The Local Spain


Wildfire threatens tourist hotspot on Spain's Costa Brava

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 18:41:58 +0200

Hundreds of Spanish firefighters battled an expanding wildfire that was raging near the popular Mediterranean tourist destination of Costa Brava and had confined thousands to their homes on Friday.


'Lot of work' needed to resolve Europe's border travel woes, EU chief admits

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 16:41:03 +0200

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said Friday there was "still quite a lot of work to do" to resolve issues with a new border check system blamed for severely disrupting European air travel.


Rapa das Bestas: Why men wrestle horses at Spain's 'Shearing of the Beasts'

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 15:27:19 +0200

The Galician town of Sabucedo plays host this weekend to its dramatic 'Rapa das Bestas', or Shearing of the Beasts, a spectacle which is exhilarating for some and controversial for others.


How to get up to €5,000 in aid to install air conditioning in your property in Spain

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 15:04:54 +0200

As temperatures in Spain soar over summer, not many know about the various regional subsidies and tax breaks available for AC installation.


What are the rules for setting up a food truck in Spain?

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 16:26:06 +0100

Food trucks have become trendy, sought-after additions to festivals and events in Spain. If you're interested in setting up your own food truck in Spain, here's everything you need to know, from the legal requirements to some tips.


Three wallabies rescued from Spanish cannabis farm hell

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 11:54:11 +0200

Three traumatised wallabies living far from their usual Australian habitat were recovering in a Spanish zoo on Thursday after being rescued from a rural cannabis plantation full of rotting animals.


How Spain is celebrating 250 years of American independence

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 10:04:51 +0200

Spanish cities have been hosting a number of official events and exhibitions to celebrate 250 years of American independence - including Spain's role in it.


MAP: The 48 beaches in Spain to avoid this summer

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 09:24:49 +0200

Environmental groups in Spain have handed out nearly 50 dreaded 'black flag' awards to beaches in Spain, with many suffering from pollution in popular tourist areas.


Spanish police chief accused of undermining Socialist corruption probe

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 09:21:24 +0200

The head of Spain's Civil Guard was placed under formal investigation on Thursday for her alleged involvement in a plot to sabotage corruption probes targeting the ruling Socialists - another blow to a fragile government beset by legal woes.


Conservatives and far right to govern Spain's Andalusia region

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 09:07:46 +0200

Spain's main opposition conservative party allied with the far right on Thursday to continue governing the key region of Andalusia, in a potential dress rehearsal for next year's general election.


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

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 09:00:15 +0200

Spanish police warn of lost pet scam, burglar in Valencia arrested after calling phone he left at crime scene, Trump tells Spain it's 'not good Nato member' and more news on Friday July 3rd.


Spain to face Portugal in World Cup last 16 after 3-0 win over Austria

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 08:24:34 +0200

Spain coasted past Austria and into the World Cup last 16 on Thursday, thoroughly outclassing their opponents in a 3-0 knockout win with a brace from Mikel Oyarzabal and a Pedro Porro header.


What we know about Spain's planned crackdown on short-term let owners

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:36:37 +0200

A VAT hike, an end to rental loopholes, stricter anti-fraud measures, tax incentives and more - the Spanish government is preparing legislation for July 2026 which will have a big impact on the owners of tourist accommodation in Spain.


The tax return scams you need to avoid in Spain

Mon, 22 May 2023 13:25:51 +0200

Now that millions of people in Spain have submitted their annual tax returns and are awaiting a reply from Hacienda is when criminals are attempting the most tax-related scams. Here is what you should look out for.


Police in Spain claim 'massive fraud' by 400,000 migrants in amnesty process

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 11:31:10 +0200

As applications for Spain's mass migrant amnesty surge over initial estimates, police sources claim there is clear evidence of widespread fraudulent applications by foreign nationals who were not living in Spain in 2025 as required.


Spain's Congress approves granting citizenship to Sahrawis

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 10:36:50 +0200

The Spanish Congress has taken another step towards granting Spanish citizenship to Sahrawi people from Western Sahara, with a close vote clearing the way for thousands from the former colony to gain Spanish passports.


First half of 2026 was 'hottest ever recorded' in Spain

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 10:11:34 +0200

The first half of 2026 was "the hottest ever recorded" in Spain, with an average temperature 1.6C above normal, national meteorological agency Aemet announced on Wednesday.


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

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 09:24:17 +0200

Coach crash in Catalonia leaves 44 injured, rate of rich people in Spain soars by 30 percent, Spain to face Austria in World Cup round of 32 and more news on Thursday July 2nd.


Can my landlord stop me from smoking in my rental in Spain?

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 12:43:46 +0200

Whether or not you can smoke in your flat or even on the balcony depends on several different factors and can in some cases come down to the goodwill of your landlord and neighbours.


Heat dome to bring 40C Saharan air to Spain this weekend

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 15:08:41 +0200

After a few days of relative relief from the heatwave that hit all of mainland Spain, the mercury will rise again from Thursday onwards as a so-called heat dome forms over much of the peninsula, trapping in Saharan air.