Spanish Practices – Living in Spain: Real Life, Real Spain

OFFICIAL ALHAMBRA TICKETS - https://tickets.alhambra-patronato.es   Discover the magic of the  Alhambra in this insider's guide to one of Spain's most breathtaking landmarks. In this episode of Spanish Practices, I explore the stunning Nasrid Palaces, the peaceful Generalife Gardens, the ancient fortress of the Alcazaba and why the Alhambra is considered a true wonder of the world. I also reveal p...

I remember Judith Chalmers and the golden age of Spanish package holidays? In this special edition of Spanish Practices, I take a nostalgic trip from the prawn cocktail resorts of the 1970s to today's luxury infinity pools, boutique hotels and Instagram-ready Spain. From Benidorm and Torremolinos to Mallorca and the Costa del Sol, discover how Spain became Britain's favourite sunshine escape — and...

In this episode I explore the fascinating and sometimes frightening history of earthquakes along the Costa Tropical and Granada province. From the devastating 1804 Motril earthquake to the constant small tremors still detected today, I look at why southern Spain is one of the most seismically active regions in Europe. Discover the science behind the African and Eurasian tectonic plates, the recent...

Spain has shifted politically — and Andalucía may never look the same again. In this Special Edition of Spanish Practices , I explore the shock election results in Andalucía, the collapse of the PSOE in its historic heartland, and the growing influence of the far-right Vox party. Could Conservative PP's Juanma Moreno now be forced into a deal with Vox? And what might that mean for British and Iris...

Drug-boats on Spain's Costa Tropical?   In this episode of Spanish Practices , I explore the recent surge of high-speed drug smuggling boats — known as narcolanchas — appearing around Almuñécar and La Herradura . You'll hear how increased policing around Tarifa may be pushing traffickers further along the Andalusian coast, why the rugged coastline offers perfect hiding places, and what the Guardia...

It was the very first Spanish Soap Opera. I am on a journey through Spain exploring the hilarious world of  Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes — reimagined as a dramatic Spanish soap opera. I explore the history behind Spain's most famous novel, the legendary windmill battle, Sancho Panza's endless suffering, impossible romance, and why Don Quixote remains one of the funniest and most important ch...

In this episode of Spanish Practices , I explore how authentic Spanish cooking really is when it passes through the hands of celebrity chefs. From Keith Floyd 's unexpected take on Gambas al Ajillo , to Mary Berry 's "Smoky Spanish Hot Pot," and Jamie Oliver 's version of Crema Catalana , I compare their recipes with the real flavours of Spain . Along the way, I share some behind-the-scenes encoun...

Wild boars— jabalíes —are no longer just creatures of Spain's forests. In this episode, I explore how these powerful animals have moved into cities like Barcelona and the Costa del Sol, why they're losing their fear of humans, and the growing خطر they pose—from street encounters to deadly traffic accidents. I look at the history of wild boar in Spain, their role in hunting and food culture, and wh...

Spain is heating up—fast. In this episode, I explore the growing risk of a Super El Niño summer and what it could mean for life, travel, and extreme heat in Spain. With record-breaking temperatures, longer heatwaves, and rising night-time heat, is this the new normal? Plus, the best times to visit Spain—and practical tips to survive the summer like the locals. 🌞

Spain is rolling out major changes to how Brits travel, and airport queues are right at the centre of it. In this episode, I break down the new Entry/Exit System (EES), what biometric data you'll need to provide, and why you can't register in advance. I also explain how the new ETIAS travel authorisation—costing €20 for three years—will affect UK travellers heading to Spain and across Europe. With...

Four nuclear bombs. One small Spanish village. In 1966, disaster fell from the sky over Palomares. From fear and secrecy under Franco to a missing bomb in the Mediterranean, this episode of Spanish Practices uncovers the human impact of a Cold War accident that still lingers today.

What is Calima — and why does it turn rain into mud in Spain? In this episode of Spanish Practices , we explore the Saharan dust storms that sweep across Spain, turning skies orange, coating homes in red grime, and impacting air quality. From the dramatic March 2022 "mega-Calima" to the strange reality of "mud rain," this is Spain's dirty little secret explained. Learn what causes Calima, the heal...

Spain is set to regularise up to 500,000 undocumented people living here and possibly working under the radar — but is this really a bold new move, or just Spain being Spain? In this episode of Spanish Practices , we take a light, positive look at Spain's plan to bring hundreds of thousands of people out of the shadows and into the official system. These workers are already living, some illegally...

A sweet, sticky, and slightly ridiculous history of Spanish desserts—featuring Romans, Moors, nuns, churros, and the iconic piononos of Granada. Like, follow and comment - it really helps this Podcast.

It sounds like the ultimate loophole… no rent, no paperwork, just sunshine and sea views. But is van life in Spain actually legal—or are you one knock from the Guardia Civil away from a fine? In this episode of Spanish Practices , I dive into the booming world of motorhome living across Spain. From Costa beach dreams to car park reality, we uncover the truth about parking vs camping laws, post-Bre...

Ever wondered why Mercadona is often called one of the most profitable supermarkets in the world? In this light-hearted episode of Spanish Practices , we explore its fascinating history—from a humble family butcher's shop in Valencia to a retail powerhouse across Spain. We dive into how Mercadona has reinvented the supermarket experience with energy-efficient stores, hot takeaway food, and even pl...

Why does Easter in Spain feel like a powerful historical drama, while in the UK it's closer to a chocolate-fuelled long weekend? In this episode of Spanish Practices , we compare the deeply traditional Semana Santa celebrations of Spain — with solemn processions, penitents, and powerful depictions of the crucifixion — against the more light-hearted British Easter of chocolate eggs, hot cross buns,...

Why does Spain look like a doughnut on the map? In this episode of Spanish Practices , we take a slightly sarcastic (and surprisingly informative) deep dive into "Empty Spain" (España vaciada) — the vast, sparsely populated interior where villages are disappearing, schools are closing, and the local bar might be the only sign of life. Meanwhile, the coasts and major cities are bursting at the seam...

Can Brits still move to Spain after Brexit? In this episode of Spanish Practices , I will break down exactly how UK citizens can live, retire, and even work in Spain in 2026. From the 90-day rule and visa requirements to the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) and Digital Nomad Visa, we explain the process in a clear, practical (and humorous) way. We also cover key essentials like the TIE card vs NIE number...

Octopus is one of Spain's most iconic foods—but should we really be eating such an intelligent creature? In this episode of Spanish Practices , we celebrate Spain's love affair with pulpo , from the famous Pulpo a la Gallega of Galicia to the dramatic open-fire octopus cooking traditions of Andalusia . Along the way we explore the surprising intelligence of octopus, their problem-solving abilities...

What happened to the Sagrada Família after the death of Antoni Gaudí in 1926? In this episode of Spanish Practices , we follow the emotional story of two generations of builders in Barcelona — a young technical assistant who witnesses the destruction of Gaudí's workshop during the Spanish Civil War , and his son who helps rebuild the dream decades later. A moving, human story about patience, geniu...

In this episode of Spanish Practices , I unpack the reality behind the headlines: the Spain Digital Nomad Visa , the income requirements, the infamous 183-day tax rule , the Beckham Law 24% flat tax regime , social security, IVA, and what nobody tells you about Spanish bureaucracy. We explore the best places to base yourself — from Málaga's Costa del Sol tech scene to Barcelona's creative buzz , V...

Can you really explain the history of Spain in just ten minutes… without starting a civil war at the dinner table? In this fast-paced, witty episode of Spanish Practices , I skip the dusty timelines and heroic statues and follow the ordinary people who didn't choose history — but got trampled by it anyway. From Iberian goat farmers in ancient Sagunto to Roman toga cleaners ankle-deep in ammonia… F...

Spain is currently selling around six homes a minute — and nearly a third are bought in cash. So what's really driving Spain's property boom? In this episode of  Spanish Practices , I take a wry, clear-eyed look at the Spanish real estate market in 2026: foreign buyers, remote workers, coastal hotspots like the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca, rising prices in Madrid and Barcelona, and the growing...

Frigiliana is often called Spain's most beautiful village — a maze of whitewashed streets, Moorish architecture and sun-drenched terraces above the Costa del Sol. But beneath its postcard perfection lies one of the bloodiest chapters in Andalusian history. In this episode of  Spanish Practices , I uncover the brutal 1569 Battle of El Peñón, when Christian forces crushed a Morisco rebellion in a si...