The Local Spain


'Work out what's missing': Therapists' tips on overcoming loneliness in Spain

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 14:26:34 +0200

After our recent article in which readers recounted their problems with loneliness since moving to Spain, The Local speaks to a group of therapists who've helped foreigners get out there and make new lasting friendships.


Spain's king visits Melilla after defending sovereignty over North African territories

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 13:44:35 +0200

Spain's King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia visited Melilla on Wednesday, a day after visiting Ceuta, where the monarch defended Spanish sovereignty over the two North African territories claimed by Morocco.


How to calculate your maximum rent increase in Spain under new rules

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 12:21:32 +0200

If your rental contract is due to end and it's time renew, there's a new government calculator that tells you exactly how much your landlord is allowed to increase your rent by, within the constraints of Spain's recently introduced housing decrees.


13 key questions answered about getting the flu vaccine in Spain

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 11:04:00 +0200

Foreigners often have questions about the rules for getting the flu vaccine (la vacuna de la gripe) in Spain, so we've set out to clear up some common doubts, from whether pharmacists can administer it to whether you need to be registered first.


Spain's estate agencies say new housing laws already causing drop in rentals

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 10:38:50 +0200

Real estate agencies in Spain have already begun to notice the worrying trend since the approval of new housing decrees only last week, suggesting further issues for those trying to find affordable rental properties in the country.


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

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 08:52:23 +0200

Unions propose raising Spain's minimum wage to €1,307 per month, IMF projects faster economic growth for Spain than US, France and Italy, and more news on Wednesday October 14th.


Americans in Spain: Deadlines for voting in the US midterms

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 15:11:51 +0200

The US midterms take place on November 3rd 2026, and Americans in Spain can still vote - but for some states, time is running out. Here's who can vote, how to request and return a ballot, and what to do if yours hasn't arrived.


Q&A: Why are naturalised citizens being barred from voting in Spain's election?

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 14:27:43 +0200

Spain’s Supreme Court has ruled that tens of thousands of foreign-based naturalised citizens will not be able to vote in the upcoming general election. Find out why, who exactly this affects and whether it will have an impact on who wins.


¡Bro, qué cringe! How English now dominates teen talk in Spain

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 11:12:16 +0200

Have you heard a group of Spanish teenagers slipping English terms like 'bro' or 'mood' into their speech? That's because English has come to dominate teen talk in Spain in recent years.


Foreigners make up more than half of all renters in Spain

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 10:40:12 +0200

Spain's current housing crisis is causing a tough situation for tenants, but surprisingly half of them were born abroad.


Europe's airports and airlines demand EES rethink as 'unacceptable' delays continue

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 10:22:49 +0200

One year on since the introduction of the EU's EES digital border system, the European airports and airlines association has called on EU authorities to take action to ease ongoing congestion at Schengen external border crossings that has led to 5-hour waits in some cases.


Why Tuesday 13th is the day of bad luck in Spain

Fri, 13 Dec 2019 09:46:35 +0100

It's not Friday 13th that is considered a day of bad luck in Spain but Tuesday 13th. Read on to find out why as well as some of the strangest Spanish superstitions.


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

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 09:21:44 +0200

Thirteen people poisoned in salmonella outbreak, thousands of travellers stranded after high-speed Madrid-Barcelona train suspended due to fire, and more news from Spain on Tuesday October 13th.


'Status quo not good enough': UK and EU set new date for key summit

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 18:58:09 +0200

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on Monday that Britain's current relationship with the European Union was "not good enough", as officials confirmed a UK-EU summit will take place on November 20th.


Spanish court rules thousands of foreign-based naturalised voters out of election

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 16:58:15 +0200

Supreme Court upholds the suspension of voting rights for those naturalised under the Grandchildren's Law.


Embutidos: A guide to Spain’s cured meats

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 16:23:16 +0200

Meat-lovers rejoice, Spain is a carnivore’s paradise, known for quality products of all kinds, particularly pork. Here are some of the country's best cured meats and what regions they're from.


Why is the Spanish flag red and yellow?

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 14:57:27 +0200

Naval history, 18th century fabrics and printing technology, dynasties and kingdoms. There's a lot of history in 'la rojigualda’, Spain's iconic red and yellow flag.


Why do many homes in Spain not have mosquito screens?

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 12:31:25 +0200

Have you ever wondered why mosquito or fly screens are not very common in houses in Spain? What's the reason behind this?


EXPLAINED: Why is Spain called Spain?

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 09:47:09 +0200

You may have never stopped to think about it, but where does Spain - or España - get its name from?


How Spain celebrates its National Day (and why many aren't happy about it)

Wed, 09 Oct 2019 09:00:00 +0200

Monday October 12th 2026 marks National Day in Spain, a day of celebrations and events across the country. But what's Spain's 'Día de la Hispanidad' all about and why do some critics want it banned?