Best destinations for vegans in Spain

It almost feels like Summer has finally arrived and she certainly took her time! Typically as people begin to think of those Summer Holiday bookings, the much longed for beach vacation package,  the weather here in England could not be better. There’s just something about that first hit of warm air when you step off the plane — instant holiday mode. Sunglasses on, playlist sorted, and you’re already imagining the tapas and late sunsets. One of the reasons I love to travel, other than the Sun, Sea and the possibility of freedom from laptop screens and never-ending to-do lists, is the food and one thing I love is a holiday in Spain for this very reason.

As much as I love Paella, having had Covid, my taste buds have changed dramatically, there are days when the thought of eating anything with meat turns my stomach and I feel bilious, so it is fair to say that the vegetarian/vegan option is now a must-have option.

Image Credit

Surprisingly, Spain offers a variety of options for vegan travellers, with many more cities and regions catering to plant-based diets than I had initially expected to find and some of these destinations might just surprise you!

1. Barcelona: Barcelona is known for its vibrant vegan scene, with 121 vegan and vegetarian restaurants, cafes, and vegan-friendly markets. The neighbourhood of El Raval has a concentration of vegan and vegetarian eateries and this includes the option to try the likes of paella or tapas which is made with vegan ingredients.  Plus, if you are like me and love cats, a 2m-tall bronze sculpture of a plump cat, El Gat de Botero, which stands near the bottom of the Rambla, is something of a Barcelona icon and a must-see sight.

2. Madrid: The capital city and one which is described as being super vegan-friendly due to its growing vegan food scene with the neighbourhoods of Malasaña and Lavapiés being renowned for their vegan-friendly eateries, but with those two aside, there is over 40 places to choose from and not one place I have read about has been given a bad write up.

3. Valencia: Valencia is the third-most populated municipality in Spain and is famous for its mile long beaches, oranges and one food item I happen to love - paella.  Thankfully with the growing plant based options in many restaurants, you can also find vegan versions of this iconic dish too.

4. Andalusia - Andalusian cuisine is famous for its gazpacho soup alongside a few meat-heavy meals, so finding that there is a whole host of alternatives was an eye-opener. Places such as Granada, often referred to as Spain's most romantic city has a plethora of vegan and vegetarian tea houses, restaurants and cafes to choose from.

5. Canary Islands: The Canary Islands is perhaps the most popular tourist destination with places such as Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote all being a growing vegetarian and vegan scene with a number of vegan-friendly restaurants and cafes making your choice of meal less daunting than it should ever be.

I have no doubt there is many more popular destinations across Spain that have equally good, if not better offerings when it comes to vegan-friendly eateries, be that at the hotel you are staying in, to local restaurants, cafes and tea houses, no longer should the phrase "Tiene opciones veganas?" (Do you have vegan options) be a chore to ask for.

*this article is a brand collaboration - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Jurlique Launch Aloe Vera Collection

Aloe Vera is a powerful botanical, which has for many years, been praised for its hydrating and soothing properties and for me, it is one of those must have plants you need to have. Jurlique is a brand that has the most amazing products, from the Rosewater Balancing Mist and Hydrating Mask, there is now a new collection to get to know - The Aloe Vera Exclusive Edition.

Made up of the Aloe Vera Mist and Hand Cream, Jurlique have helped to create a sensory moment of self-care that will leave skin feeling fresh and senses awakened, grown and harvested on the Jurlique farm in South Australia's Adelaide Hills. Jurlique has nature at the heart of everything they do and I love that everything is grown and harvested on their farm.

I absolutely love Jurlique Mists and I can't even tell you just how many bottles of the Rosewater Balancing Mist I have been through, so to introduce a new mist is quite exciting.

The Aloe Vera Mist which is formulated with 98% natural origin ingredients, this mist is enriched with Aloe Vera and propamediol which is a naturally-derived humectant that helps to gently hydrate the skin. You will also find that this mist features a fresh, evergreen blend of Citrus, Green Tea and Cedarwood notes within this mist that is designed to take you on a sensorial journey which not only leaves you feeling uplifted but also revitalised and ready to take on the day and because it is a lightweight mist, it doesn't soak you through.

For me, a mist is an essential part of my everyday routine and as well as using one as part of my skincare routine, I use them throughout the day to try and keep hydrated whilst looking at a screen all day and to give me that refreshed feeling, which is often needed when the fatigue starts to kick in. 

The second product is the Aloe Vera Hand cream which is a lightweight, softening Hand Cream which, just like the mist, is inspired by nature.

This Hand cream has an incredibly lightweight formula and again it includes that farm-grown Australian Aloe Vera extract alongside a natural blend of plant oils including Macadamia, Sweet Almond and Safflower Oils. It is also infused with Honey and Vitamin E to help hydrate, nourish and soothe dry skin and it also has the added benefit of antioxidants for daily protection. Once again there is that fresh, evergreen blend of Citrus, Green Tea and Cedarwood which is designed to leave you feeling uplifted, revitalised and ready to take on the day.  On the skin the cream, which does smell incredible, absorbs really quickly without leaving a trace, other than its delightful scent in its wake. Non-greasy or tacky, this is my favourite hand cream so far from the extensive Jurlique range!

Two incredible products being added to the Jurlique catalogue and it is a range I very much hope will be expanded to include more products.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Temple Spa Be Quiet Soothing Milky Toner

Meet BE QUIET, the latest launch from Temple Spa and if you're a fan of the brand, then you are going to love this.  Temple Spa has an amazing toner within its routine already with their GLOWCOLIC Resurfacing Toner but now it has competition!

Be QUIET is described as being a Soothing Milky Toner which has been crafted to soften, soothe and hydrate the skin when it's looking and feeling a little over-stressed and sensitive.  Velvety smooth, this toner has a whole host of amazing ingredients which includes:

• Squalane - hydrates, softens as well as being a natural antioxidant
• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) - Repairs, protects and helps to retain moisture
• Alpine Rose - Reduces inflammation and signs of premature ageing
• Liquorice - Calms the redness associated with irritated skin.
  
• Prebiotics - Supports your microbiome for strong, healthy skin.

As you can see, all of these ingredients are great for supporting sensitive skin, skin which is stressed and it does so whilst helping the skin barrier and generally improving the skin's overall condition.

What I really like about this Toner is its texture. It comes packages inside a pump-action bottle which makes it easy to spritz directly onto your skin or, as is my preference, your cotton wool pad (reusable) and avoiding the eye area, sweep the pad across face, neck and then down to décolletage. As you pump it onto the cotton pad, you will notice that this Toner blends between a liquid and lotion and as it does so, it works to instantly settle and calm the skin. Perfect for use in both the morning and evening, it sits into your skincare routine with no effort and my skin drinks this up like I've starved it of moisture!

Priced at just £24 it is perfect for anyone who wants a calm, soothing and nourishing toner.

You can find out more about Temple Spa on their website here.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.