Hi there,
We are and Australian couple looking to move to spain toward the back end of 2010. We are self employed and will continue to manage our business from Spain as long as we have a good internet connection.

The main criteria that we are looking for are:
?  Somewhere where we can embrace the culture (ie not too touristy/only expats)
?  Located walking distance to beach
?  Has a village feel that we can walk/scooter to most attractions
?  A relaxed vibe but still has a good selection of restaurants and bars
?  Not Madrid, Barcelona or Malaga

We are planning to stay for only 6 months or maybe two places for 3 months each. We are active and love to meet new people.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Bec

San Sebastien? Somewhere on the Costa Brava? Aguilas?

Thanks for your reply, I will look into these places.

Hi Ozzies
Most coastal places are somewhat colonised by ex-pats.  From my experience in the Southern part of Spain, Granada’s Costa Herradura is good and there are a lot of quiet villages (as well as some built-up bits).  The coast of Cadiz province is also less built up than the Costa del Sol.  The most famous resort town there is Tarifa but there are a lot of other places and it is a beautiful coastline.
Good luck with your move.  You have made me quite nostalgic for visiting Australia now.

becstar - 25 November 2009 12:22 PM

Hi there,
We are and Australian couple looking to move to spain toward the back end of 2010. We are self employed and will continue to manage our business from Spain as long as we have a good internet connection.

The main criteria that we are looking for are:
?  Somewhere where we can embrace the culture (ie not too touristy/only expats)
?  Located walking distance to beach
?  Has a village feel that we can walk/scooter to most attractions
?  A relaxed vibe but still has a good selection of restaurants and bars
?  Not Madrid, Barcelona or Malaga

We are planning to stay for only 6 months or maybe two places for 3 months each. We are active and love to meet new people.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Bec

Hi friend. If you want to live in this kind of city you want to live where we live.
It?s a small city but it?s nice. It?s in the coast in the south of Catalonia. No Madrid , no Barna , no stress .... relax city.
I think is a good city… It?s San Carlos de la Rapita. I suggest it. Anyway , good luck.

becstar - 25 November 2009 12:22 PM

Hi there,
We are and Australian couple looking to move to spain toward the back end of 2010. We are self employed and will continue to manage our business from Spain as long as we have a good internet connection.

The main criteria that we are looking for are:
?  Somewhere where we can embrace the culture (ie not too touristy/only expats)
?  Located walking distance to beach
?  Has a village feel that we can walk/scooter to most attractions
?  A relaxed vibe but still has a good selection of restaurants and bars
?  Not Madrid, Barcelona or Malaga

We are planning to stay for only 6 months or maybe two places for 3 months each. We are active and love to meet new people.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Bec

Alicante would be a great place to live. It has great transportation up and down the coast. It is located on the Meditereanean and the local population speaks Castillian Spanish. There are enough immigrants that one doesn’t feel like a freak but yet not too many. It is a large city but once in a neighborhood, the locals are more than friendly. I have stayed in a neighborhood on Calle Doctor Clavero. It is right next to a world class museum and also near a private Hospital. I try to stay away from the touristy restaurants but rather look for working class restaurantes where the food is inexpensive and in abundance.There are plenty. The shopping mall is walking distance, parking can be found on the street as there are alot of retirees who don’t drive. Buses stop at the end of the block and the train station is 5 min away on foot. The cafe at the end of the street is the hub of the neighborhood. The beach is 15 min walking distance. There are usually places for rent which can be found in the local agencies which are abundant.
Good luck mates.

Thanks everyone, we are working our way through the list. I may come back with some questions once we have a shortlist. Thanks again.

Hi Bec,

Hope your trip went well.

I am living in Sydney and seem to be in the same boat as you were but will be heading over early 2011.

Your requirements for a place to head to are the same as mine.

Have you been and gone by now or still there? Where do you recommend?

Thanks

Portia

Some of the little towns on the Costa Maresme might do it for you though. They’re right on the beach and only ever get busy on sunny weekends. Definitely not a lot of expats nor tourists. Very cute little places at that. I like Vilasar de Mar personally. Cabrera de Mar is also nice. St. Pol de Mar is incredible but definitely more touristy.