Spain is one of Europe’s most popular holiday destination with many British making the country their second home.  Located at the cross-roads between Europe and Africa, Spain benefits from long sunshine hours, warm temperate weather and is easily accessible from numerous countries which has helped to encourage strong bonds of tourism and has provided a wide-ranging cuisine.

 

Spain has had a long and turbulent history with varied leaders including monarchy and dictatorship.  In the 1490’s, Spain developed an enormous empire in the New World and became a very powerful nation due to the constant trade with its colonies; however heavy and expensive wars broke out with England, France and the Netherlands due to the issues surrounding the trading industry.  By 1808 Spain was beginning to lose power over its colonies and was slipping into recession however it wasn’t until 1898 when Spain was defeated by the USA that they lost the last of its colonies.
Things were beginning to look more positive for Spain when they joined the EC (which is now known as the EU) in 1986 and in 1992 Spain returned to the world stage with Barcelona hosting the Olympic Games and Madrid was declared European Cultural Capital.  Nowadays, Spain’s territory includes the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands and two North African provinces.

Spain has numerous wild life parks, historical areas and museums to keep yourself busy with.  Spain can offer you a relaxing beach holiday or an active water-sports, golf, football or skiing break.  Many Europeans have moved here permanently and although many areas have been influenced by the different cultures, Spain has retained its own identity and traditions, including the oldest and best loved, yet controversial sport of bull-fighting.  Other popular destinations in Spain include Andalucía, Madrid, the Balearic Islands and Barcelona.

 

Spain's most famous dish, paella, was invented and developed in the Valencian region during the Spanish Civil War by those who were struggling to survive.  This original version (which can still be found in towns, villages and isolated mountainous regions) included three of the most important ingredients for those trying to survive; full of flavour, completely filling and very easy on the pocket change. It contained home grown vegetables, short-grain rice and cuts of rabbit.  Nowadays, travelling through the tourist areas, a more exotic form of paella has been created which includes an abundance of mussels, clams, langoustines, beef steak and other pricey trimmings inteneded to tempt tourists.

 

Generally, you’ll find flavoursome and appetizing food for far less money if you eat where the local Spanish eat.  These areas will be filled with the Spanish culture, colour and authenticity that you can't find in the popular tourist areas.  Furthermore, you may discover the street markets where fresh, cheap and high quality local produce are purchased by locals and restaurants alike.

 

As is with any country, there are local variations of cuisine however the national diet tends to rely on olive oil for cooking and flavouring and a passion for all kinds of fish.

Travel
Many airlines including low cost operators fly to a large amount of Spanish airports.

When purchasing a property in Spain, there are a few procedures you need to follow.  You will need to set up a Spanish bank account and you'll need to appoint a lawyer that is able to communicate with you easily (i.e. no language barriers!).  When you're looking at your budget, be sure to incorporate all the fees and costs of purchasing. Generally speaking, you should be looking at paying 7% IVA (VAT), 1% Stamp duty, 1% Legal fees (there may be a minimum to pay) and notary fees.

 

If you require a mortgage, lending in Spain is based on the valuation of the property you wish to purchase, your residency status, the purpose of buying and your income. For urban properties 70% - 80% can be achieved although for 'rustic' property only 50% is available.

 

Language
Spanish (English is widely known)

Currency
Euro