With its scorching skies, golden beaches, and temperatures that could sizzle bacon, the Costa Blanca sun is no joke. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a tourist who enjoys the sun, surviving the heat here requires more than just applying sun cream; it also requires changing your way of life. From trying to follow Spanish customs and choosing to take a siesta to managing to look fashionable in 35 degrees! In order to enjoy the long and hot Spanish summer, I want to share with you some tips for staying cool and safe.
Let’s start with a specific lifestyle adjustment that I have made myself. What is that saying? ‘The early bird catches the worm.’ In this instance, it does. Before 9am is the best time to beat the heat. Other great ways to start the day include running errands, going for morning walks, either alone or with your pets, or just getting some exercise. This also explains why the locals love early mornings and late evenings.
‘Siesta time!’ is the name of this second lifestyle shift, which you have probably heard of before. Shops are closed, and residents are taking a midday break for a reason. Recharging during the hottest parts of the day can be achieved by taking a siesta or simply lounging in a cool room if, like me, you can’t bear to sleep in the afternoon.
I completely understand if you want to look good every day but are also struggling with the intense heat and would prefer to spend all of your time in a bikini! It takes skill to dress for the Costa Blanca heat, finding a balance between staying cool and not looking like you just rolled out of a hammock. First, let’s talk about fabrics. You should dress in materials like bamboo, cotton, and linen. These materials don’t retain heat like synthetics do, and they let your skin breathe. Consider loose-fitting t-shirts, linen trousers and flowing dresses. Keep an eye out for my upcoming article, which will go into greater detail about this.
Naturally, maintaining a cool home in the Spanish style is also crucial. During a Costa Blanca summer, air conditioning may seem like a lifesaver, but not everyone has it or even enjoys using it. Long before air conditioning became commonplace, Spanish residents had to deal with the heat, and let’s just say that their strategies are effective. Known as “persianas”, shutters are your first line of defence. These serve purposes beyond privacy in Spain. In order to avoid direct sunlight, locals typically keep them closed during the hottest times of the day, which are typically late morning to early evening. The wet sheet and curtains trick might be new to some of you reading this. Cover an open window or doorway with a damp sheet that isn’t soaking wet. The air absorbs moisture and cools a little as it moves through.
Let’s be honest, we all initially fear the arrival of summer heat because it seems like a formidable obstacle to overcome. But the reality is that everything changes when you learn to flow with it instead of fighting it. Adapting your mindset is just as important to thriving here as how you dress or cool your home.
The culture isn’t one of high stress or a 9-to-5 grind. As the temperature rises, the Costa Blanca’s rhythm slows down, which is a good thing. You begin to learn to rest unapologetically during the hottest times of the day, to enjoy your lunch in the shade, and to run your errands early. It’s referred to as logical, not lazy! For this reason, evenings become enchanted. The world comes to life once more as the sun sets behind the mountains and the temperature drops. Families swarm the squares, friends congregate for tapas, and chatter fills the terraces. By day, the heat makes you more patient, and at night, it rewards you with a lively scene.
Above all, we learn to give ourselves credit for our accomplishments. By drinking more water, eating fresher foods, moving more slowly, and taking more breaks, we become healthier versions of ourselves. Therefore, no, it’s not always easy to deal with the heat, but once you learn to embrace it, it becomes a part of the beauty of living in this lovely country and is not something to be feared.
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