Moving to Spain

In the winter months.

A recommendation?  Málaga province, anywhere inland about half an hour from the coast.  But especially east of Málaga, away from the over-developed western side.  Unless of course the coastal urbanisations between Málaga and Marbella suit, and they obviously suit a lot of folks.

Inland the spain without the tourists north of granada good climate nice folks lovely vilages lakes who needs the seaside.

Spain is a big place with many, varied areas. What suits some may not suit others. Some like to be close to the beach, others the mountains. Some like quiet villages whilst other like city centres and most something in between. If you like the look of Murcia then have a look and see what is available. I note not many have answered your original question about schooling except those in Murcia. As you are going to be away for extended periods (I assume this will be your offshore job) then think if you want ot leave your family in a village with no other (or very few) other Brits around or whether it would be better with some support from other people in a similar situation.

There are lots of places around and you are the only one (along with your family) who will be able to make the choice. Can your wife drive or will she need transport? Do your kids like the beach or are they happy in swimming pools?

I would ignore the suggestion about Madrid. A beautiful city and well worth visiting but you'll spend more time trying to get away from the extremes in temperatures at certain times of the year. If city living is your thing then I would suggest Valencia has more going for it. Lots of areas on the outskirts with some nice, and reasonably priced, houses that have metro links such as Torrent. Valencia itself is a beautiful city with loads going for it.

We looked at Murcia about 15 years ago and, like some posters, found it flat, dusty and quite frankly boring. However a lot of infrastructure and improvements have been made and it is a lot better now. Murcia and Cartagena are really nice places but you should check on the transport facilities wherever you move to.

You could pick anywhere you want providing it ticks the boxes you want.

thanks mariedav

very good answer and has got me thinking.

would say kids would be happy with pool.

i have seen the kings college for kids but pretty darn expensive lol.

would prefer to be outwith a city

Beach1980, I would think your first priority is to locate which airports, both from UK and to UK, service your requirements best and keep within an hour radius.

If your working shifts are 2 weeks on and off you don't want to waste valuable family time in travelling.

Once you have chosen to your advantage then come out on a recce to see which locations you prefer.  Your choice can only be down to you and your family for what one person loves another hates. 

Inland Granada area is freezing in winter. Many parts are colder than the UK. Sea level is warmest and cooler in summer too

good thinking floella never thought of that

dont seem to get flights direct from aberdeen to murcia

Assume then that the off shore workers who live in my locale must travel to and from Alicante, which is a 90 min + drive via the busy E15. Not the best journey especially with the added distractions of young children in the car 

So suggest you look around the Alicante area, at least for he immediate future, until you decide whether or not Spain is somewhere you all want to live on a permanent basis.

Orihuela, perhaps. Good expat community but not necessarily on urbanisations . English cinema and surrounding countryside attractive and with greenest golf course I have ever seen.

Well I would not dismiss Madrid.   Airports.  Schools of all descriptions.   MUCH easier to understand and learn the Spanish of Madrid.   The variety and possibility for integration.  The football - I can go on.   I would certainly not just dismiss it. 

I would think an average low temp of 2C in the winter and highs of 40C from the end of July through August may be the reason all the Madrilenos disappear. As for football, Valencia and Barcelona would rival them and it wouldn't be a 4 hour drive to the coast either. Even our Elche now has a premier league football team.

Madrid is wonderful, I agree, but I certainly wouldn't want to leave a family there.

The Costa del Sol might be a good place to look. Direct flights from Aberdeen to Malaga, good train service that runs all the way up the coast and very different towns. Whilst Valencia and Madrid are my favourits cities, Valencia airport doesn't offer the same flight options and Madrid would be out for the reasons states.

If I had my time over again, I'd have chosen Valencia. Or one of the towns within 20 or so minutes of it.

I propose that we change the name of Eye on Spain to Black IS white.

I am out of here.    Like so many others........

Don't be petulant Roly

All I can read here is healthy debate and differing ideas, The OP is lucky.