Enjoy our quick guide to Canals, a municipality in the Spanish administrative region of La Costera. Situated in the valley of Montesa, its highest points are found in La Serra Grossa which features l’Atalaia and la Creau with peaks measured at 556 meters and 520 meters respectively.
Below we feature an expat interview with Kevin Daniells of Valencia Value Property who covers the Canals area.
Specifically, we wanted to learn from Kevin the many reasons why people should consider moving to this area and the value for money they can get once they decide to stay permanently.
Kevin, thanks for helping our readers. I guess we should start off by asking what would you say would be the advantages to living in Canals compared to other Valencia towns?
The advantages of Canals are many, not least the excellent range of shops and facilities, but the fact that the town is on the level, meaning that getting around is easy. In addition, on the outskirts of the town is the railway, which leads to Xativa and Valencia. The A7 and A31 motorways also pass by the town, meaning that getting to Alicante and Valencia is less than an hour’s drive.
Would the area not suit certain types of people, i.e. are there any possible downsides?
I cannot see any downsides to living in the town. There are very good schools, a municipal market and friendly shops.
What proportion of the local population are Spanish?
The population of the town is predominantly Spanish, but there are also Bulgarian and Romanian communities too. Several English families live within the town and everybody is extremely friendly and helpful. I cannot stress this enough.
What are your favourite things to do in the area?
Favorite things to do in the area are visiting the adjoining and large town of Xativa, which has a superb Medieval Castle overlooking the town, being perched on top of the mountains and forming a beautiful back drop. The town definitely has a cosmopolitan theme and a great range of specialist shops and facilities. The town has its own STUNNING Bull Ring and a most impressive Avenida which is lined by enormous trees, providing loads of shade in the summer months. This is a great place to sit in a café and just people watch.
The village of Montesa is close by and this quaint village has an ancient castle dominating it from the top of a massive stone outcrop. The castle was damaged by an earthquake over 200 years ago, but it is a great place to walk and take in the beautiful views. The area is also popular with walkers, mountain bikers and rock climbers.
Can you give us some insider tips to the best bars or restaurants?
On the outskirts of the town is a carwash called Alfonso’s. It is legendary, attracting locals and people from miles around for its very reasonable Menu Del Dia. Within the town itself, close to the centre is Bar Brazilia – again excellent for Menu Del Dia and Tapas.
Are there many facilities such as doctors and dentists, shops etc?
There are 4 excellent dentists within the town and an impressive medical centre that has a 24-hour Emergency Service. The town of Xativa, just a 10-minute drive away is where the main hospital can be found.
Are there smaller villages nearby that you might also recommend?
Smaller villages within the area are Montesa, Novetle and Valles.
What are the nearest international schools and how good are they?
We are very fortunate. Not only does the town itself have excellent Spanish schools, but within the large town of Xativa, just 10 minutes away there is the British school of Xativa which teaches the UK curriculum to both Spanish and English Children. The school is less than 5 years old and offers great facilities.
Is crime an issue for expats?
Crime has never been an issue. People leave their doors open and cars unlocked and everyone looks out for one another.
_2012-09-24_22-47-33.jpg)
Coming onto buying property, what is the market like now in terms of prices going up, or down or staying the same?
The market in Canals is still very quiet, as most buyers from abroad look to move to the coast. However, things are picking and there are some real bargains to be had, right across the board.
Is this a good time to buy and are there any repossessions or very cheap properties still available to buy?
Now is the time to buy, but all agents would say that wouldn’t they? It really is though, there is a great choice of properties from people that really need to sell, meaning that your perfect property is not far away.
What urbanisations are there and can you describe each one and how they might differ from each other?
The main urbanization outside of the town is Montery. There is a tennis club which is very popular and all the properties are of an individual design. Other than that, most properties outside of the town are on rustic plots in the countryside.
How much are the typical property prices in Canals for apartments, villas etc?
The average price for an apartment is 40 – €50,000. Town houses are slightly higher and villas in the countryside with 3 plus bedrooms and a pool start a €80,000.
Any tips and advice to people looking to buy in Canals or surrounding area?
My advice to anyone looking to buy in the area is go an look at all the other towns and you will then realise how special and friendly the town is.
Kevin, thank you so much for taking the time to help our readers with your experiences in Spain. If you want to contact him, you can find his details below.
46650 Canals
Valencia, Spain
Tel. +34 622 853 306; and
+44 (0) 1983 220148
Email: Kevin@valenciavalueproperty.com
Website: www.valenciavalueproperty.com
Contact us to be featured – we want more expat interviews for our newsletter and website. You don’t need to be an estate agent, we want to hear from anyone who lives in Spain whether you are working or retired.
Leave a Reply