Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling a vapour produced by an electronic device. Unlike smoking, nothing is burning — there's no combustion, no ash and no smoke in the traditional sense. Instead, a small battery-powered coil warms a liquid until it turns into an aerosol that you breathe in.
How a vape works
Every vape, from a tiny disposable to a large box mod, works on the same basic principle: a battery powers a heating element (the coil), which sits inside a small reservoir of e-liquid soaked into a cotton wick. When you draw on the device, the coil heats up, the wick delivers a fresh drop of liquid to the coil, and the heat turns it into vapour.
What's in e-liquid?
E-liquid — sometimes called vape juice — is generally made from four ingredients:
Propylene glycol (PG)
A thin, food-grade liquid used across the food and pharmaceutical industries. In e-liquid, it carries flavour well and gives that satisfying "throat hit."
Vegetable glycerin (VG)
A slightly sweet, thicker liquid that produces the visible vapour cloud. Juices with a high VG ratio are smoother and cloudier.
Food-grade flavourings
The same class of flavourings used in soft drinks, sweets and desserts — this is where the fruit, menthol, tobacco or dessert profile of a juice comes from.
Nicotine (optional)
Nicotine is optional and dosed by strength, up to the 20 mg EU limit. Many customers step down over time, and plenty of vapers use zero-nicotine liquids purely for the flavour and ritual.
Types of devices
Disposables are the simplest starting point — no charging, no refilling. Pod systems are a small step up: rechargeable, refillable and pocket-friendly. Box mods are for enthusiasts who want to fine-tune wattage, airflow and coil resistance for bigger clouds and more expressive flavour.
Trying it for the first time
The best thing you can do as a beginner is talk to a human. Pop into The Vape Lounge in Moraira and we'll match you with a setup that suits how often you'll use it, the nicotine level you actually need and the kind of flavours you already like — whether you live here year-round or you're over for a holiday.