So, you've landed in the Costa Blanca, ready for new adventures, sun-kissed beaches, and maybe a little siesta here and there. But what's a great life without friends to share it with? Making friends in this paradise is a beautiful journey in itself. Not sure where to start? We love to share some of our strategies with you that we used ourselves to build our own social network in the Costa Blanca.
Embrace Local Culture
One of the most beautiful aspects of living in a new place is the opportunity to immerse yourself in a different culture. In the Costa Blanca, the culture is rich, diverse and very welcoming. Participate in local festivals (such as DNA Dénia) to see what and especially how they are celebrating.
Try their famous paella (at Cala Bandida for example) and eat delicious tapas at various restaurants. Make sure to visit Temblor in Javéa and try to find your closest Lizarran spot. Attend cultural events like the Moors and Christians or follow a workshop like Flamenco dancing. Engaging with the local culture not only broadens your horizons, but also provides excellent conversation starters when meeting new people!
Stay in the loop by keeping an eye on those activities organised by the local town hall. They often host cultural events, festivals and community gatherings that offer a great way to be involved in the local scene. Don't miss out on these opportunities to connect with both residents and fellow newcomers. You can look up their socials or just visit the town hall to ask how you can be informed about those activities.
Learn the Language
While they speak some English in big, touristic towns in the Costa Blanca, Spanish remains the main used language. And to confuse you even more: actually the regional language of the Costa Blanca is ‘Valenciano’, which is very different from the main Spanish language ‘Castellano’.
Making an effort to learn Castellano can get you a long way in building connections. You definitely don’t have to speak fluent Castellano, but a few basic phrases and greetings can break the ice and shows you want to participate with the locals. You could start with using language learning apps (Duolingo), but you could also consider to take Spanish classes. It’s possible to follow those classes in person, but there are also a lot of online possibilities to improve your Spanish skills!
Find Your People
The Costa Blanca offers a lot of different clubs, groups and associations catering to various interests. Whether you're into hiking, art, dancing or yoga, there's likely a local club for it. Attending local groups classes at gyms is also a good way to get in touch with local people. Joining such groups not only allows you to pursue your passions but also puts you in touch with like-minded individuals who share your interests.
Besides going to local clubs in person, there are also a lot of Facebook communities and WhatsApp groups that you could join to be in touch with people from your area. These can be valuable resources for finding information, advice and potential friends. Facebook groups, expat forums and social media platforms are great places to start. Just get out of your comfort zone, post a photo and a little story about yourself so people know who you are! Ask people who share the same vibes if they would be open to meet up for a glass of sangria or hike in the mountains!
Attend Expat Events
Expat communities are widespread in Costa Blanca and they often organise social events and gatherings. These can be fantastic opportunities to meet people who are going through similar experiences and may share your language and background. Keep an eye out for expat meetups, coffee mornings and social events.
Volunteer and Give Back
Volunteering is an excellent way to connect with both locals and fellow expats while contributing positively to your new community. Whether it's helping at a local charity, participating in community clean-up events or assisting with local causes, volunteering provides a sense of purpose and the chance to meet people who value giving back.
Show that Smile!
Sometimes, the simplest advice is the most effective: be open and approachable. Smile, greet your neighbours, strike up conversations in cafes and be open to invitations. Friendships often begin with a friendly "hello".
Host Your Own Gatherings
If you've made a few acquaintances, consider hosting your own gatherings or dinners. It's a great way to bring people together and strengthen your friendships. Most likely they’ll invite you for the next gathering that they will organise!
Have a Little Patience
Building a social network takes time, especially in a new country. Be patient with yourself and the process. Friendships develop organically and it's normal to sometimes experience moments of loneliness. Remember that the effort you put into building connections will eventually pay off.
Time to Create Your Social Network in the Costa Blanca
Making friends in the Costa Blanca is an essential part of creating a fulfilling life in this beautiful region. By embracing the local culture, learning the language, joining clubs, attending events and being open to new experiences, you can build a strong social network that enriches your life and helps you feel truly at home here.
Remember: the journey of building connections is as rewarding as the destination itself! We have navigated this path numerous times ourselves, so we truly understand its ups and downs. We know that at times, it can feel challenging and that's precisely why we are here to assist you in your journey towards feeling Happy, Healthy and at Home here in the Costa Blanca.
Our goal is to create an enthusiastic VLCB Amigos Facebook community. To be updated about the activities we organize, you can easily add yourself to our 'Notifications' WhatsApp group. If you love to connect with like-minded individuals or want to ask questions, make sure to also add yourself to our 'Amigos' WhatsApp group. Join our community today and let’s go through this wonderful journey together!
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