It’s been wonderful to see people returning to the Costa Blanca over the past few weeks. We are delighted that the planes are flying again and the airports are gradually returning to something more like their usual capacity at this time of year. For some of you this will be the first time that you have been to your Spanish property in perhaps over a year. In this article we explain what actions you may need to take to make sure that everything is in order when you do visit us again: 

 
Getting your Spanish property back on track

Families are variously organised these days and many of us experience some change in relationship over the years. At the time the inheritance plan for our children and stepchildren is unlikely to be one of the most pressing concerns. However, in time it is important to give consideration to the implications for them.

Inheritance tax varies in Spain depending upon your relationship to the deceased. In this article we explain how this can impact upon the inheritance tax for stepchildren and how you might make adjustments through inheritance planning to safeguard their interests:

 

The good news is that we plan to begin our activities again in July. Now that venues are opening up and people are able to move around more freely we think it’s time to meet up again. Of course, we will be searching out the safest venues and with so much outdoor space to discover and enjoy there will be plenty of opportunities. We hope that you will join us. Make sure you like our Facebook page to keep up to date with what we have planned:

https://www.facebook.com/AbacoClubEsp/

One of the activities you might want to take part in if you visit Torrevieja is a tour of its salt lakes and industry. Tourists in the town don’t always realise that Torrevieja has one of the largest salt productions in Europe. It’s an interesting story and we encourage you to find out more about it and take the tourist train from the town centre to explore it more closely. In this article we explain something of the background:

Here they provide information about the reopening of the tour on 29th June and the times that you can board the train:

  
Train Visit

You might have been to the region of Murcia to shop in one of its extensive shopping centres or to fly from its airport but have you actually been to the city itself? If not, then it really is a historic spot with much to offer and well worth a visit. In this article David Ruiz presents his ‘Definitive Guide’ and explains something of its architecture, places of interest and what it might cost to move there:

Time for a good book

In years gone by we’ve had readers recommend books they have read about Spain, the Spanish experience or by Spanish authors. It’s all gone quiet out there, but we do wonder if some of you might be prepared to join in again with some recommendations for good reads, ideally with a link to Spain. It’s summer after all, the time when you’re most likely to have some holiday time to indulge in a tale.

We’re kicking things off with three recommendations. One is a review from The Observer of ‘Barcelona Dreaming’ – three stories written by author Rupert Thomson. The review is a good one and I’m about to order a copy for myself:

The second is ‘Hot Milk’ by Deborah Levy. Set in Almería, Spain in 2015, it very much conjures up the atmosphere of a languid summer. It tells the story of a young women and her relationship with an invalid mother as they try to find a cure for her illness but instead find Dr. Gomez. Alongside the medical trail, unfolds Sofia’s search for love and her own future:

'Hot Milk' by Deborah Levy

Spain in English review the book ‘Plum, Courgette & Green Bean Tart: A year to write home about’. The setting this time is Galicia and the story is told through diary entries and letters:

Book review: living the good life in rural Galicia

No balcony? No problem

The importance of having outside space was heightened during the lockdown in Spain. The value of having a small garden, patio or balcony area was never more appreciated. Since opening up again, some people confined without open space have sought to exchange their property and houses with their own patch of land have become even more sought after. However, what do you do if you are locked into city-centre living without the option of your own garden?

In this article from El País in English we hear how the drive for fresh air is receiving government backing. New regional legislation actually stipulates a requirement for a balcony or terrace to be added, where possible, when any property renovation takes place. It’s an interesting concept and one that might catch on. In this article we also find out about some architects’ attempts to identify ways of adding a balcony where it didn’t exist before:

You can read more about the trend towards suburban houses in another article from El País:

It didn’t happen this year, well at least not in our neck of the woods. San Juan, at the beginning of the summer, is one of Spain’s most interesting celebrations that generally involves beaches and bonfires. Although why you would want to huddle round a bonfire at the end of June in Spain remains perhaps a mystery to those used to enjoying them in November in colder climes.

In this article from The Local, we’re introduced to the different traditions across the country and can only wonder whether these will be allowed once again next year:

This article from the Local is accessible whether you are a member or not. Increasingly the articles from this online news source are only available to those who pay a monthly or annual fee. 

The good news is that Spain in English is looking for writers of content for its website. The bad news is that you won’t get paid, at least not yet. However, if you are a budding writer looking for somewhere to publish and make your writing debut then there might be some opportunities for you here:

Visiting Valencia

If you happen to have a trip to Valencia planned then you might want to try out one of these free activities that Spain in English introduces us to. Unsurprisingly the first place on the list is The City of Arts and Sciences. Of course, you must pay to get in but the article suggests enjoying it from its grounds if money is a bit tight. The other venues are free to enter:

A new national park in Spain

The Sierra de las Nieves in Malaga has just become the 16th natural space to receive environmental protection. This area of natural beauty is home to golden eagles and fir trees. Its endorsement as qualifying for special protection has been welcomed locally and nationally. To read more about it:

A new national park in southern Spain brings fresh hope to local economies

If you’ve been watching the football recently you might have taken the opportunity to compare some of Europe’s national anthems. If so, you might have noticed that Spain’s anthem has no words. Now this might seem like a blessing for those who find remembering lyrics difficult or who just can’t sing, but what is the actual reason behind it? You can read something of its history here:

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!