Why move to Santiago de la Ribera
With access to the popular Costa Calida and in easy reach of Murcia, Santiago de la Ribera has much to offer whether you are looking for beaches, sports or mouth-watering gastronomy.
On the shores of the splendid Mar Menor: a calm, shallow saltwater lagoon insulated from the Mediterranean by a long, narrow strip of land, Santiago de la Ribera is an excellent alternative to the busy beaches of the neighbouring Costa Blanca. Situated 3 kilometres from the centre of its parent town San Javier, this was until recently the location of Murcia airport and the gateway to the Costa Calida. The airport’s relocation half an hour to the west means you might have to travel a little further but the skies and roads around this charming town will be that bit quieter.
Santiago is a great place to enjoy the great outdoors, whether you are relaxing on the many beaches of the Mar Menor or parading the palm lined Ribera promenade, with cycle lanes that provide access the area’s best beaches without even having to get in your car. And with San Javier on your doorstep, you have access to excellent shopping and dining in an area that produces huge quantities of fresh fruit, vegetables and fresh fish.
Community
The town of Santiago de la Ribera has been developing as a destination for tourists since the late 19th century. Today you will find a permanent population of 7,600 people, a friendly community from across Spain and northern Europe.
Property
In Santiago you will find a great alternative to the more expensive resorts of the Costa Blanca, with a great range of modern apartments and villas, many offering sea views.
Amenities
This is the place to be if you want to make the most of this special stretch of the coast, with excellent water sports facilities on your doorstep. For day to day practicalities, head up the road to San Javier where you will find supermarkets and the Dos Mares shopping mall which also includes a cinema and bowling.
Transport
The airport is a 30 minute drive away, with Santiago de la Ribera being positioned close to a number of fast roads connecting you with Murcia and Alicante. If you are without your own transport a wide range of bus services will get you where you need to be, while a ferry is the quickest way of reaching the beaches of La Manga del Mar Menor.
Employment
Much of the work in Santiago is likely to be found in tourism, property and the service industries. For further opportunities try Murcia, a 35 minute commute and one of the top ten cities in Spain for employment.
Health
Many people are drawn to the area for its air quality and the climate of the Mar Menor, with the healing mud baths at Lo Pagan just a few minutes away. Santiago has its own public medical centre and there is another surgery in San Javier, as well as the hospital for the municipality, Los Arcos del Mar Menor on the edge of town.
Schools
There are a variety of Spanish public schools to consider in Santiago and more still in San Javier, but if you’d prefer your children to follow the UK national curriculum, King’s College, the British School of Murcia is a 15 minute drive.
Cost of Living
You’ll find life in Santiago de la Ribera slightly more reasonable than the more touristy Costa Blanca and with property prices also a little lower, this is a good option for anyone who needs to stick to a budget.