Massive Mistake Moving to Algeciras?
#1
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 1
Massive Mistake Moving to Algeciras?
I've just accepted a job in Algeciras. I've been wanting to move to Andalucia for ages and this, although not my first choice of destination by a long way, seemed to be a great option as my non-Spanish speaking boyfriend will hopefully have more job options in Gibraltar. But, but, but... Everything I read about it is so bad! How ugly it is, awash with petty crime, swimming in drugs. Does anyone have any advice about their real experience of the city? Also, I'm trying to choose between living in Rinconcillo or Getares or the old town without ever having visited. The beaches look great but very residential. I'm not looking for a party lifestyle but would like to live within walking distance of a couple of restaurants and shops. Does everything around the beach areas close for the winter months? I'm there for the whole academic year. Please help me!!!
#2
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 7,749
Re: Massive Mistake Moving to Algeciras?
Yes Algeciras is one of the ugliest most horrible cities I've ever been too - and certainly the worst in Spain
Bad luck there!
You're probably best to speak to the school. I'm sure they could recommend a nice-ish area to live
Bad luck there!
You're probably best to speak to the school. I'm sure they could recommend a nice-ish area to live
#3
Re: Massive Mistake Moving to Algeciras?
Hi
Try looking for accommodation outside Algeciras, like Los Barrios or San Roque, both have reasonable bus links.
Try looking for accommodation outside Algeciras, like Los Barrios or San Roque, both have reasonable bus links.
#4
Re: Massive Mistake Moving to Algeciras?
I've just accepted a job in Algeciras. I've been wanting to move to Andalucia for ages and this, although not my first choice of destination by a long way, seemed to be a great option as my non-Spanish speaking boyfriend will hopefully have more job options in Gibraltar. But, but, but... Everything I read about it is so bad! How ugly it is, awash with petty crime, swimming in drugs. Does anyone have any advice about their real experience of the city? Also, I'm trying to choose between living in Rinconcillo or Getares or the old town without ever having visited. The beaches look great but very residential. I'm not looking for a party lifestyle but would like to live within walking distance of a couple of restaurants and shops. Does everything around the beach areas close for the winter months? I'm there for the whole academic year. Please help me!!!
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
#5
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 6,148
Re: Massive Mistake Moving to Algeciras?
I've just accepted a job in Algeciras. I've been wanting to move to Andalucia for ages and this, although not my first choice of destination by a long way, seemed to be a great option as my non-Spanish speaking boyfriend will hopefully have more job options in Gibraltar. But, but, but... Everything I read about it is so bad! How ugly it is, awash with petty crime, swimming in drugs. Does anyone have any advice about their real experience of the city? Also, I'm trying to choose between living in Rinconcillo or Getares or the old town without ever having visited. The beaches look great but very residential. I'm not looking for a party lifestyle but would like to live within walking distance of a couple of restaurants and shops. Does everything around the beach areas close for the winter months? I'm there for the whole academic year. Please help me!!!
#6
Re: Massive Mistake Moving to Algeciras?
Do you drive and are you prepared to commute?
If so - no problem, live elsewhere there are lots of nice places around.
Algeciras itself does have some nice touches but most of it isn't pleasant. I don't think I would like to live there.
If so - no problem, live elsewhere there are lots of nice places around.
Algeciras itself does have some nice touches but most of it isn't pleasant. I don't think I would like to live there.
#7
Just Joined
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 4
Re: Massive Mistake Moving to Algeciras?
Hello
Did you go to Algeciras after all, following those negative comments?
I too have just accepted a job there starting Sept 2016 and have the same concerns as you. Please, let me know how you are getting on there. I would be grateful for any advice/suggestions. Perhaps even to meet up?
Did you go to Algeciras after all, following those negative comments?
I too have just accepted a job there starting Sept 2016 and have the same concerns as you. Please, let me know how you are getting on there. I would be grateful for any advice/suggestions. Perhaps even to meet up?
#8
Re: Massive Mistake Moving to Algeciras?
Hello
Did you go to Algeciras after all, following those negative comments?
I too have just accepted a job there starting Sept 2016 and have the same concerns as you. Please, let me know how you are getting on there. I would be grateful for any advice/suggestions. Perhaps even to meet up?
Did you go to Algeciras after all, following those negative comments?
I too have just accepted a job there starting Sept 2016 and have the same concerns as you. Please, let me know how you are getting on there. I would be grateful for any advice/suggestions. Perhaps even to meet up?
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
#9
Re: Massive Mistake Moving to Algeciras?
Hello
Did you go to Algeciras after all, following those negative comments?
I too have just accepted a job there starting Sept 2016 and have the same concerns as you. Please, let me know how you are getting on there. I would be grateful for any advice/suggestions. Perhaps even to meet up?
Did you go to Algeciras after all, following those negative comments?
I too have just accepted a job there starting Sept 2016 and have the same concerns as you. Please, let me know how you are getting on there. I would be grateful for any advice/suggestions. Perhaps even to meet up?
It would be good to know how the OP got on but looks like she took BE's advice.
#10
Re: Massive Mistake Moving to Algeciras?
Although the city is ugly the surrounding areas are really beautiful. Tarifa is 45 mins away and that´s the gateway to the Costa de la Luz and the most unspolilt beautiful beaches in Spain. Further up the Jerez road from Los Barrios you also have the Parque Natural Los Alcornocales - very green. Going east you can easily reach the stunning white villages of Caseres and then Gaucin on the edge of the amazing Sierra de las Nieves. It´s not all bad at all.
#11
Just Joined
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 4
Re: Massive Mistake Moving to Algeciras?
Thank you for that - really helpful. The school has now been in touch and I feel more reassured.
#12
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 41
Re: Massive Mistake Moving to Algeciras?
Algeciras is truly an dirty eyesore Imo, i have been a couple of times and disliked both times.
Having said that, the surrounding areas as pointed out above are truly Beautiful, and in the area are some of the best unspoilt beaches in the whole of Spain.
Just make sure you get a car to be able to enjoy what the whole area has to offer.
Having said that, the surrounding areas as pointed out above are truly Beautiful, and in the area are some of the best unspoilt beaches in the whole of Spain.
Just make sure you get a car to be able to enjoy what the whole area has to offer.