The Local Spain

Why do they speak 'perfect' Spanish in Valladolid? Fri, 16 May 2025 12:41:23 +0200 It's a long-held belief in Spain that the best and purest Spanish is spoken in the northern city of Valladolid. How did this claim come about and is there any truth to it?

What measures are in place in Spain to help people with autism? Tue, 27 Oct 2026 13:46:08 +0100 Spain has recently introduced legal reforms aimed at improving the lives of people on the spectrum, but the country still has plenty more to achieve in terms of healthcare, education and employment access for children and adults with autism.

An inside view of Spain's ultra-lux hotels Tue, 27 Oct 2026 12:29:02 +0100 Ultra-luxury travel is having its moment in Spain, with a boom in high-end hotels and exclusive travel services. The Local's travel reporter Esme Fox breaks down the best Spanish 'hoteles' to stay in, for those who can enjoy the finer things in life.

Visas and integration: What a Vox-PP government could mean for Brits in Spain Tue, 27 Oct 2026 11:11:56 +0100 Spain's right-wing bloc is promising sweeping changes to immigration and residency policies that would directly impact UK nationals in the country, as well as a different diplomatic approach to Brexit and Gibraltar.

What to know about Spain's upcoming train strikes this autumn Tue, 27 Oct 2026 09:09:39 +0100 Spanish train drivers for national rail operator Renfe and low-cost French competitor Ouigo have called nationwide strikes for Thursday October 29th and other key dates coinciding with public holidays in November and December.

Today in Spain: A roundup of the latest news on Tuesday Tue, 27 Oct 2026 08:41:23 +0100 Spain dominates Ballon D'Or football awards, PP and Vox forge last-minute Senate alliance, Madrid 'tent city' enters second month with fewer campers and more news on Tuesday October 27th.

Vox rising: What latest polls say a month away from Spain's election Mon, 26 Oct 2026 16:17:56 +0100 Pollsters have long predicted a right-wing victory in Spain's next general election. Almost a month away from the big day, polls reflect changes to voter intention following several weeks of housing protests and planned strikes.

Moroccans replace Brits as main foreign property buyers in Spain Mon, 26 Oct 2026 14:52:25 +0100 New data shows that Moroccans are now the foreign nationals buying the most homes in Spain, knocking UK nationals off a top spot they’ve held for the most part of the last decades.

Who's really behind the looting and violence in Barcelona? Mon, 26 Oct 2026 12:35:35 +0100 Spanish police are conducting a probe into what sparked the sudden wave of looting and rioting in Barcelona over the weekend, with experts pointing to social media and even foreign actors as being behind the unrest.

CHECKLIST: Six essential documents you need when moving to Spain Fri, 22 Aug 2025 12:56:13 +0200 If you're planning on moving to Spain, there's lots you need to plan and organise, but once you're here, there are six important pieces of paperwork that foreigners need.

Spanish police make 128 overnight arrests in Barcelona for 'looting' Sun, 25 Oct 2026 11:50:20 +0100 Police made 128 arrests overnight in Barcelona for acts of "vandalism", damage to public property" and "looting", the regional Catalan police said on Sunday.

Do Spain's conservatives want to attract millions more digital nomads? Wed, 21 Oct 2026 10:57:09 +0200 Recent comments from a PP spokesman have highlighted the party's probable stances on digital nomads if they win the election - but how does that align with the Spanish right's immigration rhetoric and commitment to a 'national priority'?

Everything that changes in Spain in November 2026 Tue, 20 Oct 2026 14:32:47 +0200 November 2026 is set to be a pivotal month in Spain, with everything from a snap election and a general strike taking place, as well new legislation such as the bottle deposit law and a key vote on housing laws for tenants.

Strikes, protests: What to expect if you're travelling to Spain this autumn Wed, 21 Oct 2026 10:44:40 +0200 Autumn is set to be a busy season in Spain. For travellers arriving in the country, there are several events that could disrupt plans, ranging from strike action to protests and even flooding, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't travel here.

Messi receives top Spanish award from heir to throne Sat, 24 Oct 2026 17:38:21 +0200 Lionel Messi received Spain's most prestigious sports award on Friday in recognition of his glittering career and his work for disadvantaged children's access to health and education.

250,000 rally in Madrid to demand state pension guarantees Sat, 24 Oct 2026 17:01:28 +0200 Authorities said 250,00 people marched through central Madrid on Saturday demanding protection for the Spanish state pension scheme, one of the hot topics in a parliamentary election next month.

Inside Spain: How the Basque Country avoided the 'Empty Spain' problem Sat, 24 Oct 2026 11:58:34 +0200 As Spanish city dwellers struggle with affordability and politicians call for people to move to 'Empty Spain' as a solution, we look at how the Basque Country managed to avoid the problem of poor population distribution decades ago.

Lawmakers say EU must probe social media role in protests Sat, 24 Oct 2026 11:49:48 +0200 The EU must urgently investigate the role of social media during protests in member states including France, European lawmakers demanded Friday, adding that Brussels should be prepared to block access "as a last resort".

'Seek your tribe': Your tips for making friends in Spain Thu, 22 Oct 2026 17:14:53 +0200 To mark Mental Health Awareness Month, we’ve run a series of articles on how loneliness affects foreigners in Spain, and how to beat it. Here are our readers' recommendations for integrating and meeting people in your local community.

Will Spain's 100 percent property tax on foreign buyers ever be approved? Mon, 19 Oct 2026 17:28:10 +0200 In 2025, Spain's government proposed a controversial 100 percent tax on property buyers from outside of the EU which would double the price of Spanish real estate for them. Will this levy ever be approved, and does it depend on who wins the election?