Millions of Britons flock to Spain every year, and many even decide to retire there.
But Spain is changing “rapidly”, according to one expat, meaning the country Brits have always known and loved may be a little different to the one they remember. Thing.
James and Yolie, who are from Spain, shared some big changes for people who want to travel to Spain as tourists or move there permanently.
“The tapas culture is disappearing,” said James, who has lived in Spain for 12 years.
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The expatriate described tapas as “the lifeblood of the Spanish community.”
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James described tapas as “the lifeblood of the Spanish community, or what has traditionally been the lifeblood of the Spanish community.”
However, he revealed that these popular tapas bars have been decreasing in recent years.
He said the number of traditional bars is down 10 percent compared to 10 years ago. However, the number of restaurants in Spain is increasing.
Mr James said this could be due to a change in attitudes post-pandemic. Post-COVID-19, people were drawn to cozy places rather than busy places.
Tapas bars can be noisy, while restaurants offer a more relaxed environment.
Another reason why tapas bars may be on the decline in Spain is that there are now more types of eateries and they offer a wider variety of cuisines.
For those who still enjoy the busy tapas bars, expat James explained that it can be difficult to get into them. Places that were once a spontaneous stop now require patrons to reserve a table.
In addition to the disappearance of tapas bars in Spain, family-run restaurants in Spain are also struggling, said James’ Spanish wife, Yoli.
Currently, there are very few traditional tapas restaurants in Spain.
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In rural areas, the number of people visiting these restaurants is decreasing due to depopulation. The city’s mom-and-pop establishments are struggling for another reason — rents are “through the roof.”
On the other hand, more franchises emerge because they can afford to pay rent.
James loves living in Spain, but no place is perfect and there are some parts he “hates”.
He revealed that he can’t resist the popular dish and said that if he had a “nemesis” it would be this one. There are also Spanish customs that drive him “crazy.”