Endless sunshine, amazing food and an afternoon siesta? Life in Barcelona, Madrid or one of the other beautiful Spanish cities is sure to relax you, even when you’re there to work, making it no surprise that around 82 million people visit Spain each year! But unlike the majority of these visitors, you won’t have to go home anytime soon, meaning you can soak up the sunshine all year round and really immerse yourself in the culture! We have broken down the main benefits of living and working in Barcelona (and a few things you should think about before the big move) to help you feel prepared and get excited for your adventure!
Food glorious food!
A massive benefit to living and working in Barcelona is definitely the incredible food that you will get to indulge in daily… paella, tapas, churros… just thinking about it is enough to make your mouth water! Living in Barcelona means you will be able to taste all of these incredible delights, and maybe discover a few new favourites as you take home your improved cooking skills to impress your friends and family! The Spanish style of dining is a sociable affair, as the traditional sombremesa (meaning “over the table”) refers to the art of conversation after a meal. So prepared to chat a lot with your new friends!
Don’t forget about the drinks!
It is typical to drink wine with a meal in Spain, meaning if you enjoy a tipple then this is the country for you! Or if wine isn’t your thing, there is always sangria! With 1 bar per every 129 Spaniard, you’ll never be short of new places to drink!
Blue skies and sunshine
With 3000 hours of sunshine per year (twice as much as England!!) you will sure to top up your tan as you take in the rays with a glass of sangria in hand.
Culture for days
When you think of Spanish culture most likely images of Flamenco music and dance, bullfights, fantastic beaches and sangria…and although you wouldn’t be wrong, there is so much more to the Spanish culture. With amazing architecture including the La Sagrada Família and Park Güell even a scroll around Barcelona can never be boring and buildings such as Caixa Forum Madrid will inspire you in the busy Spanish capital. Coupled with incredible Spanish artistic heritage, including Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso, Spanish is a cultural hub with a vast array of art galleries, museums, parks, meaning you’ll never be bored!
Customs
There are little things that those arriving in Spain may find very different to their customs at home… for example, did you know that physical contact during a conversation with a Spaniard is a typical way of communicating in Spain and is not considered an invasion of personal space? Or that in the summer-time Spaniards sometimes don’t eat dinner until 11pm? These little things are bound to change your way of life when living in Spain, as you adopt new habits that make you fit in like a local!
