Wintering in Moraira
Wintering in Moraira: climate, rules and practical tips
Wintering in Moraira means, in practice: mild days averaging around 16°C, cool nights and a quiet village. Anyone staying a few weeks or months has more than the weather to think about — health insurance, registration and daily life outside the season. This page sets out the main points.
The winter climate in figures
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Sun h | Sea °C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November | 19 | 10 | 6 | 19 |
| December | 16 | 7 | 5 | 16 |
| January | 16 | 6 | 6 | 14 |
| February | 16 | 7 | 6 | 14 |
| March | 18 | 8 | 7 | 14 |
Source: weather2travel.com (CRU, Met Office and KNMI data). Rounded long-term averages.
In the sun you can often sit outside during the day, but evenings and nights are chilly. So bring a warm jumper and a coat as well as summer clothes. Autumn is the wettest part of the year: November averages 53 mm and December 47 mm, usually in short showers. Around the shortest day there are about 9.5 hours of daylight. All the monthly figures are on the page the weather and climate in Moraira.
Residence rules for a longer stay
As a citizen of the European Union you may stay in Spain for up to three months without any formalities. For a longer stay the following rules apply. Always check the current conditions with the official bodies, because rules can change.
Longer than three months in Spain
EU citizens who are going to stay in Spain for longer than three months must, according to the Spanish Policía Nacional, register in the Registro Central de Extranjeros within three months of arrival. That is done at an Oficina de Extranjería or a police station (comisaría) in the province where you are staying. There is a fee, paid through form 790, code 012. Those not in work must, under the EU rules, be able to show that they have health insurance and sufficient means of subsistence.
For the Dutch: the eight-month rule
According to the Dutch government you must notify your municipality if you spend more than eight months abroad within a period of one year. A winter stay of a few months does not usually fall under that. Belgian winterers are best advised to ask their own municipality and health fund about the rules that apply to them.
Care and insurance
With the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) a temporary stay entitles you to medically necessary care within the Spanish public health system, on the same terms as residents. The card covers neither private care nor the cost of repatriation. For a stay of several months, talk to your health insurer beforehand and check that your travel insurance covers the whole period. Where to go in and around Moraira is on the page medical care in Moraira.
Check in advance
The rules above are a summary of official sources (Policía Nacional, Your Europe and the Dutch government) and are not legal advice. For your own situation — with a pension, a benefit or a house of your own in the Netherlands or Belgium, for instance — you are best advised to ask the bodies concerned.
Daily life in winter
Moraira is a good deal quieter in winter than in summer. The weekly market carries on as usual: every Friday morning, from about 9:00 to 14:00, on the Parking Les Sorts site. Tourist Info Teulada-Moraira at Avenida de Madrid 15 is open from October to May on weekdays from 10:00 to 17:00 and at weekends from 10:00 to 14:00; there you can get the events calendar, walking maps and bus timetables. Bear in mind that some of the beach bars and seasonal businesses are closed outside summer or keep shorter hours. Which supermarkets and shops there are is on shops and market in Moraira.
Staying active through the winter
The cool months are the best season for walking and cycling: without the midday heat the coastal routes and the hinterland are very manageable. Do start in good time, because around the shortest day there are only about 9.5 hours of daylight. For inspiration see the walking routes around Moraira and sport in Moraira.
Stay at Calamora in Moraira
Wintering in Moraira starts with a good base. Calamora offers roomy apartments with central heating, free WiFi and a parking space of their own — ideal for a longer stay. You book directly with us, with no middleman, and we are glad to help you think your stay through.
A maximum of 4 guests may stay here (infants not included).
You will not be charged yet
Why book directly with us
- No middleman and no booking fees
- Twenty per cent today, the rest only six weeks before you travel
- Plans changed? Your payment moves with you to another date
- Personal contact with us about arrival, keys and tips
Frequently asked questions about wintering in Moraira
How cold is Moraira in winter?
Winters in Moraira are mild. The average temperature in January and February lies between 6 to 7°C at night and 16°C during the day. Frost is rare. In winter you can eat outside quite happily on sunny afternoons. Most of the rain falls in October and November.
Is Moraira enjoyable in winter, or is everything closed?
Moraira has an active life in winter too. Restaurants, supermarkets, shops and the weekly market (every Friday morning at Parking Les Sorts) are open all year. Some beach bars and tourist attractions are closed between November and March. The village has a settled community of winterers that keeps the atmosphere convivial the year round.
Can I rent for a longer period in Moraira?
Yes. From 1 November to 31 March Calamora offers a winter discount: book four weeks and you pay for three. There is nothing to apply for: choose your dates at prices and availability and the discount is applied automatically when you book.
What costs should I reckon with for wintering in Moraira?
The cost of living in Moraira is comparable to the Netherlands, though groceries and eating out are generally cheaper. Rents outside the high season are lower than in summer. Allow as well for health insurance for abroad, accommodation costs and, for a stay of more than three months, registration in the Registro Central de Extranjeros.
Do I need a NIE number to winter in Moraira?
As an EU citizen you may stay in Spain for up to three months without any formalities. If you stay longer, the Policía Nacional requires you to register in the Registro Central de Extranjeros within three months of arrival; that registration comes with a NIE number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero). The rule of 90 days in every 180 applies to travellers from outside the EU and not to you. Consult the Spanish embassy or a local gestor for current advice.