Living in Spain during the winter

An attractive option for many with Spanish property

People who have property in Spain fall into one of two groups – resident or non-resident. You are a non-resident here if you live less than 183 days in Spain – and these don’t need to be consecutive days.

However, there is perhaps another group within the non-resident category; those people that are semi-resident and live in Spain during the winter. They could hardly be described as tourists, they are not officially resident but live in a kind of no man’s land in between.

It’s understandable why people would want to do this. For those people who have retired and live in northern Europe the milder winter weather of Spain is a definite attraction. In most coastal regions it is rare, even in the coldest months, to see snow.

It might still be chilly during the winter but most days the sun shines and it’s not raining. Put this in contrast to the weather in the north of Europe where you are likely to be snow bound, the temperatures stay well below freezing for months on end and there is very little sunlight. Which would you prefer?

Thousands of people every year take the decision to live in Spain during the winter time. Many of them may have operated this cycle every year and have become used to its foibles. We share with you our tips for long term stay in Spain.

Enjoy the better weather

Living in Spain during the winter brings a number of benefits. Of course, the weather is milder and you can take part in so many different activities. It makes a terrific amount of difference to be able to sit outside and eat, take a walk or ride a bicycle in the middle of winter without getting a frozen jaw.

Many people find that the winter ailments they have in their home country disappear during a winter spent in Spain. Rheumatism, arthritis and breathing problems can all be alleviated by the milder climate. The opportunity to take more outside exercise makes a difference too.

It can also be cheaper to live in Spain. It’s true that electricity prices have risen recently and it is not as cheap as it once was, however, with lower heating bills and the opportunity to enjoy a menu del dia for as little as 6 or 7 euros, a retired person can generally find that their money will go further whilst their quality of life is better.

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