Why move to La Romana
The perfect hideaway for anyone looking for a taste of real Spain, in striking distance of the Costa Blanca, but far removed from the experience of the touristy seaside resorts.
Unlike the towns nearer the coast, La Romana is a relaxed town defined less by its tourists and rather by the production of wine, almonds and marble from the local mines. Despite its size, you’ll find many restaurants and bars serving local delicacies. Head out into the surrounding countryside and walk in the foothills of the Serra del Reclot or explore almond orchards which turn pink and white each February as the ground is thickly carpeted in almond blossom.
Community
While the village has become increasingly popular with expats in recent years, La Romana remains a resolutely Spanish Village with 95% of its 2,500 habitants coming from Spain. Like many traditional villages, it is extremely welcoming to people settling from outside.
Property
In the town you will mostly find single story houses and apartments along with cave dwellings which have been converted to suit contemporary living. Investigate the outskirts for a modern urbanisation of villas with swimming pools.
Amenities
For a small village La Romana is remarkably well served by supermarkets, butchers, bakers and a large furniture store. The local market each sells fresh fruit, vegetables and meat along with clothes and souvenirs every Saturday. For exercise, you can visit the communal swimming pool and tennis courts set in a relaxing wooded parkland.
Transport
You’ll feel away from it all in La Romana but Alicante and its airport are only around 30 minutes drive. If you are without your own transport, there are buses to the region’s capital, local towns and villages.
Employment
The main employment in the area is in agriculture, wine and marble production. If that isn’t your skill-set then Alicante is within commuting distance or try the coastal resorts for work in the tourist industry.
Health
Like all good Spanish villages, there is a local doctor along with pharmacies and if you need to visit a hospital the closest is in Alicante – 30 minutes by car.
Schools
La Romana has its own state school, good if you’d like your children to assimilate quickly into the local community. Alternatively, you can investigate the international schools in nearby Elche or Alicante where pupils follow the UK educational system.
Cost of Living
Away from the tourist areas of the Costa Blanca, prices tend to be a little cheaper and with a good range of local shops and markets you should be able to keep prices down even further.