Cultural
Sustainable living in Spain: practical eco tips for expats
How to recycle the Spanish way, cut energy bills in a hot climate, get around without a car and shop more sustainably after moving to Spain.
Updated: October 2026
Moving to Spain is a good moment to set up greener habits from day one. This guide is for newcomers who want to lower their footprint and their bills at the same time. You will learn how the Spanish recycling system works, how to keep a home cool without running the air conditioning all day, how to get around by train, bus and bike, and where to shop more sustainably.
How recycling works in Spain
Most Spanish towns use large street containers rather than household bins, colour-coded by type of waste. Under the national waste law (Ley 7/2022), town halls have had to add separate collection of organic waste, so the brown bin is now common in most areas. The exact system varies by municipality, so check your ayuntamiento’s website.
| Container | What goes in |
|---|---|
| Yellow | Packaging: plastic bottles and wrappers, cans, drink cartons, foil trays |
| Blue | Paper and cardboard (flatten boxes) |
| Green (igloo shape) | Glass bottles and jars, without lids |
| Brown | Food scraps and other organic waste |
| Grey or dark green | Everything else (resto) |
- Medicines: take old medicines and their packaging to the SIGRE collection point found in most pharmacies.
- Punto limpio: every area has a recycling centre for electronics, batteries, paint, cooking oil, furniture and other bulky items. Many towns also offer free pick-up of large items (recogida de enseres) if you book it.
- Textiles: clothing containers, often run by charities, are increasingly common on the street and at supermarkets.
Save energy in a hot climate
In much of Spain the biggest energy challenge is summer heat. Spanish homes are built with this in mind, and using them the traditional way saves a lot of electricity.
- Use the shutters: close persianas and awnings on the sunny side in the morning, and open windows at night to let cool air through.
- Fans first: ceiling and standing fans use far less power than air conditioning. If you use AC, set it around 25 to 27 degrees rather than very low.
- Shift your usage: most household electricity contracts have time-of-use periods, with the cheapest hours at night and at weekends. Run the washing machine and dishwasher then.
- Check the energy certificate: when renting or buying, the certificado energético shows how efficient the property is. A better rating usually means lower bills.
- Green electricity: many suppliers sell certified renewable electricity, including cooperatives such as Som Energia. Compare the price per kWh and the fixed power charge, not only the green label.
If you own your home, rooftop solar for self-consumption (autoconsumo) is widespread in Spain. Some town halls offer discounts on property tax for installing panels, so ask your ayuntamiento. Our guide to property taxes for foreign owners explains how IBI works.
Get around without a car
Spain has an extensive rail network, from high-speed lines between major cities to local Cercanías trains around Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga, Valencia and other areas. Long-distance coaches cover towns without a station, and most cities have good bus networks.
- Look at season tickets: regional transport consortia and Renfe offer passes and multi-trip cards that are much cheaper than single tickets for regular commuters.
- Cycle: many cities have bike lanes and public bike-sharing schemes you can join with a monthly or annual subscription.
- Know the scooter rules: e-scooters must follow traffic rules, cannot be ridden on pavements and are increasingly regulated by each town hall. Some public transport operators restrict them on board.
- Low-emission zones: larger towns have introduced low-emission zones (ZBE) that limit older cars. If you bring or buy a car, check its DGT environmental sticker and your town’s rules.
Shop and eat more sustainably
- Use the municipal market: almost every town has a mercado municipal and weekly street markets with local, seasonal produce. Bring your own bags and containers.
- Look for “ecológico”: certified organic products carry the EU organic logo and the word ecológico or “eco” on the label.
- Ask for tap water: bars and restaurants must offer tap water free of charge, so you can skip bottled water when eating out. At home, a filter jug helps if you dislike the taste of hard water.
- Buy second-hand: apps such as Wallapop, charity shops (many run by animal shelters) and local rastros (flea markets) are good for furniture and household items when you first move.
- Save water: much of Spain faces recurring drought, and some areas impose restrictions on filling pools or watering gardens. Follow local notices.
Get involved locally
Beach clean-ups, community gardens (huertos urbanos) and local environmental groups are a good way to meet like-minded people while doing something useful. See our guide to volunteering in Spain for how to find them.
Useful links
- Renfe – national rail operator, timetables and passes
- Som Energia – renewable energy cooperative
- Ecologistas en Acción – environmental groups across Spain
- Renting in Spain as a foreigner
- Property taxes for foreign owners in Spain
FAQ: sustainable living in Spain
Which bin does a plastic bottle go in?
The yellow container, together with cans, drink cartons and other packaging. Glass bottles go in the green igloo.
Where do I take old electronics or furniture?
To your local punto limpio, or book the town hall’s free collection of bulky items. Shops selling new appliances usually have to take back the old one when they deliver.
When is electricity cheapest?
On most household contracts the cheapest period is at night and at weekends. Check your bill or contract for the exact time bands.
Can I ask for free tap water in a restaurant?
Yes. Hospitality businesses must offer tap water free of charge, although you may be asked if you prefer bottled water.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only. Recycling systems, tariffs and local rules vary by town and can change – always check with your town hall or the official source before you act.
Cost of Living
Rebajas: when the sales start in Spain and your rights
When the January and summer sales start in Spain, how discounts must be shown, and your rights on returns and warranties.
Updated: October 2026
Spain’s sales – las rebajas – are a national event. Shops are packed on the first day, discounts grow week by week, and many people plan big purchases around them. Here is when the sales happen, how they work and what your rights are.
When are the sales in Spain?
Since 2012, shops in Spain have been free to decide when and for how long they hold sales. In practice, most still follow the traditional calendar:
- Winter sales: start around 7 January, the day after Three Kings (Reyes), and run into February or early March. Some chains start online on 6 January or even earlier.
- Summer sales: start around 1 July and run through August.
- Black Friday (the last Friday of November) and Cyber Monday have become big too, often stretched over a whole week.
- Mid-season sales (mid-season or “segundas rebajas”) with extra discounts come towards the end of each sales period.
Your rights when you buy on sale
- Real discounts: when a shop shows a price reduction, the “before” price must be the lowest price it charged in the previous 30 days. This rule comes from EU law and stops fake discounts.
- Same warranty: sale items have the same three-year legal guarantee as full-price items. A shop cannot refuse to deal with a faulty item because it was on sale.
- Returns: in a physical shop, returning an item you simply do not want is a goodwill policy, and shops may have different rules during sales – ask before paying. Online purchases always have 14 days to withdraw.
- Card payments: a shop that normally accepts cards must also accept them during sales.
- Keep the receipt (ticket or factura) – you need it for returns and warranty claims.
If something goes wrong, you can complain with an official complaint form (hoja de reclamaciones), which every shop must have. See also our guide to your rights when buying electronics.
Tips for the rebajas
- Make a list before you go – the first days are crowded and it is easy to overspend.
- Check prices a few weeks before so you can spot real bargains.
- Shop online from the evening before: many retailers open their sales online first. Online shops such as Spartoo (ad) and adidas (ad) run their own sales on shoes, fashion and sportswear.
- Look at the final weeks for the deepest discounts, if you do not mind smaller choice of sizes.
Not sure what to buy for the season? Read what to wear in Spain, season by season.
FAQ: sales in Spain
When do the January sales start in Spain?
Traditionally on 7 January, right after Three Kings. Shops are free to start earlier, and many begin online a day before.
Can I return sale items?
Faulty items, always. For items you just do not want, it depends on the shop’s policy – ask before you pay. Online purchases have a 14-day withdrawal right.
Are sale prices really lower?
They should be: the reference price shown must be the lowest price of the last 30 days.
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not legal advice. Shop policies vary. Links marked “(ad)” are affiliate links – NewInSpain may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Cultural
Christmas gift ideas from Spanish shops, and when to give them
When Spaniards give presents, from Nochebuena to Three Kings, plus gift ideas from Spanish shops and tips for ordering in time.
Updated: October 2026
Your first Christmas in Spain comes with a few surprises: the big present day for children is often 6 January, not 25 December, offices hold a Secret Santa called amigo invisible, and a hamper of ham, cheese and turrón is a classic gift. This guide explains when Spaniards give presents and suggests gift ideas from Spanish shops, so your parcels arrive on time and feel local.
When people give presents in Spain
- Nochebuena and Christmas Day (24–25 December): more and more families give presents now, often brought by Papá Noel.
- Three Kings’ Day (6 January): the traditional day for children’s presents. The Kings arrive with parades (cabalgatas) on the evening of 5 January, and children wake up to gifts the next morning.
- Amigo invisible: the Spanish Secret Santa, common at work and among friends, usually with a price limit.
- Cesta de Navidad: many employers still give staff a Christmas hamper with wine, ham, cheese and sweets.
Read more about El Gordo, the Three Kings and other customs in our guide to Christmas in Spain.
Gift ideas from Spanish shops
Experiences instead of things. Gift boxes with a spa visit, a dinner, a wine tasting or an adventure activity are popular in Spain and easy to send by email. Disfrutabox (ad) has boxes for couples, families and friends, which also work well as a last-minute present.
Spanish wine. A bottle from Rioja, Ribera del Duero or a smaller region is a safe gift for hosts and colleagues. Online wine shops such as Petit Celler (ad) deliver mixed cases and gift packs across Spain.
Personalised gifts. Handmade items with a name or date feel personal and are good for grandparents and godchildren. Ohana Details (ad) is a Spanish brand making personalised, handmade gifts.
For the new home. If friends have just moved, quality bed linen, towels or a throw are always useful. La Mallorquina (ad), a Barcelona home textile company founded in 1947, sells linen and textiles online.
Shoes and clothes. Winter boots, slippers and trainers are classic Three Kings presents. Spartoo (ad) has a large range of shoes and fashion brands with delivery in Spain.
For the sporty ones. A new padel racket, balls or a court booking makes a great gift in Spain. See our padel guide for beginners for what to choose, and compare rackets at Padel ProShop (ad).
Ordering in time
- Order early in December. Couriers in Spain are very busy between Black Friday and Three Kings, and delivery times grow.
- For presents for 6 January, aim to order by mid-December. Many shops publish last order dates for Reyes.
- Check whether the shop delivers to the Canary Islands, Ceuta or Melilla if you are sending gifts there – extra customs paperwork and costs can apply.
- Keep receipts: when you buy online from a shop in the EU, you normally have 14 days to withdraw from the purchase, and many shops extend returns over Christmas.
FAQ: Christmas gifts in Spain
When do children get presents in Spain?
Traditionally on 6 January, Three Kings’ Day. Many families now also give some presents on 24 or 25 December.
What is amigo invisible?
The Spanish version of Secret Santa. Each person draws a name and buys one present for that person, usually within a set budget.
What is a typical gift for a host in Spain?
A good bottle of wine, cava, turrón or a box of pastries from a local bakery is always welcome.
Can I return presents bought online?
When you buy online from a shop in the EU, you normally have 14 days from delivery to withdraw from the purchase. Check each shop’s Christmas returns policy, as many give longer.
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links marked (ad). If you buy through them, NewInSpain may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Prices, ranges and delivery times are set by each shop.
Cultural
All Saints’ Day (Todos los Santos) in Spain: traditions and what to expect
What happens on Todos los Santos in Spain: cemetery visits, chestnuts and sweets, regional customs, and which regions have Monday 2 November 2026 off.
Updated: October 2026
On 1 November Spain celebrates Todos los Santos, All Saints’ Day. For many Spanish families it is a quiet, important day for remembering relatives who have died, rather than a party. This guide explains what happens, the food and regional customs you will notice, and how the holiday works in 2026, when 1 November falls on a Sunday.
What All Saints’ Day means in Spain
All Saints’ Day is a Catholic feast honouring all saints, and the next day, 2 November, is All Souls’ Day (Día de los Difuntos), dedicated to the dead. In everyday Spanish life the two have merged into one tradition: in the days around 1 November, families visit the cemetery to clean and decorate the graves of their loved ones.
Even people who are not religious often take part, because it is as much about family as faith. Relatives travel back to their home town, meet at the cemetery, then share a meal. If you have Spanish neighbours, friends or a partner, you may be invited along. It is a respectful occasion, so dress neatly and follow their lead.
Is it a public holiday in 2026?
Yes. 1 November is a national public holiday every year. In 2026 it falls on a Sunday, so each region could choose whether to move the day off to Monday 2 November. According to the official 2026 holiday calendar published in the BOE, nine regions did so:
- Monday 2 November is a holiday in: Andalusia, Aragón, Asturias, the Canary Islands, Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla y León, Extremadura, Madrid and Navarra.
- Normal working day in: the other regions, including Catalonia, the Valencian Community, the Balearic Islands, Galicia, Murcia and the Basque Country, which used that holiday elsewhere in their calendar.
So on the Costa del Sol and in the rest of Andalusia you get a long weekend from Saturday 31 October to Monday 2 November. Expect public offices, banks and health centres to be closed on the Monday. In Andalusia, larger shops are allowed to open on 2 November, as it is on the regional list of authorised trading days. For the full calendar, see our guide to public holidays in Spain in 2026.
Cemetery visits: what to expect
Cemeteries are at their busiest in the last days of October and on 1 November. In Spain many people are buried in nichos, wall niches stacked several rows high, so you will see families on ladders cleaning marble fronts and placing fresh flowers.
- Flowers: chrysanthemums, carnations and gladioli are the classic choices. Florists and market stalls are very busy, so buy a few days before if you can.
- Opening hours and transport: many town halls extend cemetery hours and add extra buses or traffic controls around the holiday. Check your ayuntamiento website for local arrangements.
- Behaviour: keep your voice low, do not take photos of other families and keep children close. Some cemeteries also hold Masses on the day.
- Traffic: roads near cemeteries and to inland villages get congested over the long weekend, so allow extra time.
Food and sweets of the season
Bakeries fill up with seasonal sweets in the weeks before 1 November. Look out for:
- Huesos de santo: “saints’ bones”, small rolls of marzipan filled with sweet egg yolk cream or other fillings.
- Buñuelos de viento: light fried dough balls, often filled with cream or chocolate.
- Roasted chestnuts: street sellers with smoking chestnut carts appear in town centres as the weather cools, often with roasted sweet potatoes too.
- Panellets: small almond sweets covered in pine nuts, typical in Catalonia.
Regional customs worth knowing
Spain’s regions mark the season in their own ways, and some of these customs are fun for families and newcomers.
- Catalonia – La Castanyada: on the eve of All Saints, families eat roasted chestnuts, sweet potatoes and panellets, often with sweet wine.
- Galicia and the north-west – Magosto: an autumn chestnut festival with bonfires, roasted chestnuts and new wine, held in many villages around this time.
- Cádiz – Tosantos: in the days before 1 November, stalls in the city’s food markets are decorated with comic scenes made from fruit, vegetables, fish and meat, a tradition with a long local history.
- Cocentaina (Alicante) – All Saints’ Fair: one of Spain’s oldest fairs, dating back to the 14th century, with markets, crafts and livestock. Spain’s official tourism site lists it around 1 November.
- Don Juan Tenorio: theatres in many cities stage José Zorrilla’s 19th-century play about the legendary seducer around this date, a long-standing tradition.
Halloween on 31 October has become very popular in Spain too, especially with children and young people. You will see costume parties, decorated bars and trick-or-treating in some urban areas, side by side with the traditional cemetery visits. For more autumn events, see our guides to Spanish festivals for expats and events on the Costa del Sol.
Practical tips for newcomers
- Check whether Monday 2 November is a holiday in your region and in the town where you work, before booking appointments.
- Do your food shopping before the weekend. Smaller supermarkets may close or open shorter hours.
- Book travel and hotels early if you plan a trip, as many Spaniards travel home or take a short break.
- Keep an eye on the weather. Late autumn can bring heavy rain, so read our guide to DANA storms and weather warnings.
- If a colleague or neighbour mentions visiting the cemetery, a simple, kind word is appreciated. It is a day of remembrance, not mourning in public.
Useful links
- BOE resolution with the 2026 holiday calendar (copy on Granada City Council website)
- Sundays and holidays when shops may open in 2026 (Ministry, PDF)
- Festivals in Spain in November (Spain’s official tourism site)
- Public holidays in Spain 2026
- Spanish festivals and how expats can join in
FAQ: All Saints’ Day in Spain
Is Monday 2 November 2026 a holiday in Málaga?
Yes. Andalusia moved the All Saints’ holiday from Sunday 1 November to Monday 2 November in 2026, so it is a day off across the region.
Is 2 November always a holiday in Spain?
No. All Souls’ Day on 2 November is not a public holiday in its own right. It only becomes one when a region moves the 1 November holiday because it falls on a Sunday, as happens in nine regions in 2026.
Do Spaniards celebrate Halloween?
Increasingly, yes, especially children and young adults in cities. It sits alongside the older tradition of cemetery visits and family meals on 1 November.
What are huesos de santo?
Small marzipan rolls shaped like bones and filled with sweet cream, sold in bakeries around All Saints’ Day.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only. Holiday dates are set by the State, regions and town halls, and local events and opening hours can change – always check the official source for your area before you plan.
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