The Local Spain


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

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 09:02:19 +0200

Calima haze blankets Spain's skies, Pope’s visit to Spain to cost €15 million, Spanish government aims to enshrine abortion rights in Constitution and more news on Wednesday April 8th.


Weather in Spain: What is 'calima' and is it bad for you?

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 12:05:31 +0100

If the sky in your part of Spain has turned yellow or orange, the visibility is poor and the air is stuffier, then it’s highly likely it’s calima. But what is this atmospheric phenomenon and is it bad for your health?


New Canada-Tenerife flight route to launch in October 2026

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 13:25:41 +0200

The Spanish island of Tenerife will have new flights to two Canadian cities starting this autumn, making it the only direct flight link between the Canary Islands and North America.


Seven key points from Spain's new food waste law

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 14:53:18 +0200

Spain's new law to help reduce food waste came fully into force on April 3rd 2026. Here's how it'll affect you, from being able to ask for doggy bags at all restaurants to getting great supermarket deals on 'ugly' but perfectly good fruit and veg.


Ukrainians to be excluded from Spain's mass regularisation of migrants

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 11:53:53 +0200

New advice from Spain's Immigration Ministry has revealed that Ukrainians will not be included in the government's controversial mass regularisation process that could see as many as 800,000 undocumented migrants given residency rights in the country.


Second week of airport strikes in Spain to cause more delays and baggage issues

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 09:37:25 +0200

Industrial action by ground staff at numerous Spanish airports has now entered its second week of walkouts, with delays and baggage chaos which complicated Easter travel set to continue.


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

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 09:01:57 +0200

Calls for Picasso's Guernica to be 'returned' to the Basque Country, PM wears Spain's football jersey to celebrate record number of workers, support for far-right Vox stagnates after five months of increases and more news on Tuesday April 7th.


Spain's ex-Interior Minister on trial accused of spying to protect party

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 13:06:18 +0200

A week of legal reckoning for Spain's two main political groups began Monday as a former conservative interior minister went on trial for allegedly spying on an ex-party treasurer who threatened to expose corruption.


When and where must dogs be kept on a leash in Spain?

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 11:46:54 +0200

If you're a dog owner in Spain, it's important to be aware of the rules and know when and where you can let them loose to run around.


Your guide to getting divorced as a foreigner in Spain

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 11:28:06 +0200

What will happen to your Spanish residency if you get divorced? How does shared custody work in Spain? And what happens with the property you bought together? Here are the answers to some crucial questions before you begin 'divorcio' proceedings.


Five key changes to Spain's 2025/2026 annual income tax return

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 11:09:17 +0200

There are several changes to this year's income tax return in Spain, particularly for the unemployed, those who received minimum wage, and those who earned large capital gains. Here's what you need to know.


Can you do your driving test in Spain with an automatic car?

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 15:50:11 +0200

Most non-EU drivers who move to Spain need to resit their driving test in order to be able to get behind the wheel here. But is there an option to do the practical exam with an automatic vehicle in a country where most cars are manual?


Spain's PM under fire as former top aide faces corruption trial

Sun, 05 Apr 2026 08:32:25 +0200

A corruption trial of a former right-hand man to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez begins on Tuesday in a politically explosive case that has threatened to topple the Socialist-led government.


More than Ikea: Where else to buy furniture in Spain

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 12:01:15 +0200

Recently moved house and looking to furnish your new home in Spain? Here's where to look for furniture beyond the likes of Ikea.


European drivers choke on rising diesel prices

Sat, 04 Apr 2026 16:17:02 +0200

The price of diesel fuel has rocketed by more than 30 percent across Europe since the start of the Middle East war highlighting the continent's dependence on imported energy and the lingering prominence of diesel on the car market.


Five EU nations urge tax on energy firms' windfall profits

Sat, 04 Apr 2026 14:12:23 +0200

Spain and four other European Union nations have called for a tax on windfall profits of energy companies in response to rising fuel prices due to the Middle East war, Spanish Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo said Saturday.


Ex-matador killed by bull at Spanish arena ahead of bullfight

Sat, 04 Apr 2026 13:56:45 +0200

A bull fatally gored a former matador who was helping to prepare a traditional Picasso-themed Easter weekend bullfight, organisers said Saturday.


Seven strange traditions celebrated at Easter in Spain

Fri, 10 Apr 2020 12:37:52 +0200

Easter week is celebrated in Spain like nowhere else on earth, and Spaniards take their Holy Week traditions very seriously, even if some of them - to the outsider - seem a little bit bonkers.


Spain is tolerant, not racist, says Real Madrid coach Arbeloa

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 12:35:16 +0200

Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa said Friday that Spain was a tolerant country and not racist, despite Islamophobic chanting during a national team match this week.


What kind of health insurance qualifies for Spain's non-lucrative visa?

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 10:45:25 +0100

If you're thinking of applying for Spain's Non-Lucrative Visa or NLV you must have private health insurance, but not all policies will be accepted. Here's what type of insurance qualifies.