British expat moves to Spanish coast and points out downside many don't realise

For countless Brits, swapping the dreary, overcast weather of the UK for Spain's glorious sunshine represents the ultimate fantasy. It's easy to understand why this Mediterranean nation has captured the hearts of so many expats seeking a new life abroad.

Boasting roughly 3,000 hours of annual sunshine - nearly twice what Britain offers - alongside stunning coastlines, mouth-watering cuisine and a more relaxed lifestyle, the appeal is undeniable. Yet beneath this seemingly perfect exterior, relocating to Spain isn't without its challenges, as one British resident has candidly revealed.

Georgia, who runs the TikTok account Geo in Spain, has opened up about the less glamorous realities of her life in Malaga, confessing that despite adoring her Spanish home, "there are some things I don't like".

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The coastal city's magnetic pull for holidaymakers has become a significant source of frustration - particularly throughout the sweltering summer months. Local pubs and eateries become absolutely "super busy" with visitors during peak season, leaving residents battling for tables.

"You're probably going to have to make reservations for the places you would normally go without any trouble," the expat cautioned.

Georgia elaborated: "It's the same with the beaches and pools. Obviously, everything gets super busy, so it's good if you can plan your day out."

She suggested hitting popular venues first thing in the morning, before the tourist hordes arrive.

"Or if you have a pool at home, just try to find solutions to get away from those problems," she advised.

Another gripe during the peak holiday season is the nightmare of finding a parking spot: "Parking in summer is horrendous - and I am just trying to go to work.

"I can never find parking because people come on holiday, leave their car there and don't move it for a week."

Georgia also disclosed that securing a parking space to rent is both challenging and costly.

It's not only expatriates who are feeling the pinch. Spanish locals have been expressing their dismay at overtourism within the country, often through public demonstrations.

Earlier this year, saw tens of thousands march through 40 cities throughout Spain.

Rallying behind the banner "Let's end the housing business", the protests are set to kick off in Madrid before spreading to other major cities including Barcelona, Valencia, Malaga, as well as the Balearic and Canary Islands.