Where is the best place to live and holiday in spain?

Question

Is it dangerous? Is there accomodation avaliable to rent out or stay in for a few months? What is Barcelona like?

Answer 1

Very little in Spain is actually DANGEROUS.  Your biggest worry, for the most part, is pickpockets.  When you lose something, it makes you feel very violated, but it could be so much worse.  Keep an eye on your valuables and be vigilant, and you are in better shape.

Barcelona is the worst for this, btw.

I lived in Seville, many years ago, and I hear that, especially late at night, you don't want to go walking around alone anymore.  (it was SO safe back then).  

Yes, there is accomodation for months...try sevilla5.com for Seville, and gobcn.com for Barcelona.  We rented apartments in both towns, and that was how we booked them.  The Seville site is especially nice.  I already knew my way around and learned a lot from it.  It also has excellent photos, which just make it more appealing.

Seville is a much more manageable city than Barcelona, and it's important to keep in mind that Barcelona, while politically part of Spain, is, in their own mindset, an entirely different animal, whereas Seville is a VERY Spanish city, very typical, home of bullfighting and flamenco and all things Moorish.  The three religions coexisted well for a long time, and the Jews and Moors left a very strong influence there.

Lots of other cities, but since you asked for a recommendation, and for info on Barça, I give you those.  email me if you want more details.

The biggest problem you will run into is if you need to work.  Work visas, especially for non EU citizens, are increasingly difficult to come by.  Check with the closest tourist office, or consulate or Embassy, for best information.  Also, I understand that work is hard to come by as well.  If earning money isn't an issue for you, then you'll probably be ok.  

Another issue is the long-term living arrangements.  There is some sort of registering that must be done, which I don't know anything about.  Someone else will.

¡Buen viaje!

Answer 2

The two other answers I wholeheartedly agree with. I live in the mountains between Málaga and Granada. Spain is a wonderful place to live.

Like Sue says, there is no danger in Spain, but like everywhere there are tourists there are pickpockets. Just be sensible where you keep you valuables. There are many places in the world that are worse than Spain. The rural areas, the crime rate is very low.

It's difficult to tell you the best place to live. Some people prefer the hustle and bustle of a city, and others like me, like to get away from the tourists. To get to stay for a few months you will need to find an agent. Most long rents are for six month contracts, well, here it is that, but I expect it's much like that all over. Barcelona will be fantastic, but it will be expensive as it is one of the greatest cities to live in the world.

Answer 3

Try the North of Spain! This is the green Spain and I must say that for me,undoubtedly, the most beautiful part. Despite, it is often shadowed by the Mediterranean area. Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria and the Basque Country have everything you could like to enjoy a nice stay in Spain: Their landscape is amazing (not dry and brown as in the central and southern Spain); this area is not so tourism-oriented so they have more character and they keep their traditions; People is incredibly charming and nice; their exceptional gastronomy has become a cliche for the rest of Spain; you can have mountain, beach,..............for me this would be a natural and easy decision.

If you visit Galicia don't miss: Santiago de Compostela, Vigo and Vigo Bay (gorgeus scenery), Islas Cíes, Coruña, Rías Baixas, Rías Altas and the Coast of Lugo (which is impresive)

Answer 4

Granada is by far my favorite city in Spain.  There is so much to see and do!  Not far from the coast of the Mediterranean, the climate is great! It has the activity of a big city, with the character of a smaller one.  You can catch a flamenco show, sip sangria, go for tapas and eat at an authentic Moroccan restaurant all in one night. It's also close to the Sierra Nevadas, awesome for weekend snowboarding trips.  Granada has a diverse blend of Moorish architecture and Catholic heritage, seen best in the Alhambra.  Like anywhere else, the larger the city, the more careful you have to be.  Keep in mind that overall, the crime rate is roughly twice that in the U.S.  Use common sense and you will be fine.  

Barcelona is also an incredible city, through much busier than Granada.  Barcelona is further north, so the time of year you want to go should factor into your decision.  Las Ramblas is a huge street that runs through Barcelona, is definitely a sight to see.  It's like a giant farmers market with the freshest food and some of the strangest things for sale.

Depending on how long you want to stay, there are houses and flats for rent..there are real estate agents all over Spain--it helps to have connections to get a good deal.  The poor college student I am, I lived in Logrono (on the border of the Basque country) and stayed in hostels all over Spain on weekends.  Awesome hostel network, ideal if you want to see more of the country and really get the feel for it.