Residents' stories

Share your story of moving to Spain

You've done the move. People thinking about it want to hear from someone who's actually done it. Answer as many questions as you like, by typing or with a voice note, and we'll turn it into a short Q&A on your town's guide with your first name. It takes about 10 minutes.

About you

Where do you live?Your first nameYour part of town (optional)How long have you lived there?Where did you move from? (optional)What year did you move? (optional)Your emailNever shown. We use it to say thank you, to check anything we're unsure of, and to send your link once it's live.

Your questions

Skip any you'd rather not answer. A sentence or two is plenty, but say as much as you like.

1.Why did you choose your town?
What made you pick it over everywhere else?
Up to 3 minutes. We type it out for you.
2.What surprised you most about the cost of living?
Cheaper or dearer than you expected? Bills, food, eating out, running a car.
Up to 3 minutes. We type it out for you.
3.How have you found healthcare?
Doctors, the health centre, hospitals, dentists, private or public. Please don't share medical details.
Up to 3 minutes. We type it out for you.
4.What was the hardest bit of paperwork, and how did you get through it?
NIE, residency, the padrón, driving licence, a gestor or doing it yourself.
Up to 3 minutes. We type it out for you.
5.How did you find somewhere to live?
Renting first or buying, agents, what you'd do differently.
Up to 3 minutes. We type it out for you.
6.How easy was it to make friends?
Clubs, neighbours, groups, the British community and Spanish friends.
Up to 3 minutes. We type it out for you.
7.How's your Spanish, and does it matter in your town?
Lessons, getting by, when it made a difference.
Up to 3 minutes. We type it out for you.
8.What's the best thing about living in your town?
Up to 3 minutes. We type it out for you.
9.And the hardest thing, or what do you miss about the UK?
Up to 3 minutes. We type it out for you.
10.What's your one piece of advice for someone thinking of moving to your town?
Up to 3 minutes. We type it out for you.

0 of 10 answered (at least 3, please)

A photo of you, or of your favourite spot (optional) Add a photo

JPEG or PNG, up to 10 MB. Only a photo you took or are allowed to share, and please no children or other people who haven't agreed.

I'm 18 or over, and I agree Costa Bridge can publish my answers, lightly edited, with my first name and town on its website and its social media (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube), including quotes in posts and videos. I can ask for them to be taken down at any time.I'd be happy to be a your town local insider: you can email me now and then to check a few facts about the town, and thank me by name on the guide. I can stop any time.

We keep your email private and only use it about your story. Voice notes are typed out by our transcription service and deleted once your story is published. Please don't include other people's full names, anyone's health details or anything you'd rather keep private. More in our privacy notice.