Lionda

I have only recently discovered and joined this site and have been reading all the threads which I have found very interesting. We are moving to live in Spain, Costa Blanca/Alicante region later this year and would be grateful for any tips/advice.

Linda

big wheels

Have you bought a property yet, or are you planning on having a look around??
This would narrow it down a bit
BW.

Lionda

We have already bought a property on an urbanisation, it should be ready in late October/early November. Went to see it earlier this month and it is all but ready, kitchen still to go in and then tidying up... so far so good. We now have to work out how to get our stuff over there with 4 cats. Thinking about hiring a van and travelling over on the ferry from Plymouth to Santander (we live in Hampshire). We think we have done our homework but are still open to any tips and advice.

Linda

Amara

Hi there - It will definitely be cheaper to hire a van and move yourselves. We got quotes for removals ranging from 4-6 thousand pounds - mind you we are a long way South, so that might have some bearing on it. In the end we got a friend to do it for us and it was around 1500 pounds. Also you will save money on airfares for the cats which is around 400 pounds each. Also you will see lots of wonderful scenery on the way which is an added bonus. I am sure you will love living in Spain, it is a fantastic lifestyle and I love every day of my life here, as do my children, it is like being on holiday all the time. The weather, food, people and general atmosphere are all better than in the UK. You will feel less stressed, healthier and happier I am sure. Good luck and bright blessings to you. Amara xx

derek500

We brought our two cats over here Gatwick/Valencia on British Airways. We were only charged £84 for both.

peterbainham

Start learning Spanish if you haven't already. You'll have a lot more fun and a lot less hassle if you can interact with the locals.

montgomail

Which town or village are you moving to? I have an apartment in the N Costa Blanca town of Denia.

Bobbydog

Hi,
With animals you have 48 hours from the UK to Spain, nobody normaly checks but that is the Vet requirements after they have been Inoculated in the UK, but as i say France and Spain do not stick to the rules, so it is up to you how you travel.
I drive back and forward all the time from Catalunia to Edinburgh with my Westie and have never been stopped yet and that is over 7 years.
Hope this helps you

bfg69bug

any hints or tips ? yeah, i wouldn´t bother

unless of course you are retired and have lots of money and no childeren to come with you, then go for it you´ll have a great time

Bobbydog

Hi Lionda,
I have done the journey from Cherbourge To Portsmouth, Portsmouth to Santander it is a journey that is quite easy to take, BUT if you take your cats on a trip like Portsmouth to Cherbourge, where do you stop for a Pee stop for the cats, and will they come back, if you take them on Portsmouth to Santander they are in the Car deck for approx 30 hours, the easiest way is to Fly the cats out to Spain to arrive the day you are going to be there to recieve them, it means you have to book them onto a flight, but that should be no problem, but check because not all Airlines take animals.
Sorry i cant help you anymore than that.
If you need anymore info and i can help, please don't hesitate to PM me, there is no problems.
All the Best

Lionda

We will be on the Castalla urbanisation, the nearby towns are Castalla, Ibi, Tibi, Onil and Alcoy. Been to Denia and was only just there a couple of weeks ago.

Lionda

Semi-retired, no dependent children and very laid back so looking forward to the sun and the different lifestyle.

Chiclanagir

What route over the channel do you use. We are going back next year for a wedding and want to make more of a holiday driving back through France possibly with our Westie.

Bobbydog

Hi Glynis,
I live on the Costa Brava, so the route i take is i head for Perpignon, Tolouse,
Bordeuox, Nantes, Rennes, Cherbourge and if you can get the Fast Craft approx 2,&,3/4 Hours to Portsmouth.
Excuse the spelling but the French seem to like spelling there words the wrong way for the Brits.
I normally drive myself with my Westie, if i put the foot down i can make Cherbourge in 10 hours that is stoppng in the Parking Sites on the Pay Roads and just putting the seat back.
If you need anymore help give me a buzz if not all the best.
Ron

bfg69bug

good luck then


they will because it is illegal to drive in a car with an animal without a harness on dogs and cats have to be on a lead when they get out the car.

a tip, leave the "body" of the harness on at least 3 days before the trip so that they are used to it.