Buy safely in Spain

We know that in the past some people have had bad experiences of buying property in Spain. Although most malpractice is behind us, this article explains how you can be sure that the property you buy meets legal requirements and holds no unpleasant surprises:

Buying Safely in Spain

Insurance in Spain

It’s easy to assume that matters such as insurance in your home country and Spain are the same. However, this is not necessarily the case. Although many aspects will be familiar, there are some important differences. In this article, we outline some key issues when it comes to home insurance, banks’ involvement, car and other insurances:

Understanding insurance in Spain

Gaudí in Barcelona

Most people have heard of the inspirational church, La Sagrada Familia but are you aware of the full impact that the architect, Antoni Gaudí, has had on the Barcelona landscape? This article, published in the Independent, gives us a flavour of his influence. The next step, is to go and see for yourself:

Gaudi's Barcelona: There's more to see than the Sagrada Familia

Amazon continues to grow

The attraction of Amazon, the online means of ordering almost everything, can be particularly strong when you live abroad. This is one way of still accessing the goods and luxuries you were used to in a new environment. It might come at a cost but the foreigner’s relationship with Amazon continues.

Now they are opening a seller support hub in Barcelona. Purchasers might notice no immediate difference as the new facility, employing 500 people, is set to support the small and medium-sized businesses in south, western Europe who sell their goods this way. Think Spain write about the new venture:

Amazon Seller Support Hub to open in Barcelona: 500 new jobs managing Marketplace traders in Spain, France and Italy

What can the post office do for you?

Your experience of the Spanish post office might just be sending the odd letter and package abroad. However, you might be surprised to read about the number of services that are actually available from there. Money Saver Spain again includes a useful summary that you might find useful:

Ten Useful Spanish Post Office Services

Prize-winning Spanish architects

Spain has its fair share of unusual architecture. Now, three architects from Catalonia have been named as the winners of the Pritzker prize. They are relatively low-key individuals who have built their designs sensitively according to the local environment. We can see some of their ideas and why they won:

Pritzker prize for architecture won by little known Catalan trio

Beginners Spanish

Money Saver Spain tells us about some materials to help you learn Spanish. Whether you live in Spain or visit regularly, it is very useful to know at least a few common phrases. If you are just starting out then you might like to try the Open University’s Spanish for Beginners:

Spanish for Beginners Program

Storing paperwork

How long should you store your paperwork in Spain? Many of us just keep our bills and statements until the file is full but do you know how far back you could be asked to present copies? Another useful article from Money Saver Spain outlines the requirements:

What Spanish Paperwork Should You Store?

A thrilling walk

If you want an unfortgettable experience and like to take in the views you could be tempted to try the Caminito del Rey in Ardales in Málaga Province. This used to be one of the most dangerous paths in the world but has recently been made much safer whilst still providing a unique experience in cliff walking.

To read more about it:

Caminito del Rey

The Olive Press tells us that summer tickets are now on sale:

Summer tickets on sale for the ‘world’s most dangerous path’ Caminito del Rey in Southern Spain

Las Fallas has finished

Las Fallas, the amazing firework and effigy burning display in Valencia, has once again finished. The one remaining ninot (effigy)  will be stored away and the streets are already cleared of debris. If you weren’t able to make it this time then you can get a good idea of what you’ve missed:

You can see some videos of the fireworks (mascletas):

TV Fallas

The programme for 2018 has already been published (in Spanish):

Fallas 2018

The deal on Brexit

With article 50 now being triggered it could be that there is a need again for us to send out our dedicated Brexit newsletter. In the meantime, we’ve selected a small number of articles that might be of interest.

This article from the conversation explains what we can expect to happen next in the negotiations: 

Article 50 triggered: here’s what happens now

El País reports on the increased numbers of people seeking Spanish citizenship:

Britons in Spain: afraid of not being European anymore

Think Spain provides a useful summary of the situation for the British in Spain and Spaniards in the UK:

Theresa May pulls the trigger: Brits in Spain and Spaniards in UK wait for negotiations to begin

Easter in Spain

We’re now approaching Easter in Spain. This is a very important time of year in the Spanish calendar and if you are in the country during this time you are almost guaranteed to see some examples of how it is celebrated here.

To find out more about what happens during Semana Santa (Holy Week) and why The Local provides a useful guide. However, don’t take the weather information at the end too seriously. The article was written in 2016:

The essential guide to Easter in Spain

What interests you?

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!