October marks the start of the olive harvesting season. Spain is known to produce some of the highest quality olive oil in the world. In fact, it is the world’s leading producer and exporter of this liquid gold. Olive production…
There are two impressive cities in northern Spain that tend to fly under the radar, but their wealth of history and beauty should not be missed. Oviedo and León offer something for all visitors, from UNESCO World Heritage sites to…
Spain and Portugal are home to a variety of native peppers that play a crucial role in the region’s gastronomy. From deep red to light green in color, mild in flavor or extremely spicy, this vegetable is a staple in…
In the northwestern corner of the Iberian Peninsula, winemaking has been a common practice for centuries. Not only is it an important part of the local culture and economy, but it’s embedded in the heart and soul of the people.…
Girona is a charming city full of surprises. Located between mountain and sea in Spain’s Catalonia region, it is accessible by high-speed train from Barcelona in just 40 minutes! If you’re looking for a quick escape from the bustling city,…
The slow pace of life and rich culinary traditions of Spain and Portugal mean that mealtimes are sacred. After a leisurely dinner that can last hours, it’s common to indulge in a “digestivo”—a drink meant to aid digestion and prolong…
As you may already know, Valesa adopted the small Moroccan village of Tiniskt (population 300+), located in the High Atlas Mountains about 50 miles outside of Marrakech. In September 2023, a devastating earthquake hit the region, destroying homes and claiming…
This month we are highlighting our wonderful customer service manager, Vero! Working with Valesa for about 3 years, and her experience and skills are invaluable assets to the team. Born to an American father and a Spanish mother, Vero spent…
Thank you Melanie Lake for trusting Valesa with this 10th Anniversary, bucket list trip! Jessica, the Campfields said “thank you so much for all of your work planning our Spain/Portugal/Morocco trip! We had the BEST time!! The hotels were all…
Almonds have been a part of Mediterranean culture for millennia. Today, Spain boasts the largest cultivated area of almond trees in the world, with more than 700,000 hectares; this is the second-largest almond producer after the US. Spain’s production is concentrated…