escaping the british winter
 

Re: escaping the british winter
 

I think you've hit the nail on the head - choose somewhere that does NOT close for the winter. Perhaps make a visit this winter to see what suites you best.

Just remember, after Brexit, it must be no more than 90 days (not the whole winter)

Re: escaping the british winter
 

I suppose that's the question and will you be living or visiting if it's only really a few months? It's very easy to just book short term lets (hotels, apartments) online and you don't have to worry about anything.
If you like it you stay and otherwise you just move on.

Re: escaping the british winter
 

Hi julie. We live a little inland and our area hardly changes at all through the winter.Just to let you know it's 27d today, oh forgot to say you would need a car and you are a 15, 20 to main coastal towns and the sea. I would agree that if you are only coming for a few months i would rent to.:shades_smile:

Re: escaping the british winter
 

Do not believe scare stories.

Re: escaping the british winter
 

Benidorm never really closes all year round :thumb:
and there are bargains to be had at all the major hotels and holiday apartments. Many retirees spend the winter months here in long term lets and are welcomed as part of the community. There are hundreds of bars owned and ran by British Expats that are open throughout the winter period where friendships are often made.

Steve

Re: escaping the british winter
 

I would suggest you look farther afield than Spain if you want warmth during the European winter. As those living in Spain know, whilst it may be warm during the day, the nights are not. What about New Zealand for example ? It’s the summer there when it’s winter in the UK. There’s no language problem, lovely unspoiled beaches and mountains, quiet roads etc ?

Re: escaping the british winter
 

The Canary Islands will give the best overall weather in the winter months. Its not worth you buying just rent. One option is using a combination of cheap flights and Airbnb. Book a studio apartment for a month and cheap flights and away you go. Then pick more flights and a different destination for a month and so on. There is just no need as a 'snow bird' to be stuck in one place anymore plus doing this you don't have to worry about property security/maintenance etc....they ain't your problem.

Re: escaping the british winter
 

Look at Almunecar lots of activities in a working Spanish town. Very nice weather with a good mix of expats from Europe. Rentals are available as many apartments are holiday homes for Spanish who only use them in summer so they rent them out for winter to Easter.

Re: escaping the british winter
 

Well according to those living in NZ, it can also be cold during summer in NZ and just depends where you are and what you are used to. Some complain about the wind in Wellington, it can get cold during the night in summer too, then Dunedin is too wet and grey, Auckland too busy. You also have to consider that during the summer places like Tauranga are crowded, so forget quiet roads. Then it comes down to costs (flights, food, accommodation). Everyone feels different too and the Scottish person who swims during summer and only spends winter in Baix Empordà will never feel cold. I just returned from Selva comarca and was in shorts all the time. This is the main beach webcam not far from our place right now and while some are in jeans, others are swimming. Those full time in Alicante, might complain there's a light breeze
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/british...da801219e6.png

Re: escaping the british winter
 

True enough but there are the two long haul flights and the cost of living which is not cheap. It is also summer shutdown time so prices go up.

I think Julie's requirements are to keep it simple and keep it within reach.

If that were me I would be thinking the same.

Welcome Julie to the mad place that is British Expats.

This Spain lot are a really good bunch and will steer you straight and true.

Re: escaping the british winter
 

Thanks to all that have replied, lots of information so that's great I will have to go somewhere where it will be easy to get back home as I have elderly parents so although NZ would be lovely its a bit too far at the moment

Re: escaping the british winter
 

Re: escaping the british winter
 

Re: escaping the british winter
 

23c in the pool! I think you are mistaken - or rather your thermometer has gone walk about. Our pool in Frigiliana with pool blanket and a very small solar heater rarely gets above 20C late Oct early Nov. I dont get my feet wet at less than 24C. Thats May to September.

But if you have got 23C - go for it. Lucky you!

Re: escaping the british winter
 

Do you do most your of your shopping in Portugal or in Spain?

Re: escaping the british winter
 

Re: escaping the british winter
 

Benidorm is busy all year round.If you prefer somewhere quieter but within that area you could go to Alfaz,Albir or Altea.An added bonus is that there is a good bus service & the tram (runs from Alicante right up the coast to Denia) which allows you to get around without needing a car.

Re: escaping the british winter
 

Lanzarote is lovely all year round.

Re: escaping the british winter
 

Sadly the tram won't get to Denia from Alicante as for the past 3+ years there have been major works taking place at a snails pace!

Re: escaping the british winter
 

Does any one know when the tram service is back?WE miss the tram it is a great cheap way to get around and leave the car i hope it's back soon the work rate is slow i think it is 3 years now?

Re: escaping the british winter
 

I was at the Denia tram station today, there are buses that run from there to calpe and then connect to the tram itself. I read in the "Euro Weekly" paper that no date is yet set for the resumption of service as there is a debate about the use of the Quisi Viaduct and a proposed new bridge, not to mention a debate about what should happen to the old bridge. Do best not hold your breath!

Re: escaping the british winter
 

However the station has never looked better, lovely and clean. The cafeteria was full. Pity about the lack of a tram.

Re: escaping the british winter
 

My wife has told me she had read a big artical in the paper on the tram,which said they have also run out of money and the earliest it will be up and running is 2021

Re: escaping the british winter
 

Hi we retired 3 years ago and winter in Spain with our dogs in Oliva, approx. 45 minutes south of Valencia. It's not a tourist resort so doesn't close down and there is a very active U3A group run by expats which has lots going to help keep active and connected. I'm sure that there are plenty of other great places as well but we found Oliva and like it, would also recommend Gandia, Denia, Calpe. As somebody has already mentioned don't book a place for the whole duration and move around if you find somewhere nicer

Re: escaping the british winter
 

When i came in from work last night it was only 8 degrees, the wind was howling, and inside the house was like a freezer.

Dont forget that theres no central heating here.

I think im going to put some econoheaters on timers to warm the house up, and forget the extra electric bills.

Re: escaping the british winter
 

We found the same travelling to Portugal - we always try to find the closest "low cost" station before the border, fuel is alot more expensive there. Do you not use Continete? It seems very similar to Carrefour / bigger Supersol stores.

Re: escaping the british winter
 

We found your reply to Julie very interesting, as we’re in exactly the same position as her and looking to spend January, February and March 2021 abroad. It’s not necessarily hot weather we’re after - it’s more about a blue sky rather than the constant grey which we have in the uk - and it being warm enough to play golf.

Would you please suggest ways in which we could go about renting accommodation which will accept a dog?

Many thanks!

Re: escaping the british winter
 

Choose the area and google local letting agencies. Even sites like Idealista, or Habitaclia offers the choice of holiday rentals. Otherwise you also have Booking, Tripadvisor etc. where you can already click pets allowed.

Re: escaping the british winter
 

I agree with this assessment. Many people visit a "resort" in the summer, and romanticise themselves living there in retirement. But, not only do "resorts" become rather ghost towns in the off season, but you'll likely find that the "busyness" of a "resort" full of "tourists" in summer is not a particularly desirable environment to live in. Not only do you get less your money, but it gets on your nerves after a while. You can't wait for them to go home.

​​​​​​Ju st a few km inland, nothing changes from summer to winter, except the weather. All the same restaurants, shops, salons, and everything you need are still there, doing the same thing they did yesterday. As a lifestyle, you'll appreciate that. Trust me.

Re: escaping the british winter
 

Airbnb is a good start. Put in dates and where you want to go and when you find a property click the 'contact host' and see if dogs are allowed. I now use airbnb a lot for my trips from my UK base.

Re: escaping the british winter
 

hi, I’m looking at spending approx 3 months in Spain for the winter, when I retire officially next year. Currently living in south east Kent. I too would be taking along with me my little shih-tzu. Most likely I’ll also be travelling alone. I’ll be looking for budget ground floor self catering apartment, near to beach front. I’m not sure yet as to which form of travel I would choose as not sure of the what options there are for travelling with my little furry friend. I do drive. So maybe eurotunnel? Or is there an overnight train service to one of the Spanish coasts? As for a destination, I don’t want to be isolated, need amenities close by and accessible and most of all be in reach of a hospital should I need it due to a heath condition. ( I’m adrenal insufficiency) so just to function, daily meds are required, also emergency injection I have with me should it be needed! So important medical assistance available. Could you advise on a suitable destination, which of the Spanish coasts would offer the best mild weather and not shut down completely during winter season. Somewhere that I’d probably meet other like minded pensioners. And which form of travel would you recommend for me with furry friend. How do you travel with your dogs? I don’t mind my own company some relaxing time to enjoy the sunshine, I’d also be looking to hire a mobility scooter for my duration of stay. I shall look up denia, Olivia and cape as you have mentioned them. Thank you in advance for a reply. C

Re: escaping the british winter
 

Please start your own thread as this is a very old thread so some of the information is probably no longer relevant.

Rosemary