Can anyone give me info on Spain (Costa Blanca, Playa Flamenca) Will my mobile work. climate in Winter etc.?

Question

I am off to the Costa Blanca in Jan. for 3 months to help me recover from an illness. I have never been and because I will be on my own and still not 100% recovered I need lots of local info. Maps. car hire, bus and train services. how to learn a little Spanish, Temperatures in Jan/Feb/March. Security and safety? How to live on a budget. (groceries etc) What about the water? Can I wash dishes. salad. veg etc in it. How and where to get bargains? . Everything actually. Hope someone can help as I will really need to take care of myself.

Answer 1

Hi, I live on the Costa Tropical (near Granada). I can't give you information on maps etc for that area but can tell you some things i have learnt from living in Spain for last four years.

You will need to get a Spanish mobile phone or sim card. My English mobile worked but you get charged both ends. I didn't realise so i answered and 10 pounds of credit went in about 3 mins!

Wine and beer are very cheap. I pay about 1 euro 30 (90p) for a bottle of decent wine. Beer about 25 cents (18p a can).

You will find you will need to shop around different supermarkets to find the best prices. You can buy english t bags here (only tetley or pg) and they are between 2 and 2.50 euros for box of 40.

Depending on where you are you should be able to drink water but i buy bottled to be on safe side. Temp that time of year cool but not as cold as uk. would like to help you more but am running out of room here! good luck and hope you make a full recovery.

Answer 2

Yes phone will work - Situated within 15 minutes of Torrevieja, Playa Flamenca is a relatively new coastal development on the Costa Blanca. With the advantage of superb beaches only a short distance away, Playa Flamenca is fast becoming a popular holiday destination.

See http://www.spain4uk.co.uk/places/playa_f... for more details

Answer 3

Make sure that you have a mobile on dual-band, although most new phones all do. In terms of safety and security, like any place, always take care and watch your things....I know that barcelona is quite a pickpocket haven!

If your looking to prepare as much as you can before you go, consider getting a Spanish Travel jetPack, contains country infor and security stuff http://www.studentjetpacks.com/jetpacks....

Always make sure that you act confident when you are away so you are not seen to be worried...this way you will not draw attention to yourself....

Have a nice time and dont worry too much!

Answer 4

Lots of good answers with lots of good info. I live on the Costa Blanca but a bit further north. I thought I would tell you a little more about the temperatures and weather at that time of year. Some details have not been added. It's best to get it right.

Winters here are not as cold as in the UK, that is a general statement. January this year was amazing, warm and sunny everyday. I was on the beach many times. However, from about 4.00pm the temperature drops, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. It gets quite chilly. That's not a problem, the problem is that the properties in Spain are not designed for the cold, but for the heat of summer. You do need heating. Most homes have fire places and the Spanish by and large have wood fires or bottle gas heaters. (They are awful things.)

Central Heating is very rare, and most central heating is being put in by the Brits. I have electric heating.

Whilst I say that January this year was so great, A couple of years ago I woke up one morning to see snow outside. And it was freezing, and this was right on the coast. This was only a few days after eating Christmas dinner outside in the sunshine. So it can get cold and you must be prepared.

The other thing is that if you don't have some reasonable form of heating, then things indoors can get very damp, like clothes and bedding etc. Most construction does not have insulation hence the damp can penetrate. Thing is not to worry about these things. Really you will be much better of over here during the winter months, but make sure the place you are staying in has some heating system, and one that is easy to operate for you because of your situation.

You will meet people so easily. The tourists won't be here in numbers but lots of resident Brits will be. And of course lots of Spanish as well.

Hope it all works out, please keep in mind though that it is winter and mainland Spain is not a Winter Sun destination as are the Canary Islands. But you will be warmer  then the Uk and it's much better then UK winter, with lots of lovely warm sunny days.

Answer 5

i leave in portugal and the weather it's very similar... the winter is not that bad, there is not a lot of variation in the temperatures, but you shoud now, the more closer to the ocean you get, the better the weather is (low variations of temperatures) that means that it's the perfect temperature to be on the beach in the summer, and a smooth temperature in winter. You wont freeze

Answer 6

I have sent you a message I live very close to Playa Flamenca and have properties there.

  The water is fine to wash veg in etc  the bargains are all over although if you are go to the local market you can get great bargains on veg fruit and clothing. There are markets on every day round and about.

  As with any place where tourists can be found please watch your bag, i try and only take out what i need. This is more in the summer but always be aware. Please take advice from the person who hands over the keys regarding security of the property, just remember you are still on earth and not some magical place where everything and everyone is good. There are oppertunist criminals all over the world. Too many people come over and leave mobile phones etc on the patio while they have a nap inside then can not understand when it is gone. Please feel free to emailme for any particular information

Answer 7

I don't know about most of that but if you want to use your mobile you have to ask your network to turn it on for spain. That is of course if your mobile is multi band.

Answer 8

you will recover very well there my parents had a flat for aver 20 years in Benidorm,fab place the weather is above 50 degrees February is windy but its not like here at all,the water is no problem years ago yes but not now ,the markets are every day up and down the Costa Blanca great for the food veg etc,you will find you can go out and eat quite cheaply as in menu del dia that's menu of the day,stick to the Spanish  places,they are so friendly,and make sure you have your e111 form for if you nd to see a doctor go to the post office to enquire,you will meet loads of Brits who live there mainly pensioners who will show you how to live they know all the bargains and will help you,enjoy your recovery time and,get out for walks along the front getting the sea air into your lungs take care and get better quick,and enjoy