Where should choose to live ?

Hi Mary

Glad to hear you have had your first jab.  Any Spanish town with a good population would fit your description.  However, you mentioned intending to stay all winter, you live in Scotland so presumably hold British passports.  If that is the case please remember that the restriction on visiting is a maximum of 90 days in any consecutive 180 days.  

If you intend staying without use of a car then public transport will be important.  Also what type of property are you looking for?  Do you want a strong ex-pat community around you or do you prefer to be in a more 'Spanish' area?  The towns you mention are working Spanish towns.  Guardamar de Segura may also be an option for you.  If you would prefer an area with more ex-pats then maybe consider Orihuela Costa (just south of Torrevieja).

Although it will be a long time before things are 'normal' again, it would be good to visit and spend time looking around and talking to locals.  If you are able to visit for a few weeks but staying in different locations around the area then even better.  Hopefully not too long until you can travel again.

Thank you Kelvin, we are aware of the current restrictions and we would need to adhere to this until the situation changes.  I hope going forward that Europe may reconsider this legal restriction.

Mary

Thank you Dave, hoping it wont take years b4 Europe give us a longer stay frame than 90 days but let's  see, meanwhile we just have to deal with what we are given.

We would prefer to stay in a more Spanish environment and one that is fairly large/busy, so that winter months are kinda normal.

Thank you for your response and I will check out your suggestion.

Mary

You really should make your own decisions on where to live by doing research and having visits to several areas.

You will get recommendations for different areas, sure, but they will be towns or villages etc that they like which you might not like at all. Have you been on any holidays in Spain and thought you might want to live there?

Steve 

I take your point Steve but it's always good to get feed back from those who live in the area.  I have been to Spain many times but only once to the East, we drove down in 2019 and spent 5 weeks in Almeria city, which was great gor us but  a bit too far South.  Hence the reason for my enquiry? Just trying to do some homework b4 our next long trip down.  We would always have a car.

Thank you 

Mary 

Hello Mary

As Steve says, everybody loves where they live otherwise they wouldn't be there, but that doesn't mean you would love it too.

I live in La Mata  a small , quite spanish village , on the coast between Guardamar & Torrevieja.  It does have ex pats living all year round but, like most places it is quieter in the winter months. We have a townhall, health clinic ,dentist, bank,  great bus service  (x 2) into Torrevieja, lots of shops/bars/restaurants & a stunning beach & boardwalk. Across the road- N332 is access to the Natural Park for walks/cycling etc. You dont hear  people say anything bad about La Mata & lots of  people who live inland  in towns/villages often visit to walk along  the boardwalk & stop for coffee or a beer  by the beach.

Google it & see what you find & come & have a look the next time you visit.

Cheers

Elinspain

Thank you Elin

Sounds great for all round year living but not for our mostly winter living, but honestly it's great to get feedback

I really appreciate it

Thank you

Mary

Just wanted to mention Almeria airport is close to Almeria city.

I live in Benidorm on the outskirts where it is nice and quiet and just far enough to be away from the crowd. 

Many people have their own views about Benidorm, some love it, some hate it but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. A 15 minute walk and I'm on the beautiful beach. 20 minutes and I can be among the hustle and bustle of the city centre with all the bars and restaurants,  entertainment and shows. Not all of Benidorm is full of lager louts, they are mainly contained in one (easily avoidable) area. In the evening sat on our balcony all we hear is silence with the occasional sound of laughter. 

Steve 

Hi Mary,

Everyone on the Forum has given you excellent advice.  I thought I would share my own personal experience.  My husband and I have had a holiday home in Playa Flamenca for over 20 years. It is now an all year round resort with everything you are looking for.  We now have the Zenia Boulevard shopping/restaurant centre and local independent cafe/ restaurants nearby. There are also Drs, Dentists and Banks within walking distance. A lot of friends don’t feel the need to have a car.   The beach is a 10/15 minute walk from our villa and the promenade is a beautiful walk with lovely local cafes to have coffee and take in the beautiful sea views.  Punta Prima and La Zenia are not too far away.  We like everyone else I suppose, are counting the days when we can come back safely and enjoy wherever our holiday homes are.  Hope this helps.