Posted: Mon Sep 7, 2020 5:28pm
Evening CNH999,
My wife & I moved from London 2 years ago as my wife is Spanish, and had my family come over from Ireland to us for long stay during the winters months as they found the summer months too hot and crowed. Recently In terms of Chiclana, my family found the area fantastic and all bars & cafes were very welcoming and kind, especial as my parent have no Spanish whatsoever. I think the majority of business are just delighted to see business during the 'Covi' winter seasons.
In terms of El Puerto de Santa Maria, again another lovely area with a lovely beach front, but only have visited friends there during the summer months prior to the restrictions. However, I found the area far more heavily focused on the large tourism crowds and may come across a small bit impersonal, but that is solely my opinion.
Finally, as im only here 2 years, I have found a small group Expats that I meet up with every now and again especially a group called Walk & talk, where both English & Spanish people meet every friday morning to learn either English & Spanish, while walking the beach of La Barrorsa, finishing with a coffee on the promenade. I personally found this group to be a great place to meet both English and Spanish people (now friends) of all ages as when I arrived I had no contact with anyone.
In terms of places to stay, my parents found this small modern apartments in Chiclana town centre, over looking the river. They loved it, as my parent felt the town had more life and energy during Monday - Friday than the beach area during the winter season. Its worth considering, as my parents are not joining us this year, it might be available for long term rental, thats if you are interested in Chiclana naturally.
https://www.booking.com/hotel/es/central-loft.en-gb.html?aid=318615;label=English_Spain_EN_ES_21457892905-m7hIXL_DSAlICXzZsccq1gS217289565994%3Apl%3Ata%3Ap1%3Ap2%3Aac%3Aap%3Aneg%3Afi%3Atiaud-294889296893%3Adsa-912298703881%3Alp9049036%3Ali%3Adec%3Adm;sid=666738523ac27799c8293e19a15ed411;all_sr_blocks=643551001_263484612_2_1_0;checkin=2020-09-24;checkout=2020-09-30;dest_id=-377937;dest_type=city;dist=0;from_beach_non_key_ufi_sr=1;group_adults=1;group_children=0;hapos=1;highlighted_blocks=643551001_263484612_2_1_0;hpos=1;no_rooms=1;req_adults=1;req_children=0;room1=A;sb_price_type=total;sr_order=popularity;sr_pri_blocks=643551001_263484612_2_1_0__59999;srepoch=1599492160;srpvid=a6c16c1f17de01ba;type=total;ucfs=1&#hotelTmpl
I hope the above was helpful although restricted on my knowledge of El Puerto de Santa Maria.
I wish you both the best of luck, and safe travels.
Adrian.