Planning Your Long Stay In Southern Spain
Due to pleasant climactic and environmental conditions, the large number of retired North Europeans and people from other countries spend several months of holidays in Southern Spain. The Costa del Sol is one of the favorites among people. While deciding a long stay in Southern Spain you have to consider various aspects about health, accommodation and money related issues.
Accommodation in Southern Spain
Hotel rentals offer good value for money but a long-term stay a hotel is not a good idea. A large number of private individuals and agencies offer their villas for long-term rent. You may prefer to live in a villa that is located near a holiday development but you must prefer to stay in a villa located in the countryside, especially when you have to concentrate on cost-cutting during your long stay. Do inquire about the road access, especially in the potentially humid winter months.
While choosing a villa where you would stay, you should wisely inquire about the climactic conditions and how villa is going to adapt the climate. The reason behind this is, a large number of the owners have designed their villas for hot summer months. It is important to assure that your villa has some kind of heating device for the winter months as well. During the summer months electric fans are very important and the villas that have air conditioning can be the best choice.
While deciding on the rent with the owner, find out whether the rent is exclusive or inclusive of any extra charges like cost of electricity. Evenings in the winter season are long in Southern Spain and it might get dark as early as 6 p.m.
It is advisable to gather knowledge about satellite television or CD/DVD player availability so that you find some mode of entertainment for the evening. Another important issue is eating services. Unless you don’t want to spend heavy money eating out every day, you must be very clear about what kind of kitchen facilities and equipment are available in the villa.
Health services in Spain are excellent and in case you feel unwell, you must make a visit to the nearest medical center (Ambulatorio). Emergency medical services are included in the directive principles of state policy and you may also go for private dentists and doctors in town. It is important to carry EHIC or the European medical card with your self.
Accessing Money and Paying in Spain
You can both open a Spanish bank account and transfer the money by electronic mode from your home before leaving. You can also get travel checks and cash. Credit cards are widely accepted in all supermarkets, garages and restaurants.
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