Search Spain with Local Focus

1+ hour, 32+ min ago (1271+ words) Bilbao, city of pintxos, art and eye-popping architecture. But if you look beyond the Guggenheim (an iconic modern art museum like no other) and the plethora of food tours on offer, you will find a remarkable place shaped by grit, creative spirit, and proud traditions. When I visit in October, I discover it is that increasing rarity in Europe: laidback and genuinely affordable. It's lively, but not crowded, and I always manage to find a seat on public transport. On a colder day, I notice the caf's are bustling with chattering locals " no wonder, when an espresso and a glass of wine each cost around "2. To dig deeper, I explored the city with local guide Miriam Ruiz L'pez from Basque Bound, following her insider suggestions to experience its overlooked corners. This is the Bilbao you should see, beyond the tourist…...

1+ hour, 57+ min ago (693+ words) With most European leaders talking tougher about immigration in the face of a rise in far-right populism and Trump administration warnings that they could face " civilizational erasure " unless they tighten their borders, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stands apart. The Iberian nation has taken in millions of people from Latin... Spain's Prime Minister Holds to Lonely Stance on Immigration With most European leaders talking tougher about immigration in the face of a rise in far-right populism and Trump administration warnings that they could face "civilizational erasure" unless they tighten their borders, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stands apart. The Iberian nation has taken in millions of people from Latin America and Africa in recent years, and the leftist S'nchez regularly extols the financial and social benefits that immigrants who legally come to Spain bring to the eurozone's fourth-largest economy. Spain's…...

2+ hour, 10+ min ago (955+ words) The Iberian nation has taken in millions of people from Latin America and Africa in recent years, and the leftist S'nchez regularly extols the financial and social benefits that immigrants who legally come to Spain bring to the eurozone's fourth-largest economy. Spain's choice, S'nchez often says, is between "being an open and prosperous country or a closed and poor one." His words stand in stark contrast to other Western leaders, and so far, his bet seems to be paying off. Spain's economy has grown faster than any other EU nation for a second year in a row, due in part to newcomers boosting its aging workforce. "Today, Spain's progress and strong economic situation owe much to the contribution of the migrants who have come to Spain to develop their life projects," S'nchez said in July after anti-migrant clashes rocked a…...

2+ hour, 15+ min ago (559+ words) At a time when many leaders frame migration primarily as a threat, S'nchez has consistently argued that newcomers are essential to Spain's prosperity. His government's stance places Madrid increasingly at odds not only with Europe's political mood but also with the tougher rhetoric emanating from Washington under Donald Trump's renewed influence. Spain has absorbed millions of migrants from Latin America and Africa over the past decade, many of them arriving legally by air and integrating relatively quickly into the labour market. S'nchez regularly links immigration to Spain's strong economic performance, arguing that foreign workers are helping offset an ageing population and labour shortages. Spain's economy has grown faster than any other in the European Union for a second consecutive year, a trend officials partly attribute to immigration boosting the workforce and tax base. "Spain's progress and strong economic situation owe…...

2+ hour, 25+ min ago (224+ words) Northern coast set to be hit hardest The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) issued a red alert on Saturday, December 13, for the coast of Valencia province ahead of Sunday, as Storm Emilia passes through the region. Rainfall began in several areas early on Saturday. Sunday is expected to bring the worst of the weather, with Aemet forecasting a "very adverse" situation that could last for the next 36 hours. During this period, episodes of "thunderstorms and rain" are expected to be "persistent and locally torrential." The agency has warned that rainfall could "exceed 180 litres per square metre" in just twelve hours. Specifically, in the northern coastal areas, Emilia is expected to "mainly affect the southern half," with total rainfall potentially reaching around 250 litres per square metre. Meanwhile, Castell'n and Alicante remain under yellow alerts " in Castell'n from 17:00 to 23:59 and in Alicante all…...

2+ hour, 37+ min ago (475+ words) According to TyC Sports, Senegal have a chance to play against Argentina during the March international break. While the possibility is not yet confirmed, it was the Senegalese Football Federation itself that raised the idea when announcing its upcoming fixtures for 2026. The African team, led by star player Sadio Mane, announced that it will face the USMNT on May 31, ahead of the World Cup in North America. The federation also noted that during the March FIFA break, they are considering a match against Argentina, with Saudi Arabia being another option. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni. While Argentina's main focus in March will be the Finalissima against Spain, a potential match against Senegal could be valuable for head coach Lionel Scaloni. By then, only three months will remain before the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and it could…...

2+ hour, 37+ min ago (341+ words) Spain's Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) lets Britons citizens live in Spain as long as they can financially support themselves without working there. This visa is ideal for retirees or those with passive income, allowing them to enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle for far longer than the 90-day post-Brexit rule allows. It's a change from the Golden Visa, which required buying property with a minimum real estate investment of "500,000 " until it officially ended in 2024. To be eligible, you need sufficient funds, private health insurance and clean criminal records. If you have income from a pension, savings or dividends from investments, this visa gives you the opportunity to live in Spain long term. You must prove that you have a stable passive income. It requires proof of around "28,800/year for the applicant. The family-friendly, allowing you to apply together with your spouse and children....

2+ hour, 47+ min ago (219+ words) Spanish Prime Minister Pedro S'nchez in the Congress on December 10. Credit: Pool Congreso /Moncloa Spanish Prime Minister Pedro S'nchez is set to become the first individual ever declared persona non grata by Palma City Council, following a motion tabled by Vox and backed by the ruling Partido Popular. The proposal is due to be approved at the full council meeting on Thursday December 18 and also calls for the Prime Minister's resignation. An earlier symbolic protest occurred in 2000, when the Balearic Government formally objected to the presence of the US nuclear aircraft carrier George Washington in Palma Bay, citing potential risks to the population and calling for the vessel to leave local waters. S'nchez currently governs through a complex and fragile parliamentary majority that includes left-wing and regional nationalist parties, formed after a highly polarised general election. His government has focused…...

2+ hour, 48+ min ago (539+ words) Around 90 municipalities in northeastern Spain have been quarantined following an outbreak of a highly contagious disease in pigs. Thirteen cases of African swine fever have been confirmed in dead wild boars in Catalonia. It is suspected the outbreak started after the disease was leaked from a laboratory in the Spanish region where scientists were experimenting with it just days before. Investigators are assessing the possibility that the leak came from Research Centre on Animal Health (CReSA) in Bellaterra, north of Barcelona. The Catalan government has declared an emergency over the outbreak. Restrictions were imposed within a 6km contamination zone and a wider 20km infected area. According to the Department of Agriculture, Environmentand Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland, African swine fever is a "highly contagious" viral disease of pigs. "In its acute form the disease generally results in high mortality." African swine fever…...

3+ hour ago (993+ words) MADRID " With most European leaders talking tougher about immigration amid a rise in far-right populism and Trump administration warnings that they could face "civilizational erasure" unless they tighten their borders, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro S'nchez stands apart. The Iberian nation has taken in millions of people from Latin America and Africa in recent years, and the leftist S'nchez regularly extols the financial and social benefits that immigrants who legally come to Spain bring to the eurozone's fourth-largest economy. Spain's choice, S'nchez often says, is between "being an open and prosperous country or a closed and poor one." His words stand in stark contrast to other Western leaders, and so far, his bet seems to be paying off. Spain's economy has grown faster than any other EU nation for a second year in a row, due in part to newcomers boosting…...