Lifestyle in Spain

Ryanair is cutting 11% of flights from Girona-Costa Brava Airport this summer amid a dispute over rising airport fees. The reduction could mean fewer routes and higher fares for expats and Costa Brava residents, making early booking and alternative airport options increasingly important.

Spain is moving beyond the holiday-home model and towards a more stable residential tourism sector. In 2025, more foreign buyers chose the country as a place to live for much of the year, investing more, often purchasing without financing, and helping to reduce seasonality. This shift is reinforcing Spain’s position as one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for long-term residential living.

If you’re looking for the best Roman ruins to visit, Spain is a cracking place to do it. The Romans ruled much of the Iberian Peninsula for roughly six centuries, shaping everything from road networks to city planning.

Spain ranks first in the EU for young people working outside their field of study. According to Eurostat, 28.9% of under-34s are employed in roles unrelated to their qualifications – the highest share in the EU. This figure is well above the EU average of 20.4%, a gap of more than eight percentage points, highlighting a growing mismatch between education and the labour market.

Many still assume Spain is broadly affordable, yet there are several surprisingly expensive cities in Spain where prices rival those in the capital.

Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, has a rich and varied history stretching back centuries. Before the arrival of the Castilian conquerors in the 15th century, the island was inhabited by the Guanches, an indigenous people of Berber origin.

Spain has emerged as one of the EU’s frontrunners on gender equality, ranking fourth in Europe in the 2025 Gender Equality Index and scoring clearly above the EU average.

Looking for the best places to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day in Spain in 2026? From Madrid’s massive parade to Benidorm’s sea of green, here’s where to enjoy Irish music, Guinness and unforgettable parties on 17 March.

Spain has quietly secured another global travel accolade.

Spain has launched a national monthly public transport pass, officially called the Abono Único (or Single Season Ticket).

Starbucks’ flagship store at the Bernabéu stadium has been named "The Best Chain Coffee Shop" at The Best Coffee Shop Awards, held during Coffee Fest – Spain’s leading professional trade fair for the coffee industry.The accolade, part of the "The Best Coffee Shops Spain" awards, recognises establish

Holy Week in Seville is one of the most powerful cultural events in Spain. Semana Santa here isn’t just a religious celebration; it’s part theatre, part neighbourhood ritual, part endurance test.

Almería is a Mediterranean city defined by its sunshine and arid landscapes – features that make it unique in Europe.

Retiring to Spain remains one of the most popular choices for British expats.

Two Spanish communities made the UN’s Best Tourism Villages for 2025.

This time of year is one of the most comfortable for travelling, which explains why so many people are looking for the best places to visit in Spain this April.

In Spain, Easter is one of the most significant events of the year, with the biggest celebrations taking place during Holy Week — known locally as Semana Santa. But what exactly happens during Semana Santa in Spain?

Easter in Madrid 2026 boasts more than 30 official processions moving through the capital. The city’s Semana Santa is noticeably more restrained than in Seville or Málaga.

Looking beyond Madrid and Barcelona opens up a very different side of the country.

Every spring, a hidden valley in Spain turns completely white.Not with snow — but with over 1.5 million cherry blossoms.For just a short window between March and April, Valle del Jerte in Extremadura transforms into one of Europe’s most breathtaking natural spectacles.

Easter in Spain isn’t about pastel-coloured eggs and chocolate bunnies.

Spain consistently ranks as one of Europe’s most popular retirement destinations. Warm weather, strong healthcare, walkable towns and comparatively affordable property all make it an attractive choice for international buyers.Yet searches for “the worst places to retire in Spain” continue to rise.

Every March, Valencia shifts into a different rhythm as Las Fallas takes over the streets with towering sculptures and thunderous fireworks for nearly three weeks.

Madrid has just been crowned European Best Destination 2026, and this one isn’t a vague marketing badge.

Las Fallas 2026 in Valencia will once again transform the city into an open‑air museum of fire, art and tradition from 1 to 19 March 2026, with the main events taking place between 15 and 19 March.