Spainfully Honest
Spainfully Honest is a podcast about moving to and living in Spain, aimed at people planning a relocation or already settling in. Hosts Catherine and Paul, two friends and long-term residents, discuss Spanish visas, paperwork and bureaucracy, working in Spain, relationships and everyday life. The tone is deliberately calm and practical, avoiding hype and exaggerated horror stories. Episodes mix honest advice with the things they wish they had known before moving.
Episodios
Episode 62: Autumn in Spain: Food, Festivals, Weather and More
Autumn doesn't always mean crisp mornings and jumpers in Spain. In many parts of the country, September and October can still feel very much like summer, while the evenings start to cool down and the seasons slowly change.In this episode of Spainfully Honest, we talk about what autumn is really like in Spain, based on our own experiences of more than 50 years of living here between us.We also
Episode 61: Spanish bureaucracy explained: An ex-immigration officer answers your questions
This week on Spainfully Honest we're talking to Claudia, a former immigration officer and founder of The Expat Suite, who shares her insider knowledge on Spanish immigration, visas and some of the paperwork that comes with living in Spain.We get into some of the questions that regularly come up for expats, including the difference between an NIE and a TIE, whether you can apply for an NIE befo
Episode 60: Emergencies in Spain: Everything You Need to Know
What would you do if your phone suddenly warned you about a flood? What happens if a wildfire gets close to your home? And do you actually know what to do during an earthquake?In this episode of Spainfully Honest, Catherine and Paul look at some of the main emergencies you might face while living in or visiting Spain, from DANAs and flash floods to wildfires, extreme heat and earthquakes.They talk
Episode 59: Renovating a Property in Spain
Thinking about buying a property in Spain that needs a bit of work? Or perhaps you've already got the keys and suddenly realised that renovating in Spain can be overwhelming...In this episode of Spainfully Honest, Catherine and Paul share their own experiences of renovating and refurbishing properties in Spain, from finding materials and tradespeople to trying to explain exactly what you want
Episode 58: Setting Up a Physiotherapy Business in Spain
This week on Spainfully Honest, we're talking about something a lot of people who move to Spain think about at some point: setting up your own business.We're joined by Stuart Diamond from Diamond Health and Fitness, who has been living in Spain for years. Paul has known Stu for much of that time, so there was plenty to chat about!We start by going back to the beginning and finding out what
Episode 57: Driving in Spain: Roundabouts, Rules and Road Rage
In this episode of Spainfully Honest, Catherine and Paul get behind the wheel to talk about what it’s actually like to drive in Spain, the habits, customs and little differences that you start to notice when you're used to driving somewhere else.We look at some of the rules of the road that might be different from what you're used to, the unwritten bits of Spanish driving culture, and why
Episode 56: Spain's Property Market in 2026
Buying a property in Spain is a big decision, and with prices continuing to rise in many parts of the country, it's never been more important to understand what's happening in the market before taking the plunge.In this episode of Spainfully Honest, we're joined by Fiona James from Murcia Villas, who gives us an honest look (like this might be the most Spainfully Honest episode yet!!)
Episode 55: Heatwaves in Spain: Everyday Life in Intense Heat
Spain's summers have always been hot, but in recent years the heat has become more intense, lasting longer and affecting everyday life in ways many people don't expect.In this episode of Spainfully Honest, Catherine and Paul talk about what it's really like living through a Spanish heatwave. They share the routines they've adopted over the years, from keeping the house cool and sle
Episode 54: Pets in Spain
Thinking about bringing a pet to Spain, or already sharing your Spanish adventure with a furry friend? In this episode of Spainfully Honest, Catherine and Paul take a practical look at Spain's animal welfare laws and what they mean for pet owners.From the legal requirements for transporting pets to Spain to everyday responsibilities such as identification, safety, and healthcare, they break do
Episode 53: Top 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Moving to Spain
Thinking about moving to Spain? Before you start browsing property websites, booking flights, or dreaming about life in the sunshine, there are some important questions worth asking yourself.In this week's episode of Spainfully Honest, Catherine and Paul look at five key questions that can help you decide whether moving to Spain is the right move for you. From choosing the right town or city t
Episode 52: Celebrating One Year of Spainfully Honest
This week, Catherine and Paul celebrate a full year of the Spainfully Honest podcast.Over the past 12 months, they've shared honest conversations about the realities of moving to Spain, buying property, the education system, and settling into a new life abroad. Along the way, they've discussed Spanish culture, traditions, local events, and the everyday experiences that make life in Spain b
Episode 51: Interview-Moving from Colorado to the Costa Blanca
What is it like to retire, pack up your life in Colorado, and move to the Alicante Province during a pandemic?This week in Spainfully Honest, we talk with Patrick and Carol, an American couple who did exactly that four years ago. Now living in Finestrat, they share what it has really been like to adapt to life on the Costa Blanca.They talk about the practical side of their move, from the difficult
Episode 50: Why Spain? Expats Share Their Honest Answers
Over the past few months, we've been asking expats/immigrants across Spain a range of questions about their lives here, from why they decided to move and where they chose to settle, to what they miss most about home.In this special episode of Spainfully Honest, we're sharing their answers.We hear from people living in different parts of Spain, all with their own reasons for making the move
Episode 49: What Summer in Spain Is Really Like
Summer in Spain is often pictured as endless sunshine, beach days and long, relaxed evenings — but what’s it actually like when you live here day to day?In this episode of Spainfully Honest, hosts Paul and Catherine take a practical and personal look at Spanish summer life, from school routines and changing daily schedules to beach culture, food, and how people adapt to the intense heat.This is an
Episode 48: Renting in Spain (What it's really like!)
In this episode of Spainfully Honest, we’re joined once again by returning guest Hamilton, a real estate professional based in Málaga, to break down one of the biggest concerns for anyone moving to Spain — renting.Whether you’re relocating, planning a long-term stay, or already on the ground trying to find somewhere to live, this episode pulls back the curtain on what the rental market is really l
Episode 47: The Truth About Being Self-Employed in Spain
Thinking about becoming self-employed in Spain? The reality of being an autónomo in Spain is often very different from what people expect.In this episode of Spainfully Honest, we take an honest look at what it’s really like to be self-employed in Spain, beyond the social media version of flexible lifestyles and working in the sun.Drawing from their own experiences after years of being self-employe
Episode 46: Málaga City Tour
In this week’s episode of the Spainfully Honest podcast, we wrap up our city tour series for now with a wander through one of southern Spain’s most popular and fast-changing cities: Málaga.Paul, who lived and worked here, provides insider tips on how to make the most of a short visit. From top attractions like the Gibralfaro viewpoint and Picasso Museum to local dining spots, discover how to exper
Episode 45: Interview-Moving from the USA to Malaga
In this episode of Spainfully Honest, we sit down with a guest originally from Atlanta, USA, who now calls Malaga home. He shares his journey from the States to Spain and how what started as a move abroad turned into building a life in Malaga City!We talk through how he ended up settling in Malaga, what the transition was really like, and how day-to-day life compares to what he left behind in the
Episode 44: Barcelona City Tour
This week on Spainfully Honest we’re talking about Barcelona, a city that always has a bit of everything going on. History, food, beach life, culture… it’s one of those places that can feel overwhelming at first, but once you understand the layout and rhythm of it, it all starts to make sense.This is a guide you can listen to before you go, or while you’re actually there, to help you get your bear
Episode 43: Cartagena City Tour
This week on Spainfully Honest, we’re joined again by Paul from Chersun, who lives in Cartagena city. We put together a Cartagena City tour, covering everything from great cafés and restaurants to places to visit, including museums, shopping areas with lots of insider information from someone who has worked and lived in the area for years!We’ve structured the episode so it starts and finishes at t
Episode 42: Moving to Barcelona
In this episode of Spainfully Honest, we sat down with Margaret from Camino Collab, who helps people make the move to Europe, mostly Spain, and is based in Barcelona.We talk about what life in Barcelona is actually like once you’re living there, not just the holiday version. Margaret shares her own experience of living and working there, and what she sees from helping others make the move.We get i
Episode 41: Social Security in Spain Explained: Payslips, Benefits & What You’re Entitled To
If you’re working in Spain or thinking about working in Spain and still not quite sure how the system works, you’re not alone. In this episode of Spainfully Honest, we break down social security in Spain in a clear, straightforward way.We cover everything from how to get your social security number to understanding your nómina (payslip) and what it really means to “cotizar” or pay into the social
Episode 40: Interview: Moving to Santander
In this week’s episode of Spainfully Honest, Paul and Catherine chat with Sarah, who moved from the U.S. to Santander in northern Spain.She talks us through her move to Spain and why she chose Santander, a place that often gets overlooked compared to other parts of the country. They chat about what living in Santander is really like for her day to day, from the climate and pace of life to schools,
Episode 39: Easter/Semana Santa in Spain
This episode of Spainfully Honest looks at what Easter in Spain, or Semana Santa, is really like. Catherine and Paul talk through how it’s celebrated, focusing on the processions you see in towns and cities and how much they can differ depending on where you are.They spend a bit of time explaining the overall feel of the processions, as this is something that often surprises people. Some are quite
Episode 38: Spanish Visa Options
In this episode of Spainfully Honest, Paul and Catherine take a close look at the huge variety of visas you can get to move to Spain. While they cover the familiar ones like work, student, and non-lucrative visas, they also dig into lots of lesser-known options, everything from religious and artistic visas to volunteer and au pair visas. They talk through how to pick the right visa for your situat
Episode 37: St Patrick's Day in Spain
This week on Spainfully Honest, Catherine and Paul look at how Spain celebrates St. Patrick’s Day. From the huge Cabo Roig parade, the biggest in Europe outside of Ireland, to Madrid’s week-long Ireland celebrations, we cover how the Irish community and locals bring Irish culture to life in Spain. They talk about the historical connections between Ireland and Spain, local traditions influenced by
Episode 36: Living in Zaragoza as an Expat
In this episode of Spainfully Honest, Catherine and Paul chat to Ashley and her family all about their move from the United States to Zaragoza and what settling in has really been like for them. They talk through the practical side of relocating to Spain as well as the emotional side, including schooling in Spain, daily life, cultural differences, and how their expectations compared with reality.
Episode 35: Living on a Golf Resort in Spain
In this week’s episode of Spainfully Honest, Paul and Catherine chat about what it’s like to live on a golf resort in Spain. They had a great conversation with Carl from Roda Golf Resort Paradigm – Properties, and while they started out talking generally about golf resorts, they ended up getting a really detailed look at life at Roda Golf in Murcia, so it naturally became a bit of a spotlight.They
Episode 34: Driving in Spain: How to Get Your Spanish Driving Licence After Moving
Thinking about driving in Spain or stressing over Spanish driving license paperwork? This week’s episode is your practical guide to understanding how driving licenses actually work when you live here. We chat through the real steps, real timelines, and real experiences behind getting or renewing a Spanish driving licence, so you know exactly what to expect before you start the process.We break dow
Episode 33: Finding love in Spain & Carnaval in Spain
In this episode of Spainfully Honest, we talk about two things that are hard to miss right now: Carnaval and Valentine’s Day.With Carnaval taking over towns and cities across Spain, we look at what it’s all about, how it’s celebrated, and why it’s such a big part of Spanish life. From costumes and parades to the social side of it all, it’s a chance to let go, have fun and spend time with other peo
Episode 32: Digital Certificates and Signatures in Spain
In this episode of Spainfully Honest, Paul and Catherine break down digital certificates and digital signatures in Spain. They cover why they matter, how they work, and why they can feel especially confusing when you’re a foreigner dealing with Spanish bureaucracy. Along the way, there are a few cultural observations, personal stories, and a look ahead to what’s coming next, from finding love in S
Episode 31: The Padrón in Spain Explained
In this episode of Spainfully Honest, Paul and Catherine take a look at the Padrón in Spain and why it matters more than many people realise when living in Spain. They talk through what it is, why you need it, and how to register, including the documents you’ll be asked for and what can catch people out. While the process is undeniably bureaucratic, the conversation focuses on how being prepared m
Episode 30: TIE Renewal in Spain: A Practical Guide
In this episode of Spainfully Honest, Paul and Catherine talk through what renewing your TIE (Tarjeta de Identificación de Extranjero) in Spain actually looks like in real life, especially if you’ve been here five years or more. They break down what you need to have ready, why being organised really matters, and how having your paperwork in order can save you a lot of stress later on.They also cha
Episode 29: New Year Resolutions in Spain
In this episode of Spainfully Honest, Paul and Catherine talk New Year’s resolutions and what they really look like when you’re living in Spain. From keeping fit and making the most of the outdoor lifestyle to tackling harder goals like quitting cigarettes, they discuss how Spanish routines and everyday life can support healthier habits without overcomplicating things.As part of this topic, they a
Episode 28: Living in Spain: Best bits so far
In this episode of Spainfully Honest, Paul and Catherine take a step back and reflect on how the podcast has evolved so far. They look back at some of the key topics they’ve covered, from the realities of everyday life in Spain to education in Spain, property in Spain, work and healthcare in Spain, and the cultural stuff you only really learn by living here.Not a culture shock in sight!Chapters00:
Episode 27: New Year's Eve in Spain
New Year in Spain can look very different depending on where you are. In this episode of Spainfully Honest, we talk about Spanish New Year traditions, what Nochevieja in Spain is like in the major cities, and how to find out what’s happening in your own area, including family-friendly activities and events for kids.**Chapters:**00:00:00 Introduction to Spainfully Honest00:05:00 Exploring New Year&
Episode 26: Celebrating Three kings in Spain
In this episode of Spainfully Honest, Paul and Catherine talk about Three Kings Day in Spain and why Reyes is often more important than Christmas. They look at how it’s celebrated, from the Cabalgata parades to the traditions that bring towns and neighbourhoods together. The conversation also focuses on life in Murcia, what makes it feel truly Spanish, and how local markets and community events ar
Episode 25: Christmas in Spain
SummaryIn this episode of Spainfully Honest, we talk through what Christmas in Spain actually looks like day to day, from the huge build-up around the El Gordo lottery to why Christmas Eve tends to be the main event. We also chat about New Year’s Eve traditions and some of the more unusual customs that often surprise people moving from the UK or Ireland. It’s an easy, honest look at how Christmas
Episode 24: Expat Christmas in Spain
SummaryIn this episode of Spainfully Honest, Paul and Catherine chat about where to find all the bits and pieces you need for a more traditional Christmas in Spain. From turkey, ham, and Christmas pudding to presents and decorations, they share what’s available locally, what can be harder to track down, and the places they rely on every year. It’s a straightforward guide to making Christmas feel a
Episode 23: Semi-Private schools in Spain
This week on Spainfully Honest: Paul and Catherine talk about education in Spain, focusing on colegios concertados, the semi-private schools. They share their experiences with Colegio Concertado Las Claras del Mar Menor, including how these schools support international students, the enrollment process, and how qualifications are recognized. They also cover language support, costs, and the overall
Episode 22: Spain Visas, Taxes & Thanksgiving
SummaryThis week on Spainfully Honest, Catherine and Paul talk with Christopher Hughey from AmericansMovingToSpain.com about what it’s really like for Americans and Brits moving to Spain. (Non-EU residents really...)With Thanksgiving coming up, they chat about how expats celebrate far from home, plus the emotional side of picking the right place to live. They cover the practical stuff too, visas,
Episode 21: The Real Cost of Living in Spain
SummaryIn this episode of Spainfully Honest, the hosts take a clear look at the real cost of living in Spain. They break down everyday expenses, utilities, rent, healthcare, groceries, transport, and leisure, to give listeners a practical idea of what life here actually costs. The conversation also compares Spain’s living costs with those in the UK and the USA, highlighting where people can save m
Episode 20: Weekly Grocery Shopping Spain v UK
SummaryIn this week’s episode of Spainfully Honest, Paul and Catherine take a light-hearted look at what it’s really like to do the weekly shop in Spain. From the aisles of Mercadona to Tesco back in the UK, they compare prices, products, and a few surprising finds along the way. They chat about everything from healthy options and irresistible snacks to Mercadona’s own-brand finds and everyday ess
Episode 19: Winter in Spain
SummaryIn this episode of Spainfully Honest, the hosts get real about what winter living in Spain is actually like. They share personal experiences from different regions ofSpain, looking at how the climate can change from place to place and what that means for daily life. From community events to water supply challenges, heating solutions, and dealing with humidity, they cover all the practical s
Episode 18: Halloween in Spain
Episode SummaryIn this episode of Spainfully Honest, Paul and Catherine chat about how Halloween in Spain differs from the spooky celebrations they grew up with in Ireland and England. They share a few funny memories and talk about how Spanish traditions around this time of year focus more on remembrance, especially during All Saints Day in Spain (Día de todos los Santos).The conversation looks at
Episode 17: Dying in Spain & Palliative Care in Spain: What Expats Should Know
Episode Summary: In this episode of Spainfully Honest, we talk aboutpalliative care and dying in Spain. Sue shares her experience caring for herhusband Roy, as he needed palliative support and eventually passed away inSpain. She walks us through what it was like navigating thehealthcare system and dealing with the emotional challenges of end-of-life careabroad. This episode is especially helpful
Bonus Episode: DANA Alice Storm in Spain
SummaryIn this episode, Catherine and Paul discuss the recent DANA Alice storm in Spain, focusing on its impact on the Murcia region and the local community's response. They cover severe flooding, water contamination risks, and the importance of accurate weather forecasts. The episode also explores media coverage and the need for better reporting especially on social media platforms. If you ar
Episode 16: Unmissable Spanish Property & Furniture Tips
SummaryIn this episode of Spainfully Honest, Paul and Catherine talk about a topic most moving-to-Spain podcasts don’t cover: furnishing your home. With their experience in furniture, they know how important it is to get it right, and once you listen, you’ll understand why, too.They give practical advice on picking furniture, home decor, and colors that fit the Spanish lifestyle. They also explain
Episode 15: Healthcare in Spain
SummaryIn this episode of Spainfully Honest, we talk about dealing with health issues while living in Spain. Our guest shares her personal experiences with the Spanish healthcare system and gives practical tips for expats and newcomers. We discuss the importance of speaking Spanish when visiting doctors, how to get medical care in Spain, and advice for staying healthy in a new country. The episode
Episode 14: Buying Property in Spain-Expert Legal Advice
SummaryIn this episode of Spainfully Honest, Catherine and Paul talk with Belén from Just Law Solicitors about what you really need to know when buying property in Spain. They cover key points for foreign buyers, including how to make sure your purchase is safe, why legal checks are so important, and why you’ll need an NIE number. Belén also explains how residency status affects property ownership
Episode 13: Living in Spain & Spanish Traditions Explained
Episode SummaryIn this episode of the Spainfully Honest podcast, Paul and Catherine chat about everyday life in Spain. They talk about common superstitions, how people dress for the seasons, and what daily routines look like. They also explain birthday traditions in Spain, housing terms, driving rules, and buying second-hand cars in Spain. Listeners will hear about shopping habits, local festivals
Episode 12: Retiring in Spain
SummaryIn this episode of Spainfully Honest, Paul and Catherine talk with Sue Airy, who shares her experience of retiring to Spain. She explains what led her to make the move, the challenges she faced, and how important community and language have been in settling in. The chat looks at both the ups and downs of starting a new life abroad, with practical advice for anyone thinking about retiring in
Episode 11: Working in Spain
SummaryIn this episode of Spainfully Honest, hosts Paul and Catherine talk about their experiences of working in Spain, discussing the unique challenges and rewards of employment in Spain. They explore cultural differences in work hours, the importance of networking, and the impact of COVID-19 on the job market. The conversation also touches on self-employment, freelancing, and teaching English as
Episode 10: Growing Up in Spain
SummaryIn this episode of Spainfully Honest, the hosts discuss various aspects of living in Spain, including the challenges of adapting to the weather, navigating the education system, and the cultural differences between Spain and the UK. They share personal experiences and insights on transitioning to university life, the importance of extracurricular activities, and the unique upbringing that c
Episode 9: Property in Spain- Resort living & City life
SummaryIn this episode of Spainfully Honest, Paul and Catherine chat to Paul from Chersun Properties SL. They discuss various aspects of living and buying property in Spain. They share personal experiences with emergency services, the importance of building relationships in real estate, and the significance of understanding client needs. The conversation covers the pros and cons of city life in Sp
Episode 8: Rural Property in Spain
SummaryIn this episode of Spainfully Honest, hosts Paul and Catherine welcome Fiona from Murcia Villas to discuss buying rural property in Spain. They explore Fiona's journey to Spain, the importance of legal representation, key considerations for purchasing rural versus coastal properties, and the hidden costs associated with community fees and maintenance. The conversation emphasizes the nee
Episode 7: Property in Spain
SummaryIn this episode, the hosts share their personal experiences with property in Spain, discussing the challenges and lessons learned from renting and buying. They emphasize the importance of being cautious, doing thorough research, and trusting one's instincts when navigating the property market. The conversation also touches on the differences between renting in urban areas versus coastal
Episode 6: Private Education in Spain
SummaryIn this episode of Spainfully Honest, hosts Paul and Catherine discuss the intricacies of private education in Spain with Rhiannon from King's College in Murcia. They talk about the importance of education for expatriate families, the integration of international students, and the various pathways to university. Rhiannon shares her personal journey in education, the technological advanc
Episode 5: A conversation about learning Spanish
SummaryIn this episode of Spainfully Honest, hosts Paul and Catherine discuss the importance of learning Spanish for expats living in Spain. They share personal experiences, practical tips, and strategies for overcoming language barriers. The conversation emphasizes the value of community engagement, immersive learning, and the humor found in making mistakes while learning a new language. They als
Episode 4: Kids Special: Education in Spain
SummaryIn this episode of Spainfully Honest, hosts Catherine and Paul engage in a discussion with their children about their experiences growing up and being educated in Spain. They explore the differences between public and international schools, the challenges of learning the language, and the importance of maintaining a balance between English and Spanish. The conversation also touches on unive
Episode 3: Moving to Spain Part Two
In episode 3, Catherine and Paul continue the conversation from the previous episode. They discuss what you need to think about when moving to Spain. As always, it is full of stories and laughs based on their experience of living in Spain for over twenty years!SummaryIn this episode of Spainfully Honest, Paul and Catherine discuss the realities of living in Spain, covering various aspects such as
Episode 2: Moving to Spain Part One
In this episode of Spainfully Honest, hosts Paul and Catherine discuss the essential considerations for moving to Spain, sharing personal experiences and insights on living in the country. They explore the importance of choosing the right location, adapting to the weather, and understanding the cost of living. The conversation also touches on cultural aspects, including the Spanish work ethic and
Episode 1: Welcome to Spainfully Honest
In our very first episode, hosts Paul and Catherine introduce themselves and share the story behind Spainfully Honest. Discover why they decided to move to Spain, what life has been like since moving to Spain, and what you can expect from this podcast. Join us as we have real conversations about living in Spain!
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