Episode 50: Why Spain? Expats Share Their Honest Answers

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. Of course, we couldn't resist asking a few fun questions too. From favourite tapas and Spanish dishes to the wines they keep coming back to, our listeners share some of the things they love most about living here. The result is an honest and interesting snapshot of expat life in Spain today, told by the people living it every day. Whether you've already made the move, are planning your own Spanish adventure, or simply enjoy hearing other people's stories, there's plenty to discover in this episode. Some episodes we discussed during this one: Cartagena: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1xmHizlj6R82drqQ5kYOnY?si=ylG9Qee3R9iTrBpn2c-ovg Santander: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7Bri6YKiwkI6o0vvuOMYsE?si=6iaPBQhGQE--SC04a8T0wg Zaragoza https://open.spotify.com/episode/1ffnfobK7MObgmBLwJ01R2?si=mdxDN-4jR0-eqIPXQFN_pg Barcelona: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2iAjMuVeANkLcYq1LzUqbk?si=T_HfDsBqSquhctscImR1bA Malaga https://open.spotify.com/episode/1w9T7oEgCYOZZmGWfHuNFi?si=qmhtldk4TRCU9sd2qegWkA As always thanks for listening! If you enjoyed the episode, make sure you hit subscribe and follow us on socials so you don’t miss what’s coming next. And if you want to keep the conversation going, come and join our Discord community here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://discord.gg/wTGrjpVQh⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://discord.gg/wTGrjpVQh] — it’s where we all hang out, swap stories, and chat all things Spain. Or if you’ve got a story to share, a guest suggestion, or just want to say hi, you can always email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠hello@spainfullyhonest.com⁠

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 honest conversation about the realities behind the postcard version of summer in Spain — what works beautifully, what takes some getting used to, and the small differences that shape everyday life during the hottest months of the year. In this episode, we cover: * How school schedules change from June to September (including early finish times) * What summer holidays look like in Spain and how routines shift * Beach life, chiringuitos, and coastal living * Traditional Spanish summer food and light dishes for hot weather * How restaurants, meal times and daily habits adapt to the heat * What it’s really like dining out in summer * Life at the beach: setups, culture and social habits * Drinks and refreshment culture (including Catherine's favourites like clara con limón) * How people adapt homes and daily routines to extreme heat * Cooling techniques and coping strategies during heatwaves * The challenges of sleeping and living comfortably in high temperatures * Personal reflections on loving (and sometimes struggling with) Spanish summers As always thanks for listening! If you enjoyed the episode, make sure you hit subscribe and follow us on socials so you don’t miss what’s coming next. And if you want to keep the conversation going, come and join our Discord community here: ⁠⁠⁠https://discord.gg/wTGrjpVQh⁠⁠⁠ [https://discord.gg/wTGrjpVQh] — it’s where we all hang out, swap stories, and chat all things Spain. Or if you’ve got a story to share, a guest suggestion, or just want to say hi, you can always email us at ⁠⁠⁠hello@spainfullyhonest.com

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 like across Spain. Hamilton shares honest, practical insights from working directly in the industry, including what renters should realistically expect, how the process differs from other countries, and the common mistakes people make when they first arrive. We also dive into the less comfortable side of renting in Spain — including scams, red flags to watch out for, and how to protect yourself when searching online or dealing with landlords and agents. In this episode, we cover: * What the rental process in Spain actually looks like * How demand and pricing are affecting availability * The most common mistakes newcomers make * Scams and fake listings — and how to spot them early * What landlords and agents are really looking for in tenants * Tips for securing a rental when you’ve just arrived in Spain If you would like to contact Hamilton for more information about properties in Malaga, he was kind enough to give us his email: jamonbone@gmail.com If you enjoyed the episode, make sure you hit subscribe and follow us on socials so you don’t miss what’s coming next. And if you want to keep the conversation going, come and join our Discord community here: ⁠https://discord.gg/wTGrjpVQh⁠ [https://discord.gg/wTGrjpVQh] — it’s where we all hang out, swap stories, and chat all things Spain. Or if you’ve got a story to share, a guest suggestion, or just want to say hi, you can always email us at ⁠hello@spainfullyhonest.com

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-employed in Spain, Catherine and Paul speak honestly about the realities that many people are not prepared for when working for themselves abroad. They cover the practical side of setting up as an autónomo in Spain, including self-employed taxes in Spain, monthly autónomo fees, paperwork, registration requirements, social security contributions, invoicing, grants and the benefits of hiring a gestor in Spain. But this conversation goes much deeper than forms and finances. They also talk about the emotional reality of freelance life in Spain If you have ever searched: * “How to become self-employed in Spain” * “Cost of being autónomo in Spain” * “Living in Spain as a freelancer” * “Freelance taxes Spain” * “Is being self-employed in Spain worth it?” * “Do I need a gestor in Spain?” * “Moving to Spain and working for yourself” — then this episode is for you. Whether you are already running a business in Spain, freelancing remotely, considering moving abroad, or just curious about the reality of self-employment in Spain, this episode offers a realistic, relatable and honest conversation about the experience behind the paperwork. As always thanks for listening! If you enjoyed the episode, make sure you hit subscribe and follow us on socials so you don’t miss what’s coming next. And if you want to keep the conversation going, come and join our Discord community here: ⁠⁠https://discord.gg/wTGrjpVQh⁠⁠ [https://discord.gg/wTGrjpVQh] — it’s where we all hang out, swap stories, and chat all things Spain. Or if you’ve got a story to share, a guest suggestion, or just want to say hi, you can always email us at ⁠⁠hello@spainfullyhonest.com⁠⁠ Here are the episodes discussed in this episode that might be of interest: Episode 41 Social Security in Spain: https://open.spotify.com/episode/18naj7SW1O8egqyMVGNkWI?si=-9cRlu1-TJCd_AasZMk1IA Episode 38: Spanish Visa Options: https://open.spotify.com/episode/47o8ehefc8BKm5FMEyRe08?si=of7U9X0yT6q-uv6ERqC00w Episode 30: TIE Renewal in Spain: A Practical Guide: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7LNfDl0dOK0WMloqeMnKQl?si=YeiaK_CURnOCREwmNKwq7A Episode 31: The Padrón in Spain Explained https://open.spotify.com/episode/7qYc8bTTmS1gL6DuCkdc55?si=fTImtws1Qh2UDF062qvt5w Episode 32: Digital Certificates and Signatures in Spain https://open.spotify.com/episode/4eRvzHJsJXte4RLfis9ZrS?si=96HtawgwTM-hTrmq-BE9mQ Here are the details of Catherine's gestor who are not sponsors of the podcast just a company Catherine has worked with for years and recommends them: www.asesoriaolivan.com [http://www.asesoriaolivan.com/]Avenida Emilio Castelar, 97 – Bajo San Pedro del Pinatar 30740 – Murcia – España  Telf. 968 18 65 56

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 experience Malaga efficiently and affordably! As always thanks for listening! If you enjoyed the episode, make sure you hit subscribe and follow us on socials so you don’t miss what’s coming next. And if you want to keep the conversation going, come and join our Discord community here: ⁠https://discord.gg/wTGrjpVQh⁠ [https://discord.gg/wTGrjpVQh] — it’s where we all hang out, swap stories, and chat all things Spain. Or if you’ve got a story to share, a guest suggestion, or just want to say hi, you can always email us at ⁠hello@spainfullyhonest.com⁠