I’m in my sixties, we are starting a new chapter and life is shifting — again. After eight beautiful years in France, we are about to put our house in Limoux on the market and are preparing to begin a new adventure in southern Spain. Together with my sister, we’ve put down a reserve offer on a house near Cómpeta in Andalucía. As a matter of fact the Contracto de Arras is being prepared as we speak. It seems like it is really happening!
France was good to us. The rhythm of life in Limoux, the beautiful square – definitely one of the better ones in France, the wine, the landscape, the people — all part of a chapter we truly loved. But life evolves, and so do we. Our decision to move is a blend of practicalities, lifestyle choices, and the rising cost of living in France. Spain has been on the radar for a while, and it’s time to go for it.
Central Limoux – our hometown for 7 yearsIl y a toujours une fête à Limoux – always something going on!
Our research so far
It all began with a winter trip in 2024, when we explored the region between Valencia and Castellón. Uninspired by what we found, we decided to head further south this year, spending four months exploring the Costa Blanca. We chose this area, hopeful it might finally offer what we were looking for.
Surprisingly, it didn’t. Lovely in several aspects, but not quite us for many reasons. Our search is complicated because we are looking for a property that can be divided in two independent sections – one for my sister and partner and one for us. Our research shifted further south although we always said that that the South of Spain might be too hot.
We discovered in the Costa Blanca that we don’t mind the heat after all we lasted in Brisbane for 17 years. We dislike cold, wind, grey skies—Limoux and Costa Blanca had too much of that this spring.
The whitewashed villages and rolling hills of Andalucía felt just right. Slower pace, warmer winters, and something that felt closer to the life we envision.
My sister found a place that ticked almost all the boxes, went to view it, and came back with a “yes.” We now will have a garden, a pool, olive and fruit trees. We’re not in a village but not isolated either — the best of both worlds. Cómpeta itself is a beautiful, white Andalusian town with a community feel and creative energy.
Embracing this new chapter with gusto!
The next few months will be all about transition: selling the house in France, downsizing, learning Spanish (I started in January and still have a long way to go), navigating tax and health systems, and of course — the actual move. All this while still working a 30-hour job. It’s going to be exciting, overwhelming – probably both.
This move isn’t just a relocation. It’s a deeper shift — toward community, simpler living, growing some of our own food, eating well, restoring a home with love and intention. It’s about carving out a wholesome and sustainable life in our later years.
This is the beginning of a new chapter. I’ll be sharing the process here — the ups and downs, the practical tips, and the joys of starting over in a new place. If you’re 50/60-plus and wondering whether such big changes are still possible — let me tell you, they are.
I’m living proof and I know I am not the only one!
After 16 weeks of exploring the Costa Blanca, our Spanish house hunt came to an end mid May – or did it not?
In my last blog post, I mentioned that we missed out on a house in Orxeta. Well, things took an unexpected turn: the buyer pulled out, and we suddenly had a chance to view the house after all.
A Second Chance in Orxeta
It was nearly perfect—great location, stunning views, and close to the charming village of Orxeta. We had a viewing and liked the house in many ways. To recap: we’re on a house hunt for a property that allows for two separate living spaces—one for my sister and her partner, and one for us.
This house technically offered that setup. In fact, the second “house” used to be a bar—and it still looked very much like one. It would take significant renovation to turn it into a home. The pool was also in poor condition, and to top it off, there was an issue with the septic tank.
In the end, we decided it would require too much cash and effort to make it in what we wanted. So, despite the near-perfect location, we passed.
Changing our focus may be on the radar!
A Change of Direction
That decision left us feeling a little deflated. Was the Costa Blanca really the right area for us? It’s hard to explain—it was more of a gut feeling than anything concrete.
A few hints led us to start looking at Andalusia—initially just online, since it’s a six-hour drive away. Then my sister came across a very interesting property and sent it our way.
At that point, we were at the end of our four-month Spain journey. Energy and enthusiasm were running low. But something about this house told us it was worth looking into. My husband even considered driving the 600 km to see it. In the end, though, my work commitments and our upcoming return to France made that difficult.
So my sister took the reins and flew to Málaga to view the property.
Changing our focus to Andalusia – impressive statue in Moraira.
Could This Be The End of our House Hunt?
They saw the property—and it immediately felt like it could be the one. It just wasn’t in Costa Blanca; it was in Andalusia. The house and land ticked nearly all the boxes—except one. It didn’t yet have a DAFO.
A DAFO is a certificate issued by the town hall confirming that a rural property is legal and won’t be subject to fines or demolition. It offers maximum security to the buyer. You can read more about it here.
Apparently, the DAFO was in the process of being issued. The catch was that no one could say when it would be finalised—meaning there was no way to guarantee when (or if) it would end up in our hands.
Now, none of us is familiar with the ins and outs of Spanish property law, rural zoning, or habitation certificates—and we didn’t want to fall into a trap. So we opted to hire a lawyer to take over and dig into the details.
Our House Hunt is Getting Serious
Five days later, we signed a reservation contract and paid a small deposit to take the house off the market. Our lawyer added a few protective clauses—if the DAFO didn’t come through, we’d have the right to withdraw or renegotiate.
That may sound easy—but believe me, it wasn’t.
My sister and her partner were on a roller coaster ride trying to get everything clarified and agreed upon. During that time, they stayed in nearby Cómpeta, in an Airbnb run by two guys who had appeared on A Place in the Sun. Cómpeta is one of those gorgeous white Andalusian villages. They met several locals, many of whom offered invaluable tips and insights about the area.
Lessons from the Road
That experience helped us make an informed decision when the ‘right’ house came along—even if it was in a different region than we originally imagined.
Villa Joiosa at the Costa Blanca is famous for its vibrant coloured housesSunrise view from Altea, a gorgeous white village on the Costa Blanca
So, to recap: we spent four months exploring the Costa Blanca, drove 6,000 km, visited dozens of towns and villages, and viewed several properties—without a concrete result. But we learned a lot along the way: what doesn’t work for us, how Spanish bureaucracy ticks, and what legal and logistical pitfalls to avoid.
That experience gave us the clarity and confidence to make an offer on this Andalusian home. With the help of a good lawyer, we knew exactly what we were getting into—and what needed to be double-checked.
The property ticks most of our boxes, and what’s missing can be addressed over time.
This week, I visited Benidorm, a place that was never even close to making my travel wish list. But when you’re staying nearby and you’d like to form an actual opinion—not just repeat what others say—you kind of have to do it!
Yes, really….Benidorm.
The ever changing skyline of Albir, Benidorm and Altea.
We’re currently staying near Altea, and from where we are, Benidorm’s high-rise skyline is clearly visible on the horizon. It actually reminds me a bit of the Gold Coast in Australia which we have seen plenty of times when our kids grew up. I have taken a few photos of that skyline, and it genuinely seems to change every time we look at it—light, weather, mood—it’s always a little different.
After three weeks of watching it from afar, we finally decided to take a closer look. It was Good Friday—always a bit of a wildcard when it comes to outings. But the drive in turned out to be less hectic than expected. Honestly, we expected a slow procession of cars heading for the center, but this time, it was smooth sailing.
A Few Quick Facts About Benidorm:
It has a population of just under 75 k.
In summer, that number skyrockets to over 400k—possibly to levels best described as “bursting at the seams.”
Facilities? Let’s just say, if you need it, Benidorm probably has it.
First impressions
As we approached the town, our first impression was that it looked like a typical Spanish city. You don’t immediately see the towering high-rises unless you catch a glimpse down one of the side streets. We managed to park in a covered garage quite close to the center—plenty of spaces and no stress.
From there, we strolled towards the beach, aiming to find the “old town” that several people had recommended. We wandered through a few lively streets, passed numerous shops and cafés, and eventually arrived at the beachfront. But somewhere along the way, we seemed to have missed what we thought would be a quaint, historic district.
Where is the old town?
It’s possible that we expected something similar to Altea’s old town, with cobbled lanes, flower-draped balconies, and a certain charm. What we found was more of a bustling commercial hub—restaurants, pubs, souvenir shops, and everything in between. It certainly caters to the crowds, which, judging by the numbers, it handles with ease.
Peace and quiet! Not on this beach…..
And speaking of crowds… the beach was absolutely packed. It honestly reminded me of Bondi Beach in Sydney on Christmas Day which we experienced before having kids. The weather was glorious, and clearly, everyone had the same idea.
We continued exploring and discovered another bay just around the headland—again, wall-to-wall sunseekers. In between is a lovely lookout point, a mirador built on the site of what was once a castle. It offered stunning views of the coast either way and was clearly a popular photo stop.
El Mirador de Benidorm – one of the city’s landmarksLooking south towards Alicante
Benidorm’s shopping streets are extensive, with a mix of local and international brands. And like Alicante, it has ‘eat streets’—entire stretches where one restaurant follows another. While exploring those, we noticed something interesting: tapas and pintxo bars were mostly filled with locals and Spanish holidaymakers, while the establishments serving fry-ups, burgers, and pizzas had a distinctly North European clientele.
Benidorm – final thoughts!
We spent a few hours in Benidorm and came away slightly surprised—and a little amused—by our experience. Would I choose to holiday there? No, not really. But oddly enough, I wouldn’t mind spending some time there under the right circumstances.
This could entice me for another visit!!
Here’s why:
In the city center, you’re not really aware of the skyscrapers or the overcrowded beaches.
If you find the local spots, you’re surrounded by Spanish speakers and tasty spanish food, not sunburnt tourists on a mission.
And if you look past the obvious tourist zones, it starts to feel like a regular Spanish town—one where people live, work, and go about their day.
One thing to be clear about: we visited during Easter. I’m not sure I’d be quite as relaxed about the idea if it were peak summer.
Would I return in July or August to find out? Let’s just say—I’m quite happy not knowing.
🧐 Handy Tip: If you’re driving in, aim for the parking garages near the center—they’re easier and less stressful than circling endlessly in the heat.
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.
One of the things I love about exploring new areas is discovering hidden gems—whether it’s a tucked-away restaurant, a cute little bar, or even a scenic cave perfect for a picnic. I’m sure most people have had such moments, and this time, we certainly did.
A Bar Full of Dutch Nostalgia
It all started when we were wandering through Moraira, looking for a nice beer after a day of exploring. We passed a strip of Dutch-style bars—plenty of those around here. The first one looked heaving, so we skipped it, only to return later when the others seemed dull in comparison.
We ended up in a lively Dutch bar, surrounded by locals belting out Dutch bar songs at the top of their lungs. It instantly transported me back to my twenties in the Netherlands, where such scenes were common and always fun. I told my husband that standing and singing on bar stools was part of the tradition, and sure enough, it wasn’t long before it happened!
The Journey to Maserof
An English woman at the bar told us about an inland place called Maserof, not far from Jalon. Intrigued, we set off on a 20-minute uphill drive through the Sierra Bernia mountains, passing a donkey farm along the way. Eventually, we arrived at a tiny hamlet discovering not one but three bustling restaurants side by side – Maserof, Verd i Vent and Casa Susi.
To our surprise, Maseroff had no electricity. Everything ran on generators, and they used old-fashioned notebooks for the bills—no tills, no internet, no mobile reception. You could make a reservation via WhatsApp, but the owners only responded once back home.
Elegant table setting
It was a Sunday afternoon, and all three restaurants were packed, serving set menus. The first, Maserof, was also a winery and museum. Its main door appeared locked, and it was hard to get a peek inside, though the sound of live music (obviously battery-powered) drifted out. The other two restaurants had inviting outdoor seating and the surrounding fields were filled with cars and campervans.
Discovering an Unforgettable Dining Experience
We decided to book a table at Maserof and returned a week later. The experience was something else. All guests began the afternoon in a beautiful outdoor area with sweeping views, sipping on ‘vino caliente’ (mulled wine). The menu price included home produced wine and mulled wine but not other drinks, making my zero beer and sparkling water the most expensive beverages we’d had in the region
Cooking with gaz
At a set time, the owner, Carolina—of English and Spanish descent—welcomed us and gave a fascinating tour of the museum and kitchen. The kitchen itself was remarkable, as everything was prepared by candlelight and cooked on gas. Among the antiques on display were original Alhambra wall tiles, a reminder of how different things were in Spain during the ‘60s and ‘70s.
Carolina shared how her British father, Peter Pateman, bought the 17th-century property in the ‘70s and began restoring it. Some original Roman structures remained intact. Today, it includes various rooms, accommodations with Napoleon-sized beds for overindulgent guests, and a museum filled with artifacts that really belong in a national collection.
Music, Food, and Unexpected Performances
The five-course meal was an event in itself. The cold starters had already been prepared, waiting to be served to about fifty guests. Some were regulars, while others, like us, were first-timers.
Exploring MaserofPrepping with candle light
The afternoon unfolded into a joyous celebration of food and music. Friendly young waiters, with limited English, served delicious home-cooked dishes. The entertainment included an 80-year-old flute player celebrating his birthday and Carolina herself, who stunned us all with a breathtaking version of Summertime. Every nationality in attendance was encouraged to sing a song from their home country. A Dutch group chose a traditional Sinterklaas tune, while we attempted Waltzing Matilda—only to realize we didn’t remember all the lyrics and, of course, had no way of looking them up online!
A Close Call with Cash
The experience was unforgettable, but it almost ended in a saga. My husband had neglected to ask about the price, and we barely had enough cash to cover the bill. With no internet or card payment options, there was no way to withdraw more. Unfortunately, this meant no tip for the hardworking staff—a bit of an embarrassing moment!
Discovering Maseroff was more than just a meal; it was an experience. A journey back in time, a lesson in history, and a reminder of the joy of unplugged, authentic moments. If you ever find yourself in Jalon, take the drive up the hills—you won’t regret it.
