07.04.2025 
Spain attracts many with its mild climate, beautiful beaches and the variety of opportunities for living and leisure. However, for those planning a long stay or a move to this country, questions often arise: where to look for suitable housing, how to find the necessary items at affordable prices, how to navigate the beaches, and how to save on food and transport. Modern applications help solve many of these challenges, making life more convenient and simple. Below is the top-10 list of tools that you should install on your smartphone if you plan to live in Spain.
1. iPlaya (iPlaya)
The main issue for many who arrive on the Spanish coast is the lack of accurate information about the beach: water temperature, weather conditions, wave height and even the UV (Ultraviolet Radiation) index. The iPlaya (iPlaya) app provides access to data for more than 2000 beaches across the country. Users can view the weather forecast, tide times, wave levels, as well as detailed characteristics of the shore such as sand type, parking availability and nearby transport. With iPlaya (iPlaya) you will know all the necessary details in advance and avoid the inconvenience that arises when something is overlooked.
2. iBeach (iBeach)
If the main goal is to quickly understand how safe it is to swim and where to find the necessary amenities, then iBeach (iBeach) will solve that issue. The app shows the color of the flag on the beach (that is, whether swimming is allowed), wave height, wind and air temperature. In addition, it indicates what is nearby such as shops, cafes and other facilities. For beachgoers, this is a serious time saver as there is no need to try out a beach at random when all the important information is gathered in one place.
3. iMar (iMar)
The third challenge is the lack of updated information not only for today but also for the coming days. The iMar (iMar) app provides data on atmospheric pressure, wind speed, water temperature and many other indicators that are updated in real time using buoys. The app covers all Spanish beaches and ports, making it especially useful for water sports enthusiasts. If you practice surfing, diving or any other active water sport, iMar (iMar) will be a reliable source of information.
4. ChirinGuía (ChirinGuía)
The fourth challenge is finding the right chiringuito (beach cafe). Sometimes you want not only to swim but also to have a snack, while saving time on the search. ChirinGuía (ChirinGuía) features a database of Spanish beach cafes, allowing you to view menus, read reviews from other visitors and even invite friends to visit one of the establishments. This addresses several issues at once: saving time, easing the search and getting honest opinions about a place before spending money.
5. Surf Time (Surf Time)
Many love Spain for its ideal surfing spots. But if you are just about to catch a wave, it is important to know when and where it is best to do so. Surf Time (Surf Time) is designed specifically for surfers: it displays wind conditions, wave height and the best time of day for surfing, covering the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands and the entire Mediterranean coast. The inconvenience of unpredictable weather and wasted time traveling to an empty sea is eliminated: Surf Time (Surf Time) will tell you where and when to go.
6. Wallapop (Wallapop)
Life in Spain is not limited to beaches alone. Newcomers often face the difficulty of finding affordable items for household and leisure. Wallapop (Wallapop) is the largest platform for buying and selling secondhand and new goods. Furniture, clothing, technology - here you can find almost everything. The app addresses the issue of high prices in stores and offers a way to both save money and earn by selling unused items. The built-in chat helps clarify transaction details, while the rating system protects against fraud.
7. Cabify (Cabify) and Bolt (Bolt)
Another important aspect is transportation. Taxis in major Spanish cities can be expensive and not always convenient. Cabify (Cabify) and Bolt (Bolt) are two popular services that allow you to quickly call a ride. Their main advantage is transparent pricing: the app immediately shows the cost of the trip and the waiting time. This eliminates the issue of unexpected overcharges, and the quality of the service generally surpasses that of traditional taxis. Thanks to these applications, you can fix the price in advance and pay for the trip through the integrated system, without worrying about hidden fees.
8. Glovo (Glovo)
When the need arises to quickly order food or other products (including medicines and flowers), many face the problem of lacking a universal solution. Glovo (Glovo) solves this problem: the service allows you to order anything, from supermarket groceries to the delivery of something you forgot at home. The saving in time and effort is clear: there is no need to go to the store, wait in queues or spend money on fuel. The order is placed in the app and the courier delivers everything directly to your door.
9. Renfe (Red Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Españoles)
Another challenge for travelers and students wanting to move around Spain is finding convenient and affordable routes. Renfe (Red Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Españoles) is the app of the national railway company. With it, you can check train schedules, purchase tickets and get information on any changes in service. It is especially convenient for those with an active lifestyle: simply pull out your smartphone to see when the next train departs. For those planning intercity trips, Renfe is a must-have as it resolves the issue of spontaneous travel and long ticket office queues.
10. Idealista (Idealista)
Finally, one of the most important challenges when moving is the issue of housing. Idealista (Idealista) is one of the largest property search services in Spain. It is not just a bulletin board but a complete solution to the long and exhausting process of reviewing dozens of housing options. The app allows you to set filters by price, location, number of rooms and other parameters. Regular list updates and the ability to receive notifications about new offers save a lot of time and eliminate additional stress.
All the applications mentioned help simplify life in Spain in almost every aspect: from beach leisure to finding affordable housing and economical ways to travel. Thanks to them, the challenges that arise in a new country are quickly resolved, whether it is obtaining necessary information about the UV (Ultraviolet Radiation) index, the convenience of ordering a taxi or finding suitable accommodation. The key is to install a few essential tools on your smartphone and use them regularly. This way, Spain becomes even more accessible, comfortable and full of opportunities for everyone.
