Throughout Spain and Portugal, it’s common to see canned foods on bar menus and in shops. Although many Americans may associate canned foods with poor quality or flavorless ingredients (read spam from WWII), in Spain and Portugal this couldn’t be…

If you’re interested in visiting Portugal, surely Porto and the Douro Valley wine region are on your list. Aside from these must-see destinations, northern Portugal is home to some of the country’s most charming towns, rich with history, culture, and…

This month’s staff spotlight is one of our wonderful luxury travel managers at Valesa.  Meet Jennifer, one of the Americans on our team and with us for about 2 years. She has mastered the art of curating itineraries for our…

Many thanks for these 2 lovely clients, from Renee & Jennifer at Becky Lamb Travel! Hello Nuria, First, the Adams had an extraordinary time in Spain . I have sent them to lots of places but they say said this…

Wine and beer form an integral part of the gastronomy and lifestyle in Spain and Portugal. However, there are also many great cocktails to be found throughout the region, with sophisticated cocktail bars becoming more and more popular. Whether you’re…

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…

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…

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.…