When were the Arabs in Spain?

Answer 1

Depending on your definition of Spain, the answer changes somewhat. Spain today compromises 18 Regions (Comunidades Autonomas) of which two are on the African Mainland (Ceuta and Melilla). These areas have consistently had an Arab Population since the Arab Invasion of Morocco in the 680s CE. Similarly Spain used to have colonial possessions in Morocco and Western Sahara which both have indigenous populations of Arabs during the same timeframe.

However, if you are referring to Spain strictly on the Iberian Peninsula, there are two clear periods of Arab Settlement within Spain. The first was the time of Moslem Spain in its various incarnations. The first invasions took place in the year 711 and the last Moslem Spanish Kingdom was defeated in 1492. However, Moslems still continued to live in Christian Kingdoms until the Spanish Inquisition came into full swing about a year later. Many Arabs, rather than renounce their faith, fled to Morocco, Algeria, and the Ottoman Empire. The second major period of Arab Settlement in Spain began in the 1970s and continues to this day. Spain is relatively close to the Arab World (especially since it has land borders with Morocco - Ceuta and Melilla) and has a much higher standard of living which draws the Arabs in as immigrants.

Answer 2

During the 8th century, Moors (muslims primarily from Africa) conquered much of Europe, including Spain and Portugal.