Esme Fox

What are the origins of Spain's tapas? Tapas eating is an intrinsic part of Spanish eating culture, consisting of sharing small plates of food with friends or family along with drinks. But how did this typically Spanish way of eating come to be and what does 'tapa' actually mean?

Tapas eating is an intrinsic part of Spanish eating culture, consisting of sharing small plates of food with friends or family along with drinks. But how did this typically Spanish way of eating come to be and what does 'tapa' actually mean?

Spain orders Airbnb to take down 66,000 holiday let ads Spain’s Consumer Affairs Ministry has ordered Airbnb to delete over 66,000 listings for short-term lets in the country because they're breaching housing laws.

Spain orders Airbnb to take down 66,000 holiday let ads www.thelocal.es/20250519/spa... #Spain

Spain's Canaries to hold major protest against mass tourism once again There were multiple protests against overtourism in Spain’s Canary Islands in 2024, and on Sunday May 18th locals will be taking to the streets of each island once again to show their frustration that...

Spain's Canaries to hold major protest against mass tourism once again: www.thelocal.es/20250515/spa... #CanaryIslands #Spain

Looking to get in contact with all-inclusive resorts in Spain for an article I'm working on, as well as travellers who have stayed in them/regularly stay in them. Please get in touch. #journorequest #Spain

Is everything back to normal in Spain after the nationwide blackout? The "historic" power cut that hit all of mainland Spain on Monday caused widespread disruption across the country. Has everything practically returned to normal on Tuesday or are services and travel s...

Is everything back to normal in Spain after the nationwide blackout yesterday? www.thelocal.es/20250429/is-... #Spain

From rabas to cocido montañés: six must-try Cantabrian dishes – and where to find them Whether you want to indulge in some fish broth in the form of sorropotún in San Vicente de la Barquera or head down to Santoña for some anchovies, this guide will help you discover the most authentic ...

New piece for @theguardian.com and Brittany Ferries on where you can find the best dishes in Cantabria, #Spain www.theguardian.com/uncommon-hol...

The risks of buying a Spanish property with a tourist licence in 2025 If you buy a property with a tourist rental licence, is it still possible to transfer this licence to your name? Here's what you need to know about new rules, risks and other key info if you want to b...

If you buy a Spanish property with a tourism licence already attached, there's no guarantee you will be able to keep it anymore: www.thelocal.es/20250422/the...

Barcelona's forgotten beach barrio Uncovering Somorrostro

The latest issue of my 'B Word' newsletter all about the city of #Barcelona #Spain open.substack.com/pub/thebarce...

The Spanish town where 700 people have the surname Japan Discover the surprising connection between a small town near Seville and the samurais of Japan.

I had fun researching this one - Did you know that there's one town in Spain where around 700 people have the last name Japón (Japan)? www.thelocal.es/20250401/the...

A bite-sized guide to Spain's most special cheeses To mark International Cheese Day, we've broken everything you need to know about the most special and scrumptious 'quesos' from every corner of Spain.

Apparently it's International Cheese Day today, so here's my guide to some of the best Spanish cheeses in each region - www.thelocal.es/20221209/a-b... #cheese #Spain

A bird's eye view of Barcelona Soar into the world of the city's parrots and parakeets

A bird's eye view of Barcelona - I had a fun time researching all about the city's parrots and parakeets for this week's newsletter. #Barcleona #Spain open.substack.com/pub/thebarce...

Trump, safety and quality of life: Why so many Americans are moving to Spain Spain's American population has increased by more than 25 percent in just two years and now numbers over 50,000. The Local asked these newcomers what has pushed them to start a new life in Spain, with...

The number of Americans moving to #Spain has increased by 25 percent in two years - here are just some of the reasons why www.thelocal.es/20250226/tru...

The ultimate guide to Spain's craziest carnivals As carnival gets underway across Spain this week, The Local gives you the rundown on where to see some of Spain's wackiest celebrations, including everything from mythical creatures to mud-slinging.

As carnival gets underway across Spain this week, The Local gives you the rundown on where to see some of Spain's wackiest celebrations, including everything from mythical creatures to mud-slinging.

British journalist missing in Brazil for more than 10 days, association says A British journalist has been missing in Brazil for more than 10 days, a foreign correspondents' association said late on Tuesday, urging authorities to step up their search efforts.

Shocked to find out that journalist Charlotte Peet has gone missing in Brazil. Charlotte used to be my editor for several years and I'm crossing everything that she returns safely! www.reuters.com/world/americ...

Great tip, thanks!

'Go to hell': Osborne bull graffiti slams Spain's foreign property buyers Protesters on the Spanish island of Mallorca have defaced an iconic Osborne bull billboard with a message reading “Rich Foreign Property Buyers Go to Hell”, as the Spanish government eyes a possible s...

'Go to hell': Osborne bull graffiti slams Spain's foreign property buyers: www.thelocal.es/20250218/go-... #Spain #Mallorca

The legend of Barcelona's first patron saint Happy Valentine’s Day to all who celebrate and Happy Friday to all those who don’t!

Did you know that #Barcelona actually has two patron saints? The city has just celebrated the first - Santa Eulàlia. Find out all about her curious story in my latest newsletter. open.substack.com/pub/thebarce...

The most romantic nicknames for Spanish lovers Are you a fatty, half an orange or just somebody's darling? The Local gives you the most affectionate romantic names to call your Valentine (with some exceptions), from the classic to the hilarious terms of endearment.

Are you a fatty, half an orange or just somebody's darling? The Local gives you the most affectionate romantic names to call your Valentine (with some exceptions), from the classic to the hilarious terms of endearment.

The 'B' Word | Esme Fox | Substack A newsletter for everyone who loves Barcelona. Whether you live here, are planning on living here, are visiting or are simply a fan of the city, there's something to interest you. Click to read The 'B...

Busy preparing my newsletter to send out tomorrow. I love that I find out something new every time I write it. The 'B' Word covers every aspect of #Barcelona and goes out once a fortnight. Sign up if you love the city, live here or plan on visiting soon. thebarcelonaword.substack.com

Why is mass tourism such a problem in Spain but not in France? For a long time, France has been the most-visited country in the world, yet it doesn't appear to suffer from overtourism and its knock-on effects as much as Spain. The Local spoke to travel experts to...

Why is mass tourism such a problem in #Spain but not in #France? Thanks so much to everyone who helped with this article. Some very interesting insights here. www.thelocal.es/20250210/why...

Yum! Didn't know there was anywhere in Sevilla you could find them! That's great.

Hi Tom, thanks so much for your response. Yes, hen and stag weekends certainly do play their part. The stats will be really useful too!

France travel experts - I'm looking for people to send me some quotes for an article on why you believe France is not suffering from mass /overtourism as much as Spain, even though it gets more international visitors. Thanks. #journorequest #France

Is this Spain's scariest festival? Spain has so many weird and wonderful traditions that range from the bizarre to the hilarious and the awe-inspiring, but this carnival in the north of the country has to be one of the most grotesque and terrifying.

Spain has so many weird and wonderful traditions that range from the bizarre to the hilarious and the awe-inspiring, but this carnival in the north of the country has to be one of the most grotesque and terrifying.

Homage to the Calçot How much do you really know about this humble Catalan vegetable?

I have eaten calçots many times, but this year I found out something about them I never knew before: open.substack.com/pub/thebarce...

The 'B' Word | Esme Fox | Substack A newsletter for everyone who loves Barcelona. Whether you live here, are planning on living here, are visiting or are simply a fan of the city, there's something to interest you. Click to read The 'B...

Just preparing my 'B' Word newsletter all about #Barcelona to send out this morning. This issue I have been doing a deep dive on calçots. Subscribe if you're interested in learning more. thebarcelonaword.substack.com

No, #Spain is not issuing a three-year tourist ban! Some of these headlines are crazy! All that is happening is that the city of Málaga has said it will stop issuing new Airbnb licences for the next three years. www.google.com/search?q=tou...

Barcelona eyes banning non-residents from buying homes In a further move to potentially limit property purchases in Spain, Barcelona city council is exploring ways to ban investment funds and non-resident foreigners from buying homes in the Catalan capital that won't be used for residential purposes.

In a further move to potentially limit property purchases in Spain, Barcelona city council is exploring ways to ban investment funds and non-resident foreigners from buying homes in the Catalan capital that won't be used for residential purposes.

Why does Spain now want to totally ban some foreign home buyers? Within a week, Spain's PM went from saying that non-EU non-residents will be taxed at 100 percent when buying Spanish homes to proposing they be completely banned from purchasing properties. Why is he...

Lots of misleading headlines and misinformation about Spain's proposal to ban non-EU, non-residents from buying property. It will only apply to those who don't live in Spain (eg. for holiday home or investments), not those who want to legally move here. Find out more: www.thelocal.es/20250120/why...

I've just sent out my #Barcelona newsletter The 'B' Word all about the city's Chinese connection ahead of Chinese New Year. Next edition I will be moving over to Substack, please subscribe if you're interested in reading topics about the city every other week. thebarcelonaword.substack.com #Spain