Buying a Home in the Costa blanca - Myths about Local Culture

Our team at Hamiltons of London know that the idea of buying a home in the beautiful, sunny Costa Blanca would be a dream come true and we will do everything we can to help make this happen for you. The area is full of wonderful towns and villages both along our incredible coastline as well as inland among the olive groves, vineyards and wonderful mountain scenery. This will be an exciting journey but, you may have some pre-conceived idea about the stereotypical Spanish culture. We would like to open your mind up to eliminate some of the more common mis-conceptions so that you can enjoy your new life here in Spain. The local culture is wonderful but, not perhaps as anticipated by many.

The Daily Siesta – Who has Time?

Most people will know of the health benefits of the Mediterranean habit of taking an afternoon nap or Siesta but, in reality, modern life leaves little room for this way of re-charging our batteries. There may still be some smaller businesses where the longer lunch break is observed and sometimes during the less busy winter months some companies, shops etc. may take advantage of fewer people generally requiring their services at this time. However, it is not something that is universal and in modern Costa Blanca most businesses stay open to meet their customers’ needs particularly during the summer months when demand is higher. The siesta is something of a memory these days reserved for holidays and weekends, when observed it is used for long family lunches followed by a rest to digest.

Lateness and Laziness?

This is something that is really unfair to the hard working Spanish people, punctuality in the work place is highly valued and Spaniards have a strong work ethic, often working far longer hours that those of other European countries. However, they do believe in working to live rather than living to work and place a lot of emphasis on enjoying life outside of working hours with family and friends and in this setting timing is rather more relaxed and a meeting time of 8pm might mean that people gather nearer to 8:30 or 9pm. The last thing the Spanish are when it comes to their obligations are either late or lazy.

Flamenco and Bullfighting

Both the beautiful Flamenco dance and the controversial Bull Fight are part of Spain’s heritage but neither represent the whole country or modern beliefs. Flamenco is from the southern region of Andalucia and not from the Costa Blanca where they have their own traditional costumes and dances but, in tourist areas there is still a demand and Andalucians who live in the area do provide shows in a variety of locations so that Flamenco can be enjoyed here. Bullfighting is fortunately a tradition that is declining with many Spaniards, with the younger generation especially, being against it and some regions have begun to ban the practice.

Paella Every Day!

This delicious rice dish is a regional Valencian speciality in the Costa Blanca with the original recipe using rabbit, chicke and sometimes snails rather than the seafood that may expect. You will find excellent restaurants serving paella and other regional rice dishes. This is not considered an evening meal either but, usually something to be enjoyed in a group as a sociable lunch particularly on a Sunday. You may well find that some Spanish restaurants only cook Paella at lunchtime but, there are many other tasty dishes to enjoy with fresh seafood and hearty stews as well as the many varieties of tapas and salads to enjoy in good company. 

Everybody Speaks English!

It can be a little too easy to fall in to the habit of only speaking English once you buy a home in the Costa Blanca because of the large expatriate community but, locals will always appreciate efforts to speak some basic Spanish. Although a lot of locals resident and working in the coastal towns of Altea, Calpe, Moraira, Javea and Denia, as well as in surrounding areas like the Jalon Valley, will speak English, learning some basic Spanish will allow you to connect more easily with local people and immerse yourself in their culture to fully enjoy your life in Spain. It is a sign of respect and there are plenty of local classes to get you started.

Spaniards can be Reserved

Actually the opposite is true, they are warm, friendly and open with greetings often involving a kiss on either cheek. Physical touch is is a normal part of any conversation with friends and acquaintances. However, Family and a close social group are at the heart of Spanish life so this may give an outward appearance to new comers of them being perhaps a little stand-offish. You will soon find, particularly as you learn a little Spanish, that people are very willing to offer help and a short coffee or drink with a neighbour can soon become a long and lively social event. This is open and welcoming attitude is something that those who buy a home in the Costa Blanca will find extremely rewarding.

Dispelling the Myths with Hamiltons of London

Our experienced team at Hamiltons of London have been living and working in the Costa Blanca for many years now so we are well aware of the potential for preconcieved ideas regarding the area. For example places like Benidorm are not only about parties, there is a large local Spanish and ex-pat community with areas of the town and its surrounding that have a far more traditional feel. We are not only here to help you find your dream property for sale in the Costa Blanca but, also to advise, inform and answer any questions you may have regarding the area, the towns and their own particular traditions.