Travel expert shares the problems expats face when moving to Spain

“Siestas and late dining habits can be challenging for those accustomed to earlier schedules. Many restaurants do not open for dinner till 9pm.”

People may feel like outsiders if they are unable to speak Spanish, particularly in “smaller towns where English is not widely spoken”.

Bruno advised: “Language barriers can create difficulties. Making an effort to learn Spanish is vital for feeling more accepted.”

The Spanish weather is something individuals may take for granted. While a holiday in the heat is nice, living in the climate is a different matter.

Bruno explained: “Spain’s weather can be extreme depending on where you settle. Inland areas experience scorching summers with temperatures soaring above 40°C, making it uncomfortable for outdoor activities.

“In some regions, mosquitoes and flies can be a persistent nuisance, especially in the summer months with the hot weather.”

A problem that is not often considered is expats missing their “home comforts”.

The expert advised: “While Spain offers an amazing quality of life, some people report that the variety of international food options is more limited compared to countries like America or the UK.

“Shopping can feel restrictive with fewer large-scale options and product selections compared to what expats are used to back home.”

Despite these difficulties, Spain still has a great appeal for many people considering moving abroad, such as the social lifestyle.

One pair of expats noted: “You look at the Spanish people and regardless of social status or income, they are outside the house, they are always taking walks, they live on the beach, they are going for runs, they are going out to restaurants.”

To go with the social side, the expats noticed how enjoyable people were and the energy that they had.

They explained: “One late night, there was a group of women, I would say about 10 of them, probably in their mid-70s, just sitting at a table, laughing and chit-chatting.”