Hi! We’re Ian and Malena. Ian is from Maryland, USA, and Malena hails from Almería, Spain. We met in California in 2016 while both studying at university. We got married in June 2023, and this is our story.
We both have an insatiable passion for travel and discovering new places, especially in Spain. But above all, we love sharing our adventures here and the unique way we experience this vibrant country.
On this page, you’ll find insider tips straight from a local, paired with the fresh perspective of an expat discovering Spain — the perfect combination for exploring this incredible country!
Spain may be a small country, but it’s full of stunning diversity. From the sparkling beaches of its islands to the vibrant culture of Andalucía, the awe-inspiring architecture in the North, and the dynamic energy of Barcelona and Madrid — we’re here to help you make the most of your trip and discover everything Spain has to offer.
I hope that you find the information helpful and that together we can learn more about this beautiful and complex country.
Work Together
If you would like to get in touch to work together, please send me an email at ian@thespaintravelguru.com.
Contributors
Hannah Cooper, Writer for The Spain Travel Guru
Hannah made regular trips to Spain while living in London. She sought sunshine and seafood on the southern coast and fell in love with the architecture of Madrid and Barcelona. Hannah is currently based in Chile where she is studying Spanish in anticipation of her next trip to Spain. She blogs at All About the Après and contributes to travel publications including Eternal Expat, Matador Network, and World Footprints.