The Fiesta Murders is the latest novel by British author David E Burke. It’s the second book in his popular Menorca detective series about an English detective who retires to the Spanish island of Menorca for a quiet life in the sun, only to be pressed back into service to solve a series of baffling … Read more

Many people spend a long time before a big move weighing up the pros and cons – fretting about making mistakes or whether they will be happy in their new home. Whether they’ll be able to pick up a new language, whether they’ll make friends, whether the kids will get on ok in a new … Read more

If you’re planning on relocating to Spain, you may be looking forward to the finer things in life – sunshine, food, drink. And the beach! Plenty of newcomers look forward to hitting the beaches in a Spanish summer, but if you’re not a fan of large crowds and you happen to live in a city … Read more

Barcelona is a hotspot destination for many expats and students alike. Plenty of people come here on a short-term basis and never want to leave. One of the things that you may be unsure of when you first arrive, particularly if you don’t speak Spanish or have any contacts in the city, is how to … Read more

Barcelona is a famously bright and vibrant city, from its beautiful historic Gothic Quarter to the stunning iconic building of Sagrada Familia; from the Gaudi buildings and Park Guell to the plethora of art museums, as well as the beach where local people and expats blow off steam after work with a game of volleyball. … Read more

Following the events of last year, many expats have been wondering where they stand in the political situation surrounding the bid for Catalan independence. Expats considering moving to the province in Northeastern Spain for the first time are often confused by the long-running dispute and how this may impact their lives should they make the … Read more

Following the Spanish government’s move a couple of years ago to crack down on households generating their own solar power, switching to the renewable energy has generally been seen as not being viable for the average individual.The infamous royal decree 900/2015, which came into effect in October 2015, effectively raised the costs of running your … Read more

At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at Spain and some of the social media accounts you should be following if you’re thinking of moving there.Hidden SpainFacebook Page | Twitter Sue and … Read more

The commercial and political center of Spain, Madrid lies right in the heart of the country. Since it is centrally located, it is easy to come and go as you please. From Madrid, it becomes easy to travel to any location within Europe. The third largest capital in Europe, Madrid is an important hub for … Read more

At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at Spain and some of the blogs that might be useful for expats there.Scribbler In Sevillehttp://scribblerinseville.com/ Fiona Flores Watson has lived in Seville for more … Read more

For many years, sunny Spain has been a favorite destination of expats from all over the world, mainly because of its welcoming weather, pristine coastline, breathtaking scenery, mouthwatering cuisine, and hospitable people. From fast-paced cosmopolitan cities to a laidback rural lifestyle, this European country has a lot to offer everyone in terms of living standards … Read more

Barry, you're a British expat currently living in Spain. Tell us a bit about yourself and what prompted you to move abroad. The main reason I came to Seville was to pick up Spanish, learn the guitar, and continue my teaching English career. I got a whole lot more than that though. I quickly met … Read more

Barcelona is the capital city of Catalonia and one of the biggest, most populous cities in Spain. With its vibrant mix of tradition and modernity, history and cutting-edge technology, of and culture, it’s a major draw to tourists and expats alike. There’s plenty of Spanish and Catalan culture for expats to explore in Barcelona, from … Read more

French wines were once the most popular in the world, and France still remains the largest producer of wine, followed by Italy. However, over the course of the last few decades, the wine-drinking world has been shaken up considerably. It’s not just the fact that New World wines – from places like Australia, South Africa, … Read more

David has been a moderator of the Spain forum for quite a while. In this interview we get to know him a little better! Expat Focus: David, can you tell us a bit about your background before you became an expat? David M Sutton-Rowe: I was born in 1953 in Catterick, North Yorkshire. My father … Read more

Justin is the owner of the popular expat website Eye on Spain. Expat Focus: Justin, can you tell us a bit about your background and how Eye on Spain came into being? Justin Aldridge: I was born and raised in Gibraltar and after completing my A-Levels at 18 I went on to do a Masters … Read more

For many people the idea of retiring to Spain, or even moving there earlier in life to start anew, is an idyllic fantasy, with siestas and fiestas, amazing weather and food, and a low cost of living. Many people do in fact make the move – Spain’s expat population is around 6% of its total … Read more

Spain has always been a popular holiday destination. With its abundant natural beauty, spectacular architecture and vibrant culture, who wouldn’t want to spend a few glorious days under the Spanish sun! But those who are planning to spend more than just a vacation have to also think about the practicalities. There are several things to … Read more

Expats are drawn to the prospect of living in Spain for many different reasons. This is a country that is soaked in history and tradition, has abundant natural beauty and some gorgeous cities. Plus, there’s the mouthwatering cuisine and a multitude of fiestas that add flavor and fun to life. If you’re already sold on … Read more

Spain often features in the top European expat destinations because of its warm weather, rich culture, economical housing rates and high standard of living. Therefore, it is hardly surprising that 6% of the total resident population in this country comprises of expats from the UK, America and Africa. Expatriate living in Spain isn’t just for … Read more

It’s always a good idea for expats to learn the language of their new country, and it’s true that in most cases, locals tend to appreciate foreigners trying to communicate with them in their native tongue. Spanish is considered to be among the three most important languages in the world, as it is the official … Read more

Expat Focus talks to Alan Parks about his memoir "Seriously Mum, What's an Alpaca?" a frank and charming story of a brave couple who risk everything when they move to Spain to breed alpacas. Alan, please tell us a little about yourself. My name is Alan Parks, and I originally come from the south coast … Read more

It’s often difficult to know what to look out for when you’re considering a move to a new country, but there are plenty of blogs out there that provide tips and tricks for potential (and actual) expats, and here at Expat Focus, we’ve been taking a look around the blogosphere to find some of our … Read more

With sunshine, siestas and a whole wealth of cultural attractions to explore, Madrid makes a fantastic holiday destination, and many people fall in love with Spain’s capital city after a couple of visits. Moving there is a whole different ball game, however, and it’s easy to find yourself swamped by tourists in the city streets, … Read more

courtesy of Crown Relocations Located in South West Europe, just miles from North Africa, Spain’s unique way of life stems from the age-old cultural mix which makes up the country. There’s no other country in the world quite like it, and the laid-back lifestyle, excellent food, great climate and friendly people make Spain a hugely … Read more

by Patty Sanchez By now most expat families have settled into a new apartment and neighborhood in Barcelona after arriving in September to begin new jobs. I recently met a mother who moved from Illinois to Barcelona and wanted to find a store where she could find it all: groceries, domestic appliances, clothing, etc. Obviously, … Read more

by Patty Sanchez If you just arrived to Spain and decide it is time to go grocery shopping, hold that thought! Do not be a new inexperienced expat and think you can walk home carrying three bags of groceries loaded with fruit, meats, dairy products and a five liter bottle of water. After five minutes … Read more

by Rob Innis Spain’s financial downturn, known locally as el crisis, has meant that apart from the government increasing taxation and making severe budget cuts the rules regarding both taking out Spanish residency and obtaining healthcare have recently been revised. All EU citizens are entitled to live and work in Spain as part of the … Read more

We were internet marketers that needed a break…so we started a tapas restaurant in Spain! Some said we were crazy, some said we were brave. We say we are a little bit of both. Read our story, the lessons we learned and our tips… It has been almost three years since we moved to Spain … Read more

by Mark FR Wilkins, The Rights Group in Spain The Off Plan Market How to avoid…getting ripped off in making an "off plan" purchase You’ll have seen the wonderful images at the Property Show in Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow or Dublin and you’ll have been very drawn to the idea of getting in early on the … Read more

by Mark FR Wilkins, The Rights Group SL In the same way that removals companies have countdown diaries to help you remember all those important elements needed before the “Big Day”, I felt it would be useful for those seeking to relocate to or acquire a holiday home in Spain, to have a “Check List” … Read more

by Mark FR Wilkins, The Rights Group Would-be relocators who have followed my family’s migration from South West London to our new home in Spain may have already been assisted in their search for that dream home by our initial six easy lessons for a comfortable transition to life in Spain. We have been asked … Read more

by Mark Wilkins, The Rights Group Over the last few years we have heard an increasing number of (perhaps apocryphal) tales of UK citizens “not recognising ” the country they grew up in. Feeling alienated in their own country and looking for a way out. When you decide that you are nearing the end a … Read more

Justin is the owner of the popular expat website Eye on Spain. Expat Focus: Justin, can you tell us a bit about your background and how Eye on Spain came into being? Justin Aldridge: I was born and raised in Gibraltar and after completing my A-Levels at 18 I went on to do a Masters … Read more

Victoria is one of the forums leaders of our Spain forum and author of the popular book Chickens, Mules and Two Old Fools. In this interview we get to know her a little better! Expat Focus: Can you tell us a bit about your background before you became an expat? Victoria Twead: I was born … Read more

David has been a moderator of the Spain forum for quite a while. In this interview we get to know him a little better! Expat Focus: David, can you tell us a bit about your background before you became an expat? David M Sutton-Rowe: I was born in 1953 in Catterick, North Yorkshire. My father … Read more