our story

Born from passion, perfected through experience

CEO

Alonso Álvarez de Toledo

When I was 15, sitting on a ski lift high in the French Alps, I had a thought: “One day, I’d like to run my own newspaper and a travel agency.” Though I dismissed it as a fleeting idea, I eventually became the editor of my college newspaper and, years later, the co-owner of Made for Spain & Portugal—one of the best decisions of my career.

Having lived in seven different countries, I gained a global perspective but realized Spain’s uniqueness. Now, I dedicate myself to sharing the beauty, history, and hidden gems of our country with travelers from around the world. Outside work, I enjoy running, reading, and discovering new places.

Most of all, I enjoy spending time with my wife, Leticia, and our two children, Tomás and Isabella, exploring Spain’s rich lifestyle and traditions as a family.
founder & executive partner

Virginia Irurita

I was born in northern Spain in 1962, into a family of passionate and adventurous travelers. From a young age, my father introduced me to the magic of the Iberian Peninsula—its art, architecture, and regional gastronomy—ensuring I experienced every Parador and Pousada along the way.

After nearly two decades at Citibank in Madrid and London, I realized the corporate life wasn’t for me. My deep love for Iberian culture, history, and lifestyle led me to a new adventure: founding Made for Spain & Portugal in 1999, embracing my passion for travel and culture.

When not curating unique journeys, I split my time between my homes in Madrid, Cádiz, and the Ribera del Duero region. I find joy in reading biographies, cooking, photography, and, of course, exploring different cultures and unique traditions. At home, I cherish the simple pleasures—enjoying tapas with friends, exploring local countryside, and celebrating the art of Spanish aperitif time with good company.
Built on inspiration

FROM A SHARED PASSION TO LEADING THE WAY

After decades living, working, and traveling abroad, they each had an epiphany that no one in the travel and tourism industry was doing justice promoting their own culture the incredibly rich history as well as the artistic and culinary diversity of the Iberian Peninsula.

Though scary at first, leaving the security of the office jobs behind turned out to be the easy part. And while it was exhausting work, the process of crafting from scratch what has become one of the worlds finest travel agencies has been an endless and ever-expanding adventure that continues to inspire and motivate them and the whole Made for Spain & Portugal team every day.

At the end of the day, we are hosts waiting to show the very best of these two countries and we succeed to do it every time.

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