Joan Fallon’s journey to Spain began in 1998, drawn by family ties to Málaga and a love for its coastal charm. Settling first in Torre de Benagalbón and later Benajarafe, she embraced the language, local community and an active lifestyle. Over the years, she built a fulfilling life as an author, weaving Spanish culture into her 21 novels and immersing herself in the vibrant city life of Málaga. Read her story
Why Spain?
My husband and I moved to Spain in 1998 when he took early retirement. The reason for choosing Spain was very simple; my daughter had already moved to Málaga, was now married to a Spaniard and had a baby boy.
And where has been home?
Our first house was in Torre de Benagalbon (Rincon de la Victoria) and later we moved to Benajarafe. The reasons were that it was close to Málaga city centre but on a much quieter part of the coast. This has since changed a bit, but it is still a delightful place to live. The local people are very friendly and by and large are happy to welcome foreigners.
Nowadays many of the locals speak English, but they are still delighted when they realise that you can speak Spanish.
What was the biggest challenge for your move?
The language was a challenge for both of us, so before we did anything else we enrolled in a language school in El Palo and did three months intensive learning. The other step we took at the same time was to join a golf club and we made a lot of new friends, both Spanish and English.
Do you have any advice for Women thinking about making the move?
It depends on the reason for moving here to Spain, but I would advise newcomers to concentrate on integrating with the Spanish community.
What does life look like for you in Spain?
Well in the early years I spent my days settling down to living in a strange country, learning Spanish, playing golf and making friends. We also devoted a lot of time to travelling around Spain.
Then in 2006 I decided to do something I had wanted to do for many years. I began to write. I started with a non-fiction book about the lives of Spanish women both during the Franco regime and afterwards.
Then I moved on to writing a wide range of fiction; at first my novels were set in the UK but later, as Málaga began to feel more and more like my home, my stories were set in Spain. So my days were pretty full, especially as I also had my dogs to care for.
Now I have just one dog, a medium schnauzer but in the past I often had as many as three.
Currently I am writing the fifth book in a series of crime novels and I have moved into Málaga to live.
It’s a wonderful city for meeting people, and having access to the theatre, concerts and shopping is now so simple.
What is something spectacular you would like to achieve in just one day?
Win a top literary prize.
Something you are grateful for?
I am grateful to have a loving family here in Spain.
Who would be at your special dinner party?
Hilary Mantel, because she was a brilliant writer.
Sir Steven Redgrave because he’s a man who is determined to achieve his goals even when his health has been poor.
Jonas Kaufmann because I would love to hear him singing live.
Giacomo Puccini because his music is my favourite and my grandson because he’s my grandson.
What’s your secret weapon?
My secret weapon is perseverance.
Do you have a favourite mantra you live by?
Finish what you start.
One thing you had to bring to Spain and could never give away?
My book collection
Something you would tell your younger self?
Take more risks.
Thank you Joan Fallon where can we find out more?
My website: https://joanfallon.co.uk/
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