Retirement flat

Santa pola has a static population of around 34,0000 ... it’s a working fishing port.  Having said that , summer triples the population , give or take the odd pandemic, when city folk come to spend the summer. 

So yes , it does get a lot quieter in winter but there are always bars / restaurants/ shops open. 

Parking becomes an issue in July / August due to the visitors. 

Not much English spoken so really good to know a few essential phrases other than ordering a beer !  Having said that , they are generally a friendly bunch who will chatter away to you in Spanish while you try pretend you have a clue what was said ;) 

They absolutely appreciate when you try to communicate in Spanish! 

You really need to spend a few days here and in surrounding areas to see if it has your vibe , so to speak 

Definitely stay close to the town. Santa Pola stretches out to the East and the West and those areas tend to close down for the winter. Levante beach and Gran Playa are the furthest to stay in where bars and restaurants are still open

Thank you so much for such helpful information. If we’re there in the winter, is it likely we can connect with other english speakers? Would we be alone in rstaurants and cafes? Hope the locals hang around and give the place some life. I’m very impressed with how Helpful people are on the expat sites.

You’ll pick up English accents In town ...and no, there is always someone out for a coffee or stronger from 7am! 

Learn a few basic phrases and you’ll be their best friend lol 

You're talking about living here in the winter months but your topic title refers to a retirement flat, which doesn't make your intention clear.

If you mean visiting here, without becoming resident, then be aware that you will be limited to 90 days in any 180 day period.

Sorry not clear. I was aware of the time period. We would notbe there all the time at first. We wanted to see first whether we wanted to be there all year as we have a garden and grandchildren here. Hard to know where you want to be when you have choices and you don’t belong anywhere (already ex pat in Austria!).But thank you for the help.

Great! I have some s american spanish in my head from a long time ago and so I expect to have problems With the fast spanish accent. Will even have problems with some british accents as I’ve been away from there for so long! 

Very grateful for all your comments. I’m attracted to a smaller place like SP.

I come and go for 10monthd of the year love Santa Pola quite in the winter but still people about especially at paseo time in the evening

Only one Irish bar otherwise Spanish which is lovely good supermarkets and a modern cinema 

Good bus links from the bus  station