Family life is one of the biggest draws to this coast — outdoor time, sport and a slower pace. Schooling is the part that needs the most planning.
Schooling routes
Families generally choose between Spanish state schools, bilingual schools, or international schools further afield. We deliberately don't name or rank specific schools on this page, since current admissions, quality and availability change and are best judged on a visit or through a current local schools directory rather than a website written from abroad.
Language
Children joining Spanish state schools typically need language support in the first months; bilingual and international schools ease this at a different cost. It's worth being realistic with your children about the adjustment period.
Timing your move
Many families aim to move over the summer so children start a new school year rather than mid-term — though this depends on your own circumstances and isn't a strict rule.
Everyday family life
Beaches, parks, padel courts, football and an outdoor pace of life feature heavily in daily routines here. See our moving with children page for more, or our Los Dolses area guide for what family life looks like specifically in our home area.