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This week we sat down with Paul Airey, who has made his home on the Costa Cálida. Like many expats, his journey to Spain was shaped by family, timing, and a longing for a different way of life. Making the move Paul first arrived in Spain on January 1, 2003, leaving behind Maldon in Essex, where he and his wife were living at the time. Originally from Burnley and South Wales, he explained that the decision to move came down to family. “I realised that I was working just to go on holiday,” he said. “With my children being so young, it was a now-or-never opportunity. We didn’t want to regret not doing it, and we didn’t want to disrupt our children’s education by doing it ‘in a few years.’” For Paul, it wasn’t just about escaping the routine of work; it was about giving his family a life richer in experience and opportunity, all while enjoying a new culture and lifestyle. Building a career in Spain His career in Spain has taken several turns. Starting in real estate, Paul went on to open his own agency, then ran a furniture store until he retired in 2022. More recently, he co-founded the podcast Spainfully Honest, designed to help people adjust to Spanish life. “In June 2025 I helped start a podcast with a friend and colleague called ‘Spainfully Honest‘ which is designed to help existing and new people living in Spain adjust to Spanish lifestyle,” he explained. The podcast covers practical advice, from figuring out the bureaucracy to tips on learning Spanish and integrating into the community. For Paul, it’s about sharing real experiences rather than just theory. “It’s not just about the technical stuff,” he says. “We talk about the small things that make a big difference, like understanding local customs, what to expect from shops and services, and how to really feel at home here.” Paul believes that podcasts are a perfect medium for expats, offering both guidance and reassurance. “Living in a new country can be overwhelming, especially when you don’t know anyone at first. Our goal is to make people feel supported, connected, and confident to enjoy Spain fully.” Through Spainfully Honest, Paul continues to combine his experience as an expat, entrepreneur, and father, providing insights that only someone who has lived the full spectrum of Spanish life can offer. What he misses the most Despite building a new life here, Paul admits one big challenge remains, being apart from his children. “They were educated in Spain up to A-levels, but chose to go to university in the UK. They now live in London and Ireland, and I miss them so much,” he said. Life on the Costa Cálida When asked what he enjoys most about Spain, Paul’s enthusiasm is clear. “I love it here, I class it as home. I love the way of life, the weather, the food and drink, the mix of nationalities, I just love it,” he said. But one moment in particular still takes his breath away: “I still get goosebumps when I pull out of my garage onto the promenade and see the early morning view of a flat calm Mar Menor, with the hills behind La Manga club in the distance—it is stunning.” Dealing with bureaucracy in Spain Living abroad comes with challenges, particularly bureaucracy. Paul advises seeking professional help. “Unless you are 100% fluent in technical Spanish, you’re at a disadvantage. Having a Spanish lawyer or accountant helps a lot, and it’s worth what you pay for it,” he said. Learning the language Learning Spanish has been difficult for Paul due to a memory issue, but he insists it’s essential for anyone moving to Spain. “It’s probably the most important thing you need to do when you get over here. If you just stick to the things you are used to from your birth country, you miss so much of what is great about Spain,” he explained. Friends and community For many expats, building a social circle in a new country can be a challenge, but Paul has found his own balance. While his friends are mainly Spanish and English, he enjoys the mix of cultures that life on the Costa Cálida brings. “No, not really, mainly Spanish and English, but as the other nationalities grow, I am sure the spectrum will widen,” he says. Paul believes the key to meaningful connections is sharing the same enthusiasm for life in Spain. “I love being with people who like it here, and I don’t really suffer people who don’t. What’s the point?” He also appreciates the small, everyday interactions that make life richer: chatting with neighbours, enjoying tapas with friends, or attending local events. According to Paul, these moments are just as important as formal friendships, they help you feel part of the community and truly immersed in Spanish life. Even with a growing expat population, he stresses that being open to Spanish culture is vital. Making the effort to understand local customs and communicate in Spanish, however imperfectly, opens doors to friendships that go beyond nationality. “If you just stick to the things you are used to from your birth country, you miss so much of what is great about Spain,” he reflects, highlighting how social life in Spain is inseparable from its culture and lifestyle. After more than two decades, Paul has no doubt that moving was the right choice. Spain is not just where he lives, it’s home.
