Despite being bordered by only one other country (Spain), Portugal has an intercontinental feel. The culture, architecture, language and cuisine have all been influenced by centuries of global travel. Living standards are high due to the advanced economy, peaceful governance, and emphasis on moral freedom for its citizens. The weather is uniformly warm in the summer months, while temperatures in winter vary depending on location. For example, you’ll find snowfall in the mountains, mild microclimates by the coast and subtropical islands. But it’s the stunning variety of terrains that draws so many tourists and expats to the country. You can hike in the national parks, walk the cobbled streets of the historic villages, search the Atlantic horizon for glimpses of North America from dramatic cliffs or lounge on one of the many glittering beaches. The Portuguese have a hospitable nature and you can expect to eat freshly sourced ingredients cooked simply and served with a flourish. Fish, squid, smoked meats, olives, cheese, bread and local wines are plentiful and you’ll find produce markets and restaurants at every turn. Feasts are central features of many of the festivities but you’ll also find music, dancing and night-time revelries at the frequent celebrations throughout the year. The north of Portugal is rocky and rugged and famous for the port wine-growing region, the Douro Valley. Rising up from the rural interior are wild mountains dotted with hunks of granite and flowing from them, the wide, fertile Tagus, Guadiana and Douro rivers. Lisbon is the most densely populated city, closely followed by Porto, and the southern Algarve region is a tourist hotspot. The Madeira archipelago is made up of 8 volcanic peaks, only two of which are inhabited and there are 9 islands in the Azores offering pale beaches, thermal lakes, geysers and black lava fields. This land has been fought over by Celts, Goths, Greeks, Romans and Moors, each of whom have left their architectural marks. Modern property development tends towards spacious, open-plan homes with echoes of these historical styles. The people of Portugal revere a rural life and as a result, there are a lot of villas or plots of land for development available in the countryside. In contrast, the cities and coastal regions are filled with affordable apartments. The road networks are good, air travel is quick and easy from northern Europe and America and there are high-speed international trains from connecting cities in France and Spain. Children are legally required to be in education from six to eighteen years old and there is a range of schooling options for international students, from public state schools, private faith schools or international schools. There is a state healthcare system in Portugal too. EU citizens can access it for free once they’ve registered and received a healthcare number (cartão de utente).

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Are you looking for a change of scenery? &nbsp;If this is the case, France should be at the top of your list! This magnificent country is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes with a wide range of settings to suit everyone's tastes and a rich history that will captivate you. Starting with the southern part of the country, the warmth of the people will greet you at every turn. This region is well-known for its sunny weather, sun-kissed beaches, outdoor celebrations, vibrant markets, and music festivals. Over a glass of wine, people gather to celebrate life, exchange cultural traditions, and foster an environment that is warm and welcoming to visitors from all over the world. As a matter of fact, the <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/france/places-to-live/occitanie-0l58192">Occitanie</a> region in the southwestern part of France is truly a one-of-a-kind destination with its diverse offerings of landscapes and activities. With direct access to the Mediterranean coastline and the majestic mountains and ski resorts of the Pyrenees. &nbsp;Coastal cities such as Montpellier also offer a rich historical and cultural heritage, this region is an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy the nature, history and culture of France. A little further north, nature enthusiasts will find a peaceful haven in the renowned French Alps, known for their breathtaking alpine scenery and outdoor activities like downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and sleigh rides. With the largest skiing area in the world, the <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/france/places-to-live/auvergne-rhone-alpes-0l60750">French Alps</a> offer unforgettable experiences for all kinds of nature lovers, all year long. Finally, with their world-famous cuisine and vibrant arts scenes, French cities such as Paris, Lyon and Bordeaux offer an unforgettable experience that combines the best of urban living and cultural heritage. Regarding the cost of living, France is a great place to call home. Although prices have increased in recent years, it remains more affordable compared to other European nations like the UK. With a strong economy and an excellent quality of life, &nbsp;You can experience a comfortable lifestyle without overspending. Also, the French culture offers a more relaxed and laid-back way of life that will have you feeling right at home in no time. Why not seize the moment and fall deeply in love with a property in France? Start living your dream today by preparing for your move and reading our location guides on different regions and provinces in France. &nbsp;

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Beautiful weather, excellent food and wine, world-famous art and culture and low living costs are just some of the reasons you should pack up and move to Spain. Spain is one of the largest countries in Europe and also one of the most geographically varied. With some of the cleanest and most beautiful beaches in the world, breath-taking mountainous regions, fertile plains, and sun-drenched isles, there is something to suit every preference. Visit Spain and you’ll enjoy a Mediterranean climate of hot, dry summers, mild winters, with snow in northern and mountainous regions. If you love art and culture you’ll have much to discover in Spain, which is home to some of the finest architecture in the world. There are ancient marketplaces, Moorish palaces, and the fantastical structures of Antoni Gaudi, not to mention the Dali museum, Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim, Fundacio Joan Miro, and the numerous festivals which regularly take place throughout the country. Spanish food is as varied as its landscape; the Spanish are absolutely passionate about their local cuisine. Tapas is popular worldwide, and you’ve probably sampled at least one of these delicious little dishes. The variety of tapas offered in Spain is huge, and varies from region to region and also according to season. Spanish markets are abundant with huge fruits and vegetables, thanks to the long months of sunshine. The great news as a prospective buyer, is that food, like the cost of living generally in Spain, is very affordable and of excellent quality. Moving onto more practical matters, the healthcare system in Spain is ranked among the best in the world, spending 10% of its GDP on healthcare. There are also excellent transport links throughout the country, with modern metros, high speed trains connecting most cities, long distance coach services between major cities, and bus services in all major cities and towns. It’s no wonder that Spanish public transport is known to be some of the best in Europe. For those wishing to venture further afield, it’s easy to travel from Spain to other parts of Europe by plane, train or bus. And of course, with 36 international airports, it will be easy for friends and family from back home to come and visit!

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If you’ve not made up your mind yet where you want to buy a property, explore our <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/places-to-live/regions">region guides</a> for a broad overview of an area. Or if you have your eye on a particular area of Spain, take a look at our <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/places-to-live/provinces">province guides</a>. Find out what it’s like to live there, where the top locations are to buy a property, and discover what services and amenities could be on your doorstep.&nbsp;&nbsp;Or perhaps you already know which city / town you want to move to, and want to find out more about what it’s like to live there, things to do for expats, healthcare options, schools, jobs, and transport services. If so, check out our <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/places-to-live/cities">town and city guides</a>, which offer a deep dive into all these topics and more.&nbsp;For further location inspiration, check out our blog posts on the top destinations to buy property in Spain for <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/best-properties-in-spain/where-to-buy-cheap-property-in-spain-in-2024">budget hunters</a>, <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/best-properties-in-spain/where-to-buy-property-in-spain-2024">investors</a>, <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/best-properties-in-spain/11-best-destinations-to-live-in-spain-for-families">families</a>, <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/best-properties-in-spain/11-best-destinations-to-retire-in-spain">retirees</a>, <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/best-properties-in-spain/11-best-destinations-to-live-in-spain-for-digital-nomads">digital nomads</a>, <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/best-properties-in-spain/best-golf-resorts-to-buy-a-property-in-spain">golf lovers</a>, <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/best-properties-in-spain/lights-camera-spain-spanish-movie-locations-where-you-can-buy-a-property">movie fans</a>, <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/best-properties-in-spain/best-food-and-wine-destinations-in-spain-to-buy-a-property">foodies</a>, and <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/best-properties-in-spain/best-heritage-destinations-in-1">history buffs</a>.

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GIOVANNA SPANU

Ciao Giovanna,

Grazie per aver contattato Kyero.

Attualmente i podcast sono in inglese, stiamo sempre esaminando i miglioramenti futuri.

Puoi iscriverti a kyero.com o effettuare ricerche di proprietà in italiano. 
<https://www.kyero.com/it>

Spero che questo aiuti, per favore fatemi sapere se c’è altro che possiamo fare.

dawn at kyero.com

Comments from Erik are very informative. Give us the great feeling of possible initiatives, and not give up our dreams. Thank you

Suzanne

Hello Suzanne,

Thank you for contacting Kyero.

We are delighted you enjoyed listening to our Podcast.

You can now listen to Episode 07: <https://guides-backend.kyero.com/en/podcasts>

I hope this helps, please let me know if there is anything else we can do.

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Buyer Stories

Why Erik decided to buy in Spain 

How Erik uses his home in Spain 

About Erik’s house 

On Erik’s property search process 

On Erik’s experiences with his agent 

On Erik’s ease of purchasing the property 

How Erik dealt with the challenges of refurbishing his new home 

Erik’s advice for others purchasing property in Spain 

A typical day for Erik in Spain 

Episode 06: Erik who purchased in Javea, Alicante

&nbsp;<h2>Intro</h2>Welcome to the Kyero.com Spanish Property podcast where we interview real people who recently purchased a home in Spain.They tell us what worked, what didn’t and what they’d do differently next time.I’m Beth Davison and today I’m speaking with Erik, originally from Holland, who purchased a chalet in <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/alicante-province-property-for-sale-0l3">Javea, Alicante</a>.Just wait until you hear about how Erik dealt with the challenges of refurbishment, along with his top tips about finding the best people to help your purchase run smoothly.Erik worked with estate agent <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/spain-property-for-sale-0l55529?agent_id=6217">Villas Leon Javea</a> to find his dream home in Spain.Check out the show notes at kyero.com/podcast to find links and resources mentioned in this episode.<h2>Body of Transcription</h2>Beth: If you wouldn’t mind just introducing yourself, and letting me know what type of property you bought and where it was, and what you do, that would be great, thank you.Erik: OK, I bought a property in Javea, Spain. My name is Erik and I’m from Holland.Beth: Lovely, OK, so, how long have you had the property?Erik: Like two years now…Beth: OK, so, quite a little while. So, why did you decide on Spain?Erik: It’s an area which was known to us by friends, so we’d visited the area before and we liked it very well.Beth: OK. Did you know what type of house you were looking for; did you already have an idea in mind?Erik: Rustic, good view, and a lot of… we have 3,000 square metres of land around the house which was one of the things we were looking for.Beth: Wow, OK, why so much land? What were you hoping to do with it?Erik: To be there and not to have too many neighbours.Beth: OK, good, seclusion.Erik: Yeah.Beth: Very nice. So, when you go, what kind of trips do you do? How long do you go for?Erik: We normally go around Easter, then there’s a small holiday in Holland during springtime, and we’re often there during Christmas and New Year.Beth: Oh lovely, so you are going quite soon?Erik: Yup, yup, we’re going like three or four times a year.Beth: Very good. OK, awesome.What is the house like? Can you describe it, how many bedrooms, and the type of building it is?Erik: We’ve got four bedrooms, nice kitchen, living room, dining room – 160 square metres, very nice. I have a very nice view and a big pool – six and twelve metres.Beth: Lovely, that sounds great, and the perfect place to escape to over the winter. Is it warmer there than it is in Holland over Christmas?Erik: (laugh) Yup, yup, that’s the question. It’s like, “Is water wet?” Yes it is.Beth: Yes, OK, good, we’re certain of that.When the whole process started, and you began looking for your house, what kind of research did you do?Erik: Not a lot, not a lot frankly speaking. We were looking a bit around, and we were introduced to this property, and we fell in love with the property and that’s where it started.Beth: Was that the only one that you viewed?Erik: No, it was the first one that we viewed and all the others later on, we saw, were not as good as the first one that we saw.Beth: OK, that sounds nice and easy.Erik: Yup, yup, yup.Beth: And what was your agent like?Erik: Great, she understood what I was looking for. So, that is why the first property she showed was that good.Beth: Yeah because they just listened to you and knew what you wanted.Erik: Yup, yup.Beth: Did you go in with an exact budget?Erik: No.Beth: So you told her a vague area, or you were just were literally were going to see what you saw.Erik: We were looking at what was on the market.Beth: OK, so you had complete flexibility?Erik: Not complete, huh? That sounds like it could be a million (laugh). No, no, we had a sort of… it can’t be over, I believe we said, 350,000.Beth: OK, because of that do you think that made the whole process easier? Did you find it quite easy?Erik: Yeah, we were lucky that we found it right away.Beth: Fantastic. Did you find it challenging buying in Spain?It’s different for UK buyers because there are very different laws in Spain and there are different currencies. Obviously, coming from Holland, there was going to be some overlap on that. Was it difficult?Erik: Even there, we were introduced to a very good lawyer and that made us feel very comfortable.Beth: And I think it’s important.Erik: That’s very important. So, he dealt with a lot of things where we were unfamiliar. They were, then, in contact with a very good bookkeeper, and you have a sort of a full network.Beth: Yeah. So, was this all through your agent? Did they put you in touch with the lawyer and bookkeeper and everything else?Erik: Yup, she did.Beth: Great, so, which part did you find the most challenging?Erik: After we bought the property there was a lot to do on the property. There was a lot of refurbishing. That is a hard thing to do in Spain. Like, mañana is never mañana. That was incredibly hard having workers there, on time, with the products we bought, that was the hardest thing, I believe.Beth: Yeah, OK, and how is your Spanish?Erik: So, so, or hardly.Beth: OKErik: But, I did good enough to understand what I want to know.Beth: Yeah, fair enough.What advice would you give your family and friends if they were going to do the same thing as you?Erik: I would never, ever buy without a lawyer, like we were helped. He helped us a lot. I think he took away a lot of the stressful situations, like, there was another claim from somebody who thought it was their land, and you can all pass it on to him and say, “OK,” (in this case it was Raúl), “Raúl, this, this, and this is going on, how do you think about it? What do we need to do?”Beth: Right and you trusted him?Erik: Yup, yup, yup.Beth: Brilliant, I think that is really, really important.Do you have family and friends coming to visit, by the way?Erik: Yup, we do.Beth: When your family and friends come and visit how many people, what types of holidays are they, what sort of stuff do you do?Erik: It depends on who is coming with us, but, if it’s like family we would just spend our time there, go to the beach, have lovely dinners, be there as a holiday.Beth: Yeah, totally, and Spanish culture, do you like Spanish culture?Erik: We had not enough time to really absorb that.Beth: OK, fair enough.Erik: But we love to be in Spain. We love to go to the restaurants, but that’s not the culture is it? No, it’s not really the culture. No, there would be much more to develop or to look for or to search for. No, we didn’t do that yet.Beth: Fair enough. So, for you, what is a typical day like in Spain when you’re at your house?Erik: Wake up, have breakfast, have a swim, go into the city and have lunch, and come back and enjoy the house and the company of family that we have.Beth: It sounds very relaxed and perfect. I think that’s pretty much all of my questions, unless there’s anything that stands out to you, from the whole process, that we haven’t talked about.Erik: Nope, nope, thanks.Beth: Alright, brilliant, thank you so much for being involved on the call.Erik: Wonderful, Thanks.Beth: Great, cheers, Erik. Bye.Erik: Bye bye.<h2>Outtro</h2>Thank you for listening and thanks to Erik for sharing his experiences and Villas Leon Javea for their help to make this episode possible.I particularly liked the sound of the privacy Erik found amongst his 3,000 square metres, and clearly, you should never underestimate the importance of a good lawyer.You can search this agent’s properties and more on Kyero.com.Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode.This podcast is produced by <a href="https://www.kyero.com/">Kyero.com</a>, and our mission is to connect you with estate agents and properties throughout Spain. Whether your dream home is a rustic farmhouse surrounded by olive groves or a lock-up-and-leave apartment on the sea front, you'll find everything that you need at <a href="https://www.kyero.com/">Kyero.com</a>. If you've enjoyed this episode we'd really appreciate your five star rating on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/kyero-spanish-property-podcast/id1332034550">iTunes</a>. It helps us reach and connect more people with their dream home in Spain, and, whenever you're ready, here are four ways we can help you:<ul><li>Ask a question by emailing <a href="mailto:podcasts@kyero.com">podcasts@kyero.com</a>. We'll try and answer them all in an upcoming Q&amp;A episode</li><li>Get a location guide by emailing <a href="mailto:podcasts@kyero.com">podcasts@kyero.com</a>. We'll reply with the latest data and information on the areas you're interested in</li><li>Calculate your budget, simply visit <a href="https://www.kyero.com/budget">Kyero.com</a>, enter two numbers, and you're done</li><li>Be our guest, if you've already purchased your home in Spain we would love for you to share your story on the podcast, just email <a href="mailto:podcasts@kyero.com">podcasts@kyero.com</a> and we'll take it from there</li></ul>Tune in next week when I speak with Phil from Redditch, WorcestershireAlong with his wife Vickie, he purchased a Villa in Pinoso, Murcia, and I can’t wait to tell you all about how they built their property from scratch, not only amongst the almond groves, but also well placed for wine trails.I’m Beth Davison and you’ve been listening to the Kyero.com Spanish property podcast. I’ll see you next week!&nbsp;

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Episode 06: Erik who purchased in Javea, Alicante

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