Discover why Málaga has become one of Spain’s most beloved destinations for expats and investors alike.

Vanessa sits down with local expert Carin, a rental and buyer specialist, to talk about what makes Málaga so magnetic — from its walkable, family-friendly neighborhoods to the challenges and joys of renovating property in the city.

You'll learn:

- What makes Málaga’s community so warm and magnetic

- The best walkable and family-friendly neighborhoods

- What to expect when renting or buying property

- The realities of renovation — what it really takes

- How Málaga compares to other Spanish cities

If you’ve ever dreamed of living in southern Spain — or you’re curious what daily life really looks like behind the postcards — this conversation is for you.

Ready to take the first step to rent or buy in Malaga? Contact Carin here: https://api.honeybadgernation.com/widget/form/f1lx6ykBehI04GdzfNFl

About Solena Global Living

Solena Global Living helps international buyers find their place in the world by connecting them with trusted, English-speaking real estate experts across Europe and beyond. Whether you’re dreaming of a second home, investing abroad, or planning a full relocation, we offer personalized guidance and insider insights to make your move seamless. Through our curated referral network and the Solena Global Living Podcast, we bring you real stories, expert advice, and the resources you need to live — and invest — with confidence.

👉 Get in touch: https://linktr.ee/solenaliving

Or, visit https://www.solenagloballiving.com

📋 Want to be matched with a trusted real estate expert abroad? Complete our Buyer Matching Questionnaire: https://form.jotform.com/VanessaRosenblum/buyer-matching-questionnaire

Chapters

00:00 The Allure of Málaga

03:51 Exploring Neighborhoods and Living Options

06:20 Rental Insights and Timing Strategies

09:03 Understanding Property Prices

11:37 Purchasing Property in Málaga

14:23 Renovation Opportunities and Challenges

17:57 Introduction to the Conversation

18:07 Connecting with Local Real Estate Experts

18:34 Guidance on Life in Spain

What’s it really like to live in Cantabria, Spain? In this episode, we explore one of Spain’s most underrated regions — a lush, green corner of the north where life moves at a slower pace, communities are tight-knit, and the natural beauty is breathtaking.

Our guest, Grace is a rental specialist and Property Finder and she shares insider insights into life in Santander and the surrounding region — from the region’s mix of sea and mountains, to its more traditional culture, lower cost of living, and welcoming small towns. We talk about who thrives here, what daily life looks like, and why Cantabria might be the perfect fit if you’re dreaming of a more peaceful, authentic experience abroad.

Whether you’re drawn to surfing beaches, medieval villages, mountain trails, or a calmer lifestyle far from the tourist hotspots, this episode will help you decide if Cantabria is the right place for your Spanish adventure.

📍 Interested in Cantabria? Contact Grace through Solena Global Living here: https://api.honeybadgernation.com/widget/form/i7Ljv5c7rFOmOkoNZtYB

About Solena Global Living

Solena Global Living helps international buyers find their place in the world by connecting them with trusted, English-speaking real estate experts across Europe and beyond. Whether you’re dreaming of a second home, investing abroad, or planning a full relocation, we offer personalized guidance and insider insights to make your move seamless. Through our curated referral network and the Solena Global Living Podcast, we bring you real stories, expert advice, and the resources you need to live — and invest — with confidence.

👉 Get in touch: https://linktr.ee/solenaliving

Or, visit https://www.solenagloballiving.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cantabria

03:46 The Allure of a Slower Lifestyle

06:12 Exploring Santander: A Port City with Rich History

08:35 Safety and Community in Santander

08:50 Navigating Life Without a Car

12:38 Education in Cantabria: Schools and Integration

16:48 Cultural Adaptation and Family Traditions

19:37 Building Community in a New Place

22:26 Housing Market Insights: Rentals and Purchases

29:18 Introduction to the Conversation

29:47 Guidance for Moving to Spain

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Thinking about moving to Girona, Spain? In this episode, we explore what it’s really like to live in Girona—from the city’s most desirable neighborhoods to lifestyle insights, housing options, and what makes this corner of Catalonia so special.

Our guest, Gloria, is a local real estate expert who helps international buyers navigate Girona’s unique market. Whether you’re drawn to the historic charm of the Barri Vell, the modern feel of Montjuïc, or the family-friendly neighborhoods just outside the city center, Gloria shares insider knowledge to help you choose the right area for your lifestyle.

If you’re considering a move to Girona or want to learn more about buying property in Catalonia, contact Gloria through Solena Global Living:

https://bit.ly/contact-gloria-m

About Solena Global Living

Solena Global Living helps international buyers find their place in the world by connecting them with trusted, English-speaking real estate experts across Europe and beyond. Whether you’re dreaming of a second home, investing abroad, or planning a full relocation, we offer personalized guidance and insider insights to make your move seamless. Through our curated referral network and the Solena Global Living Podcast, we bring you real stories, expert advice, and the resources you need to live—and invest—with confidence.

Get in touch: ⁠https://linktr.ee/solenaliving

Chapters00:00 Exploring Girona: A Hidden Gem

02:15 The Real Estate Landscape in Girona

05:29 Neighborhoods of Girona: Where to Live

10:29 Pricing and Market Trends

17:21 Navigating the Buying Process

22:26 Common Pitfalls for Buyers

24:01 Introduction to Selena Global Living Podcast

24:01 Comprehensive Support for Relocation

#movetospain #movetogirona #solenagloballiving #spainimmigrants #costabrava

Thinking about moving abroad? In this episode, Erica Wright shares her real story of leaving the U.S. and building a new life in Mexico. She opens up about the decision to move, the challenges of navigating the visa process, cultural adjustments, and what daily life as an expat really looks like.

We dive into practical topics like safety, cost of living, healthcare, and remote work — as well as the lifestyle changes and mindset shifts that come with living abroad.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to start fresh in a new country, this conversation will give you the clarity and confidence to take the next step.

✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Why Erica decided to move abroad and why she chose Mexico
2. Key factors to consider when choosing a new home overseas
3. How to navigate the visa process with less stress
4. The reality of safety concerns and how to address them
5. Cost of living in Mexico vs. the U.S.
6. Cultural adjustments and finding community
7. What healthcare looks like for expats in Mexico
8. Practical advice for anyone considering moving abroad

Connect with Erica:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericadionnwright

Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/EricaDionn

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thismightbeabadidea.podcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThisMightBeABadIdeaYouTube/

Podcast: https://youtube.com/@thismightbeabadideapodcast

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thismightbeabadidea.pod

Website: www.thismightbeabadideapodcast.com

Email: [email protected]

About Solena Global Living

Solena Global Living helps international buyers find their place in the world by connecting them with trusted, English-speaking real estate experts across Europe and beyond. Whether you’re dreaming of a second home, investing abroad, or planning a full relocation, we offer personalized guidance and insider insights to make your move seamless. Through our curated referral network and the Solena Global Living Podcast, we bring you real stories, expert advice, and the resources you need to live—and invest—with confidence.

Get in touch: ⁠https://linktr.ee/solenaliving

⏱ Chapters:

00:00 The Decision to Move Abroad

03:06 Criteria for Choosing a New Home

06:13 Addressing Safety Concerns

08:04 Navigating Visa Processes

11:40 Remote Work and Lifestyle Adjustments

13:31 Cost of Living Comparison

14:18 Cultural Adjustments and New Routines

19:11 Trade-offs of Living Abroad

20:15 Healthcare Insights in Mexico

22:06 Food Quality and Health Benefits

23:47 Advice for Those Hesitant to Move

Thinking about Portugal—specifically the Algarve? In this episode, Vanessa sits down with a Lagos-based real estate agent to break down what life actually feels like in Lagos (walkable, small-city vibe, west-coast beaches + sunsets), who this area serves best (families, community-seekers), and the trade-offs (Lagos carries a premium €€€).

We cover schools (Portuguese vs. international), rentals, when buying makes sense, how competitive the market is, and why representation in Portugal can be very different from your home country.

You’ll learn:

- Lagos lifestyle & vibe: compact, walkable, family-friendly, quick access to wild west-coast beaches.

- Schools 101: immersion in Portuguese vs. international schools—how families decide.

- Housing reality: typical rentals and why Lagos is among the Algarve’s pricier markets.

- Buy smart: timing, expectation management, and how sight-unseen deals are handled.

- Representation matters: how buyer’s agents work in Portugal.

Get help moving to Portugal. Connect with Vanessa Lopes: https://bit.ly/contact-vanessa-lopes

About Solena Global Living

Solena Global Living helps international buyers find their place in the world by connecting them with trusted, English-speaking real estate experts across Europe and beyond. Whether you’re dreaming of a second home, investing abroad, or planning a full relocation, we offer personalized guidance and insider insights to make your move seamless. Through our curated referral network and the Solena Global Living Podcast, we bring you real stories, expert advice, and the resources you need to live—and invest—with confidence.

Get in touch: https://linktr.ee/solenaliving

Chapters

00:00 – Intro

01:00 – What our guest does: concierge for foreign buyers

03:50 – Why the Algarve (esp. Lagos): vibe, walkability, west-coast magic

07:56 – Family life & community: kid-friendly spaces, beaches, after-school

12:04 – Schools 101: Portuguese vs. international, language paths

20:51 – Rentals & availability: what’s on the market now

22:50 – Price context: new build vs. resale, sea views, Lagos premium

25:54 – How competitive is it? Readiness, rent-first vs. buy-now

27:39 – Buying sight-unseen & expectation management

34:37 – Do you need a buyer’s agent in Portugal? Differences vs. UK/Germany

37:15 – Pitfalls to avoid & how to mitigate risk

39:16 – How to get help + next steps

Thinking of moving to Valencia, Spain? Wondering which neighborhoods are the best fit for your lifestyle?In this episode of the Solena Global Living Podcast, I sit down with David, an American real estate professional turned Buyer Specialist (and rental specialist) in Valencia, to uncover what life is really like in Spain’s third-largest city - and how to find a home here.We cover:- The vibe and lifestyle of Valencia’s most popular neighborhoods- Rental prices and what you can expect for your budget- The pros and cons of living in different suburbs- How to decide which area is the best fit for YOU- Practical tips for navigating the Spanish rental market as a foreignerWhether you’re drawn to Valencia’s historic center, the beach lifestyle of Malvarrosa, or the family-friendly suburbs, this conversation will help you find your place in the city.Resources & Next Steps:👉 Contact David for Valencia rental support: https://bit.ly/contact-david-piccolo👉 Speak with a trusted international mortgage broker: https://bit.ly/solenagloballiving👉 Book an initial call with Vanessa: https://bit.ly/strategy-spain-15-callAbout Solena Global LivingSolena Global Living helps international buyers find their place in the world by connecting them with trusted, English-speaking real estate experts across Europe and beyond. Whether you’re dreaming of a second home, investing abroad, or planning a full relocation, we offer personalized guidance and insider insights to make your move seamless. Through our curated referral network and the Solena Global Living Podcast, we bring you real stories, expert advice, and the resources you need to live—and invest—with confidence.Get in touch: https://linktr.ee/solenaliving

00:00 Journey to Valencia: A New Beginning

01:12 Starting a new life in Valencia, Spain

02:12 Real Estate in Spain vs. the U.S.

04:17 Understanding Valencia's Rental Market

06:29 Exploring Valencia's Neighborhoods

09:43 Living in Valencia: City vs. Suburbs

13:03 Rental Pricing and Market Trends

17:27 Family Homes and International Schools

19:32 Cultural Differences in Living Spaces

22:08 Fireworks and Festivals in Valencia

27:14 Advice for Moving to Valencia

31:51 How Solena Global Living Helps You Find Your Place

Abroad#MovingToSpain #ValenciaSpain #InternationalRealEstate #SolenaGlobalLiving

What’s life really like in Murcia, Spain? In this episode, I sit down with an American and food vlogger living in Murcia, Maggie Dickmann. We explore the culture, food, and lifestyle that make Murcia one of Spain’s best-kept secrets. From mouthwatering tapas to the region’s relaxed pace of life, Maggie shares why she fell in love with Murcia — and why more people moving to Spain should consider it, too.

Check out Maggie's Instagram page:

Zodiac post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DMAzEZLtflj/?img_index=1

Tabla de Sopaica: https://www.instagram.com/p/DMAzEZLtflj/?img_index=1

Join a future Spain Scouting Trip with Vanessa. Learn more: https://www.solenaliving.com/scout-spain

About Solena Global Living

Solena Global Living helps international buyers find their place in the world by connecting them with trusted, English-speaking real estate experts across Europe and beyond. Whether you’re dreaming of a second home, investing abroad, or planning a full relocation, we offer personalized guidance and insider insights to make your move seamless. Through our curated referral network and the Solena Global Living Podcast, we bring you real stories, expert advice, and the resources you need to live—and invest—with confidence.

Get in touch: https://linktr.ee/solenaliving

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Murcia and Its Allure

02:28 First Impressions of Murcia

04:50 Exploring Murcia's Unique Food Culture

09:38 Daily Life in Murcia vs. the US

11:46 Local Food Traditions and Festivals

14:34 Eating Habits: Spain vs. the US

17:46 The Journey of Blogging About Murcia

22:39 Why Choose Murcia as Your Next Home?

24:43 Connect with Solena Global Living

Thinking about moving to Spain? Before you can find your dream home, you first need the right residency pathway. In this episode of the Solena Global Living Podcast, I sit down with immigration attorney Maryem Essadek, my go-to expert on Spanish visas and residency.We break down the most common visa options for Spain—including the Digital Nomad Visa, Non-Lucrative Visa, and Golden Visa—and highlight red flags and roadblocks that applicants often face. Mariam shares her insider advice on how to avoid common mistakes, what documents you’ll need, and how to set yourself up for a smooth transition abroad.If Spain is on your radar, this episode will help you understand where to begin—and why your very first step should be securing the right visa before diving into your property search.🔗 Book a consultation with Maryem here (affiliate link) https://bit.ly/spain-visa-consult🔗 Explore relocation resources and property tours with Solena Global Living https://bit.ly/rent-costa-bravaAbout Solena Global LivingSolena Global Living helps international buyers find their place in the world by connecting them with trusted, English-speaking real estate experts across Europe and beyond. Whether you’re dreaming of a second home, investing abroad, or planning a full relocation, we offer personalized guidance and insider insights to make your move seamless. Through our curated referral network and the Solena Global Living Podcast, we bring you real stories, expert advice, and the resources you need to live—and invest—with confidence.Get in touch: https://linktr.ee/solenalivingChapters:00:00 Introduction to Immigration Law and Moving to Spain01:33 Understanding Visa Options for Moving to Spain04:54 Exploring the Non-Lucrativa Visa Requirements08:51 Digital Nomad Visa: Requirements and Process12:51 The Impact of the Golden Visa Cancellation16:42 Settling in Spain: Next Steps After Arrival20:07 Final Thoughts on Immigration and Legal Support

Thinking about moving to Spain but unsure where to land? In this episode of the Solena Global Living Podcast, Vanessa heads to Murcia and the Costa Blanca South—an often-overlooked region nestled between Alicante and Cartagena.

Joined by Murcia native and real estate expert David Rivera, we explore:

- What makes Murcia an incredible (and affordable) place to live

- Lifestyle perks of this inland coastal region

- Why it’s ideal for expats looking for community, sun, and culture

- Real estate insights and what to expect if you move there- And yes, the food... 🍋

Whether you're a future expat, digital nomad, or just dreaming of a simpler life abroad, this episode offers a fresh perspective on a hidden gem in Spain.

SPAIN SCOUTING TRIP - OCTOBER 2025

Want to explore Spain with me? Join me on my upcoming scouting trip.

Trip 1: Girona → Murcia | October 16–27

Trip 2: Málaga → Seville | October 29–November 7

Contact me: https://linktr.ee/solenaliving

About Solena Global Living

Solena Global Living helps international buyers find their place in the world by connecting them with trusted, English-speaking real estate experts across Europe and beyond. Whether you’re dreaming of a second home, investing abroad, or planning a full relocation, we offer personalized guidance and insider insights to make your move seamless. Through our curated referral network and the Solena Global Living Podcast, we bring you real stories, expert advice, and the resources you need to live—and invest—with confidence.

Get in touch: https://linktr.ee/solenaliving

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Murcia: A Return to Roots

03:59 The Allure of Outdoor Living and Community

06:48 Culinary Delights of Murcia

09:33 Costa Blanca South: A Coastal Transformation

12:28 The Golf Community Lifestyle

14:51 Day Trips and Hidden Gems in Murcia

16:28 Building Your Expert Team for a Successful Move

Thinking about making Seville your new home? In this episode of the Solena Global Living Podcast, I sit down with Stephanie Jahn, my go-to real estate and rental expert in Seville, to explore what life is really like in Spain’s most charming southern city.

We cover everything from why expats love Seville, the real cost of renting in the city center and suburbs, and how to navigate Spain’s unique rental requirements. Stephanie shares her insider tips on choosing the right neighborhood, living car-free, and experiencing Sevilla’s warm community vibe.

Whether you’re dreaming of sipping sangria in the historic old town or finding a family-friendly home in the suburbs, this episode gives you the clarity you need to take the next step.

Want to experience Seville for yourself? Join me in November for our next Scouting Trip to Southern Spain, where we’ll explore Sevilla, meet local experts, and give you an insider’s look at life in Spain.

Show Notes:Towns along the metro line:-Mairena del Aljarafe (international school there)-Montequinto (which pertains to Dos Hermanas)Neighborhoods within the city center:Old Town - San Vicente, Museo, San Lorenzo Outside old town but still Sevilla - Los Remedios, Porvenir (both a bit pricier but great for families)

About Stephanie Jahn:

Stephanie combines deep expertise in both U.S. and Spanish real estate to guide clients through their move to Seville with confidence. As a bilingual realtor and fellow expat, she provides personalized, hands-on support every step of the way. With Stephanie, finding your ideal home feels seamless, supportive, and tailored to your journey.

Rental Search Services in Seville: https://bit.ly/rent-in-seville

CONTACT STEPHANIE: https://bit.ly/contact-stephanie-jahn

About Us

Solena Global Living helps international buyers find their place in the world by connecting them with trusted, English-speaking real estate experts across Europe and beyond.

Whether you’re dreaming of a second home, investing abroad, or planning a full relocation, we offer personalized guidance and insider insights to make your move seamless. Through our curated referral network and the Solena Global Living Podcast, we bring you real stories, expert advice, and the resources you need to live—and invest—with confidence.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Life in Sevilla

01:31 Why Seville

03:01 The Journey to Sevilla: A Personal Story

06:28 Experiencing Sevilla: Culture and Lifestyle

09:58 Navigating Real Estate in Sevilla

13:08 Understanding Rental Pricing and Market

14:55 Rental Process and Requirements in Sevilla

25:00 Understanding Rental Costs in Sevilla

28:18 Exploring Neighborhoods for Newcomers

30:58 Suburban Living: Options Beyond the City Center

32:57 Transportation and Accessibility in Sevilla

36:39 Safety and Community in Sevilla

41:57 The Warmth of Spanish Culture

43:20 Introduction to Services for Moving Abroad

43:32 Connecting with Experts for a Smooth Transition