Advice on wintering please

[F & L]

We are currently in the Valencia area and looking to winter a little further south for warmer weather as we will be living aboard.

We are aware of Almerimar having a good livaboard community but would welcome any other suggestions and any info on Tomas Maestre for the winter.

Thanks

[duncan99210]

Turn round now! Head back north to Barcelona, Port Vell. Although the weather was chilly (at times) last year, most of the time it was comfortable enough and not that much colder than further south. But the real reason is the city, which is magic. You couldn't do better for a winter base and it has an airport with budget airlines only 45 mins from the marina, brilliant (and cheap) public transport system and easy access to all sort of events through the winter. Oh and a thriving cosmopolitan live aboard community.

Just a thought anyhow - you'll guess that we had a great time there! We came through Almerimar on the way north and, although it's reasonably priced, didn't stop there because of the lack of links to a decent sized city and long way to the airport.

[Swagman]

Hi F&L,
Duncans suggestion is worth consideration.
We always tended to park up for winter where it was warmer, ideally with a good expat cummunity, but reflecting back the one we enjoyed the most was Palma Mallorca - which happened to be something more than just a holiday resport in winter and had very few expats to spend time with.
We've had other pals stay in Barcelona, Lisbon and Rome. All found the range of activities and a healthy range of interesting places to visit proved better than the usual sitting or working on the boat, going to expat get togethers, and of course the supermarket run to keep you occupied. If you know what I mean.
Enjoy whatever you choose.
JOHN

[25931]

You might consider the new Alcaidesa Marina (La Linea) empty but very cheap.Ten minutes on foot to Gib airport plus the Gib community, if you are looking for company.

[sailinglegend420]

You can't beat Cartagena for price and a very interesting old Roman City. Yacht Port Cartagena was built as a superyacht marina but they never arrived! English marineros and friendly staff. Gate security, free wifi and a laundry - what more could you want? Airport 12k - Granada skiing 2.5 hours by car.

Thomas Maestre in Mar Menor was very expensive in the summer, but the whole area is all holiday apartments and hotels and is dead in the winter when nearly everything closes. It is a very long way from anywhere so you would need a car.

[F & L]

Thanks very much for the advice. We will take a look at the different options and make a decision very soon.

Apart from Carles de la Repita does any of the marina's allow you to work on your own boat ashore? or would we be stuck with the high charges for anti fouling etc as appears to be the norm on this coast?

Thanks

[JamesFrance]

There is much warmer weather further south. The Costa Blanca has the best daytime weather but the overnight temperatures are higher further down. The further west you go the more rain you may have if it is a poor winter.

Personally I would avoid Barcelona because of the bandits anyway.

I think I would probably choose Altea for a place to spend a winter, but it may be hard to get a place there. The restaurants there are very cheap to eat in unlike where we are, so you can eat out for not much more than making your own.