Spanish Practices

Frigiliana is often called Spain's most beautiful village — a maze of whitewashed streets, Moorish architecture and sun-drenched terraces above the Costa del Sol. But beneath its postcard perfection lies one of the bloodiest chapters in Andalusian history. In this episode of Spanish Practices, I uncover the brutal 1569 Battle of El Peñón, when Christian forces crushed a Morisco rebellion in a siege so savage the village was described as a "river of blood." I explore the forced conversions after the Reconquista, the repression of Spain's Moors, the expulsion of the Moriscos, and the extraordinary Moorish irrigation systems the victors depended upon to survive. This is the untold history of Frigiliana — where beauty, faith, conquest and survival collide in one of Spain's most haunting stories.

In this episode of Spanish Practices, I explore how decades of unchecked development, urban sprawl and coastal "litoralisation" have reshaped — and in some cases damaged — Spain's Mediterranean coastline. From high-rise hotels built on dunes and illegal developments to disappearing beaches, fake sand, replenishment schemes, over-tourism in the Balearics and Costa del Sol, and the environmental impact of marinas and breakwaters, we unpack the real story behind Spain's coastal erosion crisis. With wry humour and sharp insight, this episode examines corruption, sustainability, climate change and the future of Spain's beaches — essential listening for expats, travellers, property owners and anyone who loves the Spanish coast.

In this episode of Spanish Practices, we travel back to 13th-century Granada to explore the Alhambra Palaces through the eyes of Aisha, a young servant girl living and working under the Nasrid dynasty during the reign of Sultan Muhammad II. VISIT The Alhambra Palaces and Generalife Gardens HERE Moving beyond guidebooks and grand history, this immersive historical storytelling episode reveals daily life inside the Alhambra — from the palace's extraordinary water system and laundry stones to court kitchens, gardens, and the unseen labour that sustained one of Spain's greatest monuments. Set in 1290, The Alhambra: The Eighth Wonder of the World blends social history, Islamic Spain, Moorish architecture, and human perspective, offering a richly atmospheric journey into medieval Andalusia, Granada's Nasrid court, and the quiet lives that made palace life possible.

Spain is facing a new reality of extreme weather — from sudden flooding to the growing threat of summer drought. In this episode of Spanish Practices, I look at the recent storms affecting Spain, including Storm Leonardo and the approaching Storm Marta, and asks what these events tell us about climate change, infrastructure, and life in modern Spain. Reflecting on the legacy of the Valencia DANA floods, the episode explores how Spanish emergency services have improved their response to extreme weather, why many towns and cities struggle with storm drainage, and how Spain's historic relationship with water is being tested by today's climate. Why can Spain experience flooding in winter yet still face drought in summer — even with dams full to overflowing? How do other countries, such as Singapore, manage stormwater differently? And what long-term solutions could help Spain address its growing water challenges? Thoughtful, grounded, and ultimately hopeful, this episode looks at how Spain is learning to adapt — a

What happens when you don't just move countries — but move brains? In this episode of Spanish Practices, I explore how moving to Spain quietly rewires your brain, especially if you arrive tired, overstimulated, and worn down by modern life. From walkable towns and Mediterranean food to better sleep, slower thinking, and everyday social connection, this episode shares five simple brain goals for anyone starting a new life in Spain — or dreaming of one. This isn't about optimisation, biohacking, or becoming a "better version" of yourself. It's about becoming more human again. You'll discover: Why daily walking in Spain beats gym culture for brain health How Spanish food rhythms calm your nervous system Why sleep is treated as infrastructure, not indulgence How language, history, and slowness build mental resilience Why frequent small social interactions matter more than deep friendships Perfect for expats in Spain, those planning to move to Spain, or anyone craving a slower, healthier, more connecte

What did the Romans ever do for Almuñécar? Apart from inventing takeaway food, apartment living, public baths, complaining about politicians… and making the entire town smell like fermented fish. In this episode of Spanish Practices, we travel back to Roman Sexi (modern-day Almuñécar) to follow one entirely unremarkable man: Lucius. He is not a general, senator or emperor. He is a garum worker — which means his job is stirring rotting fish in the sun and smelling so bad even his own family stands upwind. Through Lucius's aching back, noisy apartment block, chaotic streets and daily visits to Roman "takeaways", we discover that ordinary life in Roman Spain looks suspiciously like expat life in modern Spain. People live in cramped flats. Neighbours argue loudly. Bureaucracy is baffling. Everyone eats out. The bars are noisy. The water is questionable. And everyone is convinced society is in decline. There are fish guts. There is urine-based laundry. There are public baths with better gossip than hygiene. There

Spain welcomed a record 97 million tourists — and now the country is bursting at the seams. In this episode, we look at failing infrastructure, overcrowded cities, and why Spain might need a breather in 2026. Plus: lesser-known regions to visit and better ways to experience Spain beyond beaches, booze, and burnout. Three Places, mentioned to visit: Extremadura  https://www.turismoextremadura.com/en/index.html Teruel  https://turismo.teruel.es/en/ Galicia - search interior https://www.turismo.gal/inicio/?langId=en_US  

A detailed investigation into the Adamuz train crash in Spain, examining what happened, what investigators believe caused the derailment, and the warnings about track defects raised before the tragedy. I explore the human stories behind the disaster, including the loss of 41 lives and the death of a 27-year-old train driver, and how families and communities were affected. Finally, we look at rail safety in Spain, public confidence in high-speed trains, and the questions this tragedy raises for travellers and authorities alike.

This week, we had two power cuts. That led to Bruce our rescue dog getting diarrhea! A biblical lightning strike, a bodged Endesa repair, and one warm fridge too far — welcome to Spanish electrics. In this wry expat tale, two power cuts lead to a flooded studio, philosophical acceptance, and an unfortunate canine outcome. Living in Spain teaches resilience, patience, and one golden rule: never trust dog food after a blackout.  

A wry, true-to-life look at Spanish plumbing quirks every expat eventually encounters — mysterious drain smells, missing U-bends, and bathrooms with opinions. From central traps and sewer "breathing" to rain-induced gurgling chaos, this episode explores why Spanish drains work differently. Packed with humour, cultural insight, and lived expat experience of life in Spain and Andalusia. Spanish Practices: real life, real Spain — where even the plumbing tells a story.

In this episode of Spanish Practices - As we start 2026 Spain faces a demographic crunch. A 2025 forecast says the country needs 2.4 million foreign workers by 2035 to sustain its pension system — just as millions apply for Spanish citizenship under the Grandchildren's Law.  

In this episode of Living in Spain, I talk about the choking hazard that is a Spanish Tradition at New Year, drawing on real experiences of expat life in Andalusia after moving from the UK to Spain.  We cover: How a Spanish New Year is celebrated, and why twelve grapes play an important part. The cultural differences between New Year in Spain and the UK What I miss about New Year in the UK and New Year in Spain There are stories, mistakes, moments of joy, and the occasional flashback to my former life as a London radio producer — including an exploding bottle of champagne and a one thousand pound bounty for working over the millennium.  

In this episode at least two reasons among many why we left our leafy Essex town and beautiful four bedroomed bay-fronted Edwardian House and ran off to sunny Spain. So to the ghosts two arrive from my past. One is a, to be, famous children's author to whom I was spectacularly rude, after which I threw away the first edition of her book about a boy who didn't know he was a wizard.  The other is a man who once started a little online bookshop with a ridiculous name, well I thought it was when they launched in the UK  — Amazon — though confusingly, his name was, I think Jeff, not Amazon.  

Is the new and mandatory in Spain from the start of 2026, Beacon a Beacon of safety or a silly dim flashing light that tracks your car to the Government? Yes its the controversial V16 Beacon that we have all had to buy, or rather try to buy, amongst the Temu rip offs that aren't a certified beacon. Is it a major step forward in road safety.. Let's find out.    

In this episode I am talking about Christmas. I'm going to look at British Christmas versus Spanish Christmas, and then zoom out to see where Spain quietly shares traditions with the rest of the world… often in surprising ways. So pop the kettle on, pour a glass of Spanish sherry — depending on which country you emotionally identify with today — and let's dive in.    

In this short episode  a clear, realistic, non-salesy view of where the smart money is going in Spain in 2025–2030—and whether property is still the best bet. I am not a Financial Expert, do not take this episode as any kind of financial advice.  I have collated together trends and data from financial institutions, banks and financial companies.  

Spain's GDP grew by 3.5% in 2024 and is forecasted to grow by 2.9% in 2025.  The growth is being driven by strong domestic demand, particularly household consumption and investment, which is outpacing the euro area. Is this the time to invest in Spain?  

From Mosiquitos to spiders and snakes, there is something lurking or flying around here in Spain that has you on their lunch menu. How to cope with those tiny assassins and avoid being bitten or worse is what this episode is all about. This is our real life, in real Spain. Ten years of adventures since swapping our glorious Victorian House in leafy Essex for a tiny flat in a wild Andalusian village. I was once a Radio Producer in London, not a great one. Feel free to comment, like and of course follow - it really helps the show.  

If you've ever stubbed your toe in Spain, you'll know that the locals don't just swear — they stage a one-man opera of profanity. Spanish swearing is a glorious symphony of blasphemy, body parts, and creative bowel movements.  There are a lot of rude words in the episode so please, if you are easily offended, scroll on to the next episode.