Choosing Your Region
The different regions in Spain each offer their own unique trekking adventure. Observe wildlife in its natural habitat at game and nature reserves or at one of the many national parks. Visit scenic areas of what is frequently called "Green Spain" in the northern regions or the Pyrenees, which separate France and Spain. Or, you can hike to the highest peak on the Spanish peninsula in the Sierra Nevada, which is located in the southern region. Here you can also explore unusual architecture and art in remote locations!
Here are some recommended hiking adventures in Spain:
The mighty mountain ranges of Spain are the Cantabrian range, which crosses the Central Mountain chain, and the Iberian Mountains that begin in the Basque Country and end on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Spain is the most mountainous country in Europe. You'll enjoy visiting the foothills and valleys of the Pyrenees, one of the most popular hiking areas of Spain. Or, for a rugged hiking adventure, the Picos de Europa presents many areas where there are no roads. This is located in the regions of Cantabria and Asturias.
Hike Among the Sant Marti and Empuries Ruins
This is a Medieval town where the ruins of an ancient Greek-Roman city called Empuries lie. This is one of the most treasured sites in Spain. A hike in this area reveals ornamental mosaics on the floor, an original wall built by Romans, and the brilliant design of a Greek city.
Explore Olot's Volcanoes and la Fageda d'en Jorda
Take a hike to explore what is now a natural park. There are more than 30 volcanic cones. There's also a forest of beech trees, which is situated on the famous lava stream of Santa Margarida, a volcano that is known for having a small church in its crater.
Tour the Hidden Valley of Vall de Nuria
Encounter the quietness of nature in the hidden valley of Vall de Nuria. This hike begins with a ride on a peculiar silent railway that transports you to the valley. This railway is the only means of transportation to Nuria. The valley is engulfed by high mountains, giving you a great Alpine landscape view during your hike.
Hiking in the National Park of Aiguestortes
You'll also find great hiking opportunities at the National Park of Aiguestortes, which is located in the heart of the Pyrenees. The park offers a genuine view of High Mountain, and water is abundant throughout the area. If you like hiking around lakes, rivers and waterfalls, there are over 200 of these in the park. Don't miss the aigues tortes or "twisted waters" in the park. This is one of the most fascinating landscapes of the Pyrenees. Also while hiking in the park, you'll see plenty of fauna and flora. There are fir trees that are more than a hundred years old and also black pine tree forests where you might spot izards or bearded vultures!
Legend of the Canary Islands
Hiking in the Canary Islands has a legendary twist! The Canary Islands are part of the Atlantis legend, a place known as the disappeared continent. As you hike through the laurisilvia forest, also known as laurel jungle, you'll get the sense of being in an enchanted place. Before the Tertiary age, these forests once grew all over the Mediterranean and in most of Europe!
Hike Where Pirates Once Met
Another interesting hike is at the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range on the West coast of the Majorca Island. The mountain range runs the length of the coast, and you'll have a panoramic view of coves and cliff edges shaded by pine trees. This area of the Mediterranean used to be a meeting place for pirates. A well-preserved train in Soller that was built in 1912 will give you the feeling of being in another time from history, along with the cobbled paths that take you from the sea to L'Infern and through the beautiful cliffs of Puig Major, which is the highest peak in Majorca. The local people of the island are hospitable, and you'll receive a warm welcome after a long day's journey!
Try Great Foods while Hiking in the Navarra Pyrenees
Travel by foot through a timeless setting that has been preserved by its people. The Navarra Pyrenees offers a great hiking experience along with the best vegetables, cheese, meat and fish for the tasting. You'll also get to see where Spain's most valued wines are made - on the bank of the Ebro River. Hiking in Spain is a great way to unearth nature's beauty, meet friendly villagers and taste delicious foods and wines!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Dulaney
Saturday 29 May 2010
Scintillating Spain - The Many Charms of the Spanish Lifestyle
If you want a lifestyle full of warmth and colour, there's no need to travel halfway across the globe. Just hop on a plane to Spain and in under three hours you're in a new world of great weather, a vibrant culture and a matchless variety of things to do and places to go. Spain offers the ultimate lifestyle - a rich blend of a balmy climate, stunning scenery, and a relaxed and sensuous way of life. Here's why Spain is such a special place.
First, there's the sheer beauty of the country. Spain has a varied topography from the rugged mountains of the north to the glorious stretches of coast on the Atlantic and Mediterranean. There are timeless monuments, solitary castles looming on hilltops, medieval towns with winding cobbled streets, and chic cities such as Madrid and Barcelona offering grand shopping, art galleries and restaurants.
While Spain's inland cities such as Granada, Seville and the capital Madrid are a must visit, it's the coastline that attracts most visitors and offers the real Spanish lifestyle. For one thing, the weather is better along the coast. True, it does occasionally rain even in the summer months, but compared to the oppressive heat of the hinterland, temperatures along the coast are generally pleasant.
Southeast Spain is one of the country's choice areas and is home to lovely cities, towns and fishing villages nestled between the mountains and the harbours and beaches on the Mediterranean. Holidays in this part of Spain give every day the feeling of a fiesta. Then there's the matter of the weather.
Natural beauty always looks much better under sunny skies and that's where Spain wins out. Spain has the warmest, sunniest and driest winter climate of all Europe. And if you visit in summer, the long swathe of Mediterranean coast will bask to temperatures of over 20C for most of the time.
A great benefit of the balmy weather is the outdoor lifestyle. Being able to spend most of the day outdoors makes for a much more socially connected community. Here you can live the village life, the beach life and the leisure life. One thing's for sure, life in Spain is never dull.
There's always something happening in Spain and if you're lucky, you can witness one of the many fiestas and religious celebrations that pepper the Spanish calendar. Many of these festivals are real extravaganzas in which the people dress in exotic costumes and parade through the town. Fireworks, burning effigies and such endeavours such as creating the world's largest paella are also popular at festival time.
And another great thing about living in Spain is the cost of living. Though Spain isn't the bargain it was in the 1970s, you can still live around two thirds of what you'd spend in the UK. Rents and property are cheaper and you can eat well for very reasonable prices. For example, you could dine on freshly caught and grilled seafood every day if you wished. And of course the wine is plentiful and reasonably priced.
Finally, Spain offers the opportunity to partake an unparalleled range of activities, especially outdoor ones. In southeastern Spain, you can enjoy water sports virtually every day of the year and if golf is your thing, you can tee off on some of Europe's finest courses.
So if you'd like to spend your days playing golf or relaxing on long sandy beaches, the Almeria coast (Costa de Almeria) in Andalusia is your place. After a strenuous day, you can spend your evenings nibbling on tapas and drinking a few glasses of wine or just relax on the terrace of your hotel or villa.
If you decide to make the smart move and relocate or get a second home in Spain, property is still a great investment. You can acquire villas, cottages, apartments or townhouses at reasonable prices.
All the infrastructure you need for modern life is there, too - international schools, first-class medical facilities, and English-speaking doctors and lawyers. It's little wonder that southern Spain is the most popular country for Europeans seeking a home overseas.
When investing in overseas property you need experts to help you. So it makes sense to buy into an established resort where you get the professionalism, stability and security you need for your perfect new home. for Spanish properties and golf holidays, Almanzora is the place to go. Check online for holidays in Spain or facts on Spain property.
Michiel Van Kets writes articles for The Almanzora Group Ltd, specialists in quality holidays in Spain and Spain property alternatives. Almanzora is a region that has something for everyone, the unhurried rhythm of daily life, its celebrations, sociability and the region's emphasis on the outdoors creates an easy, relaxed, atmosphere. Enjoy quality of life and a genuine Spanish lifestyle with a true warmth of spirit.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michiel_Van_Kets
First, there's the sheer beauty of the country. Spain has a varied topography from the rugged mountains of the north to the glorious stretches of coast on the Atlantic and Mediterranean. There are timeless monuments, solitary castles looming on hilltops, medieval towns with winding cobbled streets, and chic cities such as Madrid and Barcelona offering grand shopping, art galleries and restaurants.
While Spain's inland cities such as Granada, Seville and the capital Madrid are a must visit, it's the coastline that attracts most visitors and offers the real Spanish lifestyle. For one thing, the weather is better along the coast. True, it does occasionally rain even in the summer months, but compared to the oppressive heat of the hinterland, temperatures along the coast are generally pleasant.
Southeast Spain is one of the country's choice areas and is home to lovely cities, towns and fishing villages nestled between the mountains and the harbours and beaches on the Mediterranean. Holidays in this part of Spain give every day the feeling of a fiesta. Then there's the matter of the weather.
Natural beauty always looks much better under sunny skies and that's where Spain wins out. Spain has the warmest, sunniest and driest winter climate of all Europe. And if you visit in summer, the long swathe of Mediterranean coast will bask to temperatures of over 20C for most of the time.
A great benefit of the balmy weather is the outdoor lifestyle. Being able to spend most of the day outdoors makes for a much more socially connected community. Here you can live the village life, the beach life and the leisure life. One thing's for sure, life in Spain is never dull.
There's always something happening in Spain and if you're lucky, you can witness one of the many fiestas and religious celebrations that pepper the Spanish calendar. Many of these festivals are real extravaganzas in which the people dress in exotic costumes and parade through the town. Fireworks, burning effigies and such endeavours such as creating the world's largest paella are also popular at festival time.
And another great thing about living in Spain is the cost of living. Though Spain isn't the bargain it was in the 1970s, you can still live around two thirds of what you'd spend in the UK. Rents and property are cheaper and you can eat well for very reasonable prices. For example, you could dine on freshly caught and grilled seafood every day if you wished. And of course the wine is plentiful and reasonably priced.
Finally, Spain offers the opportunity to partake an unparalleled range of activities, especially outdoor ones. In southeastern Spain, you can enjoy water sports virtually every day of the year and if golf is your thing, you can tee off on some of Europe's finest courses.
So if you'd like to spend your days playing golf or relaxing on long sandy beaches, the Almeria coast (Costa de Almeria) in Andalusia is your place. After a strenuous day, you can spend your evenings nibbling on tapas and drinking a few glasses of wine or just relax on the terrace of your hotel or villa.
If you decide to make the smart move and relocate or get a second home in Spain, property is still a great investment. You can acquire villas, cottages, apartments or townhouses at reasonable prices.
All the infrastructure you need for modern life is there, too - international schools, first-class medical facilities, and English-speaking doctors and lawyers. It's little wonder that southern Spain is the most popular country for Europeans seeking a home overseas.
When investing in overseas property you need experts to help you. So it makes sense to buy into an established resort where you get the professionalism, stability and security you need for your perfect new home. for Spanish properties and golf holidays, Almanzora is the place to go. Check online for holidays in Spain or facts on Spain property.
Michiel Van Kets writes articles for The Almanzora Group Ltd, specialists in quality holidays in Spain and Spain property alternatives. Almanzora is a region that has something for everyone, the unhurried rhythm of daily life, its celebrations, sociability and the region's emphasis on the outdoors creates an easy, relaxed, atmosphere. Enjoy quality of life and a genuine Spanish lifestyle with a true warmth of spirit.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michiel_Van_Kets
A Complete View of A Detailed Map of Spain
A good, detailed map of Spain is one that gives you a quick visual image that creates a picture and orientates you to exactly where Spain lies. Also, maps can provide a lot more information if you study their legends and understand how the area you are viewing relates to the rest of the region and its place in the world.
Where on the Globe is Spain?
Spain is located at 40 degrees north and 4 degrees west. It is a part of Europe and makes up the south western part of the continent. To compare it to the United States, Spain would measure only a little more than two times the size of Oregon. It's total area is 504,782 square kilometres, with that being broken down as 499,542 sq km of land and 5,240 sq km of water.
Spain includes a couple of island chains and two autonomous cities: Melilla and Ceuta. The islands are the Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Penon de Alhucemas, Islas Chafarinas, and Penon de Velez de la Gomera which are located off the coast of Morocco.
Spain borders on France, Gibraltar, Portugal, and two of Morocco's communities in different areas. Even with all of these land connections, Spain has almost 5,000 km of coastline and the beaches are a big part of the country's tourist trade.
Also adding to the tourist attractiveness of Spain is the temperate climate. The coast is most moderate, as the interior regions can get more extreme cold and hot temperatures in the summer and winter.
Spain sits right at sea level in its lowest spot along the Atlantic Ocean. The highest point is located in Tenerife at the Pico de Teide. This peak sits atop the Canary Islands and reaches 3,718 meters.
Key Cities and Regions of Spain
At the southern tip of Spain is the Straight of Gibraltar. This is an important passage from the Mediterranean Sea into the North Atlantic Ocean. The city of Algeciras sits watch over the merchant and tourist trades that pass through.
Along the Mediterranean coast is the Alicante region. This is a popular tourist location for all of Europe, Spain and International visitors from other parts of the world.
Madrid sits in the centre of Spain and is the country's capital. It is located near the Tagus river which then accesses the North Atlantic Ocean by way of Portugal. Seville sits in the south western part of Spain and is known for its art and culture as well as being a financial centre.
Other major and important cities in Spain are Barcelona and Cartagena both on the Balearic and Mediterranean Seas respectively.
Up in the Bay of Biscay along the coast lie the cities of Gijon and Santander. Also part of the northern coastal cities are A Coruna and Vigo. It is easy to see why Spain is heavily involved in sea life either through fishing, salt harvesting or trade. However, even strategic location has not helped Spain with its relatively high unemployment rate.
Spain still has a strong and dynamic economy. This mostly evolved after the death of its dictator, Francisco Franco who died in 1975. Once Franco was not in power, Spain quickly became a democracy and saw a dramatic modernization of its economy.
Spain is an advocate of world freedom, remaining neutral in World Wars I and II, but fighting today for liberty and ending terrorism.
Spain may not be one of the most visited of European countries by Americans unless you count the Canary Islands. It is a mistake to rule out this beautiful country because of a lack of understanding. The Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca are among the most perfect vacation spots in all of Europe, any time of year.
The magazine writer Ken J. Morris is very passionate about problems related to Spain. Sharing his passion in works like http://www.alicante-spain.com/spain.html, the columnist affirmed his expertise on issues similar to detailed map of Spain.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ken_K._Morris
Where on the Globe is Spain?
Spain is located at 40 degrees north and 4 degrees west. It is a part of Europe and makes up the south western part of the continent. To compare it to the United States, Spain would measure only a little more than two times the size of Oregon. It's total area is 504,782 square kilometres, with that being broken down as 499,542 sq km of land and 5,240 sq km of water.
Spain includes a couple of island chains and two autonomous cities: Melilla and Ceuta. The islands are the Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Penon de Alhucemas, Islas Chafarinas, and Penon de Velez de la Gomera which are located off the coast of Morocco.
Spain borders on France, Gibraltar, Portugal, and two of Morocco's communities in different areas. Even with all of these land connections, Spain has almost 5,000 km of coastline and the beaches are a big part of the country's tourist trade.
Also adding to the tourist attractiveness of Spain is the temperate climate. The coast is most moderate, as the interior regions can get more extreme cold and hot temperatures in the summer and winter.
Spain sits right at sea level in its lowest spot along the Atlantic Ocean. The highest point is located in Tenerife at the Pico de Teide. This peak sits atop the Canary Islands and reaches 3,718 meters.
Key Cities and Regions of Spain
At the southern tip of Spain is the Straight of Gibraltar. This is an important passage from the Mediterranean Sea into the North Atlantic Ocean. The city of Algeciras sits watch over the merchant and tourist trades that pass through.
Along the Mediterranean coast is the Alicante region. This is a popular tourist location for all of Europe, Spain and International visitors from other parts of the world.
Madrid sits in the centre of Spain and is the country's capital. It is located near the Tagus river which then accesses the North Atlantic Ocean by way of Portugal. Seville sits in the south western part of Spain and is known for its art and culture as well as being a financial centre.
Other major and important cities in Spain are Barcelona and Cartagena both on the Balearic and Mediterranean Seas respectively.
Up in the Bay of Biscay along the coast lie the cities of Gijon and Santander. Also part of the northern coastal cities are A Coruna and Vigo. It is easy to see why Spain is heavily involved in sea life either through fishing, salt harvesting or trade. However, even strategic location has not helped Spain with its relatively high unemployment rate.
Spain still has a strong and dynamic economy. This mostly evolved after the death of its dictator, Francisco Franco who died in 1975. Once Franco was not in power, Spain quickly became a democracy and saw a dramatic modernization of its economy.
Spain is an advocate of world freedom, remaining neutral in World Wars I and II, but fighting today for liberty and ending terrorism.
Spain may not be one of the most visited of European countries by Americans unless you count the Canary Islands. It is a mistake to rule out this beautiful country because of a lack of understanding. The Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca are among the most perfect vacation spots in all of Europe, any time of year.
The magazine writer Ken J. Morris is very passionate about problems related to Spain. Sharing his passion in works like http://www.alicante-spain.com/spain.html, the columnist affirmed his expertise on issues similar to detailed map of Spain.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ken_K._Morris
Moving To Spain
Having lived in Spain for over 18 years and brought 2 children up here, I have been through all the highs and lows and understand how important a decision this is, not only for you but for your whole family.
Making the decision Moving to Spain is easier than you think. I remember sitting on the plane when I came to live here thinking `Oh my God, what am i doing... In reality it is easy if you have drive, determination and patience. 18 years later and I still cant believe I am lucky enough to live here and have to pinch myself every morning. The lifestyle in Spain is much slower than the UK and things take longer to get done. The hot weather will definitely be one of the biggest attractions but please don't move for this reason alone. The 320 days a year of sunshine is lovely but you will need to think about where you will live how you will survive financially. Well paid, legal, jobs are not easy to find so maybe you are thinking about starting a business? Sol Commercials offer a full relocation service to enable a stress free move to Spain. We can also help you find long term rental accommodation and give free advice to anyone thinking of buying a home.
Before you leave the UK You will have to decide which possessions you will take to Spain, which you will leave in the UK and which items you should sell before you leave. All your electrical goods will work in Spain, however, your TV will only work if you view Sky TV and will not work for Spanish TV. Most rental accommodation comes fully furnished so please check with your new landlord to see if you are able to bring furniture etc. Medical insurance: There has been a lot of TV programs highlighting the problems British people face here in Spain when they fall ill. If you are working and paying social security you are entitled to free national health medical treatment. There are no social services in Spain so aftercare is left to the families of the patient. A new law will be passed in the next year to entitle all EU nationalities under retirement age to receive free health care but this is not the case today. If you are retiring early to Spain you must have private medical cover. Pensions, life insurance and investments: Members of EU countries have the right to live in Spain by virtue of their countries' membership of the EU. If you are retiring abroad, you can continue to receive your UK State pension. If you are moving permanently to Spain, you should get yearly increases in your pension. Contact the Social Security Office to complete the correct forms. Work out your retirement income by obtaining and completing a form BR19 from the Retirement Pension Forecasting and Advice Unit (RPFA) on 0044(0) 191 218 7585 and ask for a state pension forecast. This is available up to four months before you reach the UK pension age. You should write to The UK Pensions Service informing them that you are moving to Spain and give them your new address. Their address is International Pension Centre, Tyne View Park, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE98 1BA Telephone: +44 (0) 191 218 7777; Fax: +44 (0) 191 218 3836. To check on your pension rights in Spain we suggest you look at http://www.ukinspain.com/english/. This is a UK government website dedicated to providing information for those re-locating to Spain from the UK.
Making the move Once you have decided on where in Spain you want to live you will need to decide on how to get here. You could take the ferry to Calais and drive to Spain, which takes around 23 hours or the boat to Santander and an 11 hour drive down to the Costa del Sol. The drive from Santander is best done during the day as there is very poor lighting on the motorways here in Spain. Remember all your documents: Driving licences/Car insurance papers Birth/Marriage certificates Passports Bank books/cheque and credit cards etc., and make several photocopies of all your documents.
Travel documents Because Spain is part of the EU, if you live in an EU country, you do not require a visa to enter the country. You have almost equal rights in Spain as you do in your own country. Consider taking out travel insurance for your journey over. Its money well spent if your car is stolen with all your belongings inside. Ensure all your travel documents are kept on you and never let your car out of your sight. Petty theft in Spain is rife and horror stories are printed weekly in the local newspapers. Keep all your documents with you at all times and photocopies in a separate place.
On arrival in Spain As a foreigner living and/or working in Spain, the first thing you MUST do on arrival is obtain your residency certificate. You will need a residency certificate to get your children into school. Opening a bank account, renting a property etc., can be done with your passport number. Obtaining your residency certificate is a simple process which costs nothing. They are issued, on the day, from your nearest police station. You can pick up a residency certificate from your nearest national police station. You will need an appointment which can be made at the same time. The residency certificate has replaced the NIE number. Social Security - How to get a Social Security Number: The process of getting a social security number is now very easy. Simply go to any social security office, with your original passport and copy of the passport. You will have to fill in a form, which is in Spanish, but its quite easy as the normal questions are asked like, name, address, names of parents etc. They issue the number there and then and give you a temporary card. They send on the plastic card at their leisure. It is not necessary to have a job, or even a NIE to get a social security number. Why do you need a Social Security Number?: You need a social security number to work in Spain. I am sure that you are aware that if you are self-employed you have to pay into the social security, but also if you are employed you pay and this should be deducted by your employer before payment. You are entitled to social security benefits, but pro rata to what you have paid in. You also are entitled to medical care i.e. you can sign on with your local doctor. You only have to pay if you are earning money in Spain, i.e. not on any pension from the UK.
Looking for work If you have not already found work or intend to work for your self, you will now need to start job hunting. Most job vacancies here in the Costa del Sol are place in the Sur in English newspaper. You can view their website here: http://www.surinenglish.com.
Becoming a resident It is not compulsory for EU members to become a resident of Spain but there are advantages. If you intend to reside full time in Spain it is advisable to obtain residencia which are issued by the National Police department. Visit your local police station to obtain an application form. Really useful Websites: The British Embassy's website - For information on moving to and living in Spain - medical cover, employment, education, pets, cars, benefits, getting married and so much more. HelpiammovingOverseas.com is a free website giving independent to people thinking of moving abroad. The site has everything from useful hints and tips, checklists, advice, packing boxes, links to embassies and customs, useful contacts as well as a free moving quote service. Useful addresses in London Spanish Embassy: 39 Chesham Place, London SW1X 8SB Cultural Office: Tel 020 7201 5522 fax 020 7259 6487 Press Office: Tel 020 7235 7537 fax 020 7235 2263 Labour Office: 20 Peel Street, London W8 7PD Tel: 0202210098 - email: spanlabo@globalnet.co.uk
Sol Commercials is the leading commercial real estate agency in the Costa del Sol, Spain. Our latest listings & reduced businesses are marked on the website and placed on the home page. We maintain our own website which ensures it is always kept 100% up to date.
We offer a complete service, from helping you find accommodation & car hire for your inspection trip, long term rental accommodation for when you come to live in Spain, advice on purchasing a property, schools, NIE registration, residency, social security setup and everything else to enable you to make the move to Spain as easy and stress free as possible.
Contact Sol Commercials today: Tel/Fax: +34 952 198 832 - Mobile: +34 646 448 309 - Email: info@solcommercials.com - Website: http://www.solcommercials.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lindsey_Robins
Making the decision Moving to Spain is easier than you think. I remember sitting on the plane when I came to live here thinking `Oh my God, what am i doing... In reality it is easy if you have drive, determination and patience. 18 years later and I still cant believe I am lucky enough to live here and have to pinch myself every morning. The lifestyle in Spain is much slower than the UK and things take longer to get done. The hot weather will definitely be one of the biggest attractions but please don't move for this reason alone. The 320 days a year of sunshine is lovely but you will need to think about where you will live how you will survive financially. Well paid, legal, jobs are not easy to find so maybe you are thinking about starting a business? Sol Commercials offer a full relocation service to enable a stress free move to Spain. We can also help you find long term rental accommodation and give free advice to anyone thinking of buying a home.
Before you leave the UK You will have to decide which possessions you will take to Spain, which you will leave in the UK and which items you should sell before you leave. All your electrical goods will work in Spain, however, your TV will only work if you view Sky TV and will not work for Spanish TV. Most rental accommodation comes fully furnished so please check with your new landlord to see if you are able to bring furniture etc. Medical insurance: There has been a lot of TV programs highlighting the problems British people face here in Spain when they fall ill. If you are working and paying social security you are entitled to free national health medical treatment. There are no social services in Spain so aftercare is left to the families of the patient. A new law will be passed in the next year to entitle all EU nationalities under retirement age to receive free health care but this is not the case today. If you are retiring early to Spain you must have private medical cover. Pensions, life insurance and investments: Members of EU countries have the right to live in Spain by virtue of their countries' membership of the EU. If you are retiring abroad, you can continue to receive your UK State pension. If you are moving permanently to Spain, you should get yearly increases in your pension. Contact the Social Security Office to complete the correct forms. Work out your retirement income by obtaining and completing a form BR19 from the Retirement Pension Forecasting and Advice Unit (RPFA) on 0044(0) 191 218 7585 and ask for a state pension forecast. This is available up to four months before you reach the UK pension age. You should write to The UK Pensions Service informing them that you are moving to Spain and give them your new address. Their address is International Pension Centre, Tyne View Park, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE98 1BA Telephone: +44 (0) 191 218 7777; Fax: +44 (0) 191 218 3836. To check on your pension rights in Spain we suggest you look at http://www.ukinspain.com/english/. This is a UK government website dedicated to providing information for those re-locating to Spain from the UK.
Making the move Once you have decided on where in Spain you want to live you will need to decide on how to get here. You could take the ferry to Calais and drive to Spain, which takes around 23 hours or the boat to Santander and an 11 hour drive down to the Costa del Sol. The drive from Santander is best done during the day as there is very poor lighting on the motorways here in Spain. Remember all your documents: Driving licences/Car insurance papers Birth/Marriage certificates Passports Bank books/cheque and credit cards etc., and make several photocopies of all your documents.
Travel documents Because Spain is part of the EU, if you live in an EU country, you do not require a visa to enter the country. You have almost equal rights in Spain as you do in your own country. Consider taking out travel insurance for your journey over. Its money well spent if your car is stolen with all your belongings inside. Ensure all your travel documents are kept on you and never let your car out of your sight. Petty theft in Spain is rife and horror stories are printed weekly in the local newspapers. Keep all your documents with you at all times and photocopies in a separate place.
On arrival in Spain As a foreigner living and/or working in Spain, the first thing you MUST do on arrival is obtain your residency certificate. You will need a residency certificate to get your children into school. Opening a bank account, renting a property etc., can be done with your passport number. Obtaining your residency certificate is a simple process which costs nothing. They are issued, on the day, from your nearest police station. You can pick up a residency certificate from your nearest national police station. You will need an appointment which can be made at the same time. The residency certificate has replaced the NIE number. Social Security - How to get a Social Security Number: The process of getting a social security number is now very easy. Simply go to any social security office, with your original passport and copy of the passport. You will have to fill in a form, which is in Spanish, but its quite easy as the normal questions are asked like, name, address, names of parents etc. They issue the number there and then and give you a temporary card. They send on the plastic card at their leisure. It is not necessary to have a job, or even a NIE to get a social security number. Why do you need a Social Security Number?: You need a social security number to work in Spain. I am sure that you are aware that if you are self-employed you have to pay into the social security, but also if you are employed you pay and this should be deducted by your employer before payment. You are entitled to social security benefits, but pro rata to what you have paid in. You also are entitled to medical care i.e. you can sign on with your local doctor. You only have to pay if you are earning money in Spain, i.e. not on any pension from the UK.
Looking for work If you have not already found work or intend to work for your self, you will now need to start job hunting. Most job vacancies here in the Costa del Sol are place in the Sur in English newspaper. You can view their website here: http://www.surinenglish.com.
Becoming a resident It is not compulsory for EU members to become a resident of Spain but there are advantages. If you intend to reside full time in Spain it is advisable to obtain residencia which are issued by the National Police department. Visit your local police station to obtain an application form. Really useful Websites: The British Embassy's website - For information on moving to and living in Spain - medical cover, employment, education, pets, cars, benefits, getting married and so much more. HelpiammovingOverseas.com is a free website giving independent to people thinking of moving abroad. The site has everything from useful hints and tips, checklists, advice, packing boxes, links to embassies and customs, useful contacts as well as a free moving quote service. Useful addresses in London Spanish Embassy: 39 Chesham Place, London SW1X 8SB Cultural Office: Tel 020 7201 5522 fax 020 7259 6487 Press Office: Tel 020 7235 7537 fax 020 7235 2263 Labour Office: 20 Peel Street, London W8 7PD Tel: 0202210098 - email: spanlabo@globalnet.co.uk
Sol Commercials is the leading commercial real estate agency in the Costa del Sol, Spain. Our latest listings & reduced businesses are marked on the website and placed on the home page. We maintain our own website which ensures it is always kept 100% up to date.
We offer a complete service, from helping you find accommodation & car hire for your inspection trip, long term rental accommodation for when you come to live in Spain, advice on purchasing a property, schools, NIE registration, residency, social security setup and everything else to enable you to make the move to Spain as easy and stress free as possible.
Contact Sol Commercials today: Tel/Fax: +34 952 198 832 - Mobile: +34 646 448 309 - Email: info@solcommercials.com - Website: http://www.solcommercials.com
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