Southern European Spain has been a favorite holiday destination among the Dutch for many years. Perhaps you are playing with the thought in your mind: do I perhaps want to live (permanently) in Spain? Then you definitely want to read this blog containing the 8 best things about living in Spain summarized. Make your dream come true by also moving to Spain.
The warm climate in particular is the best thing about living in Spain for the Dutch. Even in the winter months you can enjoy being outside with sunglasses and a winter coat. Have a cheap and good lunch during the week by using the menu del dia that are often offered on the menu boards. Could this perhaps be the secret of why people in Spain have such a high life expectancy?
The landscape in Spain is very diverse and varied. You can climb mountains, walk in national parks and nature reserves, but also enjoy the various coasts, vineyards and flowers in interesting cities. Whether you choose the rougher, greener area of the Atlantic Ocean, the huge coastlines in southern Spain with its warmer Mediterranean waters or the beaches of the Costa Blanca, Costa Brava or Costa del Sol, when you come to live in Spain there is In fact, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this diversity.
The buildings in major Spanish cities are monumental and have an impressive history. Are you going to live permanently in Spain? This offers you the possibility of a rich cultural life in a multi-coloured country consisting of a melting pot of cultures. Not only Madrid and Barcelona offer an extensive cultural offer, Valencia and Seville are also attractive. And as Gandhi said, "The culture of a country dwells in the heart and soul of the people."
Spaniards naturally have a relaxed pace of life and an extensive lunch or siesta is part of that. This means that you sometimes have to wait a little longer for your contractor or other appointments. Not really one of the 8 best things about living in Spain you will say. But yes, it's just the flip side of their relaxed side you should think and it's certainly more fun than quickly eating a sandwich you brought with you behind your desk. And that is precisely the charming thing about living in Spain. Of course it differs whether you would live in a bustling city or in a nice quiet village in Spain.
You will also enjoy the delicious tapas and pinchos that can be eaten anywhere in Spain for hours. And traditional Spanish food is not expensive. What a nice experience if there is also live guitar music present. Enjoying the sun, a refreshing drink and hospitable company around you. This is really one of the best experiences of living in Spain! Of course, nothing stands in the way of learning how to cook delicious Spanish yourself.
Good to know if you are considering living in Spain. The Spanish population is mostly Catholic, so you will have to deal with many religious festivals. Semana Santa, the holy Easter week prior to Easter, for example, is celebrated extensively and cannot be compared to our Easter breakfast. Almost every quarter there are public holidays in Spain. With the help of these parties you will learn about the traditions and thus discover the real Spain.
Do I need the Spanish language, you ask? Living permanently in Spain is not a holiday, so the answer is yes. It ensures social contacts when you start living in Spain. In addition to Spanish, Basque and Catalan are spoken. Although it may not be in your list of the 8 best things about living in Spain, learning the language without haste will partly help avoid frustration and improve your quality of life. Learning the language is also an adventure and the friendly Spaniards will be happy to help you with that.
Since the cost of living in Spain is lower than in the Netherlands, you can live a rich life in this southern European country. Medical care is also easily accessible.
When you move to Barcelona, you will probably need more money than when you move to an inland village. In general, you will spend less money on monthly costs when living in Spain compared to the Netherlands, especially if you prefer the interior over, for example, the large Madrid.
Then De Haan Verhuizingen is happy to take care of the move for you with care and attention. We understand the local bureaucracy and our seasoned partners in Spain can handle this very well. So that you can already start dreaming about the sun, guitar music and the relaxed population.