After 9 weeks in Moraira and a quick stop in London, we’ve now moved to Mascarat, just north of Altea. Finding rentals was a real struggle—not because there were none available, but because of the complete lack of response from agencies, websites, and homeowners.
France has rentals figured out
In France, there’s a website that offers rentals for over a month. Homeowners register for a fee and create a listing with the house or apartment they want to rent out. It works very well, and we had our own house listed on there for years.
In Spain, there’s nothing quite like that. There are a few large agencies that handle holiday and medium-term rentals. One of them is a sluggish, frustrating machine—half the time the listings are outdated, and the other half you just don’t get a reply. The site doesn’t charge, so it seems nobody really cares.
We did come across a few other websites that claim to help with rentals, but they just redirect you to other listing sites.
Finally, a breakthrough
After a few frustrating weeks, we finally had a few responses. In the end, we found this apartment in Mascarat. We paid a deposit to secure the place, and the owner wanted a contract. She had clearly taken a standard Spanish contract and run it through a translation app. It offered lots of protection for her, and very little for us. My husband suggested some changes, which he submitted in a Word document with comments on the side.
The homeowner—originally from Lithuania and not exactly fluent in English, especially when it comes to legal jargon—nearly gave up on us. Luckily, our daughter (who is almost a lawyer!) gave us some legal advice and frowned at the contract. But we didn’t want to lose the apartment over a ‘legal dispute’.
We figured the risks were low and decided to sign it. We even dropped the contract off at the apartment, as the owners were still there. At least we could confirm it actually existed!
A decent first impression
The apartment was okay, with a lovely mountain view and literally a minute away from stunning sea views. The owners’ daughter gave us a tour and kept telling us how lucky we were to rent the apartment at such a great monthly price.
This is what is called sea glimpses……!Mountain view from our balcony in Mascarat
Strangely enough, the price was exactly the same as all the other apartments we’d looked at.
We moved in during the last weekend of March and will be here for five weeks. Our first impression was that it was neat and clean. But when I went to slide a suitcase under the bed, I quickly discovered that vacuuming is not their strong suit. Corners had clearly been skipped.
The cleaning surprise (not the good kind)
If that had been the only issue, we might’ve forgiven it. But when I went to make a cup of tea, I noticed the mugs weren’t clean. In fact, none of the crockery was clean. Every single item in the kitchen needed a good wipe-down. The tiles, the cooker, the top of the fridge, the oven, the oven dishes, the pans, even the underside of the wall cupboards—everything was greasy, stained, or sticky. We had our work cut out for us!
The most annoying part? We were charged a cleaning fee. Yet the owners clearly didn’t bother to clean the place themselves. They also have a security bond from us—which I’d very much like to see returned when we leave.
Since moving in, we’ve discovered more issues. The kettle keeps boiling non-stop. The water tank leaks. The shower is about to fall off the wall. The desk was broken. The oven seal is worn out—potentially a fire hazard, as it gets very hot. Plates and cups are chipped and cracked. Honestly, the list just goes on.
Remind me—weren’t we told how lucky we were to have found this place?
A 5 minute walk offers stunning sunrises!
To speak up or not to speak up?
We’ve cleaned it up and can live with it for now. But the question is: how do we tell the owner her apartment isn’t up to standard? My Dutch instincts would be to just tell her directly. But my ever-polite British husband prefers a more reserved approach. I’m leaving it to him… though I’d really like my cleaning fee back.
Any tips—or horror stories—about dealing with bad rentals?
After spending just over 2 months in Moraira, we had planned a week in London to catch up with family. We flew from Alicante and therefore stayed a night in a hotel. As a result we had the perfect excuse to explore the city, and honestly, we were far from disappointed.
The night life is lively and there is plenty of it
Alicante is home to over 350,000 people and consequently, we expected it to be busy and chaotic. As an illustration our attempt to find the parking garage felt like a mini road trip in itself due to the many one-way streets and unexpected detours.
We booked a cute hotel without reception in the centre of town. Entry was via a code and our key cards were tucked away in a security box. Minimal, yet fast and efficient!
First Impressions: Sunshine, Palms, and a Brisbane Flashback
Alicante greeted us with palm-lined promenades, wide streets, grand architecture and that irresistible Mediterranean warmth. Having lived in Brisbane for 17 years, we felt right at home. There’s something about warm coastal cities that just oozes relaxation, like they’re permanently on holiday mode.
Grand building along the Esplanade de España
First stop: the Explanada de España, Alicante’s pedestrian-friendly promenade. It’s famous for its 6.5 million marble floor tiles, arranged in such a way that they create the illusion of movement. A surrealist’s dream—or a mild dizziness-inducing experience, depending on how long you stare at the ground.
Explanada de España, the place to ‘paseo’
Lined with cafes and restaurants, this is the prime location for the beloved Spanish paseo—that traditional evening stroll where locals hang out, chat, and probably judge tourists who walk too fast. Additionally the promenade also hosts art displays, live music, and, as we discovered, some enormous Moreton Bay fig trees.
Santa Cruz, the old barrio showing off their flower pots
This old quarter of the city, the barrio de Santa Cruz, nestled at the foot of Santa Bárbara Castle, is a maze of narrow, winding streets, tiny colourful houses, and an elaborate display of potted plants. Some homes have become minor tourist attractions thanks to their impressive plant collections, with one enterprising local hoping to get donations to maintain her vibrant mini-jungle.
A Tapas Experience… Gone Slightly Wrong
Alicante is teeming with cafes, tapas bars, and charming squares where one can sit, sip, and snack for hours. Finding a spot was easy—choosing one was the real challenge but we finally settled on a well-established, traditional tapas bar.
An authentic cafe at the Mercado of Alicante
Our waiter, clearly unimpressed by yet another pair of tourists, assigned us the worst seats in the house. Meanwhile, several adorable little tables stood mysteriously “reserved”—for whom, we’ll never know, as they remained empty throughout our stay. The tapas and wine were expensive but tasty.
Alicante: Easy to Love, Easier to Explore
Alicante stretches gracefully along the waterfront and it is one of those cities where walking is the best way to explore. The city has mastered the art of urban planning. We found shady parks with huge fig trees and family-friendly playgrounds often conveniently next to cafes.
Alicante stretches out along the coast
It’s also one of the driest cities in Europe, with water shortages being a genuine concern. We spotted a desalination plant en route to the airport—modern problems, modern solutions.
Fun Facts We Picked Up Along the Way:
Alicante has a well-known university with over 25,000 students (read: a lively nightlife scene).
It’s home to the European Union Intellectual Property Office
Its airport is busier than Valencia’s – must be due to Benidorm!
You can hop on a ferry to the Balearic Islands or even Algeria.
A tram runs all the way to Benidorm, should you fancy a beach-hopping adventure.
The city bursts into fiery celebration during the Bonfires of Saint John, a traditional summer solstice festival.
Nearly 20% of Alicante’s population is foreign, meaning you’ll hear more than just Spanish on the streets.
Alicante, I’ll Be Back
Although we only had one day to explore, Alicante left its mark. The warmth, the energy, the effortless blend of history and modern life—it all just clicked.
I have a feeling this was just the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
Spain is experiencing an unusual weather pattern. Over the past two weeks, we’ve had strong winds, cool temperatures, and ominous clouds, topped off with a severe weather warning. It’s a stark reminder that even in places known for sunshine, nature has its own plans. Just remember 29/10—the floods in Valencia—and you’ll understand our sense of alarm.
This isn’t our first experience with extreme weather. In Limoux, we witnessed several floods. In Brisbane, we endured a lengthy drought, only to see the Brisbane River rise nearly five meters during the 2011 floods. And in Cataluña, we house-sat during torrential rainstorms that sent water streaming through the house.
The owner’s reaction? Pure nonchalance. Her advice? Sweep the water through and go to bed. It was just part of life there. But it drove home an important point: location matters, especially when hills and water flow are involved.
River Aude – wider than ever!
The Importance of Water Flow and Hills
Everywhere we’ve looked for property so far is surrounded by hills. While picturesque, it’s essential to understand how water moves in these areas. One key lesson we’ve learned: avoid homes at the bottom of hilly streets.
Our house in Brisbane never flooded, despite being near the bottom of a slope, but we often had to sweep away water to keep it from entering the house. The garden, however, turned into a wild, raging river. The house below us? Its garage collected all the water, making it a terrible place for storage. Similarly, in Cataluña, despite being on higher ground, water still found its way toward the house from the surrounding hills.
Understanding Flood Risks Before Buying
So how do you predict what water will do in extreme weather? Are there experts who analyze these risks? We’re beginning to realize that understanding water movement is just as important as knowing about property taxes or local amenities.
The Brisbane River rising above 5 meters
Brisbane’s 2011 floods happened on a bright, sunny day. The water came from inland, and no one could stop its rise. The situation worsened because it coincided with high tide. Similarly, when Valencia flooded last year, the water’s origins weren’t immediately obvious.
Unpredictability of the Weather
Climates are shifting, and areas once considered low-risk are now vulnerable. Just last week, Brisbane was bracing for Cyclone Alfred—an anomaly for the area. Cyclones typically impact northern Queensland, but this time, the eye of the storm was heading straight for the southern coast.
It’s a sobering thought: when buying a home, you can’t assume the past will dictate the future. You need to prepare for the worst weather and factor in changing weather patterns.
Weather Lessons We’ve Learned:
Understand water flow – Hills can be beautiful, but water needs somewhere to go.
Research historical floods – If a house has flooded before, it’s likely to happen again.
Talk to locals – They often know which areas are prone to flooding.
Check drainage systems – Poor drainage can turn a mild storm into a disaster.
Climate change is real – Areas once considered safe may now be at risk.
At this stage, we don’t know exactly what kind of property we’ll end up with—flat land, a hilly plot to build on, or an existing house. But one thing is clear: we consider ourselves warned, and we’ll be paying close attention.
After two months in Moraira, Marina Alta, we set our sights further south, hoping to find a rental in or near Villajoyosa. We even had our eye on a charming old-town apartment in the heart of the city—but we missed out. And so, the search continued.
To find a rental through Facebook groups
Our first rental in Moraira came from a Facebook group, and thankfully, it turned out to be a genuine listing. So when another opportunity popped up on a different Facebook page, we were hopeful.
A guy reached out via Messenger, offering an apartment in Villajoyosa. He asked for my email to send more details and photos—not an unusual request, but in today’s world, a little caution goes a long way.
After some prompting, he sent over 10 photos and a detailed description. It all looked great. I asked for pricing, deposit details, and any additional fees. That’s when the red flag popped up—he wanted a 40% deposit upfront, nearly €600.
Colourful houses in Villa Joiosa
Something felt off. I asked for proof of a tourist license, reviews, or any official listing. Silence. No response. Suspicious, I did a reverse search for the apartment and found it listed on Airbnb—for over €100 per night—under a Dutch female owner. Classic scam.
Can you trust anyone these days? It’s hard to say.
Avoiding Rental Scams: The Banana Trick
When negotiating our Moraira rental, the owner had never rented it out before and had no tourist license. But they offered a video call to explain the situation and even lowered the deposit to ease our concerns. That gave us confidence, and thankfully, it all worked out.
A fellow renter once told me a brilliant trick: Ask the owner to take a picture standing inside the rental holding a banana. If they refuse or make excuses, run! It might sound silly, but it’s a simple way to confirm the listing is real.
No colour restrictions here…..
The Hidden World of Rental Agents
Many Facebook rental groups claim to be for homeowners and renters only, but the reality is quite different. The majority of “owners” are actually agents, cleverly disguising themselves until you decline the first property—at which point, they suddenly have plenty of options.
Meanwhile, well-known Spanish rental sites are notorious for not responding to inquiries. They live up to that reputation flawlessly. And when you do get a response, it’s often from an agent, not a direct owner. The site itself has no real control over customer service, so you’re left waiting, often indefinitely.
Key Takeaways
To find a rental in Spain is proving much harder than we hoped and we learned a few things:
Trust but verify – Always ask for proof like a tourist license, reviews, or an official listing. High deposits can be a red flag.
Use the “banana trick” – Ask the owner for a photo inside the rental holding a random object. A quick way to spot scammers!
Many “owners” are actually agents – Many Facebook listings come from agents, not direct homeowners. Be prepared for upselling.
Be flexible – The ideal house may not exist, so adjusting expectations can make the search easier.
Always different than the neighbours….
Rethinking the ‘Dream Rental’
Our vision of the ideal house in Villajoyosa is slipping away, and we’ve had to adjust our criteria. Now, we’re open to places that are less than perfect—as long as they’re available and legitimate!
With one month left to secure our next home, we remain hopeful. The ideal house might not exist exactly as we imagined, but we’ll find something that works.
After a couple of weeks in Moraira, we’re starting to see a pattern. Life on the coast is very much an expat scene, while inland Spain offers a more authentic Spanish experience. In this post, I want to share our impressions of a few inland towns we visited.
These towns have a few things in common. They are functional Spanish towns with real amenities—medical services, schools, town halls, council offices, and businesses that cater to local life rather than tourism. Just Spanish life as it is.
Market Towns in Inland Spain
We explored Benissa, Gata de Gorgos, Pedreguer, and Pego. One thing we noticed: they all have lively weekly markets. Benissa’s market is on Saturdays, Gata de Gorgos on Fridays, Pedreguer hosts a rastro every Sunday morning, and Pego’s market takes place on Thursdays.
Since we love markets, having one nearby is a must. In France, our weekly market ritual includes fresh fruit and veggie shopping, a café stop, and the occasional run-in with familiar faces. It’s a tradition we’re not willing to give up.
Little cafes everywhere
The Feel of Inland Spain
Walking through these Spanish towns, we were struck by how clean and well-kept they are. Small shops and bars are tucked away, buzzing with local life. You won’t get far with English or other foreign languages, but the locals are friendly, quick to greet you, and happy to chat or help—giving my very basic Spanish some much-needed practice!
A few weeks ago, we met someone living in Moraira who was house-hunting in Pedreguer. More space, better value, and a different pace of life drew her inland. Funny enough, we later spotted her viewing a house right on the town’s main square!
An Unexpected Conversation
While wandering Pedreguer’s streets, a local man struck up a conversation, asking if I liked the town. When I said I was Dutch, he went off on how Dutch buyers were pushing up house prices, making it harder for locals to afford homes. I’m not sure why he singled out the Dutch—we’re far from the only ones—but I get it. It’s a common issue in sought-after regions.
Street of Pedrequer
All these towns are in the Marina Alta, within 25 km of the coast but not all coastal areas are equally charming. We took a 20-minute drive from Pego to the nearest beach. The sandy, wide coastline was beautiful, but surprisingly quiet. No chiringuitos, no tucked-away beach bars—just a strip of road lined with restaurants, bars, and summer attractions that probably come alive in peak season.
After taking it all in, we wrapped up the day with a meal at one of our favorite spots in Denia. Reflecting on our inland tour, we realized we really liked the towns we’d seen. We could see ourselves living near a place like this.
Marina Alta: A Strong Contender
The Marina Alta is definitely growing on us. It has that perfect blend of authenticity, coastal proximity, and everyday livability. While none of the towns we visited screamed WOW, Benissa stood out as a place with real potential. This region is starting to feel like home, and we’re excited to dig deeper and see if it’s where we truly belong.
Denia – not a bad place at all!Benissa – a Spanish working town with a lovely old centreWandering old town Pego
Key Takeaways:
Inland towns feel more authentic and Spanish than the coast.
Markets are an important feature for us.
Locals are welcoming, but you need to speak some Spanish.
Coastal areas vary—some are lively, others can feel deserted offseason.
Benissa stands out, but we’ll keep exploring!
What do you think? Do you prefer coastal or inland life? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
On another note, if you like my pictures, you can find more in my new Etsy shop.
Finding the ideal house in Spain is a combined effort with my sister. She wants a holiday home while we plan to live there all year -round. This means balancing different needs: a place that works for relaxed vacations and a spot that fits our everyday lifestyle. While we are physically in Spain exploring potential areas, she is busy scanning the listings from afar, sending us links to check them out.
One of those links led us to a house in Ontinyent, a city we hadn’t even considered. It’s in the Valencian province, about 55 km inland. Still, keeping an open mind, we decided to make the over 100 km drive to see if it could be the right fit.
First Impressions of Ontinyent
The drive took us 1.5 hours, which already felt like a stretch. We had a tentative viewing scheduled, though another buyer had seen it the day before and was considering an offer. Oddly enough, the agent wouldn’t let us view it until that offer was decided. A bit bizarre, as you’d think having backup interest would be a good thing.
As we were waiting, we decided to check out Ontinyent. With a population of 35k we expected a fair amount of amenities. and a lively city centre. But after parking and walking around, we struggled to find a bit of soul. It was a grid of streets, maybe a Roman influence but we could not find much buzz.
La Plaça Mayor – hardly a plaça!
A tourist office directed us to a central square, Plaça Mayor where we could find some action. We arrived, found a church, one cafe and a handful of parked cars. As our hometown in France has a fabulous square and is a quarter of the size of this town, we felt rather disappointed.
This has to be the best street in Ontinyent….!
From the square we wondered up into the old town hoping to find little tucked away bars and quirky cafes. None of those! We decided that Ontinyent was not the right fit for us!
The Ideal House in the Wrong Location?
We had not heard from the real estate lady and decided to drive up to the house as we had the coordinates. It was a 4km drive and the house sat in an ‘urbanizacion’ – one of those sprawling suburban developments with large plots and walled-off homes. Not exactly the community feel we’re looking for.
A peek through the fence.
From what we could see, the house itself had plenty of potential. There was a main house, a casita, a large outdoor area, a pool, a carport , some fruit trees and a small olive grove. Sounds idyllic – right?
However it was in the wrong location in every aspect. Here’s why!
The house was in an urbanizacion – large plots with high walls. A push if you like to get to know your neighbours.
Ontinyent was not unattractive but it did not offer much either – no spark
At over 50 km inland, a beach trip would require real effort.
The nearest beach options are Gandia and Oliva. Both high rise resort towns.
The drive to the beach felt tedious – slow and quite busy even in the winter. Imagine the summer!
This experience reminded us of an important discovery: a beautiful home means nothing if it’s in the wrong place.
So, we keep going, refining our vision, and narrowing down locations that feel right. The search continues—stay tuned
Last but not least—don’t forget to comment! It helps others find my blog, and I’d love to hear your thoughts. Also, if you have any tips, send them my way!
On another note, if you like my pictures, you can find more in my new Etsy shop.
