deciding where to live

Hi Scoop, You're undecided where to live and to be honest most who move to coastal Spain have some kind of concerns. You're not alone and are at a crossroads.

Solution (and it works):- Rent for no less than five weeks in both areas during the off season (Oct/Mar). Believe me, you'll learn more during this time than you did in your previous lifetime regarding Spain. You don't need to be able to speak Spanish in either area, but if you make the effort it breeds rewards.

I don't know too much about Villaricos other than to visit occasionally, but in Mojacar Playa you'll not be short for things to do and your problem will be what outlet you wish to get involved.

You're not the first pensioner to arrive and you won't be the last. Put in the effort and you'll reap the rewards.

Hi Mathew

Thanks for your reply, the advice you gave does make a lot of sense, I will have to find a good letting agent that doesn't charge the earth.

Scoop

Hello Scoop

Good advice from Matthew above!

I’m also unsure which area is for me, and have arranged a rental for the Vera area this coming winter to give myself time to look around and make decisions. 

My Spanish is laughable at present, so one of the first things I shall do is find a place to learn some more! I hope that will help me to meet some people and find some more activities to get involved in. 

It is a huge move, and I am worried about the practicalities, but having an exit strategy and time to explore options is making me feel braver! A simple rental for 6 months opens up the options of applying for residency without burning all boats

You won’t be alone in trying.......

I have residency but I miss the sea view, cafe's, etc.

I hope you find your dream

Scoop

Hi, I live very close to Villaricos and I know it is very very quiet in the winter months apart from Sunday which is market day. 

There is a village very close by called Palomares, Palomares is small with a very spanish feel, it does have a mixed expat community including Brits, Irish, Dutch and German. Palomares is ideal if you don’t drive, it has three supermarkets, two banks, two hairdressers. A pharmacy, DIY shop  and Doctors surgery. Numerous bars and restaurants surround the village square. There is live music  most Saturdays (post lockdown) a yearly fiesta which is spectacular. The folk are friendly and helpful, they will always help and provide advice. Property rentals are very cheap, the local tobacconist have several apartments and a two bed can be had long term from around 300 euro plus bills. The nearest beach is on our doorstep too. If I can be of any help at all please Get in touch. 

If you're undecided between just the two, Villaricos or Mojacar I personally would opt for Mojacar. I really like Villaricos but it is really quiet out of season. Mojacar has a regular bus service albeit only once an hour that can get you out and about if you don't want to drive, cafes etc that are open all year round, banks, chemists, supermarkets the commercial centre etc etc etc. Villaricos is really nice but I think you would find more things to do, and meet more people in Mojacar.

We have a property in Palomares we rent out (now up for sale) and I agree that it's a great place with restaurants, bars, shops, close to the beach etc. If you're worried about being on your own without much social contact then possibly Mojacar Playar will be better. But it's a tricky one as there is no difinitive solution to that.

Rob