Spainfully Honest

Thinking about moving to Spain and feeling slightly overwhelmed by the paperwork? You’re definitely not alone. In this episode of Spainfully Honest, we’re joined by Alba Fernandez , a sworn translator who specialises in Spanish visas and immigration documents. Alba takes us through some of the most common mistakes people make when preparing their visa applications, from getting documents legalised...

Autumn doesn't always mean crisp mornings and jumpers in Spain. In many parts of the country, September and October can still feel very much like summer, while the evenings start to cool down and the seasons slowly change. In this episode of Spainfully Honest , we talk about what autumn is really like in Spain, based on our own experiences of more than 50 years of living here between us. We al...

This week on Spainfully Honest we're talking to Claudia, a former immigration officer and founder of The Expat Suite , who shares her insider knowledge on Spanish immigration, visas and some of the paperwork that comes with living in Spain. We get into some of the questions that regularly come up for expats, including the difference between an NIE and a TIE , whether you can apply for an NIE b...

What would you do if your phone suddenly warned you about a flood? What happens if a wildfire gets close to your home? And do you actually know what to do during an earthquake? In this episode of Spainfully Honest, Catherine and Paul look at some of the main emergencies you might face while living in or visiting Spain, from DANAs and flash floods to wildfires, extreme heat and earthquakes . They t...

Thinking about buying a property in Spain that needs a bit of work? Or perhaps you've already got the keys and suddenly realised that renovating in Spain can be overwhelming... In this episode of Spainfully Honest , Catherine and Paul share their own experiences of renovating and refurbishing properties in Spain, from finding materials and tradespeople to trying to explain exactly what you wan...

This week on Spainfully Honest , we're talking about something a lot of people who move to Spain think about at some point: setting up your own business . We're joined by Stuart Diamond from Diamond Health and Fitness , who has been living in Spain for years. Paul has known Stu for much of that time, so there was plenty to chat about! We start by going back to the beginning and finding out...

In this episode of Spainfully Honest , Catherine and Paul get behind the wheel to talk about what it’s actually like to drive in Spain, the habits, customs and little differences that you start to notice when you're used to driving somewhere else. We look at some of the rules of the road that might be different from what you're used to, the unwritten bits of Spanish driving culture, and wh...

Buying a property in Spain is a big decision, and with prices continuing to rise in many parts of the country, it's never been more important to understand what's happening in the market before taking the plunge. In this episode of Spainfully Honest , we're joined by Fiona James from Murcia Villas , who gives us an honest look (like this might be the most Spainfully Honest episode yet!...

Spain's summers have always been hot, but in recent years the heat has become more intense, lasting longer and affecting everyday life in ways many people don't expect. In this episode of Spainfully Honest , Catherine and Paul talk about what it's really like living through a Spanish heatwave. They share the routines they've adopted over the years, from keeping the house cool and s...

Thinking about bringing a pet to Spain , or already sharing your Spanish adventure with a furry friend? In this episode of Spainfully Honest , Catherine and Paul take a practical look at Spain's animal welfare laws and what they mean for pet owners. From the legal requirements for transporting pets to Spain to everyday responsibilities such as identification, safety, and healthcare, they break...

Thinking about moving to Spain? Before you start browsing property websites, booking flights, or dreaming about life in the sunshine, there are some important questions worth asking yourself. In this week's episode of Spainfully Honest , Catherine and Paul look at five key questions that can help you decide whether moving to Spain is the right move for you. From choosing the right town or city...

This week, Catherine and Paul celebrate a full year of the Spainfully Honest podcast. Over the past 12 months, they've shared honest conversations about the realities of moving to Spain, buying property, the education system, and settling into a new life abroad. Along the way, they've discussed Spanish culture, traditions, local events, and the everyday experiences that make life in Spain...

What is it like to retire, pack up your life in Colorado, and move to the Alicante Province during a pandemic? This week in Spainfully Honest , we talk with Patrick and Carol, an American couple who did exactly that four years ago. Now living in Finestrat, they share what it has really been like to adapt to life on the Costa Blanca . They talk about the practical side of their move, from the diffi...

Over the past few months, we've been asking expats/immigrants across Spain a range of questions about their lives here, from why they decided to move and where they chose to settle, to what they miss most about home. In this special episode of Spainfully Honest , we're sharing their answers. We hear from people living in different parts of Spain, all with their own reasons for making the m...

Summer in Spain is often pictured as endless sunshine, beach days and long, relaxed evenings — but what’s it actually like when you live here day to day? In this episode of Spainfully Honest , hosts Paul and Catherine take a practical and personal look at Spanish summer life, from school routines and changing daily schedules to beach culture, food, and how people adapt to the intense heat. This is...

In this episode of Spainfully Honest , we’re joined once again by returning guest Hamilton, a real estate professional based in Málaga, to break down one of the biggest concerns for anyone moving to Spain — renting. Whether you’re relocating, planning a long-term stay, or already on the ground trying to find somewhere to live, this episode pulls back the curtain on what the rental market is really...

Thinking about becoming self-employed in Spain ? The reality of being an autónomo in Spain is often very different from what people expect. In this episode of Spainfully Honest , we take an honest look at what it’s really like to be self-employed in Spain, beyond the social media version of flexible lifestyles and working in the sun. Drawing from their own experiences after years of being self-emp...

In this week’s episode of the Spainfully Honest podcast, we wrap up our city tour series for now with a wander through one of southern Spain’s most popular and fast-changing cities: Málaga. Paul, who lived and worked here, provides insider tips on how to make the most of a short visit. From top attractions like the Gibralfaro viewpoint and Picasso Museum to local dining spots, discover how to expe...

In this episode of Spainfully Honest , we sit down with a guest originally from Atlanta, USA, who now calls Malaga home. He shares his journey from the States to Spain and how what started as a move abroad turned into building a life in Malaga City! We talk through how he ended up settling in Malaga, what the transition was really like, and how day-to-day life compares to what he left behind in th...

This week on Spainfully Honest we’re talking about Barcelona, a city that always has a bit of everything going on. History, food, beach life, culture… it’s one of those places that can feel overwhelming at first, but once you understand the layout and rhythm of it, it all starts to make sense. This is a guide you can listen to before you go, or while you’re actually there , to help you get your be...

This week on Spainfully Honest , we’re joined again by Paul from Chersun, who lives in Cartagena city. We put together a Cartagena City tour, covering everything from great cafés and restaurants to places to visit, including museums, shopping areas with lots of insider information from someone who has worked and lived in the area for years! We’ve structured the episode so it starts and finishes at...

In this episode of Spainfully Honest , we sat down with Margaret from Camino Collab , who helps people make the move to Europe, mostly Spain, and is based in Barcelona. We talk about what life in Barcelona is actually like once you’re living there, not just the holiday version. Margaret shares her own experience of living and working there, and what she sees from helping others make the move. We g...

If you’re working in Spain or thinking about working in Spain and still not quite sure how the system works, you’re not alone. In this episode of Spainfully Honest, we break down social security in Spain in a clear, straightforward way. We cover everything from how to get your social security number to understanding your nómina (payslip) and what it really means to “cotizar” or pay into the social...

In this week’s episode of Spainfully Honest , Paul and Catherine chat with Sarah, who moved from the U.S. to Santander in northern Spain. She talks us through her move to Spain and why she chose Santander, a place that often gets overlooked compared to other parts of the country. They chat about what living in Santander is really like for her day to day, from the climate and pace of life to school...

This episode of Spainfully Honest looks at what Easter in Spain, or Semana Santa, is really like. Catherine and Paul talk through how it’s celebrated, focusing on the processions you see in towns and cities and how much they can differ depending on where you are. They spend a bit of time explaining the overall feel of the processions, as this is something that often surprises people. Some are quit...