Podcast: A Conversation About Life, Property, and Community in Cantabria

Recently, I had the pleasure of joining Vanessa from Solena Global Living on her podcast for a chat about renting or buying property in Cantabria. It was such an enjoyable conversation — not only because I love talking about the practicalities of finding a home, but because these chats often open the door to the real reasons people choose to move here: lifestyle, belonging, and connection.

At Move to Cantabria, we’ve always said that our role goes far beyond helping people find a property. We’re here to help you create the life you dreamed of — to find not just a house, but a sense of home.1. Enrol in a Driving School

The first step is registering with a driving school (autoescuela). Once enrolled, you’ll receive study materials (often available in English) to prepare for the theory exam.

You’ll also need to bring two passport photos, which will be used in your application.

Beyond the property search

When you’re moving to a new country or even to a new region of Spain, there’s so much more to consider than contracts and square metres. Community plays such a huge part in shaping your experience. The people you meet, the schools your children attend, the café where you’re greeted by name — these are the details that truly make a place feel like home.

That’s one of the reasons why conversations like the one with Vanessa are so valuable. We share a passion for helping people find their place in Spain — not just geographically, but emotionally.

Building community as a multicultural family

For us, community is deeply personal. Our children are what’s known as Third Culture Kids (TCKs) — children who grow up between cultures, blending pieces of each one into their own unique identity.

I’m Irish, my husband is Spanish from Cantabria, and our eldest was born in Australia. Our family life is a blend of languages, traditions, and perspectives. Like many international families, we’re constantly learning how to honour where we come from while embracing where we are.

That process isn’t always simple — especially when it comes to children. Finding schools and environments that understand and support multicultural experiences is key. It’s a topic I’m passionate about and one I’ll be sharing more on in the coming weeks.

Creating a life that feels like yours

Whether you’re relocating for work, retirement, or simply a change of pace, building a new life abroad is about more than logistics. It’s about finding your rhythm, your people, and a sense of belonging that feels truly your own.

Cantabria offers such a beautiful backdrop for this — with its natural beauty, slower pace, and welcoming communities. It’s a place where you can truly live the life you imagined.

If you’d like to hear our full conversation, you can listen to the episode on Vanessa’s podcast through  

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4N7WtZM2Yi3iULbs54p0We?si=2Pn8EqptQHunnfzLuaNdXA
YouTube: https://youtu.be/rrmgeZS-Yx4

And if you’re dreaming about your own move to Northern Spain, we’d love to help make it happen.