A guide to Spain

Accommodation

There are plenty of affordable apartments and houses available to buy or rent – from high-rise tower blocks to spacious villas and village houses. Rental contracts are usually for six months or a year. You’ll probably have to pay a fee to the estate agent and a deposit of up to two months’ rent to the landlord. It’s worth checking what’s included before you move in – some might be advertised as furnished or unfurnished but have more or less than you would expect in terms of white goods.

If you’re looking to buy a property, it’s important to do your research and hire a decent lawyer and building surveyor. After that, the purchase process is usually quick and easy.

In terms of location, the capital Madrid has everything you could want in terms of sunshine, culture, nightlife and job opportunities. Barcelona is best known for Gaudi’s famous modernist architecture, football and beautiful beaches, but salaries tend to be a bit lower. Valencia is an affordable coastal city in Costa Blanca, with friendly people, excellent tapas and numerous attractions for families.

Seville, the capital of Andalusia, is incredibly picturesque: the river, Moorish influences, orange trees, quaint bars and horse-drawn carriages. It feels small and safe, has beaches and mountains within easy reach and is keen to celebrate traditional Spanish culture.

Malaga is a bustling old port city with beautiful beaches, full of places to stay due to its proximity to its popular international airport and within easy reach of major resorts along the coast and historical towns like Granada and Córdoba. Marbella, at the heart of the Costa del Sol, has a reputation for glamour and attracts holidaymakers and expats from around the world. It’s a great place to raise a family, with a multitude of good schools and plenty of entertainment.

Bilbao might not be an obvious choice, but the capital of the Basque country offers a different cultural experience, from celebrating its industrial past to the futuristic Guggenheim Museum. Along the coat, San Sebastian is prettier, has more chic boutiques and the beaches are among the best in the country.

Alicante, the capital of the Costa Blanca, is hemmed in between rugged mountains and the sea, has a cheap and relaxed lifestyle and families enjoy the parks, easy transport connections and excellent local schools.

Arts

Spain’s history has meant that influences as diverse as the Greco-Roman or Moorish periods have been reflected in its art. More recent European influences come from Italy, Germany and France, particularly the Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical periods.

Painters such as El Greco represent Spain’s Golden Age; Veláquez created wonderful portraits in the Baroque period; and Goya documented the Spanish Civil War in a visually arresting way; Picasso and Dali are the best examples of modernism.

Musically, Spain is known for folk guitars, flamenco and the classical tenors, but offers plenty more as shown in the popularity of its annual festivals such as Sónar and Benicàssim.

The Golden era of Castilian literature was in the 16th and 17th centuries, the most famous being Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quijote de La Mancha, followed by the Romantic and Realism periods.

Spanish cinema boomed in the early 20th century, with Barcelona becoming the largest production hub in Europe. The government-imposed dubbing of foreign films in 1941 meant that Spanish audiences quickly became accustomed to watching them and that films from around the world are shown. Recent Oscar success stories have been Pan’s Labyrinth (Guillermo del Toro) and Volver (Pedro Almodóvar).

Culture

Spain is a country made up of numerous autonomous regions, with separate laws and culture. So, for example, Basques and Catalans may have a different outlook to the more traditional Spanish Andalusia. There will also be differences between cities and the more rural areas, but generally the Spanish lifestyle is laidback and the phrase mañana retains its popularity (it means at some point in the future).

To avoid the hottest part of the day, Spaniards often take a siesta between 2pm and 5pm to eat and rest before resuming work into the evening. However, this is starting to die out in many the bigger towns and cities.

Food

The range of food on offer is a reflection on geographical influences, culture and climate. The Mediterranean supplies endless amounts of seafood – from fried fish to the classic paella dish. Inland, there is a preference for ham and Manchego cheese, soups and stews such as cocido madrileño. The Atlantic coast favours vegetable and fish-based stews like caldo gallego and marmitako. Tapas, small savoury dishes served with your drink, is available throughout Spain but with regional variations, for example pinchos in the Basque country, which are small sandwiches or pastries.

Health

The healthcare in Spain is excellent overall. The Spanish National Health System (SNS), run by local authorities, can be used by expats with a Spanish social security number although there are some charges for treatment (about a quarter of the costs) and prescriptions. Medical staff are well trained and often speak English, especially in the areas that attract more tourists.

Private care, with shorter waiting times, is also available but expensive. This is where medical insurance is useful and, in 2024 that cost between 25 EUR and 50 EUR for an individual (depending on age, previous conditions and level of cover) and an average of 130 EUR for a family per month.

There are lots of pharmacies across Spain – denoted by a flashing green cross outside – and some medicines that you’d need a prescription for at home can be bought over the counter.

Spain’s emergency medical services are managed regionally. Private ambulances that charge a fee are also available, but they aren’t always covered by medical insurance.

Pets

You can bring most pets into Spain from other EU countries under the European Pet Travel Scheme with an EU Pet Passport. They must be at least 15 weeks old before travel and be microchipped. Animals from other countries need extra documents, including a rabies certificate (more than 21 days before entry) and health certificate from a vet.

Restricted items

Spain has a duty-free allowance for tobacco and alcohol imported into the country. Restrictions apply on certain types of antiques and artwork. To import firearms, you need a permit from the Spanish Police.

Shipping

If you’re moving to Spain from Europe and have numerous personal effects to transport, a removal van is probably your best option. Further afield, sea is cheaper than air freight but takes longer.

Transport

Public transport in Spain is cheap and reliable, with a comprehensive network of buses and trains. It’s especially useful if you live in one of the large cities where parking can be a problem. Local bus services are regular and convenient, apart from Sundays when they don’t run.

The Spanish rail network covers everything from commuter trains to regional and high-speed intercity services. Although you can catch a domestic flight, it’s usually quicker to travel around Spain by train. Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia also have superb metro systems.

Taxis can be hailed in the street or are available at ranks around stations. The fares are generally reasonable – check if there’s a meter, so you’re not overcharged. The standard apps, such as Uber, are also now available in Spain.

You can use your EU driving licence in Spain if you have one, otherwise you’ll need an international licence. Be warned, traffic in the cities can be very heavy.