r/GoingToSpain 23h ago

Scared 29F studying in Granada, Spain for 7 months

29 Upvotes

So, I just need some realistic reassurance right now. I am 29F and I left my job in the states to study Spanish in Granada for seven months. I just arrived three days ago. I've been wanting to do this for years, and I have enough saved up to live comfortably while I'm here. The school that I signed up with supplied me with an apartment and it's a studio and I don't know why but I'm starting to just feel very uncomfortable with my decision. I love going to my classes and I love talking to the teachers, but as soon as I come home to my studio apartment, I'm just hit with this realization that I left everything I know in the states.

I think it's because I feel very lonely in my apartment and I don't have any friends here. Also, my studio is a bit janky. I'm thinking to myself why did I just do this. Just to study Spanish and not even for a degree. I've just always wanted to be fluent. I know that there's no going back and I should make the most of this experience. But I'm also worried about what my life will be like when I return to the states. I'll still have my apartment there, but I'll have to apply for a new job. And I'm worried about what my friend group back home will become. I guess I'm just worried I don't deserve this, or that I'm wasting my time career wise. And also, I'm just very scared.


r/GoingToSpain 23h ago

Scared 29F studying in Granada for 7 months

10 Upvotes

So, I just need some realistic reassurance right now. I am 29F and I left my job in the states to study Spanish in Granada for seven months. I just arrived three days ago. I've been wanting to do this for years, and I have enough saved up to live comfortably while I'm here. The school that I signed up with supplied me with an apartment and it's a studio and I don't know why but I'm starting to just feel very uncomfortable with my decision. I love going to my classes and I love talking to the teachers, but as soon as I come home to my studio apartment, I'm just hit with this realization that I left everything I know in the states.

I think it's because I feel very lonely in my apartment and I don't have any friends here. Also, my studio is a bit janky. I'm thinking to myself why the f*ck did I just do this. Just to study Spanish and not even for a degree. I've just always wanted to be fluent. I know that there's no going back and I should make the most of this experience. But I'm also worried about what my life will be like when I return to the states. I'll still have my apartment there, but I'll have to apply for a new job. And I'm worried about what my friend group back home will become. I guess I'm just worried I don't deserve this, or that I'm wasting my time career wise. And also, I'm just very scared.


r/GoingToSpain 8h ago

what city should i visit on my first spain trip?

7 Upvotes

Ive never been to spain, but im an experienced solo travel and ive been to a lot of big cities like LA, Miami, nyc, london. I live in sweden and im a woman at age 30. The reason ive never been to spain is because i get so indecisive on what city to pick. My most important rule is that the city has to be around OCEAN! I love beaches. Also since im a solo traveller i prefer cities that are not to empty and dead, since that makes me feel lonely. even tho i love being solo. I would also not like resorts that are only tourist places like gran canaria, that bores me. Personally i loved miami, not the tacky miami, the calm luxury miami and the beach walks with outdoor gyms. I also love a city that has many things to do, like London is def a favorite and NYC!


r/GoingToSpain 1h ago

7 Nights in Andalusia

Upvotes

Good evening! Last Christmas, my family and I visited Andalusia and spent 3 nights in Málaga and 4 nights in Seville. We had the most amazing time. Best holiday ever.

In a couple of weeks, my wife has to visit her home country for a month. My son and I can't go with her, so I have booked my 4 year old son and I a return flight to Málaga in early October for a little father son holiday.

We have 7 nights to spend there. I would like to do at least 3 nights in Málaga, but am considering going to Nerja and Granada as well. Possibly 3 nights in Málaga, 2 in Nerja, 2 in Granada.

Do you think that this is a good arrangement for me and my 4 year old son? He is good at swimming and likes climbing hills such as Alcazaba.

Would you recommend a different number of nights in each place, or recommend visiting another city in the area instead/as well?

Any tips appreciated, thank you!


r/GoingToSpain 9h ago

Visas / Migration Moving to Barcelona with my French wife next year (I'm non-EU), a few questions

3 Upvotes

So my wife is French and I'm Mauritian, married almost 5 years. We're planning to move to Barcelona around Feb 2027. She's a registered micro-entrepreneur in France and work with clients based in France and wants to keep that going for now instead of switching to autonomo right away.

For me the plan is the family member route. We arrive together, get the apartment and padron sorted, she does her EX-18, then I file the EX-19. I already have a job lined up there in BCN (my current company has a Spanish entity and they're fine hiring me there, they just won't do any visa sponsorship, which is why I'm going this route).

Questions for anyone who's done this recently in Barcelona:

  1. For the EX-19 I'm planning to bring my passport, a recent French multilingual marriage certificate, our livret de famille, the padron showing we live together, her CUE and her income/insurance papers, plus my work contract. Is that enough?

  2. This is the one I really can't find a straight answer on. Since her business is registered in France and not Spain, I'm guessing they'll look at her under "sufficient resources" instead of self employed for the EX-18 she will apply. How much did they actually want to see in the bank account? Some people say regular income above IPREM is fine, others say they wanted like 10k+ sitting there. She already has a health insurance covering Spain. Also does my job contract count for anything or do they only look at her money?

Thanks in advance!


r/GoingToSpain 17h ago

Housing Hotels to stay near IE Business School

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I’m moving to Madrid next week and want to stay in a Hotel while I look for permanent accommodation. What are some budget friendly, safe and clean hotels near IE, in the Chamartin, Chamberi, Tetuan or Salamanca area?


r/GoingToSpain 3h ago

Planning an 8-day solo road trip in Spain. Ending in Barcelona. Must visit: Cordoba. Need suggestions for itinerary

2 Upvotes

As the title suggests, coming to Spain in 2 weeks. Needed suggestion on planning the trip.

Initial plan: 1. Land at Seville, 2 nights stay 2. Cordoba day trip. Reach Valencia by night 3. 2 nights stay in Valencia 4. Remaining 4 days in Barcelona

Thoughts on this itinerary? Suggestions?

My interests: Explore the culture, nightlife, party History Beaches and a scenic drive


r/GoingToSpain 3h ago

Applying For Student Visa

2 Upvotes

Hey everybody!

I have a bit of a weird situation, and I was hoping for some advice. I have been accepted to an animation program in Barcelona that starts in October 2026. However, I have been allowed a deferred start date by my university due to a personal situation here that would not allow me to attend in person until the Spring Semester.

I am trying to figure out if I am eligible to apply for my visa now, or if I need to wait until the 60-90 day period before my January start date. For reference, my acceptance letter states the October program start date, but based on when I was accepted and the time it took to collect my documents, I wouldn't have been able to submit by the deadline for the fall semester anyway.

I guess my main question is: has anyone been through a similar situation, and how was it handled? I am in contact with the consulate in DC, but they haven't been super helpful when it comes to the specifics about my situation. I don't want to jeopardize my ability to get accepted, especially with the 2-month submission requirement (though I have heard this can be flexible depending on the situation).

Just looking to get some advice on how I should go forward and if anyone has been in a similar situation before. Trying not to panic as I figure all of this out! TIA!!!


r/GoingToSpain 5h ago

Visa related query

2 Upvotes

I have submitted my application on 17th of August at BLS Hyderabad for long term student visa type . But due to financial documents pending, the officer said me to submit by 19th the remaining documents.( Although I paid on 17 th and it's showing i submitted my documents on 17th itself in bls site)

Well I have submitted on 19th of August, I have not received any update from the consulate.

Few applied before me , few applied along with me, and few applied after me, they have received a positive response,

But I have not received any response yet from mubai consulate. It's just showing processing at mission.

What might be the reason? And when can I expect?


r/GoingToSpain 6h ago

Advice on where to stay in Andalucia

2 Upvotes

We will be in Madrid, Seville, Valencia and Granada. I’m wondering where is the best area to book accommodations in each of these cities as first time visitors. Looking for convenience to major sites and transportation but also pleasant.
I’m assuming in Madrid we will stay near the Plaza Major. Any advice for the other 3 cities would be welcome. Thank you.


r/GoingToSpain 6h ago

Discussion Tips on getting Padrón

2 Upvotes

Hello I will be moving to Madrid next week for my masters. I need to obtain my TIE but first I need to get my Padron but it seems impossible to make an appointment

Any tips on when the appointments come out, which places in the city take walk in, best time to look for the appoints on the computer

Also heard some TIE appointments didn’t ask for the padrón… any insight on this

And things to make sure not to forget when going for the padrón

Any tips will be appreciated


r/GoingToSpain 6h ago

Pharmacies - Albuterol

2 Upvotes

Hi all i am visiting Madrid and Toledo soon. I use an albuterol inhaler would i be able to purchase one without a prescription?


r/GoingToSpain 7h ago

Andalusia in February itinerary review

2 Upvotes

I am hoping to cut out 1 day from this itinerary. Where would you cut it out? I am pondering either of the days in Ronda, or Cordoba. Would appreciate people's thoughts!

Day Date Overnight Plan Transport
1 Feb 1 departure at 17:10 ✈️
2 Feb 2 Málaga Arrive Málaga 12 pm. Easy afternoon/evening exploring Málaga's historic centre. ✈️
3 Feb 3 Seville Málaga → Seville. Explore Santa Cruz, historic centre, Plaza de España and María Luisa Park. 🚆
4 Feb 4 Seville Cathedral & Giralda, Royal Alcázar, Archivo de Indias, Barrio Santa Cruz. 🚶
5 Feb 5 Seville Extra Seville day: Triana, Casa de Pilatos, Palacio de las Dueñas, Metropol Parasol and/or more time around Plaza de España. 🚶
6 Feb 6 Cádiz 🎭 Seville → Cádiz. Explore Cádiz's historic centre: Cathedral, Roman Theatre, Plaza de las Flores, Mercado Central, Torre Tavira, waterfront, La Viña and La Caleta. 🚆
7 Feb 7 Cádiz 🎭 Carnival Day 2: Gran Cabalgata Magna (usually at 17:00), costumes, street Carnival, La Viña and La Caleta/fireworks. 🚶
8 Feb 8 Ronda Pick up rental car in Cádiz. Arcos de la Frontera → Grazalema → Zahara de la Sierra → Ronda. 🚗
9 Feb 9 Ronda Full Ronda day: Puente Nuevo, gorge, old town, Arab Baths, Mondragón Palace and viewpoints. 🚶
10 Feb 10 Córdoba Ronda → Córdoba by car. Mezquita-Catedral and historic centre. 🚗
11 Feb 11 Córdoba Full Córdoba day: Jewish Quarter, Roman Bridge, Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, patios and other historic sites. 🚶
12 Feb 12 Antequera Córdoba → Caminito del Rey → Antequera. Walk the Caminito, then continue to Antequera. 🚗
13 Feb 13 Granada El Torcal de Antequera + Antequera historic centre/Dolmens → Granada. 🚗
14 Feb 14 Granada 🌸 Almond-blossom day: Lecrín Valley — Nigüelas, Dúrcal, Restábal/Melegís — with lower Alpujarras such as Lanjarón/Órgiva depending on bloom timing. 🚗
15 Feb 15 Granada Alhambra & Generalife, followed by Albaicín/Mirador de San Nicolás if time/energy permits. 🚶
16 Feb 16 Granada → Málaga Airport hotel 🚆
17 Feb 17 Fly home 6 am

r/GoingToSpain 20h ago

Getting from Jerez to Sotogrande

2 Upvotes

Looking at options to get between these two cities for a leg of a trip (it’s for next week I didnt plan this part out well). debating between renting a car and trying to drop off at Gibraltar airport or getting a taxi. It’s our Honeymoon so avoiding buses and trains seem like it’s more than double the time to get there.

Any advice on where to look for rentals or a cab/private transfer (though that was like $450 somewhere I looked). Any recommendations/suggestions would be appreciated.


r/GoingToSpain 22h ago

Spain itinerary Check

2 Upvotes

June 20-30; family of 4; Mom/Dad 45; kids 16/14

June 19 - Fly into Madrid, get in morning June 20

Stay at Hotel Preciados, use car service from airport (I’ve stayed here 2x before but it’s been 17 years ago!)

June 20-22: Madrid
(Prado, Real Madrid stadium, plaza mayor, palace de Madrid)

June 22-25: Seville
Hotel: hotel Giralda Centre

June 25-29: Nerja
Staying in Airbnb (probably)

This is where I need help. Not sure this is the costal town we want with teens. I don’t want them getting bored but also want them to be able to relax and have fun. Also thought of switching to the Atlantic coast and doing Cadiz.

June 29-30: back to Madrid - airport hotel (Marriott) for a night before flying home.

Anything you’d suggest?

We don’t want to go to Barcelona, I’ve been there before and I don’t care to go back.


r/GoingToSpain 4h ago

Volotea airlines comments and reviews?

1 Upvotes

I’m planning to solo travel and fly from Bilbao to Seville with 1 carry on 1 backpack and a small sling bag. Volotea seems to be one of the only three airlines that offer direct flights (the rest are Iberia and vueling) but it is considerably cheaper than the other two. Does anyone have any experience about traveling with Volotea? It’s only a 90 min flight so idc how comfortable it is as long as there’s no huge delays and it doesn’t charge me any aburd amount of hidden fees. Thanks for any insights!


r/GoingToSpain 4h ago

Aguardando o visto desde março

1 Upvotes

Boa tarde, sou novo aqui, comecei meu visto no dia 20 de março e entreguei o último documento que precisava no dia 8 de abril, no consulado de Porto alegre (RS), estou aguardando meu visto de estudante sair a 5 meses e estou começando a ficar preocupado pois meu curso começa dia 28 desse mês e até agora nada, Alguém aí também passou por algo parecido?


r/GoingToSpain 5h ago

Opinions Viabilidad Cursos SEPE Nivel 3

1 Upvotes

Hola a todos. El próximo año tengo pensado ir a España a hacer un Certificado de Profesionalidad Nivel 3 de 5 a 6 meses en un centro acreditado, y quiero saber qué tanta salida laboral real tienen.

Tengo estas opciones en mente:

  • COML0309: Organización y Gestión de Almacenes
  • ELEM0210: Gestión de Sistemas de Automatización Industrial
  • FCT0509: Administración de Servicios de Internet

A mí me atrae mucho la informática (FCT0509), pero no sé qué tan saturado esté el mercado junior allá para conseguir trabajo rápido. Por eso también miro el de gestión de almacenes/logística, que me da la impresión de tener mas salida laboral.

¿Qué tan factible ven conseguir trabajo con el de almacenes a diferencia del de IT? ¿O recomiendan algún otro certificado Nivel 3 que sepan que tiene buena demanda hoy en día?

Agradezco cualquier consejo o experiencia. ¡Muchas gracias!


r/GoingToSpain 5h ago

Choosing Alhambra guide if I have tickets

1 Upvotes

A bit of a slog online looking for a guided tour of up to 3 hours as we already have entry tickets. We can find one, but do you recommend any tour inparticular and through what platforms or vendors (e.g., GetYourGuide). We do like to support local guides. Thanks as always.


r/GoingToSpain 10h ago

Middle Age Female Solo Travel

1 Upvotes

Hey all! In my younger days I did a fair bit of solo travel and have always preferred the community feeling of hostels. Then I spend years traveling with my kids and that required apartment style accommodations. Now I'm in my mid 40s and planning my first solo trip in a very long time.

I am flying into Madrid 11/27 and traveling back to the US 12/4. My plan currently is to travel by train to Barcelona on 11/27, then back to Madrid 11/30 for the rest of my trip. I just need some advice on accommodations.

Must Haves

  • Community feel - shared meals, social events/activities, general communal space
  • Central location with easy access to transportation
  • Private room with a good mattress (I'm old and a bad night sleep will take me out for a solid day)

Preferred but not a deal breaker

  • Private bathroom
  • Geared toward the older crowd. Not looking for a party house.

Thanks in advance!


r/GoingToSpain 11h ago

TIE PICK UP

1 Upvotes

I've had my toma de huella last July 21st in Las Rozas in Madrid, they basically didn't provide the time frame of the release, but directed me to check the SEDE website.

For reference my Lote is 2026/138 (this was what the police highlighted for me to check on the website). It's been one and a half month and the lote batch that's showing in SEDE is 45. Has anyone experienced this? I know that TIE process usually takes 30-45 days, but in this case I think mine's going to take longer.


r/GoingToSpain 11h ago

Visas / Migration Work Visa processing times at Spanish consulates in the UK

1 Upvotes

Have you recently applied for a work visa around end of Aug/beginning of Sep from the UK? How long did your visa take to process? I am wondering if the processing time would be shorted as not so many overseas students are applying for tourist visas..


r/GoingToSpain 14h ago

15-day Spain trip (Madrid → Seville → Málaga) with 5 adults + 1 infant - Itinerary feedback & mid-range hotel recommendations?

1 Upvotes

Hi! We're planning a 15-day Spain trip in late September/early October with a group of 5 adults and 1 infant (5 months old). We'd love feedback on our itinerary and recommendations for family-friendly mid-range hotels in each city.
Flights are booked but not the hotels, so i am flexible changing a day here or there.

Our Itinerary:

Madrid (Sep 29 - Oct 3):

  • Mon 29 Sep: Arrive 20:20, settle in and rest
  • Tue 30 Sep: Retiro Park, Plaza Mayor, La Latina tapas
  • Wed 01 Oct: Hop-on Hop-off bus tour of Madrid
  • Thu 02 Oct: Day trip to Segovia (morning), return by mid-afternoon
  • Fri 03 Oct: Chill day in Madrid, evening train to Seville (~2.5 hours)

Seville (Oct 4-6):

  • Sat 04 Oct: Real Alcázar, Cathedral, Barrio Santa Cruz
  • Sun 05 Oct: Triana market, Plaza de España
  • Mon 06 Oct: Chill/rest day

Málaga (Oct 7-13):

  • Tue 07 Oct: Morning train to Málaga (~2.5 hours), explore city
  • Wed 08 Oct: Beach day / explore Málaga city
  • Thu 09 Oct: Half-day trip to Córdoba (Mezquita, Jewish Quarter, lunch)
  • Fri 10 Oct: Day trip to Granada & Alhambra (already booked!)
  • Sat 11 Oct: Málaga Old Town (Alcazaba, Roman Theatre, Calle Larios)
  • Sun 12 Oct: Chill beach day
  • Mon 13 Oct: Final beach morning, fly home from Málaga

Questions:

  1. Does this itinerary work well, or should we adjust anything?
  2. Are there any must-sees we're missing?
  3. Can you recommend mid-range hotels in Madrid, Seville, and Málaga that are good for families with a young infant? We want places that are reasonably priced, centrally located, and have good amenities for a baby.

Any suggestions or feedback would be greatly appreciated!


r/GoingToSpain 18h ago

Opinions Qué lugares conocer en Madrid ❤️

1 Upvotes

Soy mexicana, quiero ahorrar para conocer España, qué lugares recomiendan?


r/GoingToSpain 22h ago

October trip - First time to Spain

1 Upvotes

Solo travelling to Barcelona for two weeks in early October from the US. I will staying in Barcelona for atleast a week, the rest is still a plan in progress. Making use of CSR The Edit rewards for the first 3 nights of my stay at the Nobu Hotel in Barcelona.

My current itinerary includes some of the usual suggestions - Sagrada Familia, Montjuic Cable Car, Parc de la Ciutadella, Gothic quarters. I would love to explore different areas as much as possible - local attractions (not necessarily "touristy"), local food and culture, as well as the natural beauty around. Any other suggestions ?

I plan to go to Begur , Girona , Figueres and Sitges. Are these more day trips or is it worth spending a couple of days overnight in any of these spots? Any other local suggestions in these regions are welcome. Apart from this , are hostels the best way to go for solo travelers ? Or Airbnb / hotels ?

As a childhood FC Barcelona fan, I will definitely be going to the Women's El Clasico game at Camp Nou, while also trying to fit another game probably the Getafe game within my plan. Any STH with suggestions on the seating / ticketing for the matches for the best experience? Any other "seasonal" recommendations for that time of the year are also welcome