Family life

Moving to the Costa Blanca with children

An outdoor, sociable lifestyle is one of the biggest draws for families — but schooling, timing and settling in all need proper thought.

Schooling options

State, bilingual and international routes

Families moving to the Orihuela Costa area generally choose between Spanish state schools, bilingual schools, or international schools further afield. Each has trade-offs in cost, language immersion and curriculum continuity with the UK or Belgium. We help you think through the options and introduce you to people who can advise on current admissions processes — we don't recommend or rank specific schools on this page, since availability and quality can change and are best judged on a visit.

Family walking along a coastal promenade on the Costa Blanca

Practical family planning

Timing the move

Many families aim for the summer break so children start the new school year fresh rather than mid-term.

Language support

Extra language tuition in the first months makes a real difference for children joining Spanish-medium schools.

Everyday family life

Beaches, parks, padel, football and an outdoor pace of life are a big part of why families choose this coast.

Frequently asked questions

Moving with children — common questions

Are there English/international schools near Los Dolses?

There are international and bilingual school options within reach of the Orihuela Costa area, alongside Spanish state schools. The right choice depends on your children's ages, language levels and your long-term plans — we can point you toward local research and introductions rather than naming specific schools as a recommendation here, since current offerings and admissions details are best confirmed directly with each school.

Will my children need to learn Spanish quickly?

It depends on the school route you choose. State schools operate in Spanish (often with some regional Valencian too), so children joining state school typically need language support in the early months. International or bilingual schools ease this transition but at a different cost.

What's the best time of year to move with kids?

Many families aim to move over the summer break so children start a new school year rather than mid-term, though this isn't a strict rule and depends on your circumstances.

Talk through your family's move

Book a free move-planning call