Twelve Spanish hospitals among the world's 250 best

According to the recently published World’s Best Hospitals 2025 report by the renowned magazine Newsweek, no fewer than twelve Spanish hospitals are ranked among the top 250 hospitals in the world. This prestigious list is compiled based on evaluations from thousands of medical experts across thirty countries, patient experiences, various quality indicators, and a survey on the use of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures.

The highest-ranked hospital in Spain is the Hospital Universitario La Paz in Madrid, which takes an impressive 49th place. It is followed by Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre in Madrid (52nd place) and Hospital Clínic de Barcelona (59th place). Other reputable institutions that also secured a spot in the top 100 include Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron in Barcelona (70th), Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón in Madrid (76th), and the Clínica Universidad de Navarra (79th).

The top of the list is dominated by international heavyweights such as the Mayo Clinic (USA), Cleveland Clinic (USA), Toronto General Hospital (Canada), Johns Hopkins Hospital (USA), and Karolinska University Hospital in Sweden. These institutions are globally renowned for their exceptional care, advanced research, and innovative treatment methods.

The annual World’s Best Hospitals report provides a comprehensive evaluation of hospitals around the world. Its goal is to help patients, doctors, and healthcare managers identify leading hospitals that excel in medical expertise and patient care. Factors such as medical performance, care quality, research, and patient feedback are all taken into account.

The inclusion of twelve Spanish hospitals in this prestigious list highlights the high quality of Spain’s healthcare system. It’s a clear recognition of the dedication of Spanish healthcare professionals and their ongoing efforts toward improvement, innovation, and outstanding patient care.

In addition to the hospitals already mentioned, the following institutions are also featured in the top 250:

• Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío (Seville – 160th place)

• Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal (Madrid – 163rd place)

• Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe (Valencia – 169th place)

• Hospital Clínico San Carlos (Madrid – 175th place)

• Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz (Madrid – 198th place)

• Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau (Barcelona – 217th place)

This distribution shows that top-tier medical care is not limited to a single region but can be found across all of Spain. The strong performance of these institutions is partly due to continued investment in medical technology, a focus on research and development, and a firm commitment to patient-centered care.

New law speeds up evictions of squatters in Spain

On April 3, 2025, a new law came into effect in Spain that drastically accelerates the procedures for evicting squatters. The law aims to more effectively and efficiently tackle illegal property occupations, which previously could drag on for months or even years before court-ordered eviction was possible. This not only caused significant frustration for property owners but also resulted in substantial costs and devaluation of properties.

Until recently, squatter cases were mostly handled via eviction procedures based on "precarious occupation," where the owner had to prove the occupants were in the property without permission. There were generally no additional requirements, making the legal process slow and cumbersome.

With the new law, this has changed. Now, when filing an eviction request, it must be shown that an attempt was made to reach an amicable resolution with the squatters. In practice, this proves nearly impossible, as squatters often refuse to communicate or remain anonymous.

As a result, priority is now given to an alternative legal route: the "interdicto de recobrar la posesión" (legal action to recover possession). This procedure is designed to restore possession when someone has unlawfully taken or blocked access to a property. Its key advantage is that it can be processed much faster—often within a few weeks— and does not require extensive evidence or mediation.

For property owners, this represents a significant simplification and acceleration in reclaiming their property. Where legal battles used to take years, it’s now possible to regain access to a property in a much shorter timeframe.

The legal reform also includes provisions for cases where former tenants still owe money. In such situations, it is now mandatory to first pursue out-of-court steps before filing a lawsuit. If the former tenant's address is unknown, a signed statement must be submitted explicitly declaring this. The court can then be requested to locate the address. Providing false information in this statement can lead to penalties, including covering legal costs.

The changes are intended to make legal procedures faster and more transparent, and to give both property owners and tenants a better understanding of their rights and obligations.

The 10 most impressive abandoned villages in Spain

Spain is home to thousands of abandoned villages, each with its own story, history, and unique character. These places were often deserted due to war, economic shifts, or major infrastructure projects. They offer a rare glimpse into the past and hold a mysterious allure for travelers, photographers, and historians alike.

It is estimated that there are over 3,000 abandoned villages in Spain, especially in mountainous or rural areas where life was hard and modern amenities were lacking. Many became depopulated in the 20th century as people moved to cities in search of work and a better life.

Some villages were abandoned due to dam construction or other projects that made farming impossible or submerged entire towns. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, a reverse trend has emerged: people are leaving the cities in search of peace in remote villages—though this doesn't apply to all. Some are so badly damaged or remote that they will likely never be inhabited again.

Below are ten of the most impressive abandoned villages in Spain:

1. Belchite (Zaragoza) – One of the best-known abandoned villages, destroyed during the Spanish Civil War. The ruins have been preserved as a monument and attract thousands of visitors annually.

2. Caudilla (Toledo) – Abandoned in the 20th century. The remains of its castle and church give the village a picturesque and melancholic charm.

3. El Alamín (Madrid) – Built as a model village in the 1950s, but quickly abandoned. Now popular among photographers and urban exploration fans.

4. Granadilla (Cáceres) – Evacuated for a dam project that never flooded the village. It has been partially restored and is used as an educational project.

5. Turruncún (La Rioja) – Abandoned due to urban migration. The overgrown ruins of homes, a school, and a church make it an enchanting place.

6. Escó (Huesca) – Abandoned due to a lack of employment and farming opportunities. The ruins lie in a spectacular mountain landscape.

7. Ochate (Burgos) – The "cursed village," surrounded by stories of epidemics and paranormal activity. A mysterious attraction.

8. Poble Vell de Corbera d’Ebre (Tarragona) – Destroyed during the Battle of the Ebro. The ruins are preserved as a war memorial.

9. Ruesta (Zaragoza) – Abandoned after the construction of a dam. Now a stop for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela.

10. Os Teixois (Asturias) – Not completely abandoned but mostly uninhabited. Known for its traditional architecture and ancient water-powered machinery.

These villages are tangible remnants of the past, where history, nature, and human stories intertwine. For adventurous travelers and history enthusiasts, they offer a unique experience — a journey through time, frozen in stone.