Are you thinking of buying a property in Spain? This article provides some idea of how long you can expect the process to take, including the impediments that can make the process slower and how to avoid them:

The Spanish Notary is a very important person when it comes to officiating over legal transactions and verifying their authenticity. In this article, David Ruiz explains who they are, what they do and how they can help you:

This article from our website explains more about the role and fees:

In this article we present our Notary, Tatiana, and explain a little more about how she qualified to be one and what her job entails now:

One of the most important roles for the Notary is the authorising of a Power of Attorney which enables a trusted individual to carry out legal procedures on your behalf. In this article we explain how to choose a power of attorney and how you can make one, even if you’re not in Spain:

Pine trees are common in Spain and we enjoy their shade in the summer. However, they also attract the processionary caterpillar and these are not as welcome as their hosts. These pests are a particular threat if you are a dog owner as their hairs can cause a reaction in a curious pet that can be particularly detrimental to their health. As we move towards spring the caterpillars are on the move too. To find out more and what you should do if you encounter them, read our article:

Where does the time go? It won’t be long before our biannual ÁbacoClub magazine, ‘Life’s a beach’, is ready to read. Published in March we are currently preparing more articles and suggestions for making the most of your time in Spain. If you would like to read some previous issues whilst you’re waiting, you can access them here:

If you haven’t been to Guardamar then it really is a place to put on your list to visit. With fabulous beaches, including sand dunes and a pine forest, it could count as one of the most unspoilt spots in the region, particularly off season. Traditional beach front houses and a promenade that boasts lots of restaurants and bars, it’s definitely a place to spend a few hours at least.

The Reina Sofia Park is well known for having its own selection of wildlife and lots of play equipment for children. You can marvel at the amazing peacocks and their vibrant colours or watch out for terrapins in its lakes. David Ruiz provides more details and information about what it costs to live here and how you might go about it:

I think we’ve all been taken by surprise when it comes to the growing cost of food on our supermarket shelves. This is a comprehensive article that covers the ups and downs of a number of commodities and utilities in Spain in 2024. Find out about what to expect when it comes to electricity, tax on food, gas bottles, telecommunications, public transport and different benefits, pensions and taxes:

It’s one of the many jokes that circulates round. Indicator use on Spanish roads is not always as it should be. Confusion about exiting roundabouts is even worse when drivers don’t indicate where they are going. How many times have you waited for a car to pass only to discover it’s turning off anyway? Very frustrating.

Now, according to Murcia Today, traffic authorities are planning a crackdown on improper or absent indicator use. Quite how this will be policed isn’t clear so we might not expect a huge change in habits anytime soon:

This year Mazarrón has been awarded a rather unusual accolade of being the Best Pet Friendly destination in Spain. So, if you’re planning to bring your pet with you on holiday, you might want to include Mazarrón in your list of places to visit:

British citizens who live in Spain will have the opportunity to register for voting in UK national elections even if they have been living in another country for more than 15 years:

Few people would want to ‘get away’ as far as these four shepherds that the Guardian tells us about. Living in an abandoned village, they work hard and manage with little but seem content with their lot:

This is a free article from The Local with information about what you are entitled to as parental leave in Spain and how to go about applying for it:

If you are a fan of Aldi supermarkets then you might be pleased to hear that they are due to increase their number of stores by 50 across Spain, adding to their existing 435 branches:

Or ‘carnaval’ as it’s spelt in Spanish. It’s a wonderful way of brightening up the dowdy month of February and most towns and cities have their own versions. Be prepared to watch ‘comparsas’ or dance and drama groups, as they file past in the most elaborate (and sometimes daring) costumes. With feathers, sequins and many imaginative themes represented in outfits that have taken lots of time and money to prepare.

Idealista write here about what they consider to be the ones to watch out for in 2024:

Here you can find information in Spanish about the different events leading up to Torrevieja’s street parades on 9th, 10th and 11th February.

If you have been working in Spain then you might be interested to read this article about your Spanish pension contributions and when you can start to draw it down:

If you ever get chance to visit the Balearic Island of Formentera, take the opportunity. The beaches and surrounding waters of this small island are amazing and if you’re brave enough to hire one of its many scooters you can create your own tour. However, the island also holds some secrets. In this article, El País in English tells us about the Roman fort that was started but never completed on this little island:

We would welcome any suggestions for future themes you would like us to cover either in the newsletter or in an article on Spain Explained.

Please let us know by email at newsletter@abacoadvisers.com.

Thank you!