lts

Hi everyone,

About us:

This is my first post, as after building a successful career to senior management level, and despite a good salary, my family and I are looking to move for a better quality of life. Reason is simply, working 13-14 hours a day and only to get by just doesn't feel right. My daughter is 4 and I only see her at the weekends.

So we are looking into moving to the Canary Islands, as we want to be somewhere good for my daughter's schooling, have good healthcare, good all year weather and income options (I am very open to sourcing income from either doing my own business or in sales). Basically overall sustainability with good options for my daughter.

Questions:

Which island would be the best for us and why? I have read Tenerife would probably be better due to our daughter, but is this the case? What is the overall cost of living on the Canary Islands? Are the locals reception to foreigners trying to make an income? For those that had a similar move, how have you found it, what do you like and do not like and what would you have done differently?

Thanks in advance from a 40yo, 37yo and a 4yo.

Rosemary

Hi and a warm welcome to the Spanish forum on BE. Myself and Fred James are the moderators for the Spanish forums whilst BEVS moderates Europe. Moderators are there to ensure that the site runs smoothly within the rules of BE. This is so that members gain the information that they are looking for and find their experiences on the forums to be friendly and worthwhile.

Problems and complaints should always be addressed to a moderator who will look into the matter and deal with it efficiently and fairly. Our members who post in the Spain Forums are usually friendly and helpful with a wealth of knowledge about the issues of living in Spain. I hope that you enjoy your time participating in the forums.

Please let me know if you need any further help.

Rosemary

lts

Dear Rosemary.

Thank you for your warm welcome and info.

Hope you enjoy your Sunday.

Rosemary

Hi Its
We do not have a lot of members on the islands so the knowledgeable responses may be a little thin on the ground but I hope that someone will be able to give you a few answers.

Rosemary

Boseley

I live on the island of El Hierro, life here for us is good, we re retired and have incomes.

If you are seeking employment, think twice, we have 40% unemployed, businesses have closed and people have left here and other islands to find work in Iberian Spain, and other countries.

But if you can source a good income, and have the language skills, life here can be idillic, a wonderful climate, fantastic people, a cheap cost of living, only 7% vat.

Dick Dasterdly

Having spent time and lived on all the main seven islands I would recommend Tenerife as having the most to offer in every respect and also as a good base to spend time or explore the other islands if required.
The main Southern resorts are a bit touristy but there is much more to see and do on all other parts of the island.
You could try the "Tenerife Forum" as there aren't many members on here from the Canaries.