Learn about Life in Southern Spain

Moving to Spain presents an exhilarating opportunity to immerse oneself in a rich tapestry of culture, language, and lifestyle. As someone who has experienced multiple relocations within the span of a decade, it has become evident to me that embracing a new country requires an open-minded approach devoid of stereotypes and preconceptions. While initial impressions may be coloured by familiar narratives, it's essential to peel back the layers and engage with the local community on a deeper level. Spain, with its diverse regions and traditions, offers a kaleidoscope of experiences waiting to be discovered. From the fiery flamenco rhythms of Andalusia to the serene beauty of Catalonia's countryside, each corner of the country presents a unique perspective on life. Dive below thesurfaceand you’ll soonuncover the values and customs that shape daily life. Take the siesta for example; a cherished tradition born out of Spain's scorching summers. While it may initially seem perplexing to outsiders, the siesta reflects a pragmatic response to the midday heat, allowing for a pause in activity to recharge both body and mind. Similarly, the emphasis placed on lengthy, leisurely lunches underscores the importance of communal bonding and savouring the simple pleasures of life. Contrasting with the frenetic pace of some Western societies, Spain's approach to the work-life balance offers a refreshing perspective. Here, the pursuit of happiness often takes precedence over relentless career advancement, with individuals striving to strike a harmonious equilibrium between professional obligations and personal fulfilment. For those seeking respite from the relentless rat race, Spain's laid-back lifestyle holds immense appeal. Yet, amidst these cultural disparities, there exists a vibrant tapestry of expatriate communities catering to individuals from diverse backgrounds. Whether nestled along the sun-kissed shores of the Costa del Sol or within the bustling streets of Barcelona, these enclaves provide a familiar refuge for those yearning for the comforts of home. Through shared experiences and common bonds, expats forge connections that transcend geographical boundaries, creating a sense of belonging in an otherwise unfamiliar landscape. Ultimately, the Spanish experience is a journey of self-discovery, offering the freedom to carve out a path that aligns with your own aspirations and values. Whether immersing yourself in the rhythms of local life or finding your place within expatriate circles, Spain beckons with its promise of adventure, diversity, and boundless possibility.

Sit back, relax and soak up some Spanish action

Spain is a regular favourite with filmmakers, attracted by the architecture, the rugged inland countryside and, of course, the stunning coast.
These are three of our favourites for a warm summer evening:

Vicky Christina Barcelona - Woody Allen
Filmed in, you guessed it, Barcelona, this funny, romantic comedy-drama stars Javier Bardem, Penelope Cruz and Scarlett Johansson.
Love and tension follow when two young American women spend a summer in the city and meet an older Spanish artist who has his eye on both of them.
Buy or rent

 

The Way - Emilio Estevez
A father, played by Martin Sheen, receives terrible news that results in him going to Spain to walk the Camino de Santiago. What results is a moving story of friendships, courage and hope.
Buy

Open Your Eyes - Alejandro Amenábar
Starring Penelope Cruz, this is one of the most critically acclaimed Spanish films of the last 20 years. It was remade as the less than brilliant Vanilla Sky. A film full of dark mysteries and forgotten memories. The setting on the mediterranean makes it worth a watch, the engaging story seals the deal.
Buy or rent

 

Ever dreamed of quitting the daily grind and escaping to somewhere with sunshine, golden sand and stunning sea views?
You only have to step on the golden beaches and feel the sun on your skin to understand why so many people decide that life on the Costa del Sol would be their choice. Once a straggle of small fishing villages, the area has grown considerably throughout the 1900s to become a world-favourite destination for holidays, employment, and retirement.
The biggest draw of the Costa del Sol is simply that it holds something for everyone. Whether you love the cosmopolitan chic of Malaga, the endless luxury of Marbella or the traditional feel of San Pedro, holidaymakers and expats alike find it easy to find their niche.
Where to go
There are a number of bustling resorts all along the Costa del Sol, offering a variety of lifestyles and different degrees of integration with the locals.
Malaga is the largest city in the area, offering a bounty of job opportunities and a rich Spanish culture. If you would prefer to live at a more relaxed pace, have a look at one of the nearby resorts such as Marbella, San Pedro or Estepona.
The Spanish Estate Agent covers all areas from Gibraltar to Malaga.

Hang on in there - as restrictions lift it will be possible to visit your favourite part of Spain again.  In the meantime, rustle up a typically Spanish dish, pour a glass of sangria and get your feet in the paddling pool.

This is one of our favourite quick and easy lunch or supper dishes.  Flamenco Eggs, courtesy of ohmygoodguide.com - nip over there for more 'taste of Spain' inspiration.

Flamenca Eggs or “Huevos a la Flamenca” is a simple tomato, ham (Spanish jamon serrano or iberico, even better!), chorizo and eggs dish. Huevos a la flamenca is traditionally cooked in a clay pot, which preserves the heat and somehow, gives this dish a special flavour and touch. It is said that the dish is called flamenca because of its colourful pallet that resembles a flamenco costume.

– Flamenco Eggs recipe
3 eggs
1 can of fried tomatoes or chopped tomatoes
100g fresh peas
50g diced ham (jamon serrano)
5 slices chorizo
1 clove of garlic
Salt
Pepper
Boil fresh peas for approximately 15 minutes. Then, put tomatoes into a cooking pot, add slices of ham, chorizo, boiled peas and break the eggs on top. Season with salt and pepper. Finally, preheat oven to 200ºC and bake for 12-15 minutes. That’s it!

Bring a deckchair indoors, grab a nice cold drink, sit back and read!

If you can't make it to the beach right now, treat yourself to a little taste of Andalucia in the form of one of these books.  All are set in the part of Spain that is dearest to us and all make a great way to while away a guilt-free afternoon of enforced relaxation.  Links to Amazon Kindle store are included here.

The Return by Victoria Hislop, a captivating new novel of family, love, and betrayal set against a backdrop of civil war, flamenco, and fiery Spanish passion. The author of the beloved international bestseller The Island, Victoria Hislop now transports the reader to Granada, Spain, in a time of historic turmoil. The Return is a colorful and spellbinding saga of a family inspired by music and dance, only to be torn apart by fragile hearts and divided loyalties during the bitter war that brought the dictator Generalissimo Francisco Franco to power.

Platero and I by Juan Ramón Jiménez. This lyric portrait of life—and the little donkey, Platero—in a remote Andalusian village is the masterpiece of Juan Ramón Jiménez, the Spanish poet awarded the 1956 Nobel Prize for Literature.

Costa del Churros by Isabella May. 

The rain in Spain doesn't mainly fall on the plain…  Brits abroad Belinda, Julia, Laura and Georgina need more than the sweetness of churros with chocolate dipping sauce to save them from their unsavoury states of affairs.

Happy reading while you dream of being back on the beach...

 

 

 

 

When you are moving to Spain, you need to learn to navigate your new environment – especially as you try and keep in touch with your old life. When you are preparing to move, you'll have any number of practical factors to consider and steps to follow. With that in mind, here are our top tips for settling in to your new life.

Before you move
Thorough planning and preparation before you move will be really useful, and there will usually be numerous expats sites and associations in the area you will be moving to that you look into. Spain is so popular with British expats, so there are many communities for you to join; the U3A is a particularly well known international organisation – and gives you the opportunity to meet those who have already been in the same position as you.
It’s also a good idea to use this time to look at maps of your new region and where you are going to be living. Assess where the facilities you are going to need are – the nearest shopping centre, medical centre, local market, nearby beaches and more-than-useful bar. We would also recommend taking some Spanish lessons before you go – having at least a basic understanding of the language will go some way to helping you communicate with your new neighbours.

It pays to know how a few things work if you want to fit in with local culture. Here are our top tips on getting off on the right foot!

Tipping

The Spanish are not like the Americans when it comes to tipping, however it is normal to leave the change to the nearest Euro in a bar or restaurant. Since a service charge is rarely added in a restaurant, most people will leave a Euro or two for the service if they are happy with it. The same goes for a taxi or other services, but you should be aware that some taxi drivers in tourist areas may expect a tip.

Missing a little taste of Spain while you wait for your next trip?  Rustle up some candied almonds - perfect with a movie on a dull Sunday!

Ingredients:
- 200 g almonds, toasted with skin

- 250 g sugar

- 250 g water

In the depths of winter the lure of a life in the warmth of southern Europe might be stronger than ever.  Anyone who can work online has the freedom to roam and find a new lifestyle in a more welcoming climate.

Spain has long been a draw for those looking for a laid-back, good value lifestyle with short and mild winters and long sunny days near the beach.  Imagine working in that sort of environment.  Maybe an early morning start at the desk, a swim in the afternoon and a barbecue on the beach as the sun goes down. Tempted?  Read on and see if the life of a Digital Nomad is for you.

The idea of digital nomadism has grown massively since COVID with more and more people freeing themselves from the traditional constraints of 9-to-5 work life and embracing their ability to escape traditional working arrangements and taking on ‘work from home’ positions.

Currently 3.2 million self-employed people live the autonomo (self-employed) life in Spain.

Conveniently, there is a well-developed infrastructure for WIFI spots, finding them in airports, public squares, beaches, bars, and restaurants and most will allow you to use their free WIFI service. Pop into a cafe, grab a coffee and do another hour’s work in between shopping and lunch! Most who have adapted to this new way of working would class this as ‘A Millennials’ Dream.’  

Long days mean Spain offers a superior work-life balance compared to many other countries. Culturally, this also means Spaniards are less stressed, get to spend lots of time as a family and place great importance on socialising. Adapting to the Spanish lifestyle is a must!

The flexible digital nomad lifestyle bends to make time for sport and leisure opportunities; golf, tennis, pádel, soccer, rugby, riding and a whole range of other sports are very well-represented on the coast. 

Whether you are thinking about basing yourself in one place or travelling around the country, Spain offers great opportunities.  Want to know more? Read our next blog ‘Digital Nomad Moving to Spain’

 

On the Costa Del Sol on average there are 360,000 registered British residents. Fancy joining them? If you work in the digital sector and location isn’t an issue for you, this is a real opportunity.
Since the beginning of 2021, things have drastically changed for UK citizens wishing to move to Spain. An immigration procedure that, before, lasted just a few days now requires time and patience. Nevertheless, British citizens can still get their residency visas in the country.
There are many companies on the Costa Del Sol that can help you with regards to becoming a resident. They know the process and can advise you from the beginning stages whether you are eligible.
Key steps:
One of the first things you should do once you decide to stay permanently in Spain is obtain an NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero / Foreigner's Identification Number).
You will then need to apply for a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero), which will include getting a padron. It’s essentially a Spanish ID card and is proof that you are a Spanish resident.
Spanish residency (residencia) is not compulsory for EU citizens, but there are advantages if you plan to live in Spain on a permanent basis.
It is a good idea to open a bank account in Spain as soon as you can, especially if you are buying a property.
When applying for a TIE you will need to have health care insurance place as it is mandatory.
Stop press:
New labour laws, tax breaks, big changes for the self-employed and lots of promising employment news for foreigners means that 2023 will bring many developments for all types of people working in Spain. Read our next exciting blog ‘Developments for people working in Spain’

If you've had your fill of 'regular' gazpacho - cold tomato soup - it's time to try this refreshing alternative made from garlic and almonds.

This Andalusian specialty is a summer favourite and can be had alone or a slightly thinned version to go with a baked potato. 

Find this simple, no-cook recipe by clicking below - alternatively, we've included a video recipe.

Enjoy!

Agent Shirin Sharifi has been taking a well earned holiday to Sierra Nevada. To be fair, she only has to go a mere 2 hours from home to hit the slopes and have a break from the coast (can you imagine saying that? Ever?).

She thoughtfully sent us this with plenty of snaps:

"It’s boiling hot, I’m sunbathing while having a beer, the slopes are stunning covered in great quality snow because they have snow cannons here. I'm at the highest resort in Europe at over 3500 metres and there is something for someone of every standard for skiers and boarders alike

 

Congratulations! You’re moving to Spain. You must be very excited! And so you ought to be. You’re about to discover a whole new culture, language, way of doing things and general attitude towards life. As someone who has moved to a new country four times in 10 years, I have found it useful to not to concentrate on stereotypes and approach the new country of residence with as open a mind as you can muster.

No, this is nothing to do with the Big Bang Theory.  When you visit Malaga, you’ll probably notice the little bunches of white flowers that are sold in the streets. They are biznagas and they are a symbol of the city.

It’s customary to make them in summer, but you can make them all year round due to Malaga's excellent weather. 

The word biznaga comes from the Arabic and means “a gift of God". In the old days it was used as an air freshener due to its pleasant fragrance, and as a natural mosquito repellent. Now it has become a decoration, as well as one of the emblems of Malaga. 

Biznagas are handmade, using jasmine and the stalk of a nerdo, a kind of thistle that is collected in late spring. The jasmine flowers are inserted onto the umbels of the nerdo when they are still closed. In the evening, the flowers open up, releasing their characteristic fragrance.

There are many types of jasmine but the one most frequently used is the Royal Jasmine, which is white and has a sweet aroma.

Top designer, Carolina Herrera has just launched a new collection with the Biznaga as the inspiration. Check out the Facebook page here

To check out properties in the area where these jasmine grow, click here