The Local Spain


Who's really behind the wave of looting and violence in Barcelona?

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 11:35:35 +0100

Spanish police are conducting a probe into what sparked the sudden wave of looting and rioting in Barcelona over the weekend, with experts pointing to social media and even foreign actors as being behind the unrest.


CHECKLIST: Six essential documents you need when moving to Spain

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 12:56:13 +0200

If you're planning on moving to Spain, there's lots you need to plan and organise, but once you're here, there are six important pieces of paperwork that foreigners need.


Today in Spain: A roundup of the latest news on Monday

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 09:07:21 +0100

Spanish supermarket prices rise 54 percent more than wages, Real Madrid beat Barça in El Clásico, Spanish PM hails Brazil's Lula win as 'global progressive comeback', and more news from Spain on Monday 26th October.


Spanish police make 128 overnight arrests in Barcelona for 'looting'

Sun, 25 Oct 2026 10:50:20 +0100

Police made 128 arrests overnight in Barcelona for acts of "vandalism", damage to public property" and "looting", the regional Catalan police said on Sunday.


Do Spain's conservatives want to attract millions more digital nomads?

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 10:57:09 +0200

Recent comments from a PP spokesman have highlighted the party's probable stances on digital nomads if they win the election - but how does that align with the Spanish right's immigration rhetoric and commitment to a 'national priority'?


Everything that changes in Spain in November 2026

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 14:32:47 +0200

November 2026 is set to be a pivotal month in Spain, with everything from a snap election and a general strike taking place, as well new legislation such as the bottle deposit law and a key vote on housing laws for tenants.


Strikes, protests: What to expect if you're travelling to Spain this autumn

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 10:44:40 +0200

Autumn is set to be a busy season in Spain. For travellers arriving in the country, there are several events that could disrupt plans, ranging from strike action to protests and even flooding, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't travel here.


Messi receives top Spanish award from heir to throne

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 15:38:21 +0200

Lionel Messi received Spain's most prestigious sports award on Friday in recognition of his glittering career and his work for disadvantaged children's access to health and education.


250,000 rally in Madrid to demand state pension guarantees

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 15:01:28 +0200

Authorities said 250,00 people marched through central Madrid on Saturday demanding protection for the Spanish state pension scheme, one of the hot topics in a parliamentary election next month.


Inside Spain: How the Basque Country avoided the 'Empty Spain' problem

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 11:58:34 +0200

As Spanish city dwellers struggle with affordability and politicians call for people to move to 'Empty Spain' as a solution, we look at how the Basque Country managed to avoid the problem of poor population distribution decades ago.


Lawmakers say EU must probe social media role in protests

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 09:49:48 +0200

The EU must urgently investigate the role of social media during protests in member states including France, European lawmakers demanded Friday, adding that Brussels should be prepared to block access "as a last resort".


'Seek your tribe': Your tips for making friends in Spain

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 15:14:53 +0200

To mark Mental Health Awareness Month, we’ve run a series of articles on how loneliness affects foreigners in Spain, and how to beat it. Here are our readers' recommendations for integrating and meeting people in your local community.


Will Spain's 100 percent property tax on foreign buyers ever be approved?

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 15:28:10 +0200

In 2025, Spain's government proposed a controversial 100 percent tax on property buyers from outside of the EU which would double the price of Spanish real estate for them. Will this levy ever be approved, and does it depend on who wins the election?


EU parliament approves more safeguards for travellers in Europe

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 14:49:21 +0200

The European Parliament has given its final approval to a new set of safeguards for the 13 billion people who travel in Europe each year by plane, train, coach, bus or ferry.


'Generational rage': How young Europeans are fighting to be heard

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 12:41:40 +0200

From blockaded schools in Rome to tent camps in Madrid and street protests in France, young people across Europe are turning their anger on a political class they say is not listening.


The new rules for overtaking cyclists if you drive in Spain

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 12:39:02 +0200

New traffic rules mean that overtaking a cyclist too closely on Spanish roads could see you fined hundreds of euros and even cost you points off your licence.


What Spain's parties are promising self-employed voters ahead of election

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 12:08:28 +0200

If you're self-employed in Spain, a new government after the upcoming November 29th general election could bring changes to your taxes, social security fees and other work conditions.


Ryanair cuts Spain flight routes and adds new ones for 2027

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 11:03:13 +0200

Low-cost airline Ryanair has scrapped several routes between Spain and Belgium, but will add a number of new ones from Spanish airports to the UK, Italy and Germany.


'Staying until there's change': Madrid housing protest camp marks one month

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 09:29:52 +0200

One month after starting as a small camp, a sprawling warren of tents and tarpaulin in Madrid has spearheaded protests over Spain's housing crisis - a key issue in November elections.


Ten things to know about Spain's prestigious Princess of Asturias Awards

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 16:54:58 +0200

Spain's Princess of Asturias Awards ceremony has acquired international prestige and is easily the highest accolade Spain grants exceptional citizens. This quick explainer will fill you in on everything you need to know.