‘Adapting to local climate and lifestyle, I have learned not just to survive but to enjoy the Spanish summer,’ Sarah Carrino tells The i Paper
A Briton who moved to Spain three years ago has said that although the heat in her adopted country is “shocking” in summer, she has acclimatised and other Britons can learn to do the same.
Spain has suffered extreme heat in recent weeks. Temperatures soared to 46°C in late June, with large parts of the country ravaged by wildfires earlier this month.
Some 1,180 people have died as a result of the heatwave, according to the country’s environment ministry. The majority of those who died were over 65 and more than half were women, according to the data.
The most affected regions were in the north of the country, including Galicia, La Rioja, Asturias and Cantabria, where traditionally cooler summer temperatures have seen a significant rise in recent years.
Sarah Carrino, 42, moved to Alicante on Spain’s east coast from Yorkshire in 2022 after her divorce aged 40.
Commenting on the weather gap between the UK and Spain, Ms Carrino said: “It’s still a little bit shocking – especially on the extreme heat days – but I have acclimatised.
“Twenty eight degrees to me feels like a nice summer’s day, compared to when its 37-40 degrees. That is excessively hot and it certainly feels excessively hot.”
She said there had been wildfires “within 50 miles and on certain days, depending on which way the wind is blowing, you can actually smell the smoke from those fires. They are about and it is something to be very aware of.”
However, she said that generally it was possible to cope with the sometimes extreme heat.
“By adapting to the local climate and lifestyle, I have learned not just to survive but to enjoy the Spanish summer despite the extreme heat.”
Ms Carrino recommends several practical strategies to cope with the excessive heat. These include doing as the locals do, and embracing the daily rhythm in Spain.
“I start my day early to take advantage of cooler mornings, rest indoors during the hottest hours (usually 2-5pm), and enjoy outdoor activities in the cooler evenings. This routine helps me avoid the peak heat and stay refreshed,” she said.
In her diet, she ensures she drinks plenty of water throughout the day, sipping slowly to stay hydrated, avoiding alcohol, and eating food with plenty of water content. “I prefer light, hydrating meals such as cold soups like gazpacho, fresh salads, and fruits with high water content like watermelon and cucumber. I avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks that can dehydrate me,” she said.
She also recommends using wet clothes and cooling sprays to cool down quickly, and taking cool – rather than cold – showers. “I also cool pulse points by placing my wrists and ankles in cold water, which helps lower my body temperature efficiently.”
To keep her home cool, she ensures she keeps windows open in the cooler times of day – never in the heat of the day – to encourage airflow, and uses shades or blinds to block direct sunlight during peak hours. “I also avoid using heat-generating appliances during the hottest times and ensure my sleeping area stays cool for better rest at night,” she said.
Finally, when travelling around, she suggests carrying a small spray bottle filled with water to mist your face and neck throughout the day. “It’s a simple way to refresh yourself instantly, especially when you’re out and about in the Spanish sun.
“Also, wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat can significantly reduce heat absorption and protect your skin,” she added.
Ms Carrino believes other Britons should not be put off coming to Spain by the hot weather, but to “live their Spanish dream”. For her, it was something she had dreamt about doing for 20 years.
“It was always something I wanted to do,” she said. “I love the country, I love the climate, I love the culture and the people. I always dreamt of it.
“But, like with anything else, life got in the way – whether it was my career, my marriage, family – there was always something holding me back.
“Then I turned 40 and unfortunately got divorced, and I thought, ‘Now is my opportunity. I’m young, free and single still and I’m going to make the move.’ So, I did.”
Since then, she has “never looked back”.
“It was definitely a fresh start and it was following my dreams that I always wanted to follow and haven’t looked back since.
“I play paddle, I swim, I walk. I’m absolutely loving it. I’m living my best life out here.”
Asked what the biggest differences between the UK and Spain are, Ms Carrino pointed toward the cost of living and that “everybody seems to be in a significantly better mood here”.
She said: “The cost of living over here is significantly cheaper than the UK. For example, on groceries, I probably spend about €80 (£69.40) a week for a full shop. That would be unheard of in the UK, to do a full food shop for that price.
“Also, I used to pay £120 a month in council tax, whereas here in Spain I pay €100 (£86.70) a year in council tax, believe it or not.”
Ms Carrino has set up her own real estate business, Prime Property, in Spain, which she said largely caters to people from the UK and Ireland seeking to buy properties there.
“I’ve made my dream come true and now I’m helping others make their Spanish dreams come true,” she said.