A better lifestyle in Spain
Why Southern Spain ?
The Costa del Sol is home to some 400,000-plus British expatriots. Since the 1970’s the British have been attracted to this part of Spain for the climate, cheaper property prices and the lifestyle it affords. Many have headed straight for the beach and there are now large communities from Almeria to Gibraltar. In recent years, as property prices have risen, many British have moved further inland to fulfil their Spanish dreams, inland to places such as Alhaurin el Grande. While locations in Turkey and Croatia have become popular, it is Spain that will remain attractive to the British in the long term.
Country living
There’s no doubt that the pace of life inland in rural Spain is slower than on the coast. That’s one of the main attractions. Countryside (campo) living is more relaxing, peaceful and tranquil but the much-improved infrastructure has meant that all the benefits of the Costa del Sol are just a short drive away. There are those who will always want a sea view, but with the ever-increasing development on the coast, you are more likely to have a good view of a concrete jungle!
It is also worth remembering that as development along the coastal strip has approached saturation point, people have started to look inland for their Spanish home. This is driving property prices upwards but the relatively low starting point means that there are still bargains to be found.
The climate
Undoubtedly, one of the main reasons for British people to choose southern Spain is the climate. This part of the country can boast on average some 300 days of sunshine a year and an average annual temperature of 25-30 degrees. This is the perfect place to head for some winter sun whilst the UK is shivering in the winter cold. In July and August it can get very warm with temperatures sometimes reaching 40 degrees. Winter nights can be colder than some might expect, especially out in the countryside. Rain is often restricted to several peak periods each year and the rest of the time, there are the blue, cloudless skies that many British residents can only dream of. You should remember though, that whilst it is nice to have constant sunny, warm days on holiday, that living and working in the heat the whole year round can be tough.
Why the Alhaurin area?
Inland communities such as Alhaurin still have a Spanish culture at heart. The look and feel is still reminiscent of the rural Spain of years gone by, although with a definite overseas influence. There is as much to offer the expat who wishes to remain a "Brit abroad" as for those who wish to fully integrate into the Spanish culture and way of life. Add this to the location, climate and mix of people and Alhaurin is the ideal place for those looking for something a little different to the UK but where you feel right at home.
A Home for young & old
People of all kinds are attracted to the lifestyle of inland Spain. Alhaurin is home to retired and semi-retired couples, families with young children, business owners and increasingly, those of all ages just seeking to get out of the British rat-race or escape the weather.
A real mix of Spanish and British
Alhaurin has a large British community that appreciates the life they can have in Spain and a Spanish community that welcome the investment and colour they bring. English is spoken in many local shops and amenities, but there are also many opportunities for us Brits to practise our Spanish if we wish. Whether you want English beer, the Premiership and fish and chips or fine Spanish wine, tapas and flamenco, it’s all here.
Local festivals
The Spanish like to celebrate and for much of the year you will find numerous opportunities to join them. There are some 3000 fiestas or fair, across Andalucia. In Alhaurin the major festivals are at Easter (Semana Santa) and at the end of May for the local fair (Feria). But it's not just Alhaurin, as Cartama, Coin and seemingly everywhere else has its own fair and everyone gets involved.
Eating and drinking
It is probably easier to enjoy a healthy diet in Spain than in the UK and the fact that you can eat meals outdoors with a mountain range as a backdrop seems to make the food taste just that little bit better.. Fruit and vegetables grown locally often taste so much fresher than those we are used to from supermarkets at home. There are many speciality foods of Southern Spain including cheeses, meats, soups and, of course, wines as well as familiar Spanish dishes such as Paella and Tapas. Alhaurin is well served with restaurants of all types where you can eat as healthily (or not) as you choose. There is also a range of supermarkets selling all the normal foods (and some new to many British people) and several excellent markets selling fresh and cheap local produce. A word of warning... in the supermarkets it is possible to buy some very drinkable table wines for £1.50 or less!