Lifestyle in Spain

Spain has submitted its draft National Nature Restoration Plan to the European Commission, setting out proposed measures to restore damaged ecosystems across the country.The plan, submitted on 31 August 2026, covers terrestrial, coastal, marine, freshwater and urban environments.

For foreigners living in Spain, or thinking about where to settle, the weekly food shop is a meaningful part of the cost of living. Knowing where to find the best supermarkets in Spain can make a noticeable difference to household budgets.

Santillana del Mar is called the town of three lies because it is neither "holy" (santi) nor "flat" (llana) and, despite its name, it is not by the sea (del mar).

Madrid and Barcelona tend to dominate conversations about moving to Spain. They have bigger international communities, more direct flights and the sort of name recognition that makes a relocation shortlist feel straightforward.The 2026 Global Cities Index points in a different direction.

The arrival of autumn transforms the province of Barcelona into an especially appealing destination for a day trip or weekend escape. During this season, forests take on vibrant colours and villages settle into a quieter rhythm, all under pleasantly mild temperatures.

Choosing where to retire involves much more than finding good weather or affordable living costs. Access to healthcare, safety, housing options and overall quality of life are all key considerations.

An urbanización in Spain is usually a planned residential development or housing community.

Waterfalls near Madrid offer a perfect escape from the city, with trails, pine forests and mountain streams that can be reached without planning a long trip.

Located in Alaior, Menorca, Camping Son Bou, part of the Yelloh! Village Les Baléares network, has been welcoming visitors since 1996. Designed with families in mind, it combines a range of accommodation options with activities for all ages, making it an excellent base for exploring the island. Set within 70,000 m2 of pine forest and green spaces, the campsite blends seamlessly into its natural surroundings, with pitches nestled among the vegetation to provide privacy and a closer connection to nature.

Construction has started on a major renewable hydrogen project in southern Spain, with Moeve beginning work on Onuba, the first stage of the Andalusian Green Hydrogen Valley in Palos de la Frontera, Huelva.Moeve presents the development as Europe’s largest renewable hydrogen project.

It's always a good time to plan a getaway, leave your usual surroundings behind and take a break from the daily routine.

October in Spain has a proper autumn feel, with warm-ish days in some regions, cooler evenings inland and a packed diary of local traditions. October 2026 brings big city celebrations, seasonal food events and a few brilliant cultural weekends worth planning around.Spain in October 2026: weathe

September doesn't mean summer is over. In fact, September brings milder temperatures, fewer crowds and often lower prices, making it an ideal time for a final getaway before autumn fully arrives.

Each October, Zaragoza slips into full fiesta mode for the Fiestas del Pilar.

Life in the Balearic Islands can be wonderfully outdoorsy and sociable, but it needs a bit more planning than the holiday version suggests.

Spain’s National Day, held every year on 12 October, brings a noticeable change of pace across the country. In Madrid, the official Armed Forces ceremony and a packed Hispanidad cultural programme take centre stage.

History, architecture, nature and luxury come together at Bendinat Castle, a striking 19th-century neo-Gothic fortress that today serves as a venue for weddings, photo shoots, celebrations, private events and corporate conferences.

Valencia’s historic centre tends to get most of the attention, with its grand gates, tiled churches and wide squares.

The clocks change every autumn in Spain, bringing with it a recurring question: when do the clocks change, and how will it affect daily life? The adjustment is linked to the return to standard time and is implemented simultaneously across European Union countries.

Mallorca is an island with a sizeable resident population, but it also has a seasonal dynamic that transforms daily life during the peak tourist months. The largest of the Balearic Islands accounts for much of the archipelago's economic, administrative and urban activity.

The province of Almería is home to a remarkable variety of landscapes, ranging from deserts and coastline to high mountain terrain. In the Alpujarra region of Almería, roads climb steadily towards villages situated at unusually high elevations for the province.

Andratx is one of southwest Mallorca’s most appealing places to put down roots—but it is really several places in one.

The La Mercè festival is approaching, and Barcelona is already preparing to transform its streets into vibrant cultural spaces.

Is there such a thing as a tiny reservoir steeped in underwater history and a Michelin-recognised restaurant serving Alicante-style rice dishes in the mountains? There is, and you can find it in the Sierra de Guadarrama: it's La Jarosa.

Formentera is known for its white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, but its landscape offers much more than just the coastline. The smallest of the Balearic Islands can be experienced from a different perspective through its panoramic viewpoints.