The Local Spain


EU tells Meta, TikTok to boost monitoring, fact-checking

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 16:00:28 +0200

The EU's tech chief called on Meta and TikTok to "act decisively" to stem disinformation at times of crisis, saying the European Commission held talks with both platforms Friday following last week's Ceuta migrant surge.


Spain deploys 275 firefighters to tackle Andalusia forest blaze

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 15:39:23 +0200

More than 275 firefighters were on Saturday battling a challenging wildfire in Spain's southern Andalusia region, though authorities said no residential zone was currently at threat.


Europe readies for solar eclipse dip in power generation

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 13:31:18 +0200

European energy operators are braced for next week's solar eclipse to cause a temporary dip in power generation and have taken steps to keep electricity flowing to businesses and consumers, an industry body said Friday.


A quick guide to restrictions on Airbnb in Spain's main cities and regions

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 14:14:28 +0200

If you’re planning on buying a property in Spain to rent out to tourists on platforms such as Airbnb, you need to think very carefully about where the property is located as many places have strict restrictions.


What are the origins of Spain's tapas food culture?

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 12:14:18 +0200

Tapas are an intrinsic part of Spanish eating culture, consisting of small plates of food shared with friends or family along with drinks. There are some fascinating theories about how this typically Spanish way of dining came to be.


Spain imposes border checks on Italy as migrant showdown grows

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 15:54:46 +0200

Spain announced on Friday it would introduce temporary border checks on travellers from Italy in response to Rome imposing similar measures after a mass migrant rush into Ceuta.


Q&A: Everything you need to prepare for the total solar eclipse in Spain

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 13:48:27 +0200

There's less than a week left until the highly anticipated total solar eclipse in Spain. We've got all the info you need to prepare for this unique event on August 12th, from the likelihood of clear skies in your area to apps to find the best viewing location.


Spanish police dismantle major Mediterranean migrant smuggling network

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 12:32:32 +0200

Spanish police said Friday they had dismantled what they called one of the largest criminal networks involved in smuggling migrants across the Mediterranean, arresting 78 people and seizing 18 high-speed boats.


Migrant children sleeping rough in Spain's Ceuta at risk of abuse

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 11:01:22 +0200

Hundreds of unaccompanied children are at risk of abuse and exploitation as they sleep rough on the streets of Ceuta after taking part in the mass migrant entry into the Spanish territory a week ago, aid groups warned Thursday.


LISTED: Ten activities for when it's very hot in Barcelona

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 10:20:29 +0200

Long-time Barcelona resident Esme Fox shares her best tips for getting out and enjoying the Catalan capital without wilting in the heat and humidity of the summer months.


Warm milk? What shocks Americans about grocery shopping in Spain

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 11:46:41 +0200

Professional jamón cutters, fresh orange juice machines, unrefrigerated milk and eggs, and no rush whatsoever - there are plenty of surprises (many of them pleasant) that Americans face when they start food shopping in Spain, writes Jennifer Lutz.


Death toll from migrant rush to Spain's Ceuta hits 80

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 10:00:39 +0200

The death toll from an unprecedented rush by tens of thousands of migrants to Spain's north African territory of Ceuta has climbed by two to 80, legal authorities said on Thursday.


Spain's other 167 islands you've never heard of

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 09:43:03 +0200

Spain has a whopping 179 islands, even though most people are only aware of the Canaries and the Balearics, which comprise just 12 of these. Here's what you need to know about the 167 other 'unknown' Spanish islands.


11 common and comical Spanish-English false friends to watch out for

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 11:36:09 +0200

English and Spanish speakers learning each other's languages have to deal with the challenge of false friends, words that sound the same as ones in their native tongue but that have a completely different meaning in the other language.


Spain's population on verge of reaching 50 million

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 15:14:45 +0200

Spain’s population reached a record 49.8 million in the second quarter of 2026, the country’s official stats body announced on Thursday, with more than 100,000 new residents added to the census in just three months.


Barcelona airport sees four more flights cancelled on third strike day

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 13:00:54 +0200

The total number of cancelled flights at Barcelona’s El Prat Airport surpassed 40 on the third day of an indefinite strike by ground handling staff which Spanish authorities have estimated could affect two million passengers this summer.


IN STATS: Is Spain really that 'cheap' anymore?

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 10:36:38 +0200

Many foreigners cite Spain’s comparatively low cost of living as one of the major factors for moving here. But is it still a very affordable place to live? We crunch the data to see how much more expensive Spain has become in recent years.


EXPLAINED: The rules for setting up a surf school in Spain

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 09:42:37 +0200

Surfing may not be the first sport you think of when you think of Spain, but it is popular, particularly along the north coast and in the Canary Islands. If you have dreams of setting up a surf school in Spain, here's what you need to know.


Why doing official processes on a Mac in Spain gives so many problems

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 09:34:49 +0200

Could some online administrative processes in Spain actually be more prone to system errors because you're using a Mac or iOS instead of Windows or Android? The evidence suggests so, so here are some potential solutions.


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

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 08:34:19 +0200

One of Britain's most wanted arrested in Madrid, Spanish government ally urges Spain not to co-host 2030 World Cup, phone companies brace for data traffic jams during total eclipse and more news on Thursday August 6th.