This is only my third summer not going home to the U.S., and I still feel that familiar pang in my heart. Even after all these years abroad, summer has a way of bringing up nostalgia, longing, and a need for grounding.
Living in Spain is a gift in many ways—but if you’re a parent here, you’ll know that the summer break is long. With school finishing on June 18th and not starting again until September, it’s a stretch of weeks that can feel both magical and overwhelming.
So how do you keep the kids busy, try to get your work done, stay patient, and somehow still soak in the reminder that you only get 18 summers with them?
That’s motherhood in a nutshell. A constant balancing act of logistics, love, and letting go.
Last week, our kids had no camp, so we decided to lean into family time. We planned a very last-minute trip to Mallorca—and I’m so glad we did. The best part? It’s only a 30-minute flight from Valencia. Just 30 minutes! Compared to our usual 14-hour summer journeys, this felt like a dream.
There are many sides to Mallorca. I had visited once before—single and adventurous. This time was entirely different. This time was about the kids.
We stayed at an all-inclusive resort with everything we needed: activities, kid-friendly pools, and two beautiful coves within walking distance. We spent our days barefoot, sun-soaked, and swimming—just letting the kids feel that beautiful, untamed freedom that summer should bring.
It reminded me of something I love about summer in the U.S.—kids running around outside with no shoes. Living in a city apartment, that’s something my kids rarely get to do. But on this trip, they did. And they loved it.
Now, I feel recharged. Not fully rested (because, you know… kids), but definitely filled with joy.
For those of you spending summer in Spain with children, here’s a little tip: from Valencia (which is just 45 minutes by car from Castellón), there are short, affordable flights to Mallorca, Ibiza, and Menorca. And ferries too, if you want to venture to the stunning Formentera.
Summer may feel long—but with a little spontaneity, a bit of planning, and a sense of adventure, it’s possible to make it meaningful, even magical.
Here’s to barefoot kids, 30-minute flights, and embracing every one of those 18 summers (as best you can). #lifeinspain #lifeabroad #summer #movingwhere #movingwheremothers #expatlife #americansinspain #parentingabroad #castellon #Castello
Tag: Castellon
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When Summer Feels Long… But You Only Get 18 of Them
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CD Castellón: Small City, Big Dreams (and a Whole Lot of Heart)
Let me start by saying this: I’m not a soccer player. Not even a lifelong fan. But somehow—somewhere between the black-and-white scarves and the roar of a packed stadium—I became a believer. A believer in Castellón Club de Fútbol.
For those unfamiliar, CD Castellón is the heart and soul of this Mediterranean city. They’ve historically played in Spain’s third division, a far cry from giants like FC Barcelona or Real Madrid in La Liga (that’s the first division for us rookies). But here’s the beauty of Spanish football: there’s room to rise. Teams can move up—and down—based on performance, which makes every game, every goal, and every call from the ref matter.
And last season? Castellón soared. They earned promotion to the second division, sending shockwaves of excitement through the city. Locals cheered, flags waved, and fans began dreaming bigger than ever.
The story gets even more interesting. Enter Haralabos “Bob” Voulgaris, a Canadian-Greek entrepreneur and former data guru for the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks. He saw potential in this team—and the town—and bought the club. Since then, Bob has been all-in. Stadium upgrades, new facilities, and a training complex in nearby Borriol with eight fields.
But this isn’t just about shiny new infrastructure. It’s about people. The team is now a global mosaic, with players from the U.S., Mali, Brazil, the Netherlands, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The head coach? Also Dutch.
Bob himself said he was drawn to Castellón because of its fiercely loyal fanbase. He’s not wrong. The stadium is packed game after game, with fans living and breathing every moment. It’s a feeling—a pulse—you can only understand when you’re in the stands, scarf on, heart pounding.
And guess what? Even CD Castellón B, the club’s second team, is on the rise—they’ve just been promoted too. Double the reason to celebrate.
So, is it possible for CD Castellón to make it all the way to Spain’s first division? With a little talent, a lot of heart—and okay, a bit of Bob’s money—anything is possible. And if (or when) that day comes, this underdog city will finally get its moment on the global stage. Something its fans can only dream of.
Until then, come feel the energy. Grab a black-and-white scarf. Cheer with the locals. And fall in love with a team that’s giving Castellón more than just goals—it’s giving it hope, pride, and a really good reason to dream big.
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Not Sure Where to Move Abroad? Skip the Big Cities
Photo accredited to www.comunitatvalenciana.com Discover Castellón de la Plana, Spain
When most people dream of moving abroad, the usual suspects pop up: Barcelona, Bali, Lisbon, Dubai. But what if you’re craving something different?
Something smaller, more grounded, and more community-oriented—without giving up culture, coastline, or convenience.
Castellón de la Plana. You’ve probably never heard of it. And that may be a good thing!
Tucked between the Mediterranean Sea and Spanish mountains, Castellón offers a rare balance: a coastal lifestyle, excellent public services, a low cost of living, and a strong sense of community. It’s stroller-friendly, bikeable (it’s flat), packed with parks, plazas, & beaches, and enough activities that make everyday family life feel manageable—and even joyful.
And now, we’ve made it even easier to explore if Castellón might be your next home.
✨ Download our FREE Castellón City Guide — designed by expat mothers, for expat mothers — packed with everything you need to know, including:
✅ Visa and residency options (from tourist to entrepreneur visas)
✅ Neighborhood breakdowns to suit your family’s lifestyle
✅ Healthcare and school options (including international programs)
✅ How to get around without a car
✅ Local festivals, cultural quirks, and where to find your next favorite meal
✅ Family-friendly excursions, emergency contacts, and mama-approved co-working spaces
Whether you’re still exploring where to move or already picturing your kids in a plaza playing while you’re drinking tinto de verano at 10 PM (yes, that’s normal here), this guide is your first step.
Ready to discover a different kind of expat life—one where family, affordability, and fresh air come first? Download the guide here.
We created this guide because we’ve been there: the overwhelm, the excitement, the uncertainty. And we’re here to help you find your community and confidence in Castellón.
This isn’t just a move. It’s a lifestyle upgrade.
#movingabroad #expatlife #familytravel #Castellon #MovingWhere #relocation #Castellondelaplana #castellonspain #worklifebalance #SpainWithKids #digitalnomads #coastalcities #momsabroad #expatmoms
