Re: Where not?
 

Even hardcore Catalunyans would appreciate that for foreign visitors Spanish is the most likely language that they would use simply to make themselves understood IMO. For someone who hasn't decided yet where to live Spanish has to be the language to learn.

Re: Where not?
 

Some people just want to find any reason and because they can't really find any faults they bring up language. We bought in area, went on holiday many times and never had any problems. If it was so bad why do people who don't speak Catalan from other European countries move there? Then nobody would go to Ibiza or Mallorca and as long as you try and make an effort friendly people will be friendly people. Sometimes I end up speaking a mix of English, German because locals want to practice their language skills and then it goes back to Spanish and Catalan. My Spanish is basic and so far don't understand a word of Catalan but I survive. The scenery, culture and food is amazing and believe it or not, I even manage to survive in Ireland without Gaelic:lol:.

Re: Where not?
 

I love the area of the Ebro and spent quite a lot of time in Tortosa. Certainly no issues with Castellano there. But that's where the vote to leave Spain was a minority. Further up, it's different. While they tolerate you bumbling around in basic Spanish and think, aww how sweet, he's made an effort, after a while there they start to question why you can't be arsed with Catalan and insist on continuing with Spanish.

So no, you won't notice this pressure on a visit or if you never really try to integrate and stick at basic Spanish, but otherwise, in time it will come.

I'm talking about dealing with people in social situations after integrating. Of course bar owners, waiters, shop keepers are going to let you speak whatever you want, you're a customer.

As for Valenciano.... I live in an area where Valenciano is spoken by the locals. I socialise with them quite often and have some good friends amongst them. I only speak Castellano and they're fine about it. As an example, when we're at a long table for a big dinner, the ones either side of me will hold conversations in Spanish and those further away will be nattering in Valenciano. They are kind enough to stick to Castellano if I am in earshot.

Re: Where not?
 

On good form as always Moses.

I seem to remember the Op saying "I don't expect anyone to criticise areas or towns but some positive guidance would be very helpful"

And the very first reply, which was from you said, "many parts of Murcia are boring in terms of flora" and "...in Murcia it's just Rocks".

And now here you are saying, So after bringing up faults about Murcia you get all touchy about someone else bringing up a possibly negative aspect of your neck of the woods. Grow a thicker skin mate, it'll help you in those cold winters and not-so-hot summers you have up there.

Re: Where not?
 

Not touchy and just back from a swim in the Atlantic, so you need sealskin for that. Your point about language is pointless, as nearly all Catalans are bilingual and even if you move to your so called Spain the OP is still a foreigner. So you are saying that just Rocks are negative unless you work for a quarry:lol:. Not saying Murcia is bad but for someone sailing, the coast around the Balearics all the way to the Cote d'Azur is much more spectacular.

Re: Where not?
 

Moses - on all of my previous viewing trips I've pre-booked accommodation (usually cheap SP hotels or TripA apartments) and flown down though I have driven to L'Escala twice. To get a real feel for the Spanish Coast and maybe look at the Atlantic side too (I really like the look of Jerez and want to see San Sebastian) I'm thinking of pre-booking some accommodation and driving all the way down. Off season (May,Early June/Sept, Oct) is it easy just to arrive at Hostels and get a room for a couple of nights?

Re: Where not?
 

We've driven down a few times now but unfortunately we never really made it to San Sebastian, as so far we had to take ferry to France from Ireland but from UK there's one directly to San Sebastian. We drove down through Toulouse past Perpignan and then into Roses a few times, which I can really recommend for a visit. From there, you have the whole Costa Brava to explore all the way down. These are the kind of walks you get along the coast (check out street view) https://www.google.ie/maps/@41.88045...7i13312!8i6656


The thing is that you are better off booking beforehand and actually May, June even September are still very busy times. We've been to Roses early October and weather was still great but in general the bay of Roses is wetter and colder than the likes of Platja d'Aro, Lloret or Tossa for example. Of course budget is also another point to consider should you decide to buy but luckily there are still some affordable parts if you know where to look;).

Re: Where not?
 

Do you have information about the ferry direct from the UK to San Sebastian please?

Re: Where not?
 

Whether Catalans are bilingual has no relevance to the point I was making, but if you can't work that out i'll leave that one there. I've explained what I meant re the Catalans' view on integration with Spanish speakers. When you move beyond "basic" Spanish you might get some insight yourself.

Re: Where not?
 

Not sure why you appear to be getting on your high horse over this particularly as the language discussion is totally off topic.

This is a decent guide written by people with a good understanding of the issue:

https://www.barcelona-university.es/Barcelona-catalan-vs-castilian.htm

Re: Where not?
 

It's me and Moses, we're always like this.

Read it, it's an insipid guide that doesn't begin to address the issue. There are much better available.

BTW, about off-topic.

If you check back to the Op you'll see someone asking for views on all of Spain, all views welcome. When the Op received a pointer to Catalunya I began to comment because I think the political and cultural aspects can affect someone wanting to go there. The Op wants Spain and Catalunya very nearly wasn't Spain last December. Language is a big part of what's going on there and will impact enormously anybody wanting to live there and "become part of the Spanish community", which is what the Op said. I don't think it's off topic.

Re: Where not?
 

There is a new sailing from Ireland to Spain starting in April bypassing UK

Re: Where not?
 

Thanks, just read now.

Re: Where not?
 

Hi all
I must apologise for not replying or acknowledging comments on my post. I know it's annoying when someone asks questions, gets answers and then goes silent.
I expected to receive notifications that the thread was active. But I thought the thread was dormant. Probably my settings!
I've just opened up the forum and read posts with interest. Many thanks for the helpful comments. I'm still on it and now expanding my areas of interest. Expecting to arrive Madrid mid March, hire a car and drive across to the Med. Quite where is now being re evaluated!
Rob

Re: Where not?
 

Ha ha! :p All I can say is try England between November and February, when it's not only cold, but freezing rain at the same time.. That's what I can't take any more. Well, that and the general malaise that seems to have grabbed everyone there.
Even with it 38 degrees right now and 80% humidity, I'm preferring it!
Good luck in yr search