This week on Spainfully Honest, Catherine and Paul look at how Spain celebrates St. Patrick’s Day. From the huge Cabo Roig parade, the biggest in Europe outside of Ireland, to Madrid’s week-long Ireland celebrations, we cover how the Irish community and locals bring Irish culture to life in Spain.

They talk about the historical connections between Ireland and Spain, local traditions influenced by Irish culture, and how you can join in yourself, whether that is going to a parade, visiting Irish pubs, or taking part in cultural events.

They also share fun details like the myth of Spanish landings in Ireland, and Bloomsday celebrations you might not expect. This episode shows the history, culture, and community behind St. Patrick’s Day in Spain.

To email Paul and Catherine your suggestions, email [email protected]

For all the details about La Semana de Irlanda/Irish Week/St Patrick's Day in Spain see the following link:

⁠Programa completo Semana de Irlanda 2026 - Google Drive⁠

Happy St Patrick's Day...in Spain!

In this episode of Spainfully Honest, Catherine and Paul chat to Ashley and her family all about their move from the United States to Zaragoza and what settling in has really been like for them. They talk through the practical side of relocating to Spain as well as the emotional side, including schooling in Spain, daily life, cultural differences, and how their expectations compared with reality.

It is an honest conversation that gives a clear picture of expat life in Zaragoza, Spain, from a family’s perspective, along with thoughtful insights for anyone considering making a similar move.

If you would like to hear more from Ashley and family about life in Zaragoza checkout their content here: Instagram

Contact Catherine and Paul with any questions or suggestions at [email protected]

Just a quick note that everything shared in this episode is based on personal experience and opinions. Catherine, Paul, and their guests are simply talking about what it was like for them, not giving professional or official advice. If you’re planning a move abroad, it’s always a good idea to do your own research and speak to qualified experts before making any big decisions.

In this week’s episode of Spainfully Honest, Paul and Catherine chat about what it’s like to live on a golf resort in Spain.

They had a great conversation with Carl from Roda Golf Resort Paradigm – Properties, and while they started out talking generally about golf resorts, they ended up getting a really detailed look at life at Roda Golf in Murcia, so it naturally became a bit of a spotlight.

They cover everything from property types on a golf course in Spain and community amenities to costs of living and the rental market in Spain at the moment.

Whether you’re a golfer or just someone looking for a property on a beautiful, well-kept community, this episode is full of practical tips and honest insights for anyone thinking about making the move to Spain. And it is especially interesting for those looking at golf resorts in Spain.

If you would like to reach out to Carl directly his website is: https://www.rodagolfproperties.com/

They also spoke about the semi private school Las Claras del Mar Menor in Los Alcazares, which is very close to Roda Golf. If you would like to listen to that episode here is the link: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2i6G8Vwdi1SpGuqgTbmyaw?si=EpzrMUN-QXe_4joXwHF0XQ

They also spoke about this being a good time of year to rent on Roda Golf due to availability, so for reference, this was recorded in February 2026.

Disclaimer: Carl shared his personal opinions on certain property platforms and other golf resorts, which reflect his experience and perspective. Listeners should do their own research and form their own views when considering property or resort options in Spain.

Thinking about driving in Spain or stressing over Spanish driving license paperwork? This week’s episode is your practical guide to understanding how driving licenses actually work when you live here.

We chat through the real steps, real timelines, and real experiences behind getting or renewing a Spanish driving licence, so you know exactly what to expect before you start the process.

We break down the rules for EU and non-EU residents and walk through the key stages like medical exams, booking appointments, and submitting documents. If you’ve ever felt confused by Spanish admin, this episode will clear things up in plain English.

We also talk honestly about everyday life realities, like when you really do need a car in Spain, why public transport isn’t always reliable outside cities, and how local driving lessons can actually make the transition much smoother, even if you’ve been driving for years.

If you’re living in Spain, moving to Spain, or planning the expat life soon, this episode is packed with useful tips to help you drive stress-free on Spain's roads.

To get the help sheet created for this episode completely free, just email us at [email protected]

Here is the link to the DGT website we speak about during the episode: www.dgt.es

Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is based on our personal experiences and general research while living in Spain. We’re not legal or driving licence professionals, and requirements can change or vary depending on individual circumstances. Always check official sources or speak to a qualified professional before making decisions or starting any application process.

In this episode of Spainfully Honest, we talk about two things that are hard to miss right now: Carnaval and Valentine’s Day.

With Carnaval taking over towns and cities across Spain, we look at what it’s all about, how it’s celebrated, and why it’s such a big part of Spanish life. From costumes and parades to the social side of it all, it’s a chance to let go, have fun and spend time with other people.

We also chat about finding love in Spain, especially as Valentine’s Day is coming up. From dating and relationships to cultural differences and expectations, it’s an honest conversation about what it can really be like when you’re living here.

Let us know if you celebrate Carnaval in Spain and how they celebrate in your town. Email us at [email protected]

In this episode of Spainfully Honest, Paul and Catherine break down digital certificates and digital signatures in Spain. They cover why they matter, how they work, and why they can feel especially confusing when you’re a foreigner dealing with Spanish bureaucracy.

Along the way, there are a few cultural observations, personal stories, and a look ahead to what’s coming next, from finding love in Spain to Carnaval season.

Of course, there is the usual chit chat about life in Spain, including Catherine recording a segment for an Irish TV show!

For the printed guide about this topic, email them at [email protected]

Here is the link to the website mentioned in the podcast: Cert. Electrónico Ciudadano - Sede

And here are the numbers to book a Cl@ve appointment 912901340 and 901200351

Disclaimer

This podcast is based on the personal experiences of the hosts living in Spain as foreigners. The information shared is intended to be helpful, but it should not be taken as legal, administrative, or professional advice. Rules and procedures can change and may vary depending on where you live. Listeners are encouraged to check official sources or speak to a qualified professional before starting any administrative process.

In this episode of Spainfully Honest, Paul and Catherine take a look at the Padrón in Spain and why it matters more than many people realise when living in Spain. They talk through what it is, why you need it, and how to register, including the documents you’ll be asked for and what can catch people out. While the process is undeniably bureaucratic, the conversation focuses on how being prepared makes things far less stressful.

And of course, it wouldn’t be Spainfully Honest without the usual banter between the hosts and a few real-life experiences that should help make everything a bit clearer.For our printed guide all about the Padron in Spain, email [email protected]

Please note: this episode is intended as a general guide only, based on personal experience. It is not legal or professional advice, and we are not lawyers, gestors, or immigration specialists.

In this episode of Spainfully Honest, Paul and Catherine talk through what renewing your TIE (Tarjeta de Identificación de Extranjero) in Spain actually looks like in real life, especially if you’ve been here five years or more. They break down what you need to have ready, why being organised really matters, and how having your paperwork in order can save you a lot of stress later on.

They also chat about how much of the process has moved online in recent years, and why getting comfortable with Spain’s digital systems is no longer optional if you want things to go smoothly. Along the way, they share personal experiences, practical tips, and a few hard-earned lessons — including the value of keeping everything in one clearly organised folder and not leaving things until the last minute.

The episode also looks at how the renewal process can differ depending on where you’re from, with specific mention of British, American, and Irish residents, and the slightly different hoops each group may need to jump through. Overall, it’s a straightforward, honest guide for anyone trying to navigate Spanish residency without feeling overwhelmed by the bureaucracy.

We’ve also put together printable checklists and guides to help you through the process. If you’d like a copy, just email us and we’ll send it over.

Email: [email protected]

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Spainfully Honest

01:43 Celebrating Episode 30 and catching up

09:18 Understanding TIE Renewal Process

15:51 Documents Needed for TIE Renewal

23:35 Financial Requirements for Residency

24:06 Understanding Autonomous Payments and Digital Processes

25:35 The Importance of Digital Certificates and Signatures

27:54 Making the Fingerprinting Appointment

32:21 Collecting Your New Residency Card

36:35 Renewal Process for Non-EU Residents

40:30 Special Considerations for Irish Residents

41:53 Preparing for Bureaucratic Challenges

49:58 Final Tips for a Smooth Experience

Just to be clear, we’re not lawyers, gestores, or immigration specialists. This episode is based on our own experience and research, and is shared for general information only.

In this episode of Spainfully Honest, Paul and Catherine talk New Year’s resolutions and what they really look like when you’re living in Spain.

From keeping fit and making the most of the outdoor lifestyle to tackling harder goals like quitting cigarettes, they discuss how Spanish routines and everyday life can support healthier habits without overcomplicating things.

As part of this topic, they also focus on something that often gets overlooked: making friends and building a new community in Spain.

As always, Paul and Catherine share their own resolutions alongside plenty of (very) honest chat, differing opinions and their familiar back-and-forth!

Email them with your New Year resolutions at [email protected]

Chapters:

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Spainfully Honest Podcast

02:54 New Year, New You: Resolutions and Reflections

06:00 Paul and Catherine Christmas chat

10:02 New Year's Celebrations

12:58 Setting and Keeping New Year's Resolutions

15:58 Health and Diet: Challenges and Strategies

22:02 Exercise Options in Spain: Gyms and Outdoor Activities

27:53 Social Aspects of Fitness: Making Friends Through Activities

34:07 Exploring Scuba Diving and Other Hobbies

37:09 Health Awareness: Discussing Endometriosis

39:59 Food Culture in Spain: Healthy Eating Habits

42:48 Smoking and Health: Challenges in Spain

51:06 Conclusion and Future Topics

In this episode of Spainfully Honest, Paul and Catherine take a step back and reflect on how the podcast has evolved so far.

They look back at some of the key topics they’ve covered, from the realities of everyday life in Spain to education in Spain, property in Spain, work and healthcare in Spain, and the cultural stuff you only really learn by living here.

Not a culture shock in sight!

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Spainfully Honest
05:01 Looking back at how the podcast has grown
09:35 Figuring out everyday life in Spain
14:50 Talking honestly about education in Spain
18:34 Milestones, moments, and the importance of community
22:30 More on schools and education in Spain
25:26 Why learning Spanish really matters
31:59 Making sense of property choices in Spain
38:04 Working, retiring, and planning life in Spain
42:35 The bits no one warns you about
45:10 The legal side of moving to Spain
45:55 Dealing with legal admin once you’re here
47:07 Healthcare, wellbeing, and looking after yourself
49:48 Sorting out furniture and home basics
50:58 End-of-life care and planning ahead
53:55 What winter in Spain is actually like
55:42 Holidays, traditions, and local events
56:45 Cost of living and everyday shopping comparisons
01:06:58 Wrapping up and what’s coming next

Here is the link to the news website mentioned and the articles about the V-16 beacon: https://spanishnewstoday.com/search.html

The new VMP law was mentioned in the podcast but since the podcast was recorded there have been some setbacks setting up the insurance and so the law is not being enforced quite yet. Make sure to keep an eye on your city/town hall social media pages.

To email Paul and Catherine contact: [email protected]