The rain in Spain………
3 years ago we would have said “falls mainly in Chiclana”, but I get ahead of myself.
Looking to escape impossible targets, do-gooders and a myriad of other annoyances in the UK we first looked at the traditional Costas but they were a bit busy for us and we started thinking elsewhere. Then, one night on one of the holiday programs, the Costa de la Luz was hailed as “the next new place.” This was obviously powerful medicine as everyone I know down here has been here about 3 years!
Before long we were driving down from Faro to Chiclana de la Frontera, which seemed to be the biggest place along the coast from where we could survey our new domain. The word Frontera is appended to many towns in a line from Tarifa to Seville, marking the territory of the Moor civilisation. Some of whom are still here!
Anyway, after a couple of visits we signed up for a new villa, just minutes from the fabulous Barrosa Beach. It was raining at the time, actually it was more of a monsoon which seemed to last for several months. This is not normal, but then this is not a normal place. The weather varies quite a bit, from the warm Levante wind, which drives many of us insane, to the cold, wet winter. We actually had frosts this year but I think this is due in part to global warming. It’s certainly not normal. It’s very hot in the summer.
While we’re talking water, it’s worth mentioning that most folks in these parts have their own well. This was a god- send the year before last when there was no rain for 12 months. Our well water is plentiful and filled our new pool in 2 days. For free.
It’s not easy to work here; best come on a pension or have a special skill you can sell. So, bearing in mind I came to escape computers and my wife to escape teaching, guess what we both do now.
We’re self - employed, I provide services for business (www.pdqbusiness.com) and my wife teaches Spanish children English. I also run the coasts premier web site which provides information for visitors and residents. (www.mycadiz.biz) This is the place to look if you want a feel for the area before you come. It’s also got a very popular Forum so you can ask questions of the locals if you want to.
Overall, I can heartily recommend the Costa de la Luz; it’s very Spanish and in the winter we can walk the dog on the 8kms of sandy beach with not another soul in sight!
Fly to Jerez from Stansted via Ryanair or from Manchester via Monarch.
Written by
Paul Day