A day in the life of an expat in the Costa Brava
Owning a home abroad is not like visiting for a week or two. So what will you get up to after you’ve tried every water sport you’re brave enough to try and tried the town’s competing seafood restaurants? Our expat writer in Spain, Sally, shares what a July day in her life in the Costa Brava is like.Read more...
Your new life in France: sensational summers
If you’re looking for a more adventurous lifestyle, a holiday home or relocation to France could be just the ticket. As well as the familiar pleasures of markets, beaches and fine dining, there will be exciting days out on your doorstep. Here we suggest a few great days out in France.Read more...
Greek golden visa most popular among foreign buyers
The Greek golden visa, the country’s residency by investment scheme, has become the most popular of its kind in the EU.Read more...
Summer sounds: the best music festivals in Spain
It is hot. Hotter than usual and for longer. The good news is that as the month continues, it will become cooler and more comfortable. The south of the country has seen record breaking temperatures, but even here in the northeast, it has been uncomfortably hot at times, especially at night.Read more...
Will residents face a French language test?
Is the French government planning to impose a language requirement on those claiming residency from non-EU countries? The idea was raised by France’s interior minister this month, but how likely is it to become law?Read more...
French citizenship: Taking the B1 Language exam
It’s not essential to attain French nationality in order to stay in France as an expat. However, there are many reasons why people choose to apply, from having the right to vote, to regaining freedom of movement, or even just gaining a sense of belonging in the country where you live. But the first hurdle is attaining a certification in the B1 language exam.Read more...
The 5 best market towns and cities in the Algarve
Portugal is a country that truly excels when it comes to markets. Many of even the smallest towns and villages have their own daily markets, providing fresh local goods that are often higher in quality and lower in price than products available at supermarkets.Read more...
Working from home in Portugal: An attractive prospect for holiday home owners
A recent Portugal Property Guides survey has shown that working from home in Portugal is part of the plan for almost 30% of people intending to buy a holiday home there. A further 21% said that they may do some work from their Portuguese bolthole.Read more...
How Italy is solving problems of tourist numbers
Italy’s top destinations have become so popular with day visitors that the tourist authorities are coming up with innovative ways to prevent overcrowding. Does Venice have the solution?Read more...
10 property features you want in a heatwave
Many countries are experiencing heatwaves this year, with temperatures up to 42 centigrade in some places. When it comes to finding an overseas property in a hot country, having features that help keep the house cool in the summer prove invaluable.Read more...
Cutting down on food waste in Spain
Last month, the Spanish government introduced a new draft law to tackle food waste in the country. The shocking fact that Spain wastes 1.36 million tonnes of edibles and drinks each year has triggered a rethink of what to do with unwanted foodstuffs. Spain’s neighbour, France, began to deal with the problem back in 2016 when supermarkets and other large food outlets were banned from throwing away food and instead donated it to charities.Read more...