The Local Spain


Europe battles new wave of wildfires

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 14:49:54 +0200

Countries across Europe were battling a wave of new wildfires Friday as blistering temperatures and tinder-dry landscapes made for dangerous conditions.


Everything you need to know about driving from Spain to Portugal

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 14:29:55 +0200

If you're driving from Spain to Portugal, here's what you need to know about speed and alcohol limits, the regular toll and e-toll systems as well as other key considerations for a country with a different set of road rules.


Spain extends largest nuclear plant in policy U-turn

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 13:25:03 +0200

Spain's leftist government has reversed course and extended the operating life of the country's largest nuclear plant to reduce exposure to turbulent energy markets, the state gazette showed on Friday.


Why is Spain's population so poorly distributed?

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 13:18:22 +0200

Spain's population density is a European anomaly, with 90 percent of residents living in just 2.6 percent of the country. Why is it that the cities are so crowded while huge parts of the country's interior are empty?


More than 150 million in Europe face temperatures over 35C on Friday

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 13:42:33 +0200

Millions of people across Europe -- particularly in France, Italy, Spain and Britain -- baked through a new wave of extreme temperatures Thursday as the continent's latest heatwave picked up.


Is taking parental leave mandatory if you're self-employed in Spain?

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 11:16:54 +0200

If you’re an autónomo in Spain who is expecting a new baby, you may be wondering whether you can afford to take your full paternity and maternity leave off and what the rules are for returning to work early, or not taking any leave at all.


More baggage chaos and cancelled flights in second week of Barcelona airport strike

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 09:52:59 +0200

Some 3,000 pieces of luggage have been unretrieved and up to 170 flights have been cancelled as the indefinite strike by ground staff at Barcelona airport continues into its second week, with no end in sight yet.


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

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 09:03:22 +0200

No serious eye injuries reported yet in Spain after eclipse, Spanish Interior Minister booed in Ceuta and more news on Friday August 14th.


Eurovision to bar countries at war from hosting

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 09:35:09 +0200

Eurovision Song Contest organisers announced Wednesday that they were excluding any country in an armed conflict from hosting the competition, as the Bulgarian Black Sea city of Burgas will host Eurovision 2027.


'It was the most beautiful thing I've seen in my life': Your photos of the eclipse in Spain

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 13:09:31 +0200

We asked you for your best photos of yesterday's partial eclipse in Spain. Here are a few of our favourites.


Will Spain move the August 15th public holiday to another day?

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 12:53:28 +0200

This year, Spain’s August 15th public holiday falls on a Saturday, so are there any plans to make Friday 14th or Monday 17th a day off work instead?


Spain's migration offices start to stamp out appointment scam with new system

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 12:08:38 +0200

Some 'extranjería' offices in Spain are succeeding in preventing scammers from charging desperate foreigners for residency appointments by sidestepping the traditional 'cita previa' system.


What you need to know about getting an MRI in Spain

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 10:15:34 +0200

What happens if you need an MRI in Spain? Is it covered under public and private health insurance, how much does it cost, and how long can waiting times be?


Morocco says it aims to stop new migrant surge to Spain's Ceuta on August 15th

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 09:28:24 +0200

Moroccan authorities on Wednesday announced measures to counter a new influx of migrants to the Spanish territory of Ceuta, after monitoring a new wave of online disinformation.


IN IMAGES: Solar eclipse plunges large swathe of Spain into total darkness

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 08:35:19 +0200

The total eclipse plunged a vast swathe of Spain from broad daylight into darkness Wednesday, drawing awed gasps and applause from spectators gathered in parks and cities across the country.


UPDATE: The seven models of solar eclipse glasses recalled in Spain

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 15:59:38 +0200

Consumer protection authorities in several regions in Spain have ordered the recall of seven models of eclipse glasses due to the potential risk of eye damage, after another model was flagged on the day of the eclipse.


EU curbs on 'forever chemicals' in food packaging kick in

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 16:28:43 +0200

New EU restrictions on toxic substances known as "forever chemicals" in food packaging kicked in Wednesday along with broader rules on cutting packaging waste in the bloc.


War impact on European travel bookings fading

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 15:47:05 +0200

Travel giant TUI said Wednesday that bookings were returning to normal levels despite the ongoing Mideast war, as it presented its latest financial results.


Can you lose your residency in Spain if you commit a crime or misdemeanour?

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 12:24:26 +0200

What happens if you’re already living in Spain and you’re charged with a crime or misdemeanour here? Does that mean that you’ll get your residency taken away and have to leave? What happens when it comes to renewing your residency?


Q&A: What to know about catching a taxi or ride-hailing service in Spain

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 12:12:17 +0200

Are you planning on travelling around Spain or to a particular destination for a city break? Or are you thinking of moving to Spain? Either way, you'll want to know how taxis and ride-hailing services work here.