Esme Fox

'Don't fear it': How safe is high-speed train travel in Spain? Following news of the high-speed train crash near the Spanish city of Córdoba on Sunday night, many people have been asking the same question: How safe really is train travel in Spain?

After the tragic rail crash in Andalusia on Sunday, I've been looking at how safe high-speed train travel is in #Spain www.thelocal.es/20260119/don...

Yes, it does snow in Spain! Nine magical places to visit in #Spain when it snows www.thelocal.es/20260120/nin...

LATEST: Spain crash death toll could rise further after wreckage removal Officials in Spain said the death toll from a high-speed train collision in the south of the country, currently at 39, could rise further, with rescuers at work on the mangled wreckage.

I have been covering the tragic Spain train crash all day today for @thelocalspain.bsky.social Here's the latest on what's happening. #Spain

Travel PRs, I am particularly interested in hearing about any new/recent openings in Mexico City, Oaxaca and Puerto Escondido. Please get in touch. #Mexico #journorequest

Everything that changes about life in Spain in January 2026 Three Kings’ Day, new V-16 light for drivers, minimum wage increase, the new nationwide travel pass, these are just some of the changes and events happening in Spain during the first month of 2026.

Three Kings’ Day, new V-16 light for drivers, minimum wage increase, the new nationwide travel pass, these are just some of the changes and events happening in Spain during the first month of 2026.

The new words added to the Spanish dictionary for 2026 'Simpa', 'turismofobia' and 'crudivorismo' are just some of the new words out of 330 added to the 2026 version of Spain's most official dictionary.

My latest for The Local Spain - The new words added to the Spanish dictionary for 2026 www.thelocal.es/20251218/the... #Spain

Political party in Spain calls for fewer tourists at Valencia's Fallas festival Valencian left-wing political party Compromís has demanded that the Valencian City Council cease all advertising of the city’s famed Las Fallas celebration for fear of mass tourism spoiling the event ...

A political party in #Spain calls for fewer tourists at Valencia's Las Fallas festival www.thelocal.es/20251111/val... #Valencia

Tourism in Spain: 12 Barcelona travel hacks to make your trip better Travel writer and The Local reporter Esme Fox, who has lived in the Catalan capital for over 10 years, shares her tips for visitors and the tourist traps to avoid.

My latest piece for @thelocalspain.bsky.social on #Barcelona travel hacks www.thelocal.es/20251104/tou...

Valencia president Carlos Mazón resigns over botched handling of deadly floods Leader of Spanish region’s People’s party had clung to power despite calls for him to stand down over 2024 disaster Carlos Mazón, the embattled president of the eastern Spanish region of Valencia, has bowed to public fury and political pressure by resigning over his botched handling of the deadly floods that killed 229 people in the area just over a year ago. Mazón, a member of the conservative People’s party (PP), had hung on despite calls for him to stand down after it emerged that he spent more than three hours having lunch with a journalist as the floods hit and people were drowning in their homes, garages and cars. Continue reading...

Valencia president Carlos Mazón resigns over botched handling of deadly floods

Barcelona's Sagrada Família is now the tallest church in the world, surpassing Germany's Ulm Minster, as part of the cross on the Jesus Tower was placed a couple of days ago. It's now 162.91 metres high but will reach 172.5m when the tower is completed in June 2026. #Barcelona

Chaos continues on third day of security strikes at Spain's busiest airport Thousands of passengers at Madrid-Barajas airport were held up in hour-long queues at security control on Tuesday as staff continue with their indefinite strike.

Thousands of passengers at Madrid-Barajas airport were held up in hour-long queues at security control on Tuesday as staff continue with their indefinite strike.

100 years of the Barcelona metro system A centenary underground

For anyone interested in the history of Barcelona, here's my latest newsletter on 100 years of the city's metro system: tranhttps://thebarcelonaword.substack.com/p/100-years-of-the-barcelona-metro #Barcelona

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.