The Local Spain


Barcelona sets new heat record as thermometree hits 40.5C

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

The Catalan capital has seen record-breaking temperatures today, with the mercury surging beyond 40C amid Spain's second heatwave of the summer.


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 EU 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 are on Wednesday under heat alerts and many municipalities are 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.


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

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 08:57:00 +0200

Several active wildfires across Spain, sick leave doubles since the pandemic, and more news from Spain on Wednesday July 8th.


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.


Spanish citizenship concessions 'treble' under Sánchez, data shows

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 15:47:53 +0200

Though the headline figures show a trebling under the current Socialist government, in reality the data is more nuanced and the Sánchez government's high rate of citizenship concessions isn't out of keeping with recent history.


The best Spanish food and drink to keep you cool during the summer heat

Tue, 04 Jun 2019 09:51:22 +0200

If the summer heat is making you lose your appetite, these delicious Spanish food and drink specialties will help fill you up whilst keeping you cool. ¡Buen provecho! (Enjoy your meal).


How long will Spain's second heatwave last?

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 10:30:34 +0200

With several regions on the highest red-level alert and temperatures topping 40C, many in Spain are wondering how long the second heatwave of the summer will last.


Spanish PM's wife allowed to travel abroad amid ban

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 09:12:14 +0200

A Spanish court on Monday authorised Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's wife Begoña Gómez to attend her daughter's graduation in London, after she was banned from leaving the country as part of a corruption probe.


Spain advance to World Cup QF by ending rival Ronaldo's World Cup career

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 07:24:28 +0200

Substitute Mikel Merino scored a dramatic late winner to put Spain in the quarter-finals with a 1-0 victory over Portugal and end Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career on Monday.


What is Madrid’s new 'unborn baby' law and could it become national policy?

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 14:51:19 +0200

Spain's opposition leader just announced that he would implement Madrid’s new 'unborn baby' law if he becomes Prime Minister. But what is it?


Spain to limit passenger numbers at Madrid and Barcelona airports in 2027

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 10:44:03 +0200

Amid new border rules and record tourism levels, Spain's state operator is planning to limit air passengers at peak times in order to ensure long-term capacity and infrastructure demands.


Heatwave plans: Ten things to do in Spain when it’s too hot outside

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 16:45:53 +0200

Struggling to think of activities to do when it's insufferably hot in Spain? Whether it's air conditioning you're after or some refreshing H2O to cool down in, here's how to not let a heatwave spoil your enjoyment.