Shops and Services in Algorfa, Alicante

Shopping

There are plenty of small shops around Algorfa that should take care of your day-to-day needs. Every Sunday there is a local open market in town, where stalls sell fresh fruit and vegetables from the Veja Baja.

There's also the new La Finca shopping complex, situated a few kilometres out of town en route to Los Montesinos, that is well-stocked with shops and services (there are also several banks).

If you're craving some items from the UK, you'll only have to travel 15 minutes to the expat haven of Torrevieja (it beats the 2-1/2 flight to London!). There you'll find shops carrying everything from McVities biscuits to English newspapers.

For a little more Spanish culture with your shopping, check out Torrevieja's Mercado de Abastos (covered market) which sells fresh produce from the sea and from the local farms. Torrevieja's frenetic open-air market, which is one of the largest in Spain, takes place every Friday near the bus station. You'd never imagine all the goods available.

Orihuela, which is 20km west, also hosts an array of elegant shops in its historic town centre.

You must also remember that the cosmopolitan city of Alicante, and its cornucopia of shops is only a 50km jaunt up the coast - gentlemen, hide your credit cards! What? It's already gone? Take some solace in knowing things here are much cheaper than the UK.

Staying Healthy

Spain's healthcare system is one of Europe's best. Most Spaniards can expect to see their GP within one day of booking.

Like the NHS, healthcare is free to all citizens. So visitors that bring their European Health Insurance Card or E111 can be assured of fast, free attention whenever it’s needed.

For minor complaints, Spanish pharmacies (Farmacias) are excellent and many medicines that require a prescription at home can be bought over the counter here. Look out for the flashing green cross outside the store.

For emergencies, there are two nearby hospitals in Torrevieja: Hospital San Jaime (966 921 579) and Hospital Vega Baja (966 776 166). Orihuela's District Hospital Vega Baja (966 776 166) is also close, only 20km away.

Just jumping out of the fast lane in the UK for a laid back life in Spain will do wonders for your health. Why not consider making Spain your home? After all, how many chances do you get to enjoy life? Have a peek at Algorfa properties and see where this new life may begin.

Travel tip: The emergency number in Spain is three digit code: 112
Fact: The E111 is now being phased out, so plan ahead and replace yours with the new European Health Insurance Card

Expat Lifestyle

Although the expat community in Algorfa is small, you're within 15 minutes of Torrevieja, which is one of the largest expat communities on the Costa Blanca.

Torrevieja's community is a warm and welcoming bunch and there are dozens of groups you can join to socialise. They range from an association of retired police officers to a club that collects rare stamps - there is truly something for everyone.