Re: Newbie
 

Well my two cents worth is I have never been to Malaga other than the airport. So no help there. I am not boy nor girl, I am a 50 something woman who stays in Spain for the winter. Never had a winter break anywhere. I am a solitary kinda person or a small group, so that's no help either. Maybe there are just not many people on the forum who holiday in the winter here ?

Re: Newbie
 

As far as I'm aware there are mainly Spanish living in Malaga (city) and it is a bustling city like any other. Most of the expat communities are spread east and west along the coastal towns of the Malaga province. There are many 'pockets' of expat urbinisations that co-mingle with Spanish residents, but it all depends if you want to be near bus and train services or if you have the use of a car for the duration of your stay.

Re: Newbie
 

Thanks for your feedback, well actually I am in my 60s so I get your boy/girl comment, just a turn of phrase, I am looking to as a start point winter break and I hope to then extend that to something a bit more permanent if I like it.

I am also kindof looking for an easy start that is not community based but has a community in the area, I thought Malaga as a region as I have been there many years ago, not the city but on the fringes.

As an out loud thought, I would have thought that most expats have a start point, like for example, go for an extended period, try it, and then start to cut the uk ties, perhaps I've got that wrong

Either way I am still open to suggestions regarding areas, regions, towns that offer a decent balance between community and quiet time

Thanks again

Pat

Re: Newbie
 

I will have a car, fringe communities for me feel best as a start point, Malaga as a city is not for me but having the city close (30 to 50 km) is fine.

I know this might sound strange but I really don't want to end up in 'little Britain' but having a supportive community is also a real bonus.

I thought about taking a two week holiday and drive the coast east and west of Malaga and see if there really are 2 bedroomed apartments for €350 a month worth committing 6 months too.

Thanks for your comments

Pat

Re: Newbie
 

Nerja (east of Malaga) has an expat community but still retains the 'Spanish' element, as does the inland towns of Arroyo de la Miel, Coin, Alhaurin and Alhaurin el Grande (west of Malaga). Be warned though, during winter these areas tend to be a quite a few degrees lower than the coastal urbanisations!
I live in Fuengirola but we have friends that live in Alhaurin (which is only a 20 min drive from us) but during winter they are wearing proper winter coats whereas we only need lighweight jackets!

La Carihuela (just outside of Torremolinos) is another place to 'check-out' on your holiday when you're down. Hope this helps! :)

Re: Newbie
 

Don't think you have it wrong, sounds very wise to me, try before you buy.;)

Re: Newbie
 

That's great stuff thank you very much

Theses will now be on my hit list

Regards

Pat