where in spain
 

hi
i live in uk and my partner works in africa. im looking for somewhere a bit warmer to spend winters with a good expat community.any ideas??

Re: where in spain
 

As Concierge for the Spanish section of BE I would like to say hello and welcome.

BE is a very large expat website, so if you have problems finding your way around we have concierges who will try to direct you. The moderators for the Spanish forums are Mitzyboy and Fred James, moderators are there to ensure that the site runs smoothly within the rules of BE. Problems and complaints should always be addressed to a moderador who will look into the matter and deal with it efficiently and fairly. Our members who post in the Spain Forums are friendly and helpful with a wealth of knowledge of the issues of living in Spain. At the top of the page you will find a quirkily named thread called Free Beer which is full of important and useful information. Hope you enjoy your time participating in the forums.

You have baffled me though because your first post is in the Africa forum asking about places suitable for a lone female. So tell me where do you really want to live or are you trying to work out which would be best for you?

Please let me know if you need any further help.

Rosemary

Re: where in spain
 

thanks for your reply. youre quite right. im trying to work out where to stay. whether africa or somewhere like spain. i ll be spending 6 weeks at a time alone so theres a lot to consider- such as company and safety of a single female. initially i would go for shorter periods with a view to permanent relocation. also a consideration is transport links as my partner would have to travel to me every 6 weeks. ive only just started researching these options so im rather green.

Re: where in spain
 

Excellent idea to gain experience of each area and then evaluate which would be safe for you when you are there alone. I know that you have mentioned about an ex-pat area and good transport links but what are the other things that you would be looking for in a place? The more info you give on what you are looking for the more people will be able to point you in the right direction or guide you away from unsuitable places.

Rosemary

Re: where in spain
 

im unsure of visa situations in many countries, and as i will be supported by my partner and dont have my own means of income, maybe some places would be off limit to me. winter sun is important to my partner as he feels the cold when hes back in uk. i want to be able to go to cafes and bars alone as i need to socialise which is why english speaking is important to me. i might be able to learn a different language eventually but need to converse with people in the meantime. i have many hobbies which occupy me in uk -all craft related but if craft supplies were a problem i can probably post them to myself or take them with me. employment opportunities dont matter to me. i would ideally like somewhere thats no more expensive than the uk to live. these really are my main considerations.

Re: where in spain
 

i did start researching andalucia and got quite into it until i checked the winter climate which states winters are cold. as you can see i really am quite novice on these matters.

Re: where in spain
 

Andalucia is huge, my part has temperate climate but am near the coast and today for instance it has been 21 degrees, I went as short a trip as 15 miles inland and up the mountains and found 4 degrees, so depends on which part of Andalucia you actually looked at, as I stated it is huge.
Not too sure my bit would suit you as there are some expats but not many, though is easy for lone female to pop into the bars

Re: where in spain
 

thanks pwwm
was looking at huescar. sounds good and houses are affordable without having to sell uk house. started looking again now. need to be nearer the coast but with affordable houses for me without selling just yet. ive still got my daughter at home for a while. might come out for a look end of january

Re: where in spain
 

Have web search on Ayamonte.

Re: where in spain
 

The temperatures vary considerably in Andalucia. We were in Alhama yesterday and it was 2 degrees, when we got home it was 17 degrees!!

Re: where in spain
 

I am visiting a wee village above Orgiva and it is lovely but a wee bit chilly today 2 degrees this morning !

Re: where in spain
 

A number of people do this with partners in the oil industry etc We chose the Costa Blanca North area 45 mins from Alicante Airport. I am an Artist and inolved with a painting group who meet in Moraira. It is usually walm enough to sit outside mid day. But nights and rainy days can get very cold as houses in Spain are poorly insulated. I have been here 12 years and feel very "safe". For a comunity of English speakers you will probably need to be near the coast. You would be best to rent especially if you only want winter property as you can negociate a good "deal" as many want the property to weekly rent during the summer months. For more "heat" you would be better looking at the Canaries.

Re: where in spain
 

It is some time since I visited Huescar but I would have thought that although there were (4 years ago) quite a lot of Brits there that there are not enough for your needs.

Coastal areas seem to have greater numbers of Brits.

Rosemary

Re: where in spain
 

Research the transport links first. Flying into which airport from where, is there an alternative airport? What is the transport from the airport etc. Proximity to an airport and local transport links are important if you or your partner are not living permanently in Spain.
Also try to locate near an airport that is unlikely to lose an airline. eg Ryanair have been known to withdraw routes on a whim.

Re: where in spain
 

left Cuatro Vientos near Murtas last night at 8pm was 4 dg got back down here and was 18dg only 15 miles not kms miles,, took a mere half hour, so huge varient.