Pat MooreSpain is heading into a rail strike that will affect train travel across the country on June 29. For most people, that doesn’t mean trains will stop completely, but it does mean fewer services, more disruption, and less flexibility than usual.

High-speed trains between major cities will still run, but with reduced availability. Regional and commuter routes are expected to be more heavily affected. Both residents and visitors are likely to feel the impact, especially during busy travel times.

The strike involves staff at Renfe and Adif, Spain’s main rail operator and infrastructure manager. The action is part of ongoing industrial tensions in the rail sector and will be managed through minimum service requirements set by transport authorities.

What will actually change on 29 June

The biggest shift passengers will notice is not a shutdown, but a reduction in choice. High-speed services are expected to operate at around 73% of normal capacity. In practical terms, that means most long-distance trains will still run, but fewer departures will be spread across the day.

Regional and commuter services will vary more sharply depending on the route. Some lines will operate close to normal levels, while others will see cancellations or reduced timetables. The effect is uneven, but consistent in one respect: fewer trains mean fuller trains.

What it will travel be like?

For passengers, the experience is less about trains disappearing and more about the system tightening. Journeys that are usually flexible become more rigid. Instead of several options across an hour or two, travellers may find only one or two workable departures.

This creates a chain reaction across the network. Popular routes between Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Sevilla are likely to see higher occupancy, especially at peak times. Seats will be taken earlier, and last-minute changes will be harder to manage. Waiting times between trains will also increase. Even where services are running normally, the spacing between them is wider, which affects how easily passengers can adjust plans on the day.

What it means for residents

For people living in Spain, the strike will be felt most in daily routines. Commuters relying on regional or suburban rail services may need to leave earlier, wait longer, or switch to alternative transport altogether. Morning and evening peaks are expected to be the most affected, with fewer trains available and more crowded conditions on those that do run.

In some areas, buses and metro systems will take on additional pressure as passengers adjust their routes. Journeys that are normally straightforward may take longer simply because fewer options exist.

What it means for tourists and visitors

For tourists, the impact is centred on intercity travel and connections between cities. High-speed rail will continue to operate, which means Spain remains fully navigable by train. However, reduced frequency changes how easy it is to move spontaneously between destinations.

Day trips become harder to manage. Same-day decisions are more limited. And popular travel windows, particularly late morning and early afternoon departures, are likely to fill more quickly than usual. Airport transfers are another pressure point. Even small delays or limited departure options can make tight connections more difficult to manage, especially for international flights.

Why trains are still running

Spain uses minimum service rules during strikes to keep essential transport operating. These rules are designed to maintain a baseline level of mobility while allowing industrial action to continue.

High-speed rail is treated as essential infrastructure because it connects major cities and carries large volumes of passengers. That is why services are not stopping entirely on June 29, even during nationwide strike action. Instead, operators are required to maintain most of the timetable, which is where the 73% operating level comes from for high-speed routes.

How to manage travel on the day

Travellers should not assume that a booked ticket guarantees the exact service originally planned. During strike conditions, timetables can change and some services may be rescheduled or cancelled closer to departure.

Checking journeys in advance becomes essential. Official rail apps and operator websites provide the most accurate updates, while station boards reflect live changes on the day. Arriving earlier than usual at stations is also advisable, particularly on busy routes where passenger volumes will be higher than normal.

In practical terms, it helps to focus on a few simple priorities:

• Check your journey the day before and again on the day of travel
• Allow extra time at the station, especially for high-speed services
• Avoid tight connections between trains or onward transport
• Be ready to switch to a later departure if needed
• Keep plans flexible where possible, especially for long-distance travel

Flexibility is the most useful approach. Travellers who can adjust departure times are more likely to find available seats if changes are needed.

If your train is affected

If a service is cancelled or significantly altered, passengers are typically offered alternative options where available. However, reduced capacity across the network means these alternatives may be limited.

Later trains often fill quickly, particularly on major intercity routes, so rebooking is not always straightforward. The main practical adjustment is time. Journeys may require longer gaps between connections, and same-day flexibility becomes more restricted.

Other ways to travel

Where rail capacity is reduced, demand often shifts to coaches, shared transport and car hire. These alternatives can provide flexibility, although journey times are usually longer, especially on major intercity routes. Despite disruption, high-speed rail remains the fastest and most efficient way to travel between Spain’s major cities, which is why demand stays high even during strike periods

On June 29, Spain’s rail strike will not stop trains running, but it will change how they run. Fewer services, fuller carriages and reduced flexibility will affect both residents and visitors. Travel is still possible across the country, but the experience will be less predictable than usual, and planning ahead will matter more than normal.

A few years ago, cottage cheese was hardly even known of here in Spain let alone the star of the dairy aisle. Most shoppers would have walked past it without a second thought, opting instead for yoghurt, fresh cheese or other familiar favourites. Today, the situation looks very different oblivious of what it was

Consumption of cottage cheese (or Queso Cottage as they call it in Spain) has risen by more than 60 per cent in Spain since 2025, making it one of the fastest-growing dairy products in the country. Demand has increased so sharply that some shoppers have struggled to find it on supermarket shelves, with Mercadona being one of the main retailers affected.

For many people, the sudden rise feels unexpected. Cottage cheese has been around for thousands of year and is a common part of daily meals for us Brits, so why has it suddenly become so popular here in Spain?

Social Media Has Given Cottage Cheese A New Life

Much of the credit belongs to social media. Over the past year, recipes featuring cottage cheese have appeared across TikTok and Instagram, introducing the product to people who may never have considered buying it before. From creamy pasta sauces and breakfast bowls to cheesecakes and healthy snacks, cottage cheese has become a regular ingredient in countless viral recipes.

Unlike some food trends, it is easy to recreate at home. Most recipes require only a handful of ingredients, making them accessible to almost anyone.

As more people began sharing their creations online, interest continued to grow. In many cases, shoppers bought cottage cheese for the first time simply because they were curious about the recipes appearing in their feeds. Once they discovered how many different ways it could be used, it quickly became a regular addition to their weekly shop.

Shoppers Like How Easy It Is To Use

One reason cottage cheese has found such a large audience is its versatility. It can be eaten straight from the tub, spread on toast, added to salads or blended into sauces. Some people pair it with fruit and honey, while others prefer it in savoury dishes.

Many foods enjoy a brief moment in the spotlight before disappearing again, but cottage cheese has become part of everyday meals for a growing number of consumers.

That practicality gives it an advantage over trends that rely purely on novelty. Busy lifestyles have also contributed to its success. Many consumers are looking for foods that fit easily into their daily routine without requiring lengthy preparation. Cottage cheese offers exactly that. It can be used for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a quick snack, making it one of the more adaptable products in the supermarket.

It Appeals To Health-Conscious Consumers

The nutritional value of cottage cheese has also played a role in its success. It contains a significant amount of protein while remaining relatively low in calories, making it attractive to people looking for filling meal and snack options.

However, its popularity cannot be explained by nutrition alone. Healthy foods have always existed, yet very few experience this level of growth.

What sets cottage cheese apart is that it combines convenience with versatility. People are not simply buying it because it is considered healthy. They are buying it because they enjoy using it. The product has also benefited from changing attitudes towards food. Rather than following strict diet plans, many consumers now focus on finding ingredients that help them create satisfying meals. Cottage cheese fits comfortably into that approach, offering flexibility without feeling restrictive.

Mercadona Has Struggled To Keep Pace With Demand

The speed of the trend has surprised parts of the retail industry. As sales increased, some supermarkets found it difficult to keep shelves stocked. Mercadona has been among the main retailers affected by periods of exceptionally high demand, highlighting just how quickly consumer habits can change.

Producers have responded by increasing production, recognising that cottage cheese is no longer a niche product purchased by a small group of consumers. Instead, it has become a mainstream item found in shopping trolleys across Spain. Manufacturers are investing in additional production capacity in an effort to keep pace with demand and avoid shortages in the future.

Will The Craze Continue?

Food crazes often come and go, but cottage cheese may prove more resilient than many expect. It is affordable, widely available and easy to incorporate into daily meals. Those qualities tend to give products a longer lifespan than trends built entirely on social media attention.

Whether consumption continues to rise at the same pace remains to be seen, but cottage cheese has already achieved something remarkable. A product that spent years sitting quietly in supermarket refrigerators has become one of Spain’s most sought-after foods.

For now, it seems that shoppers cannot get enough of it. What began as a social media curiosity has developed into a genuine change in buying habits, transforming cottage cheese from an overlooked dairy product into one of the biggest food success stories in Spain these past two years.

Jackie Dawson never forgets the many happy memories she shared with her late husband Charlie in Benalmadena. Charlie earned respect as a well-known member of the Benalmadena community. He played an active part in the Benalmadena Golf Society and became affectionately known by many friends through the society’s popular “One for the Road” gatherings. Today, Jackie continues to honour his memory through her own community involvement.

Annual memorial golf competition at Santana Golf honours Charlie

Jackie and the Benalmadena Golf Society organise a memorial golf competition at Santana Golf each year. Friends and golfers from across the Costa del Sol come together for this event. They celebrate Charlie’s life and enjoy the game he loved while promoting strong community spirit among all participants. Participants can get an opportunity to share stories and create new memories in his honour.

Knitting efforts provide help for premature babies and remembrance

Jackie devotes countless hours to assisting local charities and community causes. Her projects range from knitting clothes for premature babies to creating memorial poppies for remembrance events. Kindness and generosity allow her to touch the lives of many local people across the coast. These handmade contributions offer comfort and practical support to families and groups during important times. Many families appreciate the thoughtful items during challenging periods, while remembrance poppies help keep memories alive in a real way.

Quiet dedication demonstrates true meaning of community service

Jackie often contributes quietly without seeking attention for her efforts. She exemplifies the genuine meaning of community service through consistent and selfless actions. Real differences result for countless individuals and organisations thanks to her involvement. Dedication of this kind makes a positive impact on daily life for many local residents in the area.

Benalmadena community gains strength from compassionate residents

Everyone in the area feels fortunate to have someone as dedicated, caring and compassionate as Jackie Dawson living among them. Her ongoing work inspires others to contribute in their own ways. Bonds strengthened by such efforts make Benalmadena a special place where community support thrives for everyone. Everyone benefits when residents step forward willingly to offer their time and skills freely.