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