The Local Spain


Most beaches in Europe offer 'excellent' water quality, study says

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 16:22:00 +0200

The vast majority of Europe's beaches offer "excellent" water quality for swimming, the EU environment agency said on Tuesday ahead of the summer season, with coastal nations and inland Austria topping the list.


Spain's Asturias to lose only direct flight to the UK

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 16:21:32 +0200

Budget airline Vueling has announced it will discontinue its route between London Gatwick and Asturias, the only direct flight between the United Kingdom and the northern Spanish region.


Why does Catalonia want undercover police in its schools?

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 13:13:27 +0200

A row is brewing in Catalonia over a pilot programme to deploy police officers in 13 secondary schools in the region with a track record of violence. Many teachers and parents are against the plan, but the regional government considers it necessary.


What Europe's new deal for airline passenger rights means for you

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 11:31:49 +0200

EU countries have finally agreed on 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 set to experience first heatwave of the summer this week

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 10:57:34 +0200

Meteorologists have forecast the first official heatwave of the summer this week with temperatures expected to exceed 40C in some areas.


'La renta': What you need to know about filing your Spanish tax return

Wed, 03 Apr 2019 08:21:47 +0200

The deadline for Spain's annual income tax return - 'la declaración de la renta' - is on June 30th 2026. Here's a roundup of everything you need to know about the process, from who has to file it to what taxes and deductions are applied.


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

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 09:03:46 +0200

Brown bear spotted sprinting down highway in Navarre, Spain triples funds to investigate diseases affecting women, three accused of robbing foreigners' homes in Alicante and more news from Spain this Tuesday June 16th.


Toothless Spain held by Cape Verde on World Cup debut

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 20:21:12 +0200

Spain's ghosts of recent World Cup horror shows reappeared in Atlanta as the European champions were held 0-0 by debutants Cape Verde in their opening game on Monday.


Spanish footballer Mir sentenced to 8.5 years in prison for sexual assault

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 16:02:07 +0200

Sevilla striker Rafa Mir has been sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in prison after being convicted of sexual assault and bodily harm, the Valencian community High Court of Justice said Monday.


What Americans in Spain need to know about declaring foreign bank accounts

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 15:41:12 +0200

Americans in Spain typically need to file two sets of tax declarations – one in the US and one in Spain. They may also have to declare any foreign bank accounts.


400,000 more migrants than forecast apply for Spain's residency amnesty

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 12:09:03 +0200

The divisive mass regularisation of undocumented migrants in Spain reaches a record 900,000 applications two weeks from the deadline, 400,000 more than initially forecast by the Spanish government and with police unions warning of cases of fraud.


How young foreigners in Spain can get 90% discounts for summer travel

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 11:03:50 +0200

This summer, Spaniards and foreign residents aged 30 and under will be able to travel around Spain and Europe for bargain prices, either by train or bus. Here's what you need to know, from who can benefit to how to register for discounts.


What taxes and fees do I have to pay when selling my car in Spain?

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 11:26:50 +0100

Want to sell your car in Spain? There are a few different costs you will have to pay if you do so, from transfer tax to change of ownership fees.


Why does Spain's national anthem have no words?

Fri, 23 Feb 2018 11:34:24 +0100

Why is it that when it comes to their national anthem Spaniards are lost for words?


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

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 08:54:07 +0200

Another week of doctors' strikes across Spain, 13 wildfires rage over the weekend, Spain kicks off World Cup with match against Cape Verde and more news on Monday June 15th.


Why most homes in Spain don't have smoke detectors or fire alarms

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 13:52:09 +0200

If you’re from a country where smoke detectors are the norm or even obligatory by law, you will have no doubt noticed the lack of them in homes here in Spain. Find out the reason behind this.


Why do prices keep rising if property purchases are falling in Spain?

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 13:22:37 +0200

The Spanish property market is producing some paradoxical numbers at the moment, figures that show both soaring prices and falling sales overall. What's the cause of this according to the experts?


Which Spanish work visas are Americans successfully applying for?

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:34:31 +0200

Are you a US national who's looking to live and work in Spain? A key figure in the Spanish Migration Ministry has unveiled the work visas most US nationals are applying for, and their rate of approval.


Plane trouble delays pope's return after migrant-focused Spain visit

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 13:05:44 +0200

Pope Leo XIV on Friday wrapped up a week-long visit to Spain that highlighted migrant issues, but his return to Rome was held up after his plane experienced a technical problem.


EU to ban airlines from charging parents to sit with children

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 10:06:35 +0200

Airlines will be banned from charging parents to get seats next to their children under an EU reform of passenger rights agreed on Friday that stopped short of more divisive changes, diplomats said.