the same time. So the better question isn’t simply “Is Marrakech expensive?” It’s how expensive Marrakech becomes depending on how you travel. This guide breaks down the real costs of visiting Marrakech; accommodation, food, transport, activities and daily budgets using both typical prices and my own experience travelling there with my dog Roly. If you’re deciding where to base yourself in the city, you can also read my full guide on Where to Stay in Marrakech, which explains the differences between the Medina, Gueliz, Hivernage and the outskirts. Table of Contents Quick Answer: Is Marrakech Cheap or Expensive? My Real Accommodation Costs in Morocco Accommodation Prices in Marrakech Food and Restaurant Prices Transport Costs in Marrakech Activity and Experience Costs Pet Travel Costs in Marrakech Daily Budget Examples Is Marrakech Expensive Compared to Europe? Is Marrakech Expensive Compared to Other Moroccan Cities? Quick Answer: Is Marrakech Cheap or Expensive? Compared with most European cities, Marrakech is still relatively affordable. However, compared with other Moroccan destinations, it can sometimes feel slightly more expensive because it’s one of the country’s most visited cities. Typical daily budgets look like this: Budget traveller £25–£50 (€30–€60 / 320–650 MAD) Mid-range traveller £60–£130 (€70–€150 / 750–1,600 MAD) Luxury traveller £170+ (€200+ / 2,200+ MAD) Your accommodation choice usually determines which category you fall into. My Real Accommodation Costs in Morocco To understand how Marrakech compares, here’s what I actually paid across several Moroccan cities during my road trip with Roly. City Nights Total Cost Average Per Night Asilah 5 nights £433 (€505 / 5,500 MAD) £86 (€101 / 1,100 MAD) Casablanca 6 nights £431 (€503 / 5,480 MAD) £72 (€84 / 900 MAD) Marrakech 5 nights £447 (€522 / 5,700 MAD) £89 (€104 / 1,140 MAD) Rabat 7 nights £743 (€870 / 9,500 MAD) £106 (€124 / 1,350 MAD) Rabat was actually the highest nightly cost during this stretch of the trip, largely because I stayed in a modern renovated apartment in the central Agdal neighbourhood. But Marrakech still sat at the higher end of accommodation prices, especially compared with smaller coastal towns like Asilah. And once you add the wider spending that tends to come with Marrakech such as rooftop restaurants, hammams, shopping in the souks, the overall trip cost often climbs. Accommodation Prices in Marrakech Accommodation prices vary widely in Marrakech because the city offers several different types of stays. Typical ranges look like this: Budget riads or guesthouses £18–£45 (€20–€50 / 220–550 MAD) Mid-range riads and boutique hotels £55–£105 (€60–€120 / 700–1,300 MAD) Luxury hotels and resorts £160–£430+ (€180–€500+ / 2,000–5,200 MAD) During my stay I chose a gated golf community about 10 minutes outside the medina, because I was travelling with a dog, having immediate green space made a big difference. It meant easy morning walks, quieter surroundings and a relaxed base between client work and exploring the city. Those kinds of location choices often shape the final price. You can find very affordable riads inside the medina, but larger apartments, modern developments and resort-style properties tend to cost more. Where you book also matters. Many travellers book through: Airbnb Booking.com Hotel websites These platforms offer convenience and reviews but often include service fees. For longer stays, negotiating directly with hosts can sometimes reduce prices. Food and Restaurant Prices Food is one of the easiest places to control your budget in Marrakech. Simple local cafes remain inexpensive, while rooftop restaurants and hotel dining move closer to international prices. Typical costs look like this: Street food or small cafes £2–£5 (€3–€6 / 30–60 MAD) Local Moroccan restaurants £5–£10 (€6–€12 / 60–120 MAD) Mid-range restaurants £12–£20 (€15–€25 / 150–250 MAD) Upscale rooftop restaurants £25–£50 (€30–€60 / 300–600 MAD) Most of these price ranges refer to food only, as alcohol is not commonly served in traditional Moroccan restaurants. If alcohol is available, usually in hotels, higher-end restaurants or certain rooftop venues prices increase quickly. A single cocktail or glass of wine can cost around: £6–£12 (€7–€14 / 80–140 MAD) Because of this, a dinner that might normally cost £10–£15 per person can easily double once drinks are added. Fresh orange juice stalls are everywhere and usually cost: £0.40–£0.80 (€0.50–€1 / 5–10 MAD) Mint tea is equally affordable and quickly becomes part of the daily life of the city. Transport Costs in Marrakech Transport within Marrakech is generally inexpensive. Most taxi rides within the city cost: £1.70–£4.20 (€2–€5 / 20–50 MAD) If you stay inside the medina many places are walkable, although navigating the maze of alleyways can take a little time to learn. For visitors flying into Marrakech, taxis are usually the easiest way to move between neighbourhoods like the Medina, Gueliz and Hivernage. However, the experience is slightly different if you’re road tripping through Morocco and already travelling with your own car, as I was with Roly. Parking inside the medina itself is extremely limited because most of the old city is pedestrian-only. But the surrounding neighbourhoods are far more accessible. One of the reasons I chose to stay about 10 minutes outside the centre in a gated golf community was that the property included free private parking. After weeks of driving across Morocco, it was reassuring to have a secure place to leave the car without worrying about navigating busy streets or searching for spaces. When I did drive into the city centre, in many areas near the medina there are informal local car parks, where attendants watch over parked cars and charge a small fee based on how long you stay. In my experience this was typically around: 20 MAD for the day (about £1.60 / €2) In neighbourhoods like Gueliz, you’ll also often see people guiding drivers into street spaces. This is a common part of parking culture across Morocco. Someone will help you manoeuvre into the spot and keep an eye on the car, and it’s customary to give them a small tip, usually just a few dirhams. So while taxis are the most common way travellers get around Marrakech, having a car is still manageable, especially if your accommodation includes parking or you’re comfortable using local car parks around the city. Activity and Experience Costs Many of the best things to do in Marrakech are free. Exploring the medina, wandering through the souks and visiting Jemaa el-Fnaa costs nothing. However, if you start booking experiences, tours or spas, these can quickly become one of the larger costs during a visit. Typical experience prices include: Palaces and museums £4–£8 (€5–€10 / 50–100 MAD) Traditional hammam spa £18–£50 (€20–€60 / 200–600 MAD) Cooking classes £35–£60 (€40–€70 / 400–700 MAD) Atlas Mountains day trip £60–£125 (€70–€150 / 700–1,500 MAD) Prices often depend on where and how you book. Booking experiences through platforms like GetYourGuide, Viator or hotel concierges is convenient and usually includes transport, guides and reviews, but prices tend to be slightly higher. If you organise activities locally once you arrive, you can sometimes find better prices, particularly for hammams, guided tours or excursions. Negotiation is fairly common in Marrakech, especially when arranging tours directly with local operators. That said, cheaper isn’t always better. Some online bookings include insurance, licensed guides and clearer itineraries, which can make them worth the extra cost depending on the experience. For many travellers, organised excursions, especially Atlas Mountain trips or desert tours end up being the biggest non-accommodation expense during a stay in Marrakech. Pet Travel Costs in Marrakech Travelling with a dog can introduce a few additional costs. Across most of Morocco I didn’t encounter pet fees when booking accommodation. Marrakech was actually the only city on my trip where some properties charged additional pet fees. Typical pet surcharges range from: £8–£25 (€10–€30 / 100–300 MAD) Fortunately the city itself was surprisingly dog-friendly, especially in outdoor cafes and restaurant terraces. You can read more in my Travelling Morocco with a Dog guide. Daily Budget Examples Your daily costs in Marrakech will largely depend on three main choices: where you stay (riad vs luxury hotel) whether you drink alcohol with meals whether you book organised tours or explore independently Transport can also vary depending on whether you rely on taxis or already have a car as part of a wider Morocco road trip. Here are some realistic daily budget examples based on typical spending. Budget Day Accommodation £30 (€35 / 380 MAD) Food £12 (€15 / 150 MAD) Transport £2.50 (€3 / 30 MAD) Activities £6 (€7 / 70 MAD) Total: £50 (€60 / 630 MAD) This type of budget usually means staying in a simple riad or hostel, eating at small local restaurants and cafes, skipping organised tours and spending most of your time exploring the medina and souks. Many of Marrakech’s best experiences, like wandering through Jemaa el-Fnaa or getting lost in the markets, cost nothing at all. Mid-Range Day Accommodation £75 (€90 / 950 MAD) Food £30 (€35 / 350 MAD) Transport £6 (€8 / 80 MAD) Activities £17 (€20 / 200 MAD) Total: £128 (€150 / 1,580 MAD) This is where most travellers fall. It usually includes a comfortable riad or boutique hotel, a mix of local restaurants and rooftop dining, and possibly one organised experience like a hammam or guided tour. Alcohol can noticeably affect this budget. A couple of cocktails or glasses of wine with dinner can easily add £15–£25 to the evening bill. Luxury Day Accommodation £250 (€300 / 3,200 MAD) Food £65 (€80 / 800 MAD) Transport £16 (€20 / 200 MAD) Activities £65 (€80 / 800 MAD) Total: £396+ (€480+ / 5,000+ MAD) Luxury spending in Marrakech usually involves high-end riads or resorts, spa treatments, private guides and organised excursions like Atlas Mountain day trips. At this level, the city begins to feel closer to European pricing, particularly in luxury hotels and restaurants. Is Marrakech Expensive Compared to Europe? Compared with cities like London, Barcelona or Paris, Marrakech is generally cheaper. Accommodation often offers better value, restaurant prices are lower and taxis cost significantly less. However the gap has narrowed slightly as tourism has grown and more luxury hotels and high-end restaurants have opened. Even so, Marrakech still offers strong value compared with many European destinations. Is Marrakech Expensive Compared to Other Moroccan Cities? Compared with cities like Rabat, Asilah or Essaouira, Marrakech is usually slightly more expensive. That’s mainly because it receives far more tourism and has a larger hospitality industry built around international visitors. However, the difference isn’t dramatic. Local food, taxis and everyday costs remain relatively affordable across the country. What changes most is the number of luxury options available, which can make the city feel more expensive depending on where you go. Final Thoughts Marrakech isn’t inherently expensive. What it offers is range. You can travel here on a modest budget and still experience the atmosphere that makes the city famous; wandering the souks, drinking mint tea in courtyards and exploring the medina on foot. Or you can lean into the more luxurious side of Marrakech with rooftop restaurants, spa days and beautifully restored riads hidden inside the old city. The biggest costs tend to come from accommodation, organised excursions and alcohol, rather than everyday local food or transport. If you’re travelling with your own car, like I was during my Morocco road trip with Roly, costs can also shift slightly. Choosing accommodation with parking, for example, can remove the need for taxis and make it easier to explore different parts of the city at your own pace. In the end, Marrakech becomes as expensive or affordable as you make it, and that flexibility is part of what makes the city such an interesting place to travel. If you’re planning your stay, you might also find my guide to Where to Stay in Marrakech helpful when choosing between the Medina, Gueliz, Hivernage and the quieter areas just outside the city.

Westbound to the Atlantic: Marrakech to Essaouira The drive from Marrakech to Essaouira takes just under three hours, cutting west through open land. The red earth gradually softens. The air changes before you even see the ocean. The drive covered long stretches of highway, small towns, local roadside shops, the occasional donkey cart, and that steady sense of moving toward something lighter. After the density of Marrakech, and it's beauty and chaos, the road west felt like a reset button. There’s a clarity to coastal air that you don’t notice until you’re back in it. And then, suddenly, we saw the Atlantic. Essaouira opened up with its long beach, wind rolling in from the horizon and whitewashed buildings in the distance. The kind of arrival where you just know, this is going to be good. For Roly and me, coastal towns are our natural happy place. Open sand. Space to run. Picturesque sunsets. Less noise, more horizon. Essaouira offers all of that, wrapped in a creative undercurrent of art, rooftop terraces, great food, music and an easygoing sense of community. Immediate first impressions? Positive. Grounded. Lighter. Back to sea level. Back to movement without dodging scooters in Marrakech. Back to our happy place. Living by the Beach: The First Two Weeks The first two weeks in Essaouira were spent in an Airbnb just steps from the beach. After four straight months on the road through France, Spain and North Morocco which was full of constant movement, this felt like a shift into a steadier chapter. A place where I could settle, dig deeper, and build routines. Mornings began with long beach walks along Plage d’Essaouira. Wide, open sand stretching for miles, with horses and camels trotting past like it’s completely normal. Kitesurfers carved through the wind, surfers pushed against the Atlantic swell. Roly was in absolute heaven, sprinting full throttle across the shoreline, tail up, zero restraint. Breakfast quickly became ritual at Le Panoramique, an open beachside restaurant facing straight out to sea. Fresh juices, generous plates, oversized loungers you sink into, and the kind of place where you can easily stay longer than planned. And yes, dog-friendly. In fact, Essaouira turned out to be one of the most dog-friendly places I’ve experienced in Morocco. Roly was welcomed everywhere; cafes, restaurants, bars, shops, even beauty salons. No hesitation. No awkward glances. Just space for him to exist alongside me. Read more in my Travelling Morocco with a Dog guide.  Evenings often drifted back toward Avenue Mohammed V for sunset drinks at La Coupole, a echo-friendly, bohemian rooftop restaurant facing the ocean. Spectacular skies. Good cocktails. Playlists that know exactly what they’re doing. The kind of golden-hour energy that makes you pause and feel genuine gratitude for the life you’re living. Those first two weeks didn’t feel like a stopover. They felt like the beginning of something longer, and without fully realising it yet, I was already settling in. Moving Into the Medina: Six Weeks of Settling In After two weeks by the beach, I crossed town and moved into a new Airbnb inside the medina. The apartment stretched across three floors; a kitchen at ground level, bedroom and bathroom above, and a private rooftop terrace at the top with a lounger. Moroccan hues, textured walls and plants threaded through the rooms which gave it warmth and character. It felt like a proper base. Not a stopover. A home. And that’s exactly what it became for the next eight weeks.It also turned out to be a great place to work as a digital nomad on the days I needed focus. I had options throughout the house between the rooftop in the sun, quiet corners inside, and even a small desk on the second floor when I wanted to sit down properly and concentrate. The host was incredibly hospitable, and it’s somewhere I’d happily return to whenever I’m next in Morocco. Mornings in the medina opened with birdsong, children playing in the alleyways, and the call to prayer rising across the rooftops. It wasn’t background noise, it was atmosphere. Uplifting. Grounding. A reminder you’re living somewhere, not just passing through. Essaouira’s medina feels different to Marrakech. Still atmospheric. Still textured. But softer. Less chaotic. More space to enjoy it. Being in the medina meant everything sat within reach: markets, bakeries, the port, the beach, co-working spots, rooftop cafes, restaurants, bars. And when I didn’t feel like moving? I had my own terrace to work from, laptop open, still soaking up the vibes. After a couple of weeks, you fall into your own routine. You know which rooftop hits best at sunset, the best co-working spots, where to get your nails done, where to eat the best food, and where to take visiting friends and family. KSOU Restaurant Rooftop and Brunch&Co became a regular. Casual lunches at Koozina Garden and Restaurant la Tolérance. Hair and beauty at Mimi’s and Salon Rochelle centre de beauté. The fish market for something fresh.  Living in the medina meant I wasn’t visiting anymore. I was part of the daily choreography. Beach Days, Runs & Sunset Rituals Essaouira has wind. Not a breeze, wind. Constant. Defining. The kind that shapes the sea, the sand, and your hair in equal measure, and yet it’s still warm. Between February and March during my stay, temperatures hovered between 20–25°C. Proper sun. Clear skies. Heat on your skin. But the wind keeps it honest. It takes the edge off the midday warmth, makes long runs possible, makes sitting in full sun actually enjoyable. On hotter days, you’re grateful for it. Morning runs along the beach became non-negotiable. Wide, open sand stretching for miles. The Atlantic rolling in. Roly either charging ahead at full speed or circling back to check I was keeping up. There’s something about running beside the ocean that resets everything. Breath, horizon, and movement. And when evening rolls in, Essaouira really shows off. The skies don’t just fade, they perform. Some nights it’s a wash of violet. Other evenings the horizon burns red, then melts into deep orange. A slow, glowing shift that holds your attention.  Seagulls cut across the sky in sharp silhouettes. The ocean stretches wide and open beneath it all. It’s cinematic and majestic in a quiet, coastal way and impossible not to stop and watch. Some of my favourite spots to catch it with a drink in hand were La Coupole, KSOU Rooftop, Mega Loft, Beach & Friends, and Taros, especially on nights when I wanted a little more music, a little more movement, a little more volume. But just as often, it was simpler than that. Standing barefoot on the sand on the beach watching the sun drop clean into the Atlantic with nothing but horizon in front of me. No booking. No plan. No rush. Just letting the day close the way Essaouira does best. Workdays, Moroccan Tea & Co-Working Energy Essaouira surprised me as a work base. It doesn’t brand itself as a digital nomad hub, but it absolutely holds you. The pace supports focus. The medina provides background movement without distraction. Enough life to feel connected, not enough to distract. Some days I worked from my terrace. Other days I rotated between cafes and spots like Noqta Space, Three Little Birds and Picknick for a midday reset between calls. Moroccan tea became the anchor,  poured high, mint heavy, sweet enough to carry you through a long client day. After months of constant movement, I finally built something that resembled routine: Morning run or beach walk Moroccan tea Deep work block Late lunch Sunset outside No frantic Wi-Fi hunts. No packing the car every few days. Just steady output, salt air, and space to think. It was another bonus on this route that made work and location feel fully aligned. You can read more in my guide Digital Nomad Life in Morocco: Best Cities, Costs & WiFi Reality. Beauty, Vet Appointments & Staying Human When you stay somewhere eight weeks, you stop living like a traveller.You get your nails done. You get your hair done. You take your dog to the vet for annual vaccines at Cabinet Vétérinaire L’Alizé or Cabinet Vétérinaire La Lagune.Appointments weren’t tourist indulgences. They were normal life continuing. I was no longer passing through. I was living here.  My First Ramadan in Morocco By the time  Ramadan began, I had already been in Essaouira for several weeks. That meant experiencing Morocco not just as a visitor passing through, but during one of its most important months.In reality, life in Essaouira didn’t change dramatically. As a coastal town with a steady flow of travellers, most things continued much as normal. Restaurants still served food, cafes remained open, the beach was as active as ever, and you could still explore the medina freely throughout the day.What did shift slightly was the tempo of the day. Mornings felt quieter, and during daylight hours eating and drinking in public is generally done a little more discreetly out of respect for those fasting. Some shops reduced their daytime hours, but the city never felt closed or restricted.By late afternoon you could feel a different kind of anticipation building. As sunset approached, the streets filled with people collecting food for iftar, the evening meal that breaks the fast. Bakeries were busy, food stalls became livelier, and families moved through the medina preparing to gather together.When the call to prayer echoed out at sunset, there was a brief pause across the city. And then tables filled, conversations lifted, and the evening unfolded in a vibrant, social way that often carried late into the night.What stood out most was the sense of togetherness. Ramadan here isn’t something staged for visitors. It’s simply part of daily life. Work still happens. Markets still open but there’s a shared understanding that this month carries deeper meaning; spiritually, socially and culturally.For me, it became another layer of living here rather than something separate to observe. Experiencing my first Ramadan in Morocco wasn’t about watching from the outside. It was about adjusting respectfully, noticing the small shifts in the day, and appreciating a tradition that quietly shapes everyday life.And in Essaouira, staying longer made all the difference. You can read more in my Visiting Morocco During Ramadan guide.  Where I Ate (And Went Back To) After a few weeks in Essaouira you start building your own shortlist. The places you return to without thinking twice. These were some of my favourites during my time in the city. La Coupole - A classic spot along the seafront. Great for seafood and people-watching with the Atlantic right in front of you. Mega Loft - A great medina rooftop for dinner or evening drinks. Stylish, lively and great when you want a slightly more social atmosphere. Le Love by Caravane - A beautifully designed spot inside the medina with a slightly more refined feel. Great food and a stylish setting for a slower dinner. Breakfast at Brunch&Co - One of my favourite breakfast stops in town, and a good spot to soak up the vibes and people watch. An easy place to start the day. La Rencontre - A relaxed neighbourhood restaurant with a friendly local atmosphere and Moroccan dishes done well. Asian Red Food - A small Asian restaurant in the medina that became one of my go-to places when I wanted something different from Moroccan cuisine. Taros - A well-known rooftop overlooking the harbour. Music, cocktails and sunset views make it a reliable evening spot. Fishburger - Casual. Perfect for a quick, tasty bite between wandering the medina. Noqta Space - A co-working cafe with a relaxed feel. A great option if you want a change of environment while working remotely in the city. Koozina - A peaceful garden cafe. Great food, calm atmosphere and ideal for a midday reset between writing. Three Little Birds — A good digital nomad cafe with a relaxed vibe and reliable Wi-Fi when you need to get some work done. 💌 A Note from the Road Essaouira is the kind of place that makes you stay longer than planned. Eight weeks unfolded through beach runs with Roly, rooftop lunches and dinners, Moroccan tea between client calls, and sunsets that seemed to show off a little more every night. Life just worked here. Wake up. Beach. Work. Good food. Ocean air. Repeat. The medina buzzed without the chaos of bigger cities. The beach stretched for miles. The food was excellent. The sunsets were ridiculous. And everywhere we went, Roly was welcomed like a local. Somewhere along the way it stopped feeling like a stop on the route. It started feeling like a place I belonged. Leaving was genuinely hard, but that’s the nature of life on the road. When somewhere feels this good, you don’t close the chapter completely, you just make a quiet note to come back. And Essaouira is firmly on that list.  For full city guides, itineraries and supporting travel advice, explore all our Morocco Travel Guides. Now, it’s time for the next route. Next stop: Sahara desert 

 Driving in the UK (England Guide for International Visitors) If you’re researching driving in the UK or driving in England as a tourist, you’re likely asking: Do you drive on the left? Can Americans drive in the UK? Do I need an International Driving Permit? Is it hard? How does car rental work? This guide explains everything clearly, especially for US visitors planning a road trip across England, Scotland or Wales. Table of Contents Do You Drive on the Left in the UK? UK Driving Rules for Tourists Speed Limits Explained Motorways vs A-Roads vs B-Roads Parking Rules in UK Cities Congestion Charge Zones (London) Renting a Car in the UK Is Driving in the UK Difficult? Do You Drive on the Left in the UK? Yes. The UK (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) drives on the left-hand side of the road. Why does the UK drive on the left? Historically, British road systems were designed this way centuries ago. When automobiles became standardised, the system remained. For Americans, this is the biggest adjustment. However: Rental cars place the steering wheel on the right side of the car Roundabouts quickly become intuitive Most visitors adjust within 30–60 minutes The first few junctions feel strange. After that, it becomes natural. UK Driving Rules for Tourists Can Americans drive in the UK? Yes. You can drive in the UK with a valid US driver’s license for up to 12 months as a visitor. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended, though not always mandatory. It’s inexpensive and acts as an official translation of your license. Some rental companies prefer it. US travellers can obtain an IDP from: AAA AATA Other nationalities should check their local requirements before travel. How old do you have to be to drive in the UK? Minimum legal driving age (UK residents): 17 Car rental minimum age: Usually 21–25 Under 25 often pays a surcharge UK Drink Drive Limit (Units) England & Wales: 80mg alcohol per 100ml blood Scotland: 50mg (stricter) Penalties are severe. The safest approach is not to drink at all if you’re driving. Is it illegal to drive barefoot in the UK? No, it is not illegal, however, you must maintain full control of the vehicle. If barefoot driving causes unsafe operation, you could be penalised. Speed Limits Explained Speed limits are shown in miles per hour (mph). Typical limits in England: Motorways: 70 mph Dual carriageways: 70 mph Single carriageways: 60 mph Built-up areas: 30 mph You will see speed cameras frequently. They are enforced. Motorways vs A-Roads vs B-Roads Understanding UK road types makes driving far easier. Motorways (M) Blue signs Multi-lane highways Highest speed limits Best for long distances A-Roads Primary regional roads Can be dual or single carriageway Connect cities and towns B-Roads Smaller secondary roads Often scenic Can be narrow in rural areas Are there C roads in the UK? Yes, but they are minor local roads and rarely relevant for tourists. Parking Rules in UK Cities Parking rules vary by city. Look for: Double yellow lines = no parking at any time Single yellow lines = restricted during certain hours Resident permit zones Pay & display meters Parking in London can be expensive and limited. Apps like RingGo are commonly used for payment. Always check signage carefully, enforcement is strict. Congestion Charge Zones (London) If you are driving in London, there is a Congestion Charge zone in central London. You must pay a daily fee if entering during charging hours. There is also ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) for emissions compliance.  Failure to pay results in fines. If visiting London only, many travellers avoid renting a car until leaving the city. Renting a Car in the UK If you’re flying into England or starting a road trip, here’s how car rental works. 1. Compare Rental Companies Major companies include: Enterprise Hertz Avis Sixt Europcar Search terms like: UK car rental, UK car hire comparison help you compare pricing. 2. Choose Transmission Carefully In the UK: Manual cars are standard Automatics are available but more expensive Automatic supply is limited, book early If you’re not comfortable driving manual on the left side of the road, choose automatic. It reduces stress significantly. 3. Understand Rental Insurance Basic insurance is included in UK car rental. However most rentals include a high excess (deductible), often £1,000–£2,000. Options: Buy excess protection from rental company (expensive) Use third-party excess insurance (cheaper) Check if your credit card includes rental coverage This is one of the most misunderstood parts of renting a car in England. 4. Credit Card Requirement Almost all UK rental companies require: A credit card (not debit) In the main driver’s name With enough limit to cover the deposit/excess This surprises many international visitors. 5. When Is Renting a Car Worth It? Rent a car if you’re visiting: Cornwall The Cotswolds Lake District Peak District Scottish Highlands Welsh coast Avoid renting if you’re staying only in: Central London Major cities connected by direct train The UK rail network works well between cities. Car hire is best for rural flexibility. Insurance to Drive Any Car UK In the UK, insurance is vehicle-specific. You are typically insured to drive only the car listed in your rental agreement Unlike some US policies, UK insurance does not automatically allow you to drive any vehicle. Always check the terms. Is Driving in the UK Difficult? It depends where you drive. Motorways: Easy Regional A-roads: Straightforward Rural Cornwall / Lake District: Narrow and winding London: Congested and complex For US visitors, the biggest adjustments are: Driving on the left Roundabouts instead of four-way stops Narrow country lanes Manual transmission vehicles However, driving in England is generally safe, well-signposted, and logical. It becomes intuitive quickly. Final Thoughts Driving in the UK opens up far more than train travel alone: Coastal drives in Cornwall Dramatic Lake District passes Scottish Highlands routes Welsh countryside Public transport works well for major cities, but if you want flexibility, scenic routes, and rural access, renting a car in England makes sense. It’s structured, it’s regulated, and once you adjust to the left side, it’s far less intimidating than most first-time visitors expect. For supporting travel logistics, full route planning and city guides, explore all our UK Travel Guides.

Digital Nomad Life in the UK (2026 Guide) If you’re researching digital nomad UK, you’re probably wondering: Does the UK have a digital nomad visa? Can I work remotely in the UK long term? Is London too expensive? What are the best UK cities for remote workers? How strong is coworking culture? The UK is not the easiest country for visa access but it is one of the strongest for infrastructure, culture, and connectivity. This guide breaks down the reality. Table of Contents Can You Live in the UK as a Digital Nomad? UK Visa Reality for Remote Workers Cost of Living Breakdown (London vs Regional Cities) Best UK Cities for Digital Nomads Coworking Culture in the UK WiFi Reliability & Infrastructure Is the UK Good for Remote Work Long Term? Can You Live in the UK as a Digital Nomad? Short answer: it depends on your nationality. The UK does not currently offer a dedicated UK digital nomad visa. If you are: A UK citizen, you can live and work freely. A visa holder (Skilled Worker, Global Talent, etc.) you may work under that structure. A tourist, you cannot legally base yourself long-term or work for UK companies. The UK is strong for British remote workers. It is less accessible for foreign nomads compared to Spain or Portugal. UK Visa Reality for Remote Workers There is no official “UK remote work visa digital nomad” pathway. Common misunderstandings: The UK does not have a British nomad visa category. There is no simplified remote-worker residency. If you’re a non-UK citizen wanting long-term remote residency, you would need to explore: Skilled Worker visa Innovator Founder visa Global Talent visa These are structured, not casual nomad routes. For short visits (under 6 months), many nationalities can enter as tourists but you cannot treat this as residency. Cost of Living Breakdown (London vs Regional Cities) The UK is not low-cost compared to Southern Europe but pricing varies dramatically by city. Below is a realistic 2026 snapshot for a single remote worker renting alone. London Rent (1-bed central): £1,800–£2,800+ Rent (1-bed outer zones): £1,400–£1,900 Coffee: £3–£4 Casual meal: £15–£25 Coworking: £250–£400 per month Transport: £8–£12 per day (Zone dependent) London offers opportunity, density, and infrastructure but it’s the UK’s most expensive base long-term. Birmingham Rent (1-bed central): £900–£1,300 Coffee: £2.80–£3.50 Casual meal: £12–£18 Coworking space Birmingham UK: £150–£250 Transport: £4–£7 per day Significantly cheaper than London with improving creative and tech scenes. Manchester Rent (1-bed central): £1,000–£1,500 Coffee: £3–£3.80 Casual meal: £13–£20 Coworking: £150–£280 Transport: £4–£8 per day Strong social life and growing startup ecosystem. A popular alternative to London. Cambridge Rent (1-bed central): £1,200–£1,800 Coffee: £3–£3.80 Casual meal: £14–£22 Coworking space Cambridge UK: £180–£300 Transport: £3–£6 per day (compact city) Smaller, academic atmosphere. Higher rent due to university demand. Bristol Rent (1-bed central): £1,200–£1,700 Coffee: £3–£4 Casual meal: £13–£20 Coworking: £160–£280 Transport: £4–£8 per day Creative, independent, strong freelancer culture. Brighton Rent (1-bed central): £1,300–£1,900 Coffee: £3–£4 Casual meal: £14–£22 Coworking: £180–£300 Transport: £4–£8 per day Coastal lifestyle with London access (1 hour by train). Popular with remote workers. Edinburgh Rent (1-bed central): £1,100–£1,700 Coffee: £3–£4 Casual meal: £14–£22 Coworking: £150–£280 Transport: £4–£8 per day Beautiful, compact, but seasonal pricing spikes during festival months. Monthly Budget Snapshot (Solo Nomad, Mid-Range) London: £2,500–£3,800+ Regional cities: £1,800–£2,600 This assumes: Private rental Moderate social life Coworking membership Public transport use Best UK Cities for Digital Nomads If visa isn’t your barrier, here’s where the lifestyle works best. London Largest coworking ecosystem Strong networking Global connectivity Diverse culture High cost but high opportunity Bristol Creative, independent, tech-friendly Walkable. Vibrant. Balanced Manchester Growing tech hub. Strong music culture. Lower living cost than London. Brighton Coastal. Liberal. Popular with freelancers Smaller but dynamic Edinburgh Beautiful. Compact. Seasonal tourism impact Strong cultural identity Coworking Culture in the UK The UK has one of Europe’s most established coworking scenes. Biggest Coworking Companies UK WeWork Spaces Fora Huckletree The Office Group Coworking London UK is especially developed. Expect: Hot desks Private offices Community events Flexible monthly passes Cost of Coworking Spaces UK (2026) London: £250–£400 per month. Regional cities: £120–£250 Free UK Coworking Space? True free coworking is rare. However: Many cafes are laptop-friendly Libraries offer workspaces Some community hubs run free work days Coworking & Coliving UK Less developed than Portugal or Spain. Mostly concentrated in London and Brighton. WiFi Reliability & Infrastructure The UK scores highly here. Fibre broadband widely available Strong 4G & 5G coverage Reliable public transport Multiple airports A UK nomad eSIM is easy to obtain. Mobile data is fast and stable. Infrastructure is one of the UK’s biggest strengths. UK Digital Nomad Tax Reality If you become UK tax resident (typically 183+ days), you are subject to UK taxation. The UK has: Clear tax systems Strong compliance structures No “nomad tax incentive” regime It is structured, not flexible. Always consult a cross-border tax professional if relocating. Is the UK Good for Remote Work Long Term? For British citizens or long-term visa holders: Yes, especially if you value: Cultural density Public transport Diverse communities Global access Strong coworking networks For international digital nomads seeking easy residency: The UK is not the simplest option. It excels in infrastructure. It lacks in visa flexibility. Final Thoughts Digital nomad UK life is less about beaches and low taxes. It’s about: Culture Creative ecosystems Connectivity Global networks If you already have the right to live here, the UK works well. If you’re seeking a visa-friendly nomad base, Southern Europe may offer easier routes. The UK is structured, not spontaneous, but for the right person, it’s deeply rewarding. To compare remote life across borders, read my digital nomad guides to Spain, France and Morocco.

London Travel Guide 10 Best Things to Do in London (First-Time & Beyond) If you’re searching for things to do in London, you’re probably picturing: Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Black cabs, Red buses, Fish & Chips, Afternoon tea. And yes, those belong, but London isn’t a city you “see,” it’s a city you peel. It has layers. The top layer is royal pageantry, postcards and tradition. Underneath that is something else entirely, music culture, canal paths, warehouse studios, street food, nightlife, vintage markets, neighbourhood loyalty, migration, reinvention. London is not one city. It’s many cities stacked on top of each other. This guide covers the essential sights but also the layers that make London worth returning to. Table of Contents Is London Worth Visiting? Best Time to Visit London 10 Best Things to Do in London (The Surface Layer) London’s Cultural Layers: Neighbourhoods That Define the City Hidden & Unique Things to Do in London How Many Days Do You Need in London? Is London Expensive? Is London Safe? Is London Worth Visiting? Yes, but not just for the landmarks. London matters because of contrast. You can stand outside Buckingham Palace in the morning… and by evening be in a converted warehouse in Hackney listening to experimental jazz. You can walk through centuries-old Parliament buildings… then wander into Dalston and find a poetry night above a Turkish bakery. That duality is London. It is historic and constantly rewriting itself. For a first-time visitor, London delivers spectacle. For a returning visitor, London reveals itself slowly. Best Time to Visit London London changes with light.  Spring and summer (May–August) are ideal.  September is quieter but can still be relatively warm. Winter brings Christmas lights and markets but shorter days. Summer gives long evenings where the city feels almost Mediterranean in mood. But London is never defined by weather alone. Its energy doesn’t switch off with the season. 10 Best Things to Do in London (The Surface Layer, and Why It Still Matters) Let’s start with the icons but with context. 1. See Big Ben & Westminster Yes, it’s photographed endlessly, but stand there long enough and you feel something deeper; the weight of governance, empire, reform, protest, reinvention. Pair it with: Westminster Abbey Parliament Square A walk along the Thames 2. Buckingham Palace & St James’s Park Monarchy is theatre in London. Whether you’re fascinated or indifferent, it shapes the city’s identity globally. Watch the changing of the guard then walk into Soho for an entirely different world. 3. Walk the South Bank This is London in motion. Street performers. Skaters. River views. Tate Modern looming across from St Paul’s. One of the best free things to do in London and a perfect example of the city’s mix of art and everyday life. 4. The Tower of London & Tower Bridge History here is brutal and brilliant. Executions. Crown jewels. Ravens. It’s dramatic and it matters. 5. The British Museum Free. Vast. Complex. London’s museums aren’t just tourist stops, they are cultural anchors. Now, that’s the surface layer. Necessary. Foundational, but not complete. London’s Cultural Layers The Neighbourhoods That Define the City This is where London becomes interesting. Hackney Wick & East London Before the travel blog, before the road trips, this is home. Hackney Wick is: Canal-side warehouses Street art walls Creative studios Food markets Independent cafes Walk from Here East to Victoria Park and you’ll see London’s artistic undercurrent. Nearby: Dalston & Stoke Newington Grunge, vinyl shops, Turkish bakeries, music venues, basement gigs. Shoreditch Street art, startup culture, nightlife, reinvention. This is London’s creative spine. Soho Compact. Loud. Historic. Soho is theatre, jazz, LGBTQ+ history, drag shows, neon-lit streets and layered identity. It has been radical for decades. If you want to feel London’s social pulse, walk here after dark. Camden Markets. Music history. Alternative culture. Amy Winehouse. Punk roots. Canal views. Touristy now, but still textured. Notting Hill Pastel houses and Portobello Road Market. Yes, it’s photogenic, but behind the colours is migration history, carnival culture, and layered identity. Brixton & Peckham Afro-Caribbean roots. Music culture. Food markets. Energy. Brixton Market alone tells a story of London’s global fabric. Peckham rooftop bars sit above longstanding community streets. These neighbourhoods show London’s diversity without filter. Hidden & Unique Things to Do in London Beyond landmarks: Columbia Road Flower Market (Sunday ritual) Victoria Park at sunrise Greenwich hill views over Canary Wharf Canal walks from Angel to Broadway Market Live music at Grow, intimate bars in Dalston London rewards curiosity. The more you wander, the more it reveals. How Many Days Do You Need in London? Minimum: 3 days. Ideal: 5-7 days But here’s the truth: You could spend years here and still discover new pockets. For a short visit: Day 1 – Westminster + South Bank Day 2 – Tower + Borough + Sky Garden Day 3 – East London, Notting Hill or Camden Add extra days for neighbourhood immersion. Is London Expensive? Yes, but it’s flexible. London can be affordable or very high-end depending on how you approach it. Typical everyday costs: Coffee: £3–£4 Casual meal: £12–£20 Dinner in a mid-range restaurant: £20–£40 Transport: £8–£12 per day (Oyster/contactless) But on the higher end: Cocktails in Soho or Shoreditch: £14–£18 West End theatre tickets: £40–£150+ Fine dining tasting menus: £90–£200+ Boutique hotel rooms: £250–£500+ per night Luxury hotels: £600+ per night Accommodation is the biggest cost driver. However: Some museums are free. Walking costs nothing. Parks are expansive. Markets offer affordable street food. London can absolutely be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be exclusive. The city works at multiple price points. You can spend £10 or £300 in the same postcode. Is London Safe? London is generally safe. It’s a global capital with strong infrastructure, visible policing in tourist zones, and busy public spaces well into the evening. However, like any major city, it requires basic awareness. The most common issues visitors may encounter are: Pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas Phone snatching near roads (especially if standing close to traffic) Bag theft in busy cafes or on public transport Late-night incidents around heavily intoxicated nightlife zones Violent crime affecting tourists is rare, but petty theft does happen. Simple precautions go a long way: Keep phones secure and avoid holding them loosely near the road Use zipped bags or cross-body straps Avoid placing valuables on tables Stay in well-lit, busy areas at night Use licensed taxis or ride apps late at night Neighbourhood matters too. Final Thoughts London is easy to reduce to clichés. Tea. Royals. Red buses, but underneath that layer is: Art Immigration Music Queer culture Street markets Warehouse studios Football chants Poetry nights The best places to visit in London aren’t just monuments. They’re neighbourhoods. They’re conversations. They’re the quiet canal walks between bigger moments. That’s London. Not flat. Layered, and worth peeling back. For full route planning, city guides and supporting travel logistics, explore all our UK Travel Guides.

UK Road Trip Itinerary (2–3 Weeks) A Realistic Route for England, Wales & Scotland If you’re searching for a UK road trip itinerary, you’re probably trying to answer one core question: How do you structure it without spending half your trip stuck on motorways? After spending six months road-tripping the UK by car, with my dog Roly riding shotgun, I learned something important: The UK is compact, but not fast. Distances look short on the map. Drive times can surprise you. Regional flow matters more than ticking off cities. Table of Contents Best UK Road Trip Route Overview England, Wales, Scotland Loop Logic 2-Week UK Itinerary Breakdown 3-Week Extended Version Drive Times Between Major Regions Best Time of Year for a UK Road Trip Where to Base vs Move Daily Realistic Pacing in the UK Is Driving Around the UK Easy? Best UK Road Trip Route Overview The most efficient UK road trip itinerary follows a loop. Starting and ending in London works well if you’re flying in. The most logical flow: London → South West England → Wales → North England → Scotland → Return South Why? Because it minimises backtracking and follows natural geographic progression. The UK isn’t huge, but traffic, narrow roads, and weather slow things down. The best road trip UK experiences come from regional clusters, not city hopping. England, Wales & Scotland Loop Logic Here’s the clean regional logic: Stage 1: South West England Cornwall, Devon, Bristol Wild coastline. Surf beaches. Clifftop walks. This is one of the most scenic road trips UK regions offer. Stage 2: South Wales Cardiff + Brecon Beacons Compact. Green. Underrated. Stage 3: Midlands / North West Chester → Lake District Historic towns → dramatic mountains. Stage 4: Scotland Edinburgh → Highlands (optional extension) Scotland requires more time than you think. Stage 5: Yorkshire / Peak District Gentle landscapes. Market towns. Walking routes. Then return south toward London. This creates a natural circular route without major detours. 2-Week UK Itinerary Breakdown If you’re planning a 2 week England itinerary (or UK-wide), this is realistic pacing. Days 1–2: London Recover from travel, and start in London. Pick up car on departure day. Days 3–4: Bristol Creative city + Clifton Suspension Bridge. Gateway to the South West. Drive: 2.5–3 hours from London. Days 5–7: Devon & Cornwall Base yourself, don’t move daily. Cornwall highlights: Perranporth St Agnes Fistral Beach, Newquay Clifftop coastal walks Drive Bristol → Cornwall: 3–4 hours. Days 8–9: Cardiff (Wales) Break the coastal drive north. Cornwall → Cardiff: 3.5–4 hours. Days 10–11: Lake District One of the best scenic road trips UK regions. Cardiff → Lake District: 4–5 hours. Days 12–13: Edinburgh Historic, walkable, dramatic skyline. Lake District → Edinburgh: 2.5 hours. Day 14: Return South (long drive or flight/train option) This works as a UK travel itinerary 14 days without feeling rushed. 3-Week Extended Version With 3 weeks, you gain flexibility. Add: Extra Cornwall coastal days North Wales (Snowdonia) Scottish Highlands Yorkshire Dales Peak District 3 weeks allows Scotland to breathe properly. A true 2 week England itinerary focuses on England + Wales. A 3-week trip allows meaningful Scotland time. Drive Times Between Major Regions This is where many itineraries mislead people. Approximate times (without heavy traffic): London → Bristol: 2.5–3 hrs Bristol → Cornwall: 3–4 hrs Cornwall → Cardiff: 3.5–4 hrs Cardiff → Lake District: 4–5 hrs Lake District → Edinburgh: 2.5 hrs Edinburgh → Yorkshire: 4 hrs Yorkshire → London: 4–5 hrs Motorways are easy. Coastal and rural roads are slower but more scenic. Always factor extra time in summer. Best Time of Year for a UK Road Trip Late May to September is ideal. Pros: Longer daylight Milder temperatures Beach access Cons: School holiday traffic (July–August) Higher accommodation prices Spring (April–May) can be beautiful and quieter. Autumn (September–October) is underrated. Winter road trips are possible, but daylight is short. Where to Base vs Move Daily One of the biggest mistakes: Changing accommodation every night. Instead: ✔ Base 2–3 nights minimum in each region ✔ Explore from one central town ✔ Reduce packing/unpacking fatigue Cornwall, Devon, and the Lake District especially reward slow basing. Realistic Pacing in the UK The UK looks small. It isn’t slow because of distance. It’s slow because of: Narrow country lanes Coastal bends Congestion near cities Weather variability Plan no more than 3–4 hours of driving on major transition days. Anything beyond that becomes tiring. Scenic road trips UK-wide are about immersion, not mileage. Is Driving Around the UK Easy? Yes, but with nuances. You’ll drive on the left. Motorways are straightforward. Rural roads can be: Single-lane Narrow Hedged Fuel stations are widely available. Parking in cities can be tight, research ahead. If you’re confident driving, the UK is manageable and rewarding by car. Final Thoughts A strong UK road trip itinerary isn’t about covering the whole country. It’s about choosing a logical regional flow. The South West coast. Welsh greenery. Northern lakes. Scottish drama. The UK delivers variety quickly, but only if you pace it well. Two weeks gives you a taste. Three weeks gives you depth. And the best road trips around the UK? They’re the ones where you stop often, linger longer than planned, and let the landscape set the tempo.  For full route planning, city guides and supporting travel logistics, explore all our UK Travel Guides.

Digital Nomad Life in Spain (2026 Guide) If you’re researching digital nomad Spain, you’re probably asking: Can I legally work remotely in Spain? How does the Spain digital nomad visa work? What are the income requirements? Is Spain affordable long-term? Which cities are best for remote work? After spending two months working remotely across Spain, from Barcelona to Valencia to the Basque coast, here’s the real picture. Spain is one of Europe’s strongest digital nomad bases, but it depends on your visa status, tax strategy, and where you choose to live. Table of Contents Can You Live in Spain as a Digital Nomad? Spain Digital Nomad Visa Explained (2026) Cost of Living Breakdown (Madrid vs Barcelona vs Valencia vs Malaga) Best Cities for Digital Nomads in Spain Coworking & WiFi Reliability Taxes & the 90-Day Rule Is Spain Good for Long-Term Remote Work? Can You Live in Spain as a Digital Nomad? Yes, but how depends on your nationality. If you’re a UK citizen: You can stay in Spain for up to 90 days within a 180-day Schengen period without a visa. You cannot legally work for Spanish companies on a tourist stay. You can technically work remotely for a foreign employer during your stay, but you are not a Spanish resident. If you want to stay longer than 90 days, you’ll need a long-stay visa and that’s where the Spain digital nomad visa comes in. Spain Digital Nomad Visa Explained (2026) Spain launched its digital nomad visa under the Startup Act. This visa allows non-EU citizens to live and work remotely in Spain legally. You must: ✔ Work remotely for non-Spanish companies ✔ Prove professional experience or relevant qualifications ✔ Show stable income ✔ Hold private health insurance valid in Spain ✔ Have a clean criminal record Spain Digital Nomad Visa Income Requirements Income thresholds typically require: Around 200% of Spain’s minimum wage Roughly €2,500–€3,000 per month (subject to updates) Additional income required if bringing dependents. Spain Digital Nomad Visa Duration Initial residence: up to 1 year (if applying from abroad) Renewable up to 3 years Possible pathway to longer-term residency Spain Digital Nomad Visa Cost Application fees vary but typically range between €70–€200 depending on application route. Legal assistance will increase costs significantly. Spain Digital Nomad Visa Health Insurance You must hold: Private health insurance Full coverage in Spain No co-pay policies usually accepted Public NHS coverage is not sufficient. Can You Apply Online? Parts of the Spain digital nomad visa application can be initiated online, but biometric and documentation processes depend on whether you apply from Spain or your home country. Cost of Living Breakdown (Madrid vs Barcelona vs Valencia vs Malaga) Spain is more affordable than France, but cost varies by city. Madrid Rent (1-bed central): €1,200–€1,800 Coffee: €2–€3 Coworking: €200–€300/month Capital energy. Higher costs. Strong professional network. Barcelona Rent (1-bed central): €1,200–€1,700 Strong digital nomad presence Beach + urban mix Barcelona feels international but still deeply Catalan. Valencia Rent: €800–€1,200 Lower daily costs Relaxed pace Valencia offers strong value-for-money for remote workers. Malaga Growing nomad hub Good winter climate Rising rents due to demand Overall: Spain offers strong cost-to-lifestyle balance compared to Paris, Amsterdam or London. Best Cities for Digital Nomads in Spain Based on real experience working remotely: Barcelona Strong café culture. Creative energy. International network. Works well for short-to-mid stays. Read more in our travel story Barcelona, Spain: Food, Nightlife & Everyday City Energy. Valencia Balanced. Affordable. Coastal. One of Spain’s strongest long-term remote bases. Read more in our travel story Valencia, Spain: Where the City Meets the Sea. San Sebastián Beautiful. Compact. Higher cost. Better for shorter stays unless budget allows. Read more in our travel story San Sebastián, Spain: Pintxos, Sea Breezes & Slow Living by the Bay. Madrid Business-driven. Fast-paced. Better for career-oriented nomads. If you want lifestyle + affordability, Valencia often wins. Read more in our travel story Madrid: Living Between Neighbourhoods, Long Lunches & Late Nights. Coworking & WiFi Reliability Spain’s infrastructure is strong. Fibre WiFi is widely available in cities. Cafes often allow laptops (especially in Barcelona & Valencia). Coworking spaces are common in major cities. Mobile data is affordable. You can easily work remotely in Spain with stable internet. In my experience, WiFi reliability was rarely an issue in urban areas. Taxes & the 90-Day Rule 90-Day Schengen Rule As a UK citizen: You can stay 90 days in any 180-day period. Spain counts within the Schengen zone. This is suitable for shorter nomad stays. Spain Digital Nomad Visa Tax Spain offers a special tax regime for qualifying remote workers (often referred to as an adapted “Beckham Law” structure). Details depend on your residency status and income source. If you stay over 183 days per year, you may become tax resident in Spain. Always consult a cross-border tax specialist before committing to long-term residency. Is Spain Good for Long-Term Remote Work? Spain works well if you value: Outdoor living Walkable cities Cafe culture Coastal access Slower daily structure Challenges: Bureaucracy Summer heat Rental competition in major cities But overall? Spain offers one of Europe’s strongest lifestyle-to-cost ratios for digital nomads. If you’re considering the digital nomad lifestyle in France or the UK, explore my guides: Digital Nomad Life in France and Digital Nomad Life in the UK. For travel planning, explore the full Spain Travel Guides. Final Thought Can you work remotely in Spain? Yes. Should you? If you want strong infrastructure, sunshine, terrace culture, and cities that balance productivity with life, Spain delivers. For short stays, the 90-day rule works. For longer stays, the Spain digital nomad visa provides a legitimate route. Spain isn’t just a holiday destination. It’s a viable remote living base, if you structure it properly.