escaping the british winter
#16
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 2019
Location: Aussie nomad with no fixed abode
Posts: 236
Re: escaping the british winter
That was exactly the position we were in 12yrs ago and after much research around the Med chose Ayamonte in the south west corner of Spain right on the Portuguese border. One home two countries as one friend puts it. Faro airport is only 40mins away with year round flights to destinations all around U.K. and Ireland. When my wife’s mother was critically ill 5hrs door to door was our best ever timing but with practise we have nearly matched that from a number of GB airports. Weather pretty good 25.5* yesterday and an evening swim in our pool was 23*. Cost of living low, our nearest restaurant is in Portugal and does a very very good menu del dia for €10 including bread olives soup main sweet and coffee + a beer or 1/2 bottle of wine.
#17
Re: escaping the british winter
It varies petrol and diesel most definitely in Spain up to 30c a litre cheaper. Wine and spirits intermarche in Portugal despite VAT being 3% dearer always seems cheaper for equivalent quality. Groceries and cleaning products Spain good quality and choice. Quality meats from a small local supermarket in Portugal and fish from either side straight from the fish dock and superb quality. Finally bed linen, towels, table cloths and other cotton goods Vila Real do Santo Antonio just across the river seem to have captured the market for the Iberian Peninsula at amazing price/quality.
#18
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 878
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.
#19
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2017
Location: Lanzarote
Posts: 94
Re: escaping the british winter
Lanzarote is lovely all year round.
#20
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jul 2006
Location: london/gandia
Posts: 1,163
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.
#21
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?
#22
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jul 2006
Location: london/gandia
Posts: 1,163
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!
#23
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jul 2006
Location: london/gandia
Posts: 1,163
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.
#24
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
#25
Just Joined
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 23
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
#26
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Nov 2003
Location: Cartama, Malaga
Posts: 1,168
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.
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.
#27
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Nov 2003
Location: Cartama, Malaga
Posts: 1,168
Re: escaping the british winter
It varies petrol and diesel most definitely in Spain up to 30c a litre cheaper. Wine and spirits intermarche in Portugal despite VAT being 3% dearer always seems cheaper for equivalent quality. Groceries and cleaning products Spain good quality and choice. Quality meats from a small local supermarket in Portugal and fish from either side straight from the fish dock and superb quality. Finally bed linen, towels, table cloths and other cotton goods Vila Real do Santo Antonio just across the river seem to have captured the market for the Iberian Peninsula at amazing price/quality.
#28
Just Joined
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 1
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!
Would you please suggest ways in which we could go about renting accommodation which will accept a dog?
Many thanks!
#29
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 6,148
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!
Would you please suggest ways in which we could go about renting accommodation which will accept a dog?
Many thanks!
#30
Banned
Joined: Feb 2011
Location: Mallorca
Posts: 19,367
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.
Just 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.