The Move to Cantabria Podcast

Episode 4, Education in Spain part 2

What is school life in Spain really like for children and families? In Part 2 of our conversation on the education system in Cantabria, we go beyond the structure of schools and talk about the day-to-day reality of raising children here. We discuss: • School routines and schedules• Healthy eating and lunch culture in Spain• Screens, phones, and technology in schools• Public vs concertado schools• Community, integration, and making friends as an expat family• Why schools play such a huge role in helping families feel at home One of the things we love most about life in Cantabria is how community-centred childhood feels here. Schools are not just places children learn — they’re often where families build friendships, support networks, and a sense of belonging. If you’re considering moving to Spain with children, or already navigating life here as an international family, this episode will give you a real insight into the Spanish school experience. 👉 Follow and subscribe for future episodes of the podcast #movetospain #cantabria #expatfamily #spanisheducation #livinginspain #familyrelocation #northernspain #expatlife #movingabroad #cantabriaspain #themovetocantabriapodcast

How the Education System Works in Cantabria - Part 1

If you’re planning a move to Northern Spain with children, understanding the education system is one of the biggest — and often most overwhelming — parts of the journey. In this episode, we’re joined by Julie McNamara, a teacher, mum of three, and long-term expat who has lived in Cantabria for over 20 years. Together, we break down exactly how the Spanish education system works — with a focus on what families moving here really need to know. We cover: * The different stages: Infantil, Primaria and Secondary (ESO) * When compulsory education begins (and what that actually means) * The key differences between public, concertado and private schools * How subjects, assessments and progression work * Options after age 16: Bachillerato vs Formación Profesional * The role of religion in schools (and what choice families have) This episode will give you the clarity and confidence to start understanding your options — and begin thinking about what might be the right fit for your child. 🎧 If you're considering a move, make sure to follow the podcast so you don’t miss Part 2, where we talk about what school life is really like day-to-day.

Moving to Cantabria: How Spanish Taxes Work — And Why Location Matters

When people dream about moving to Northern Spain, they picture the coastline, the slower pace of life, and a strong sense of community. What they don’t always realise… is that where you choose to live in Spain can significantly shape your tax situation. In this episode of The Move to Cantabria Podcast, I’m joined by Spanish tax specialist Carlos Lorenzo, founder of American & Legal Spain, to break down how the Spanish tax system really works — and why location matters more than most people expect. We explore what it means to become a Spanish tax resident, the key taxes expats need to understand, and how different regions — including Cantabria, Madrid and Andalucía — apply different approaches when it comes to wealth tax, inheritance tax, and more. We also unpack common misconceptions, the role of the Beckham Law, and the biggest mistakes people make when they relocate without proper planning. This is a practical, honest conversation designed to help you make informed decisions — so you can focus on building a life here, not navigating unexpected surprises later. If you’re considering a move to Cantabria, or anywhere in Spain, this episode will give you a clearer understanding of the financial side of relocation — and why it deserves your attention from the very beginning. 🎙️ In this episode, we cover: * What makes you a Spanish tax resident * The main taxes expats need to understand * Why Spain is not one single tax system * How regions like Cantabria, Madrid and Andalucía differ * Wealth tax explained simply * The Beckham Law and who it applies to * The most common tax mistakes expats make 🎧 A final thought: Spain isn’t one tax system — it’s 17 different approaches under one flag. And where you land shapes more than your lifestyle… it shapes your financial life too.

Raising Healthy Children in Cantabria: A Paediatrician’s Perspective on Public Healthcare

Raising Healthy Children in Cantabria: Inside the Public Healthcare System What is public healthcare in Cantabria really like for families? If you’re moving to Spain with children, healthcare is often one of the biggest concerns. In this episode of The Move to Cantabria Podcast – Celebrating Life in Cantabria, we speak with a public-sector paediatrician who relocated from Madrid and is now raising her own two children in Northern Spain. We explore how public healthcare in Cantabria works for children, including: • How local health centres (centros de salud) operate• Why children are assigned a paediatrician rather than a GP• How to book appointments (online, by phone, or in person)• What happens when specialist care is needed• The role of Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla in Santander• The realities, strengths, and limitations of the public system• Whether families combine public and private healthcare This conversation offers both professional insight and lived experience — from someone who works within the system and trusts it enough to raise her own family here. If you’re considering relocating to Cantabria with children and want an honest, reassuring look at healthcare, this episode is for you. The Move to Cantabria Podcast – practical insight for families building a life in Northern Spain.

Cantabria’s Celtic Soul | Music, Culture & Identity

About this episode In this episode of The Move to Cantabria Podcast, Grace speaks with Pablo — surfer, musician, and member of the Cantabrian folk group Cahornega — about Cantabria’s Celtic roots and the deep connection between music, nature, and identity. Through stories of land, ocean, and tradition, this conversation explores what makes Cantabria feel closer to Ireland or Brittany than southern Spain — and why culture here is something lived, not performed. * Cantabria’s Celtic heritage and cultural identity * Music as a living expression of place * The role of nature in daily life * Keeping tradition alive for future generations In this conversation * Cantabria’s Celtic heritage and cultural identity * Music as a living expression of place * The role of nature in daily life * Keeping tradition alive for future generations Please subscribe and we look forward to sharing more conversations celebrating life in Cantabria soon!