Andalucian & Spanish Lifestyle

In Andalucia you definitely 'work to live', not the other way around. After all, there are so many more enjoyable things to do with your time both on the Costa del Sol and inland from the coastline in rural Andalucia. Irrespective of age, income or inclination, the tens of thousands of foreigners who have made this their adopted home, live an enviable lifestyle in Andalucia, in a near-perfect climate. View our testimonials from visitors and residents to Andalucia.

So even if it is a bit too hot in July and August in southern Spain to be dashing around; then do as the locals do and just take things more slowly. Adjust your body clock; do the chores early in the morning, take a siesta in the hottest part of the day and go to bed much later at night. Switch diet to include lots of crisp, fresh salads, fish and chilled refreshing soups accompanied perhaps by a light rosé wine (and lots of water) for a change. During those long hot, summer days anywhere in Andalucia, you must learn to take things easy. It is definitely time to adopt the famous mañana attitude syndrome! Let's leave the rest of the year for getting things done. Many Spanish offices and factories either change their opening hours or actually close down during the summer and it is almost impossible to access any official paperwork until September 1st.

One of the great things about life in Andalucia and on the Costa del Sol is that you don't have to spend money to have a great time - that's not to say that there aren't many tempting and terrific ways to indulge yourself if your pockets are deep. It doesn't cost anything, for instance, to enjoy the miles of coastline and beaches that are on the doorstep, or walks in the countryside awash with wild flowers and the typical Andalucian almond blossom in the spring. Most local authorities also offer a host of sporting facilities, exercise, art and Spanish classes all at vastly subsidised rates. Concerts and exhibitions are held regularly at the local Casas de Cultura often with free entrance. Life in Andalucia varies from the absurd expensive rich and famous, to the cheap and cheerful every day life...with something for everyone to enjoy.