The Local Spain


LATEST: Where are the wildfires in Spain right now?

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 12:27:45 +0200

In the middle of a record-breaking heatwave with wildfires burning in several parts of the country, here's how to find out where they are and the risk level where you live.


MAP: The resources to find out where Spain's wildfires are

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 17:14:59 +0200

Spain experiences wildfires over summer, threatening homes and causing devastation across thousands of hectares. Here's how to use Google to find out where active blazes are occurring.


EU set to delay roll out of €20 ETIAS travel authorisation scheme until 2027

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 11:25:53 +0200

The EU is expected to delay the launch of its travel authorisation scheme known as ETIAS until 2027 because of problems and delays with the rollout of the biometric EES border checks this year, according to reports.


Nine things you didn't know about Spain's San Fermín bull run festival

Fri, 05 Jul 2024 13:13:33 +0200

Pamplona's San Fermín is the world's most famous bull-themed festival. Hate it or love it, there are lots of fascinating facts about the event that you probably didn't know, from banned fountain jumping to bull runs for kids.


Trump backtracks on summit comments and says Spain 'very generous'

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 10:30:13 +0200

After threatening to sever all trade ties with Spain at a NATO summit on Wednesday, US President Trump had within hours already changed his tune.


How to watch the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals on TV in Spain

Fri, 15 May 2026 11:18:02 +0200

The world's biggest football tournament is gripping Spain but unfortunately getting to watch all the matches on TV is more complicated and expensive than ever. These are your best options and the games airing for free.


Spanish court refuses to refer migrant amnesty to Europe

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 09:16:52 +0200

Despite complaints from regional governments, the controversial mass regularisation process will not be passed up the legal chain to an EU court - for now.


What to do if you’re facing a tax inspection in Spain

Wed, 21 May 2025 10:17:12 +0200

Being told you're up for a tax inspection in Spain can be particularly daunting as a foreigner, especially if you're self-employed. Here's how to act, what documents to provide and other useful advice.


Barcelona sets new heat record at 40.7C

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 16:55:49 +0200

Barcelona registered a maximum temperature of 40.7C on Wednesday, its highest figure in 112 years of records, weather agencies said as another heatwave struck Spain.


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

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 08:41:23 +0200

Prime Minister's wife has passport returned, Spanish stock market slips following Trump's NATO comments, and more news from Spain on Thursday 9th July.


EES: 8,700 overstayers snared since launch of EU's new Schengen border checks

Wed, 20 May 2026 14:37:30 +0200

In the first six months of operation of the new EU digital border system, the Entry-Exit System (EES), more than 8,700 travellers were denied entry into Europe's border-free Schengen area because they had stayed beyond their permitted time limit.


Europe's EES border checks won't be suspended, EU insists

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 14:42:33 +0200

The European Commission is refusing to suspend strict new border controls despite pressure from airports and airlines who have demanded they be put on hold until after summer amid fears of chaos at holiday hotspots.


'My future husband was my waiter': Readers reveal why they moved to Spain

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 14:17:51 +0200

We recently asked readers of The Local Spain why they packed up and moved here. The answers ranged from holiday romances that turned into 40-year marriages to Brexit, Trump and the simple search for a better way of life.


Ten colourful characters you're likely to spot at Spain's popular beaches

Tue, 26 Jul 2022 10:23:11 +0200

Anyone who's spent time in Spain in summer will know that when you hit the main tourist beaches there are certain interesting characters you'll always come across, from the kitted-out Spanish families to the sunburnt foreign holidaymakers.


LATEST: Which regions are under heat alerts in Spain's second heatwave?

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 12:04:55 +0200

After Spain's second summer heatwave continues and temperatures soar beyond 40C, large swathes of the country were on Wednesday under heat alerts and many municipalities were also under high-risk health warnings too. Here's what you need to know.


Spain remains 'calm' over Trump's latest threat to cut off trade

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 11:38:06 +0200

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday once again threatened to cut off trade with Spain as NATO leaders met for their summit in Ankara.


What Europe's new deal for airline passenger rights means for you

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 11:31:49 +0200

MEPs in the European Parliament have given the green light to a raft of reforms around air passenger rights that covers everything from compensation for disruption to seating rules for those travelling with children. So how will the changes impact you and why have airlines reacted angrily?


Spain's migrant amnesty leads to quick rise in tax-paying workers

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 10:50:45 +0200

It hasn't taken long for the regularisation of undocumented migrants to cause a rise in social security affiliates in Spain, as workers getting paid under the table gain rights in return for taxes.


'Unique event': Solar eclipse fever fills empty Spain

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 09:15:52 +0200

As a child, Enrique Bordallo would gaze in awe at the starry night sky in rural Spain. Next month's solar eclipse has now made his passion a popular obsession.


Sensors and early starts: how Spain keeps working when heat hits

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 08:29:03 +0200

The morning sun beats down on Antonio Reina as he tends to a public garden in Barcelona, but he works reassured that a simple wristband protects him in the summer heat.