Living in Andalucia
As an expatriate in Andalucía you will need much of the same information any Spaniard might need upon moving to this region. However, as a foreigner you'll also have many specific needs - especially regarding culture, language and integration issues.
Relocating to Andalucía in itself is a monumental leap. Living that international lifestyle can be so much easier when information and resources are shared, avoiding common pitfalls and giving you more time to relax and unwind.
Each of the following links will take you to a body of information designed specifically to make your new life in Spain as easy as possible.
Andalucia is the perfect destination to pamper your mind, body and soul. The warm Mediterranean climate of Andalucia is so enticing for relaxing, personal development, and it's… More →
On this page you can find useful links to information about what to bring with you, and how to bring it, as well as timing suggestions, important practical, administrative and legal issues to… More →
Andalucia is the perfect destination to pamper your mind, body and soul. The warm Mediterranean climate of Andalucia is so enticing for relaxing, personal development, and it's even becoming a… More →
Some of the external links on Andalucia.com are to our Affiliate Partners. This means that if you make a purchase we may earn a small comission at no additional cost to yourself.
Traditionally, very few shops used to open on a Sunday or public holiday in Andalucia. This was due to restrictions on Sunday trading by the regional government. However, since 2020, the number of… More →
If you are buying property in Spain, investing or starting a business, or making a will (among other reasons), you should definitely employ the services of an experienced lawyer. You will find… More →
Depending upon your personal situation, there may be several safety considerations to keep in mind. The family with small children or elderly or handicapped members needs to pay attention to some… More →
It's the new year, time for new starts and new resolutions. Many of us swear we will get fit when January arrives, to rid ourselves of all the excesses from Christmas over-indulgence, but it can… More →
It can be quite a culture shock to up sticks and live abroad. Many people decide to settle in Andalucia, after many years of spending pleasant vacations in this beautiful part of Spain. However,… More →
Every year Andalucía welcomes thousands of tourists, business people and new residents from other countries. Although many have a good understanding of the Spanish language, at one time or another… More →
Those living in Spain who miss their favourite UK stores will be delighted to know that many major international names such as Marks & Spencer and Amazon ship products directly to your home… More →
Whether you are visiting or living in Andalucia, the Andalucia Directory should make life a little easier to find the information and services you may need.
Andalucia is a top destination for many nationalities seeking a relaxed pace of life in the sun. Foreign settlers are arriving in their droves to Andalucia, not only drawn by the fantastic climate… More →
Every year Andalucía welcomes thousands of tourists, business people and new residents from other countries. Although many have a good understanding of the Spanish language, at one time or another… More →
Living in a foreign country is a wonderful and enriching experience, which requires that you understand the local customs and ways of doing things - these may be considerably different from what… More →
"There is no cure for birth and death, save to enjoy the interval," wrote the Spanish-born philosopher, George Santayana. Death is one of the few constants of life that can strike at anytime and… More →
Many people have found southern Spain to be an excellent place to start a family and raise children. Children are highly esteemed in Spanish culture and generally welcomed in restaurants and all… More →
To begin with, prices in general are quite reasonable in Andalucia - at least as compared to northern Europe. However, if real savings are your objective, it helps to have some local know-how in… More →
As a consumer in Andalucia you will find at your disposal dedicated government offices designed to advise you regarding your rights and responsibilities. There are also numerous private consumer… More →
Christmas is not Andalucia´s biggest religious celebration - Semana Santa has that distinction. But it is nonetheless a big deal, with all the seasonal ambience, lights, markets, special food and… More →
In Andalucia and especially along the Costa del Sol, many worthwhile charities do excellent work to help different groups of society through times of need. From helping sick children and orphans,… More →
The issues faced by owning a car and driving in Andalucia are similar to those faced in the rest of Spain. Some of these issues outlined below are different depending on whether you hold a license… More →
Spain is a fairly bureaucratic country, with a red tape tradition going back centuries. It is inevitable that you will encounter numerous paperwork projects while you are living here. The… More →
In Andalucia the acronym SAS is more likely to conjure up images of healthcare than air travel. It stands for Servicio Andaluz de Salud, or Andalucian Health Service and is run by the regional… More →
It is true that babies are born every day, around the world. It is not true, however, that they are born in the same way or under the same conditions. In fact, both material standards of living… More →
Following is a sampling of the type of courses you can find being offered at different locations throughout the Costa del Sol and by various providers, at any given time. Do take the time to check… More →
Over the past ten years or so, out-of-town shopping centres ( centros comerciales, or CCs), whether supermarkets or fashion outlets, have become increasingly prevalent in Andalucia,… More →
In Spain, it is possible to arrange civil and religious marriages between foreigners or a foreigner and a Spanish national provided you do your paperwork first. In addition, the Spanish government… More →
Thinking of having your wedding in Andalucia? Then we have the complete guide to the what, where, when and how to plan your big day here in sunny southern Spain.
An increasing number of people are either bringing their pets with them when they move to Spain, or else acquiring them here, reassured by the fact that, if they have to move for any reason, their… More →
Christmas brings great cheer across Spain as families prepare to spend the Season together over one elaborate meal after another. Every year Andalucia.com brings you a special look at Christmas… More →
There is quite a debate across Spain regarding whether Santa Claus is displacing the traditional Three Kings at Christmastime in Spain. The truth is that Santa Claus is becoming more and more… More →
There is most certainly a difference between grabbing a bite of something on the run, or sitting down at table to eat a meal the "right" way, and the Spanish are experts on making meals so much… More →
Andalucia has a long history of winemaking and produces several interesting and taste-worthy products you’re sure to enjoy.
In Andalusia, as in the rest of Spain, the feast of Christmas dinner takes place late on the night of Christmas Eve (Nochebuena) and normally goes on into the small hours of Christmas Day.… More →
Tapas are more than just snacks in Andalucia. The word means, literally a lid and the term was thought to have come from the habit of having a few nibbles with a drink and the necessity of placing… More →
There are plenty of places around Andalucia where you can enjoy a traditional Sunday lunch or fish and chipps or a full english breakfast.
Looking for financial information dealing with Andalucia? Doing business in Andalucia can be a little intimidating, especially if you are new to the region or… More →
Many people come to Andalucia, especially to the Costa del Sol, to make it their home. If you're thinking of moving to this part of Spain, you will need somewhere to stay… More →