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

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...

In this episode of  Spanish Practices , I explore how decades of unchecked development, urban sprawl and coastal "litoralisation" have reshaped — and in some cases damaged — Spain's Mediterranean coastline. From high-rise hotels built on dunes and illegal developments to disappearing beaches, fake sand, replenishment schemes, over-tourism in the Balearics and Costa del Sol, and the environmental i...

In this episode of Spanish Practices , we travel back to 13th-century Granada to explore the Alhambra Palaces through the eyes of Aisha, a young servant girl living and working under the Nasrid dynasty during the reign of Sultan Muhammad II. VISIT The Alhambra Palaces and Generalife Gardens HERE Moving beyond guidebooks and grand history, this immersive historical storytelling episode reveals dail...

Spain is facing a new reality of extreme weather — from sudden flooding to the growing threat of summer drought. In this episode of Spanish Practices , I look at the recent storms affecting Spain, including Storm Leonardo and the approaching Storm Marta, and asks what these events tell us about climate change, infrastructure, and life in modern Spain. Reflecting on the legacy of the Valencia DANA...

What happens when you don't just move countries — but move brains? In this episode of Spanish Practices , I explore how moving to Spain quietly rewires your brain , especially if you arrive tired, overstimulated, and worn down by modern life. From walkable towns and Mediterranean food to better sleep, slower thinking, and everyday social connection, this episode shares five simple brain goals for...

What did the Romans ever do for Almuñécar? Apart from inventing takeaway food, apartment living, public baths, complaining about politicians… and making the entire town smell like fermented fish. In this episode of Spanish Practices , we travel back to Roman Sexi (modern-day Almuñécar) to follow one entirely unremarkable man: Lucius. He is not a general, senator or emperor. He is a garum worker —...

Spain welcomed a record 97 million tourists — and now the country is bursting at the seams. In this episode, we look at failing infrastructure, overcrowded cities, and why Spain might need a breather in 2026. Plus: lesser-known regions to visit and better ways to experience Spain beyond beaches, booze, and burnout. Three Places, mentioned to visit: Extremadura  https://www.turismoextremadura.com/e...

A detailed investigation into the Adamuz train crash in Spain , examining what happened, what investigators believe caused the derailment, and the warnings about track defects raised before the tragedy. I explore the human stories behind the disaster , including the loss of 41 lives and the death of a 27-year-old train driver, and how families and communities were affected. Finally, we look at  ra...

This week, we had two power cuts. That led to Bruce our rescue dog getting diarrhea! A biblical lightning strike, a bodged Endesa repair, and one warm fridge too far — welcome to Spanish electrics. In this wry expat tale, two power cuts lead to a flooded studio, philosophical acceptance, and an unfortunate canine outcome. Living in Spain teaches resilience, patience, and one golden rule: never tru...

A wry, true-to-life look at Spanish plumbing quirks every expat eventually encounters — mysterious drain smells, missing U-bends, and bathrooms with opinions. From central traps and sewer "breathing" to rain-induced gurgling chaos, this episode explores why Spanish drains work differently. Packed with humour, cultural insight, and lived expat experience of life in Spain and Andalusia. Spanish Prac...

In this episode of Spanish Practices - As we start 2026 Spain faces a demographic crunch. A 2025 forecast says the country needs 2.4 million foreign workers by 2035 to sustain its pension system — just as millions apply for Spanish citizenship under the Grandchildren's Law.