Tag: Mallorca

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