We are considering renting out our house here in the UK and spend some time living in Spain - around 5-6 months over the winter period.

We are both early-retired and not looking to work and believe we can rent a half decent apartment/small house for around 500-600 euros a month ? I think our main issue is that we want to bring our dog also, so that will restrict the amount of properties available to us.

not certain on area..... but do want to be within walking distance of the coastline, some shops, and public transport (although we will bring our car anyway).

Thinking about the Alicante area - is the weather ok - not expecting sunshine etc but hoping for a bit better than back in the UK ? From research I think utilities will cost about the same, and also groceries etc.

We will pobably decide on a property before we go but is that wrong.... perhaps we should take a 2-week let and then look around as soon as we get there, but don't want to lose out on a good place. And I read that the contract we take out must be in spanish ? Not sure about all the legalities that go with a longer let.

Any advice anyone on pitfalls we should be aware of. Towns to look out for, towns to avoid over the winter - we would hate to end up in a ghost town because everyone has left the area for the winter !

So much to research !

Would just love some tipbits of advice to help us along our way