More and more Dutch and Belgians are choosing to opt for a long-term stay abroad during the cold, wet and gray winter months in their own country. Spain is the first choice for many Dutch and Belgians because the temperatures are generally better and life is often (but not always) cheaper. But why is wintering in Spain actually a good and healthy idea?
You know it; rain, wind, snow, icy cold and a cloudy dark sky is not strange during the winter months in the Netherlands and Belgium. To avoid that bad, sad and sad weather, many people choose to move to the south of Europe during the winter months to enjoy different temperatures and a more relaxed life.
Wintering used to be something for people over 65 who have all the time in the world, but nowadays there are also more and more people over 50 (and younger) who head to Spain during the winter. After all, it is easy for many to work remotely, as long as there is an internet connection. The pleasant Mediterranean climate and generally better weather conditions are ideal for forgetting the cold and wet winter in your own country and also working on a terrace in the sun in December.
Winter depression
Many Dutch and Belgians (of all ages) suffer from the so-called winter depression when it becomes darker, wetter and colder outside. Since the body needs natural daylight, it is more pleasant to be outside at a nice temperature. That is why many people choose to stay in Spain during the winter months, to escape the winter depression.
Ailments
Diseases such as osteoarthritis and rheumatism are not cured by the pleasant winter weather in Spain, but a warmer climate can significantly ease the pain of patients. Asthma patients also often enjoy a warmer climate as the air quality does not deteriorate due to heating. Warmer weather also means a more active lifestyle, as walking or cycling is more enjoyable when the sun is shining.
Stress
December is a stressful month for many people with a busy and overcrowded agenda and of course Christmas and end-of-year stress. By going to Spain you avoid that stress and experience December very differently. By spending the winter in a quiet and relaxed place in Spain, you avoid December stress and can finally enjoy the holidays yourself. The holidays can also often bring unpleasant memories that can possibly be avoided by staying in a different and warmer environment.
Cheaper
Living in a warmer environment can be cheaper because heating costs in your own country are avoided. In recent years, it has also become cold in the evenings in many places in Spain and electric heaters are working overtime. Since electricity is not cheap in Spain, it can also become expensive.
In general, people say that life is cheaper in Spain. You notice this in the supermarket, in a restaurant, on a terrace and also when it comes to renting an apartment or house, which are often cheaper in the winter months.
A few tips
There are of course many more reasons why wintering in Spain can be a good and healthy idea. However, pay attention to where you will spend the winter because the temperatures are not the same everywhere. For example, the north, northwest and center of Spain are not the warmest places to be in the winter months.
The best temperatures are measured along the Mediterranean coast from Barcelona southwards such as in the south of the province of Tarragona (Catalonia), Comunidad Valenciana (Castellón, Valencia and Alicante), Murcia and Andalusia (Almeria, Granada, Málaga, Cádiz and Huelva) .
There they talk about an average daytime temperature of 16 to 20 degrees, but you should take into account that the mercury can drop in the evening and at night. It can also be pleasant on the Balearic Islands, but the wind can sometimes cause a chilly feeling. The best place to spend the winter as if you were living in eternal spring are the Canary Islands.
It is not busy everywhere along the Spanish coast and not all shops, restaurants and bars are open in the coastal towns. In many places people live in the summer, but everything is closed in the winter and it is a deserted place, which sometimes does not improve the atmosphere.
Also keep in mind that life in Spain is different than in the Netherlands or Belgium. For example, people have a different timetable and this is noticeable in restaurants and bars where it can be very busy at lunchtime, while shops, companies and attractions are closed during the “siesta”.
2023-09-10 17:09:20
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