Esme Fox
esmefox.bsky.social
Esme Fox
@esmefox.bsky.social
Barcelona-based travel journalist. Words in Lonely Planet, The Local Spain, National Geographic Traveller, Wanderlust, The Telegraph and more. http://esmefox.com/
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...
'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?
www.thelocal.es
January 20, 2026 at 3:46 PM
Yes, it does snow in Spain! Nine magical places to visit in #Spain when it snows www.thelocal.es/20260120/nin...
www.thelocal.es
January 20, 2026 at 12:14 PM
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
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.
www.thelocal.es
January 19, 2026 at 2:59 PM
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
January 19, 2026 at 10:24 AM
Reposted by Esme Fox
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.
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.
www.thelocal.es
December 18, 2025 at 11:07 AM
My latest for The Local Spain - The new words added to the Spanish dictionary for 2026 www.thelocal.es/20251218/the... #Spain
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.
www.thelocal.es
December 18, 2025 at 10:12 AM
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
November 3, 2025 at 10:03 AM
Reposted by Esme Fox
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.
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.
www.thelocal.es
September 16, 2025 at 10:16 AM
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
100 years of the Barcelona metro system
A centenary underground
thebarcelonaword.substack.com
September 15, 2025 at 10:41 AM
Reposted by Esme Fox
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?
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?
www.thelocal.es
July 25, 2025 at 10:18 AM
Spain orders Airbnb to take down 66,000 holiday let ads www.thelocal.es/20250519/spa... #Spain
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.
www.thelocal.es
May 19, 2025 at 11:33 AM
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
May 13, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Is everything back to normal in Spain after the nationwide blackout yesterday? www.thelocal.es/20250429/is-... #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...
www.thelocal.es
April 29, 2025 at 9:36 AM
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...
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...
www.thelocal.es
April 22, 2025 at 11:37 AM
The latest issue of my 'B Word' newsletter all about the city of #Barcelona #Spain open.substack.com/pub/thebarce...
Barcelona's forgotten beach barrio
Uncovering Somorrostro
open.substack.com
April 11, 2025 at 2:05 PM
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...
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.
www.thelocal.es
April 2, 2025 at 1:16 PM
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 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.
www.thelocal.es
March 27, 2025 at 6:14 PM
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...
A bird's eye view of Barcelona
Soar into the world of the city's parrots and parakeets
open.substack.com
March 14, 2025 at 4:21 PM
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...
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...
www.thelocal.es
February 26, 2025 at 10:32 AM
Reposted by Esme Fox
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.
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.
www.thelocal.es
February 21, 2025 at 11:04 AM