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What happens when a move to Spain comes about unexpectedly, and you find yourself building a completely different life from the one you had planned? This week, we're heading south to Cádiz to chat with George, an English-born former teacher who moved from Portsmouth to Spain in 2018 after her Spanish partner found work near Sevilla. George now lives in Puerto Real, a laid-back coastal town where the beach, promenade and natural park are all close by. She tells us what attracted her to the area, what everyday life is really like and why she wouldn't want to live anywhere else. We also get into some of the practicalities of making Spain home, from navigating residency paperwork and registering as a pareja de hecho before Brexit to buying a property and dealing with the sometimes unpredictable world of Spanish bureaucracy. And, of course, there's the language. George is refreshingly honest about the challenges of following conversations in Andalusian Spanish, the moments when her brain simply freezes and why she wishes he'd learned more before making the move. In this episode, we talk about: Moving from Portsmouth to the Cádiz area in 2018 Everyday life in Puerto Real and what makes the area special The importance of learning Spanish and getting to grips with the Andalusian accent NIE, residency, pareja de hecho and the paperwork involved in settling in Spain Buying property in Cádiz province and how prices compare with Cádiz city The realities of Spanish bureaucracy Cultural differences, integration and finding your place in a new country Here is the link to the Spainfully Honest YouTube account so you can watch out for the vlog coming soon: ⁠SpainfullyHonest - YouTube Here is our referral link for Lobster: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Referral | Lobster⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ And finally here is the link to our Facebook Group! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠(2) Spainfully Honest Community | Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you for listening!

Not all dream moves to Spain end with tinto de verano by the beach. This Halloween, Catherine and Paul dig into the spookiest tales of all: five real-life stories of people who packed up, left Spain, and moved back home. From terrifying tax surprises and bureaucracy jumpscares to missing family and regional school shockers, we break down what went wrong, what drove them out, and the practical lessons every future expat needs to know to keep their dream move from turning into a horror story. Plus, Catherine shares the hilarious and honest tale of her own move back to Dublin! Here is the link to the Spainfully Honest YouTube account so you can watch out for the vlog coming soon: SpainfullyHonest - YouTube Here are some other episodes you might be interested in: Episode 18: Halloween in Spain Episode 38: Spanish Visa Options Episode 50: Why Spain? Expats Share Their Honest Answers Here is our referral link for Lobster: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Referral | Lobster⁠⁠⁠⁠ And finally here is the link to our Facebook Group! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠(2) Spainfully Honest Community | Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you for listening!

Living in Spain is a great way to learn Spanish, but knowing the words and understanding how people actually use them are two very different things! This week, Catherine and Paul look at the everyday expressions, slang and little filler words that can make all the difference. They get into the tone behind certain phrases and how the strength of a swear word can change from language to language! Whether you’re new to Spain or have been here for years, you’re bound to pick up something useful!If you enjoy the episode, don't forget to subscribe and share it with someone who is thinking about moving to Spain or already calls Spain home. Here is our referral link for Lobster: ⁠⁠⁠Referral | Lobster⁠⁠⁠ And finally here is the link to our Facebook Group! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠(2) Spainfully Honest Community | Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you for listening!

What happens when a Canadian food creator brings his own ideas to Spanish cuisine? In this episode of Spainfully Honest, we chat with Dre Pao, better known as the Paella King, about food, creativity and making a life in Murcia. Dre shares how he went from creating food content on social media to experimenting with Spanish dishes, earning a nickname that has sparked plenty of conversation along the way. We talk about his unconventional paella recipes, the backlash that can come with doing things differently, and his experience on MasterChef Canada. We also get into what it's like building a life in Spain, learning the language, cultural differences and finding your place in a new community. Dre shares some of his favourite local food discoveries in Murcia, his plans for the future and his advice for anyone thinking about moving to Spain. If you love Spanish food, enjoy seeing traditional recipes given a new twist, or are curious about what it takes to build a life doing what you love in Spain, this one's for you. Check out Dre Pao's content on the following links:Dre Pao - 🇨🇦 Foodie in Spain (@drepaoofficial) | TikTokInstagramDre Pao Official Website If you enjoy the episode, don't forget to subscribe and share it with someone who is thinking about moving to Spain or already calls Spain home. Here is our referral link for Lobster: ⁠⁠Referral | Lobster⁠⁠ And finally here is the link to our Facebook Group! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠(2) Spainfully Honest Community | Facebook⁠⁠⁠ Thank you for listening!

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 incorrectly to ordering translations they don’t actually need. We also talk about document validity, police certificates, bank statements and why leaving everything until the last minute can cause serious problems. We also clear up some of the confusion around sworn, certified and notarised translations, and look at some of the visa advice doing the rounds online that isn’t necessarily as straightforward as it sounds. And importantly, Alba explains where the role of a sworn translator ends. While they can help make sure your documents are correctly translated, they cannot decide whether you are eligible for a particular Spanish visa or immigration route. If you would like to contact Alba directly here are the details: Alba Fernández Carrasco Sworn English-Spanish Translator Email: [email protected] Phone / WhatsApp: +34 645 654 998 Website: https://www.sworntranslationspain.com If you enjoy the episode, don't forget to subscribe and share it with someone who is thinking about moving to Spain or already calls Spain home.Here is our referral link for Lobster: ⁠Referral | Lobster⁠ And finally here is the link to our Facebook Group! ⁠⁠⁠⁠(2) Spainfully Honest Community | Facebook⁠⁠ Thank you for listening!

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 also talk about some of the dates to remember during the autumn, including Spain's National Day, All Saints' Day, Constitution Day and the Immaculate Conception. So if you're wondering what happens in Spain once the summer crowds start to disappear, come along with us as we head from beach days and chiringuitos towards chestnuts, stews and the first signs of winter. No hype, no horror stories for clicks. Just our honest experiences of life in Spain. If you enjoy the episode, don't forget to subscribe and share it with someone who is thinking about moving to Spain or already calls Spain home. The movies that Catherine spoke about are: The Baztán Trilogy — The Invisible Guardian, The Legacy of the Bones, and Offering to the Storm. And they are available on Netflix. Here are some previous episodes that might interest you: Episode 60: Emergencies in Spain: Everything You Need to KnowBonus Episode: DANA Alice Storm in Spain Episode 19: Winter in Spain Episode 20: Weekly Grocery Shopping Spain v UK Episode 18: Halloween in Spain Here is our referral link for Lobster: Referral | LobsterAnd finally here is the link to our Facebook Group! ⁠⁠⁠(2) Spainfully Honest Community | Facebook⁠

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 before your visa is approved, and what happens if your visa or residency situation changes. Claudia also explains some of the everyday admin that can leave you scratching your head, from digital certificates and Cl@ve to empadronamiento, the volante and the padrón certificate. We also look at some of the residence options that can be applied for from Spain, including routes for highly qualified professionals, digital nomads and entrepreneurs, and talk about what “administrative silence” actually means. And because living in Spain isn't just about getting the paperwork sorted, we chat about learning the language, integrating and avoiding the isolation that can come with living somewhere without feeling fully connected to it. There are plenty of practical tips in this one, for people thinking about moving to Spain, who are in the middle of the process or who have been here for years and are still trying to work out what piece of paper you actually need. Reach out to Claudia at The Expat Suite if you would like more information Some previous episodes that you might be interested in that we mention in this episode: Episode 38: Spanish Visa Options Episode 32: Digital Certificates and Signatures in Spain Episode 31: The Padrón in Spain Explained Episode 30: TIE Renewal in Spain: A Practical GuideHere is the link to the Spainfully Honest Community on Facebook: ⁠⁠(2) Spainfully Honest Community | Facebook⁠ ⁠⁠⁠And here is the referral link for Lobster: ⁠⁠Referral | Lobster⁠⁠ Thank you so much for listening to Spainfully Honest! If you enjoyed the episode, make sure you hit subscribe and follow us on socials so you don’t miss what’s coming next. Or if you’ve got a story to share, a guest suggestion, or just want to say hi, you can always email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

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 talk through what the warnings mean, what you should do if an emergency happens near you, how to prepare your home and family, and where to find reliable information when things start to go wrong. Make a note of the official emergency and weather services mentioned in the episode and use them as your first port of call during an emergency. 112 is the emergency number across Spain. For weather warnings, check AEMET, Spain's national weather service, and pay attention to official warnings from your regional emergency services and local authorities. Check out the resources used to make this episode by joining the Spainfully Honest community Here is the link to the Spainfully Honest Community on Facebook: ⁠(2) Spainfully Honest Community | Facebook ⁠And here is the referral link for Lobster: ⁠Referral | Lobster⁠ Here are some follow up episodes you might be interested in: Episode 55: Heatwaves in Spain: Everyday Life in Intense Heat Bonus Episode: DANA Alice Storm in Spain Thank you so much for listening to Spainfully Honest! If you enjoyed the episode, make sure you hit subscribe and follow us on socials so you don’t miss what’s coming next. Or if you’ve got a story to share, a guest suggestion, or just want to say hi, you can always email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

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 want when you're dealing with a language barrier. They chat about the importance of planning before picking up a hammer, where to find materials and reliable local trades, and why being able to communicate clearly can make all the difference when you're trying to turn your ideas into reality. They also look at the things that can catch you out, including managing work remotely, understanding Spanish building styles and materials, making decisions about everything from tiles and flooring to kitchen units, and knowing when to save money by doing something yourself. And, because this is Spainfully Honest, there are a few lessons learned along the way, including what happens when you don't quite agree with a tradesperson's approach and why sometimes you need to politely but firmly push back. Whether you're planning a full renovation, doing up a holiday home or just tackling a few jobs around your Spanish property, there are plenty of practical tips to take away. Here is the link to the furniture episode they think you might like: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4bMmv1FZWV4HOznYExpT4N?si=mvEX71MDQeOl3obaFrep6w Here is the link to the Spainfully Honest Community on Facebook: (2) Spainfully Honest Community | FacebookAnd finally here is the referral link for Lobster: Referral | LobsterThank you so much for listening to Spainfully Honest! If you enjoyed the episode, make sure you hit subscribe and follow us on socials so you don’t miss what’s coming next. Or if you’ve got a story to share, a guest suggestion, or just want to say hi, you can always email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

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 what Stu was doing before Spain, why he decided to make the move and how he ended up building his life and career here. Then we get into the practical side of setting up a business in Spain. How much paperwork is involved? Did Stu do it all himself or get professional help? And what is it actually like running a business here? Stu also tells us more about Diamond Health and Fitness, the services he offers and what he has planned for the future. And, as always, we finish with some advice. If you're thinking about moving to Spain and setting up your own business, what is the one thing Stu thinks you really need to know? In this episode, we chat about: Stu's life before Spain and why he decided to move hereSetting up a business in SpainThe paperwork and practical side of getting startedWhether you should do it yourself or get professional helpDiamond Health and Fitness and the services Stu offersHis plans for the futureHis top piece of advice for anyone thinking about setting up a business in SpainIt's a really interesting chat about what goes on behind the scenes when you decide to build a business and a life in Spain. Check out the episode about being self-employed in Spain here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1l3wduGJdFql7dY2HJkQnU?si=uTEeOUdjRj2lsn7M2Iqeow Thanks for listening, and we'll see you next time on⁠⁠ Spainfully Honest.Don't forget to follow along, subscribe or even leave us a review! Thank you!

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 why the experience of being on the road here can feel quite different. We also get into road rage. Or perhaps more accurately, the apparent lack of it. Is Spanish driving really less confrontational, or do we just experience it differently? And then there are roundabouts. The Spanish roundabout debate has been going on for as long as many of us can remember, with plenty of different opinions about lanes, exits and who should be where. But Paul reckons he's finally cracked them — and he's ready to explain his theory. So whether you've been driving in Spain for years or you're still getting used to how things work on the road, join us for a look at one of those everyday parts of life in Spain that can be surprisingly interesting. In this episode: What driving in Spain is really likeSpanish driving habits and customsRoad rules that may be different from what you're used toThe unwritten differences you notice when driving in SpainWhy road rage can feel quite different hereHow we react to the driving habits we're not used toAnd, of course, the infamous Spanish roundabout debatePaul reveals why he thinks he has finally cracked the roundabouts🚗 Have you cracked Spanish roundabouts — or do you have your own theory? Want Paul’s roundabout diagram? Paul has actually gone one step further and drawn a diagram to explain his theory of Spanish roundabouts. If you'd like to see it, or if you have your own thoughts, questions or experiences of driving in Spain, we'd love to hear from you. 📧 Email us at [email protected] And if you're dealing with the paperwork side of driving in Spain, don't miss Episode 34, where we talked about getting or renewing a Spanish driving licence. That episode is for foreigners who already have a driving licence from another country and need to get a Spanish one, as well as anyone with a Spanish licence that needs renewing. https://open.spotify.com/episode/5xMVAOnzugWLQVjozoYFgu?si=OGhMoHWcTJGenBcfxAIupg Thanks for listening, and we'll see you next time on⁠ Spainfully Honest.

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!!) at Spain's property market in 2026. We talk about why prices in Murcia have climbed by around 7% in the last six months, whether buyers should act now or wait, and what the outlook is for the months ahead. We also look at the practical side of buying a home in Spain, from mortgages and deposits for non-residents to taxes, legal costs and the hidden expenses that can catch buyers out. Fiona explains why no two regions are the same and why taking the time to research where you want to live can be just as important as choosing the property itself. Whether you're looking for a holiday home, planning a permanent move or considering an investment, this episode is packed with straightforward advice to help you make informed decisions. We cover: Why property prices are continuing to rise in Murcia and other parts of Spain.Whether now is the right time to buy.New builds versus resale properties.The differences between Murcia, the Costa Blanca, the Costa del Sol and other popular regions.Mortgages for non-residents and how much deposit you'll usually need.Purchase taxes and the additional costs buyers should budget for.Common mistakes buyers make and how to avoid them.What life in Spain is really like, including some of the cultural differences that often surprise newcomers. Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 01:08 – Murcia's property market and rising prices 02:31 – Buy now or wait? 03:35 – Viewing properties in Spain 04:43 – New builds versus resale homes 07:05 – Which areas offer the best value? 08:21 – Airports, travel and location 14:15 – Mortgages for non-residents 16:33 – Deposits and buying costs 19:57 – Taxes and legal fees 26:47 – Where to start your property search 30:24 – The Spanish lifestyle and the siesta 33:33 – Fiona's top tips for buyers If you've been thinking about buying in Spain, this is an episode well worth listening to. Fiona shares plenty of practical advice based on years of experience, and it's a great starting point if you're trying to get your head around the Spanish property market. If you enjoy the podcast, don't forget to subscribe, leave us a review and share the episode with anyone who's thinking about making the move to Spain. Here is Fiona's previous episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/79fA8kbSwoF4aUGMkOPgHE?si=jhMzuw93QMSZ9muerEv0jQ (It was an early one and getting used to podcasting : ) ) And some other episodes you might like: Episode 53: Top 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Moving to Spain Episode 51: Interview-Moving from Colorado to the Costa Blanca Thanks for listening, and we'll see you next time on Spainfully Honest.

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 sleeping on hot, humid nights to knowing when it's safe to head outside and why many Spanish people completely change their daily schedule during periods of extreme heat. The conversation also discusses how different parts of Spain experience the heat and whether air conditioning is always the answer. In this episode How daily life changes during a heatwaveKeeping your home cool without relying on air conditioningMaking the most of shutters, fans and natural ventilationCoping with hot, humid nightsChoosing the best times of day to be outdoorsWhy Spanish summers revolve around avoiding the midday heatPractical tips for driving and travelling in extreme temperaturesThe difference between inland and coastal heatHow Spain's summers are changing Editor's note: During the episode, we mention temperatures of around 52°C. This refers to land surface temperature measured by satellite, not the official air temperature. Land surfaces such as roads, rocks and rooftops can become much hotter than the surrounding air. The highest official air temperature recorded during the late June 2026 heatwave was 42.9°C, measured in Lleida on 22 June 2026, according to Spain's meteorological agency, AEMET. Here are links to some of the episodes we mentioned: Episode 16: Unmissable Spanish Property & Furniture Tips: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4bMmv1FZWV4HOznYExpT4N?si=mvEX71MDQeOl3obaFrep6w Episode 49: What Summer in Spain Is Really Like: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4FVZrpjdcRZq7V6NUSl7f8?si=V7yIjoqbSUmJCJ7QMiNcDw Here is a link to the PAPS end of summer ball event so you can support them! (9) If in the area why not join us - Support Abandoned Dogs/PAPS in Spain | Facebook As always thanks for listening! If you enjoyed the episode, make sure you hit subscribe and follow us on socials so you don’t miss what’s coming next. And if you want to keep the conversation going, come and join our Discord community here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://discord.gg/wTGrjpVQh⁠⁠⁠⁠ — it’s where we all hang out, swap stories, and chat all things Spain. Or if you’ve got a story to share, a guest suggestion, or just want to say hi, you can always email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected] Connect With Us Website: ⁠⁠⁠Spainfully Honest⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠Spainfully Honest⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠Spainfully Honest⁠⁠

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 down the rules in plain English. The conversation also explores how attitudes towards animal welfare have changed in Spain in recent years and why pet owners need to stay informed to avoid costly fines. The pair discuss important safety considerations for Spain's climate, including the dangers of leaving pets in vehicles, protecting animals during periods of extreme heat, and ensuring dogs and cats remain safe both at home and outdoors. They also cover regulations surrounding potentially dangerous dog breeds, pet insurance, veterinary care, and adoption. Whether you're relocating to Spain with a pet, considering adopting an animal, or just want to understand your legal responsibilities as an owner, this episode offers practical advice to help keep both you and your pet on the right side of the law! If you've enjoyed the podcast, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends or family who are interested in life in Spain. Connect With Us Website: ⁠⁠Spainfully Honest⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠Spainfully Honest⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠Spainfully Honest⁠⁠ Thank you for being part of our first year. Here's to many more honest conversations about life in Spain.

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 to understanding language barriers, schools, transport links and employment opportunities, this episode discusses some of the practical realities that can have a big impact on your experience once you arrive. The episode looks at why managing expectations is so important and why taking the time to research an area properly can save a lot of stress further down the line. Whether you're planning a move in the near future or are weighing up your options, this episode offers practical insights to help you decide whether a particular area – and life in Spain itself – is the right fit for you. Here is the link to the episode we mentioned - the interview with Carol and Patrick from Colorado who moved to the Costa Blanca: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5L3B58D8hZx06Op7UEUbjn?si=_84a5tobRQ-bcmYpK1QNtA If you've enjoyed the podcast, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends or family who are interested in life in Spain. Connect With Us Website: ⁠Spainfully Honest⁠ Facebook: ⁠Spainfully Honest⁠ Instagram: ⁠Spainfully Honest⁠ Thank you for being part of our first year. Here's to many more honest conversations about life in Spain.