Moving to Xátiva
This week, Matthew’s article is an introduction to moving to Xátiva. Xátiva is in the Valencian Community in Spain, along the eastern side. Enjoy!
Its castle and other stunning buildings make Xátiva a truly monumental town
Ups
The most green and pleasant part of the Valencian Community. Even the most ordinary roads, yes, Avenida de la Republica Argentina, we mean you, are tree-lined. Given that some of these are palms, you won’t be surprised to hear of near-30° temperatures in February.
Downs
Although there are expats living in the area, you won’t have the support network available to those who reside closer to the coast. Which, if you’re a newcomer who wants to go local, will appeal. But if you want to take baby steps into acclimatizing to a new life in Spain, won’t.
In and out
Head south for 70+km along the A-7 from Valencia airport (VLC) to reach Xátiva. You’ll arrive at your destination in around 45 minutes. Add an extra half an hour to your driving time if travelling from Alicante airport (ALC).
Education
The British School Xátiva officially opened in April 2010. However, it had infant and primary pupils enrolled from the previous September. The school’s motto is “Vision of the Future”.
Shop until you drop…
The usual brand-name supermarkets serve the population of 30,000. But most of the other shops are small family-run businesses. You’ll find butchers and bakers, but sadly no candlestick makers.
Property types
You’ll find everything from 150-year-old farmhouses to new builds in and around Xátiva. From quiet rural areas to American-style gated communities. Although there are more traditionally Spanish properties available here than on the costas.
Market watch
Apartments, chalets and townhouses €45.000+. Fincas and villas, from €140.000.
In Praise Of
“Xátiva has a fantastic historical flavor. Its temperatures are mild in winter but really hot in summer. Xátiva’s a market town with some of the best restaurants in the area and it’s also relatively close to the vineyards of Fontanares.” Patrick Waller (The Spanish Thyme Traveller)
• Are you an expat in Xátiva? What do you like/dislike about it? Let us know below.
Matthew Hirtes, our resident broadsheet journalist, moved to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria back in 2004. He’s travelled extensively through Spain, covering it for such publications as Telegraph Travel, Metro, and The Independent. The author of Going Local in Gran Canaria: How To Turn a Holiday Destination into a Home, Matthew truly is a resident expert.
Matthew writes for two sections of Spain Buddy: Moving to Spain and Spanish Football as well as providing Reviews
