Moving to and Living in Moraira
What is it like to move to a foreign country? To start over?
Everyone’s experiences will be different and that’s why I not only want to share my own stories and experiences but also ask other expats about their experiences living abroad…
This is why I started the Ask an Expat series. In this series, I interview people living all over the world but outside of their home country. I try to help paint an honest picture of the ups and downs of life abroad.
In the interview, the expat shares tips for anyone thinking about moving abroad and information about what to see and do in the city, town or country the expat now calls home.
And since I’m in Moraira at the moment I will start with the experiences of an expat living in Moraira.
Life in Moraira, Spain
Location: Moraira, Costa Blanca, Spain
Name: Ray
Age: 46
Home town: Cork, Ireland
His story:
Ray moved to Spain in 2003. After having lived in Japan for 11 years he couldn’t really settle back into normal life in Ireland. He wanted something else.
When he came across a job ad in an Irish newspaper from a Spanish estate agency he decided “what’s the worst that could happen?”. So he packed up his stuff and flew to Alicante, Spain. That’s how his life as an estate agent in the small town of Moraira started.
He has long since left that company and is now self-employed, still working as an estate agent and still enjoying life in Moraira.
Why Did You Move to Moraira?
“I had never heard of Moraira before, to be honest.
It was just because the company I was going to work for had an office there. They helped me find accommodation in Moraira and once I left the company I had built a life in Moraira and had my network there so it made sense to stay.
Plus, even though it’s a small town I do really like living in Moraira.”
Also Read: The Best Places to Live in Spain
What Do You Like About Living in Moraira?
“Moraira is exotic enough to be different from the point of view of climate and culture but similar enough to feel homely.
You have people from many different countries living here. And it’s easy to fly home which, after having lived in Japan, definitely is something I appreciate.”
What Do You Dislike About Living in Moraira?
“It is a small town where outside of the hospitality business there are few business opportunities. Especially a lack of opportunities for young people.”
What Is Your Favorite Place to Eat in Moraira?
“I would say The Rib’s Bar, for the best spare ribs in town.
But, Moraira has a surprisingly high number of good restaurants, especially for a small town. So there are plenty of options for anyone.”
Is There Something You Just Have to See or Do When You Are in Moraira?
“Come for the Moors and Christians festival in June.
It’s a great opportunity to see the integration of foreign residents and Spanish locals who both actively participate in the festival.”
Also Read: Things to Do in Moraira
Any Tips for Living in Moraira?
“Learn to live with siestas!
Shops and offices close for a few hours during lunch and that’s something that takes most foreigners a while to get used to. Also because not all businesses shut and reopen at the same time. Just get used to not being able to do much roughly between 1pm and 5pm.
And one other thing, Moraira is a great base but each neighboring town has got its own character. Do explore and wander inland as well.”
If you are from the USA and thinking about living in Spain as an American, also read What I Wish I Knew About Moving to Spain From the USA
About Moraira
Moraira, located in the Northern part of the Costa Blanca, is an old fishing village, chosen by many Northern Europeans as the place to buy a second home. Quiet in winter and lively in summer with nice beaches, a well-maintained town center, and a nice port area.
There is a high proportion of expatriates living in Moraira permanently, and the area is very popular with affluent retirees, especially British.
The majority of visitors to Moraira are Spanish, British, German, Dutch, and French.
For more information read: What to See & Do in Moraira, Costa Blanca
Also Read:
- Fun Facts About Spain
- Hiking on Spain’s Costa Blanca
- Interview With an Expat About Life in Valencia
- Where to Go for the Best Family Vacations in Spain
- Interview With an Expat About Living in Denia, Costa Blanca, Spain
- Interview With an Expat About Living in Alicante
I am a retired 67 year old woman and I visited Moraira briefly about 15 years ago. I eventually bought a house in Costa Calida, but sold it in 2011. I am now considering returning to Spain and buying again and I think Moraira would be my choice. I can’t remember how hilly it was could you enlighten me. Also are there any other things I should be aware of.
Hi Patricia,
Well, if you’d live in the center of Moraira you can easily walk to shops, restaurants and the main beach, since that is all quite flat and close together. But if you’d rather buy a villa then you’d have to go to one of the suburbs which tend to be quite hilly and don’t offer much more than a handful of shops and bars/restaurants, so you’ll end up driving into town, to the beach, to neighboring towns, etc.
Hi Tom,
I would recommend joining a Facebook group that focuses on Moraira or Teulada. Moraira Connect might be an option: https://www.facebook.com/groups/morairaconnect/
Post your message there to see if anyone knows them. Good luck!
Looking for Ken and Pat Jarvis living in Teulada Moraira as I have lost touch with them. Can anyone suggest a forum to try and contact them on.
Many thanks
Hi Sandra,
Definitely a good idea to spend some time in Moraira first!
I can’t speak from personal experience because I stay with friends when I visit Moraira but spain-holiday.com and holidaylettings.co.uk are reputable companies that might have good options in or around Moraira.
And I would also check Airbnb to see if they have anything.
Hi I am coming to Moraira for the whole of April 2019 with my husband. We are looking to move to the area in the next couple of years and thought it would be good to start spending time there, so we are looking for a rental property. As we are doing this all on line we want someone who is reputable. Do you have any recommendations please
KR
Sandra
Hi, although you can do some online research and contact a few local businesses online, I highly recommend actually spending some time in Moraira for this. Talk to businesses in person since many don’t have a great online presence. And, even more important if you ask me, talk to locals or expats. There are so many bars in Moraira and almost all expats speak English and a majority of them own a home. Just start a conversation, ask what companies they use and what their biggest struggles have been.
I have definitely learnt most of what I know about life here from talking to expats in Moraira! 🙂
Hi Allison, Moraira is a lovely small town and I am sure you will enjoy it. Finding (private) Spanish lessons shouldn’t be difficult and as long as you have a car there are plenty of outdoor activities to do around Moraira such as great hiking and plenty of water sports. I don’t know about surfing in Moraira though… I do believe there are surf shops in both Calpe and Javea so you might want to check with them to find out more about surfing in this area. And both Javea and Calpe are only a short drive away and places you will probably visit often while living in Moraira anyway.
WE are looking to spend a couple of months living in Spain, and chose Moraira for it’s size, location, and weather. We do want to enroll ourselves and 2 kids in Spanish language classes, as well as surf and take advantage of the outdoors. Would you recommend this spot for us?
We totally agree that Moraira is the place to be.
The pearl of the Costa Blanca !
Its like a small little village which makes this place very charming.
You can even find some work if you like to settle.
We live here now for a couple of years and do property management, house cleaning, pool and garden maintenace.
I must say it could not be better, to work where other people spend their holidays.
Hi We are looking at buying a property in Moraira next year. I would like to understand costs for property maintenance- pool, garden, cleaner/maid can you help?
Hi Lynn,
I am sure you will enjoy both Moraira and Javea! In Moraira I would just go into town and sit down somewhere where they offer English breakfast or in any pub in the afternoon / evening. You won’t find it difficult to find some expats to chat to since there are expats in pretty much every single cafe.
Javea is slightly bigger and more of a mix. There I would recommend trying http://www.meetup.com to see if there are any (expat) events / meetings going on.
Hi Sanne
I am 60 this year and have decided to relocate to Spain.
(I lived in Greece for 15 years and returned to UK until my children left home- I speak fluent Greek and am eager to learn Spanish)
I have booked a week 26 February – 3rd March to visit Moraira and Javea (Staying in Moraira). But would love to sit down and chat over a latte with some expats and get the real feel of the place and what social and other activities are available in the area. Can anyone point me in the right direction please
Hi Tracy, Moraira is a lovely small coastal town so it will be easy to get to know the town. Especially during low season it is easy to meet (English speaking) people simply by going to the local pubs (do expect it to be quiet in winter). Consider looking for accommodation in neighboring Teulada, Benissa or Benitachell if you find Moraira too expensive. Just walk into a local estate agency to help you in your search (they all speak English) or check http://www.idealista.com.
To get around you will need a car since public transport in these small towns is very limited.
I hope this helps. Enjoy Moraira and the Costa Blanca, it’s a beautiful area to live!
I am a 45 year old thinking of moving here with a 10 year old son on my own, initially to stop with my aunt who lives there-and then renting on my own.Any suggestions hints and tips greatly appreciated.