Fred James

I live in one of the so called "micro climates" on the south coast of Granada province. It has earned the name "Costa Tropical" for that reason. The crops grown here tend to demonstrate that. Many years ago it produced almost all the sugar cane to supply Europe with sugar.

There are other small municipalities that "claim" a micro climate - Torrox is one example, but this is just based on inaccurate statistics promoted by the local town hall tourist department!

As has been pointed out, once you go inland more than about 5 miles the weather can get much colder. There is quite a good covering of snow on the Sierra Nevada at the moment - in fact the first snowfall was about a month ago.

In the winter we see many nights on the coast with temperatures below 10ºc, but we rarely see it below 5ºc. I have seen snow on the coast just once. Winds are more of an issue on this coast and that seriously affects the apparent temperature. A force 10 gale is not at all unusual and I have seen worse.

Medical insurance is cheaper than in the UK and if you live in or close to Malaga province, there is a well established company with very good rates. We pay about €1500 a year for two of us and there are no restrictions and premium increases when you reach 65. Without insurance, a doctor's visit would be between €30 and €50. Specialists are nearer €100.

Moses2013

First of all I would look at all areas you like, without worrying too much about weather. There's no point of focusing on temps, if you can't find a house or neighbourhood you like in that area (budget is probably important too). Overall you will be getting anything between 2400-3000 hours of sunshine if you look along the coast from France to Gibraltar. Unfortunately I can't help with health care etc. as I live in Ireland permanently and have a 2nd home in Spain, but others will definitely be able to help. It really depends on the individual and certain things will be cheap in Spain, but not everything. Personally I find a lot of areas in Andalucía too dry in summer and I do like a bit of green around me. Many people from the North just go on short breaks to the South during winter and it's so cheap off season.

Fredbargate

One thing that appears to be missing from the replies so far is the advice to rent for some months in your chosen area until you are absolutely certain it is right for you.

Only then go down the buying route, it is easy to relocate from a rental but not from a purchase.

flotsum

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