Expat secrets: Why the Spanish queueing system 'throws English people' - 'you don't all stand in a line'

However, he completely fell in love with the country and eight years on, still calls Sitges, home.

He and his wife Alison even started moving to Spain to help others make the exciting move.

The expat previously spoke to GB News about the move, revealing that the relaxed attitude to the time "bugged" him at first, but the Spanish have "really got it right". He called it a "beautiful and magical" place.

This time, Alastair shared an important insight for Britons thinking of making the move, naming the one thing they need to know before relocating so they aren't too shocked.

According to the expat, the act of queueing is vastly different in Spain than it is in the UK, so Britons should be aware of a new - and slightly chaotic - system.

Alastair said: "There are little things - social things - that do take getting used to. Bureaucracy is different here but don't worry about that.

"The funny thing about bureaucracy is that when you go to queue - and this throws English people who are such effective queuers - you don't all stand in a line.

"You'll just walk up and there will be a crowd of people milling around, and you just have to ask: 'Who is last?'

"Then someone will stick their hand up and say 'Me', so you know that when that person's gone, you're next.

"And it makes so much sense here because you're generally standing in the blazing sun, so everyone just goes to find a patch of shade.

"It works so effectively but it takes a little bit of getting used to. It's just one of those odd little things."

He admitted that the first time he came across a Spain-style queue, he thought, 'What the heck is going on here', but now hails it as a "brilliant" strategy.

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Another difference Britons should be aware of is "siesta". This break in the working day typically takes place between 2pm and 5pm, although it can vary slightly depending on which part of Spain you are in.

Alastair said: "In a professional job in Barcelona or Madrid, you won't stop for a siesta, you'll just work through.

"But a lot of Spanish government schools break in the middle of the day, and places like the hairdresser or hardware store will be closed during siesta.

"It varies slightly depending on where you are in Spain - plus how long it is and which hours - but in small-town, rural Spain, the town is deserted.

For those looking to book a holiday to Spain rather than a more permanent move, Alastair shared his must-visit vacation spot, complete with "stunning" sights and plenty of "adventure".