Spain has suffered extreme heat in recent weeks. Temperatures soared to 46\u00b0C in late June, with large parts of the country ravaged by wildfires<\/a> earlier this month.<\/p>\n Some 1,180 people have died as a result of the heatwave, according to the country\u2019s environment ministry. The majority of those who died were over 65, and more than half were women, according to the data.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Sarah Carrino, 42, moved to Alicante on Spain\u2019s east coast from Yorkshire in 2022 after her divorce aged 40.<\/p>\n Commenting on the weather gap between the UK and Spain<\/a>, Ms Carrino said: \u201cIt\u2019s still a little bit shocking \u2013 especially on the extreme heat days \u2013 but I have acclimatised.<\/p>\n \u201cTwenty-eight degrees to me feels like a nice summer\u2019s day, compared to when it\u2019s 37-40 degrees. That is excessively hot, and it certainly feels excessively hot.\u201d<\/p>\n She said there had been wildfires \u201cwithin 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.\u201d<\/p>\n However, she said that generally it was possible to cope with the sometimes extreme heat.<\/p>\n \u201cBy adapting to the local climate and lifestyle, I have learned not just to survive but to enjoy the Spanish summer despite the extreme heat.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cI 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,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n 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. \u201cI 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,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n She also recommends rinsing clothes in cool water, and using sprays to cool down quickly, as well as taking cool \u2013 rather than cold \u2013 showers. \u201cI also cool pulse points by placing my wrists and ankles in cold water, which helps lower my body temperature efficiently.\u201d<\/p>\n To keep her home cool, she ensures she keeps windows open in the cooler times of day \u2013 never in the heat of the day \u2013 to encourage airflow, and uses shades or blinds to block direct sunlight during peak hours. \u201cI also avoid using heat-generating appliances during the hottest times and ensure my sleeping area stays cool for better rest at night,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Finally, when travelling around, she suggests carrying a small spray bottle filled with water to mist your face and neck throughout the day. \u201cIt\u2019s a simple way to refresh yourself instantly, especially when you\u2019re out and about in the Spanish sun.<\/p>\n \u201cAlso, wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat can significantly reduce heat absorption and protect your skin,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n Ms Carrino believes other Britons should not be put off coming to Spain by the hot weather, but to \u201clive their Spanish dream\u201d. For her, it was something she had dreamt about doing for 20 years.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was always something I wanted to do,\u201d she said. \u201cI love the country, I love the climate, I love the culture and the people. I always dreamt of it.<\/p>\n \u201cBut, like with anything else, life got in the way \u2013 whether it was my career, my marriage<\/a>, or family \u2013 there was always something holding me back.<\/p>\n \u201cThen I turned 40 and unfortunately got divorced, and I thought, \u2018Now is my opportunity. I\u2019m young, free and single still, and I\u2019m going to make the move.\u2019 So, I did.\u201d<\/p>\n Since then, she has \u201cnever looked back\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was definitely a fresh start, and it was following my dreams that I always wanted to follow and haven\u2019t looked back since.<\/p>\n \u201cI play paddle, I swim, I walk. I\u2019m absolutely loving it. I\u2019m living my best life out here.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"Sarah](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/SEI_259006488.jpg\")
Sarah Carrino helps British and Irish people live \u2018their Spanish dreams\u2019 through her property business (Photo: Sarah Carrino)<\/p>\n![\"Sarah](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/SEI_259006473.jpg\")
Sarah Carrino moved to Alicante in 2022 with her three dogs (Photo: Sarah Carrino)<\/p>\n