Quick Answer
The most common mistakes: booking too late for peak season, not checking the VT licence, ignoring the exact location on a map, and skipping travel insurance. Book by February for July/August stays and always use a licensed agency.
| Essential | Details |
|---|---|
| Book by | Feb for Jul–Aug; Apr for Sep |
| Licence check | Look for VT- number in listing |
| Insurance | Always — €30–€80 for a week |
| Deposit | Normal: €200–€500 refundable |
Key Takeaways
- ✓Book peak-season properties by February — the best villas sell out months ahead.
- ✓Always check the exact location on a map — "near the beach" can mean 20 minutes uphill.
- ✓Verify the VT licence number — unlicensed rentals have no consumer protection.
- ✓Travel insurance costs €30–80 and covers cancellations, medical and lost luggage.
- ✓Read recent reviews, not just the star rating.
In this guide
1. Booking Too Late
Peak-season properties (July and August) in popular areas like Jávea and Moraira can sell out by February. If you have specific dates and a particular town in mind, book early. Shoulder-season trips (May, June, September) offer more last-minute flexibility, but the best properties still go quickly.
Early booking also unlocks 10–15% discounts that many agencies offer for reservations made before the end of January. The earlier you book, the wider your choice of location, size and budget.
2. Ignoring the Exact Location
A property described as "near the beach" might be a 20-minute walk uphill. Always check the exact location on a map. Some urbanisaciones on the Orihuela Costa, while modern and well-maintained, are set back from the coast with no shops or restaurants within walking distance — fine if you have a car, frustrating if you don’t.
Use Google Street View to check the surroundings. Look at the walking distance to the nearest beach, supermarket and restaurants — not just the driving distance.
3. Skipping Travel Insurance
Medical treatment, flight cancellations and lost luggage can quickly become expensive without cover. A good travel insurance policy costs €30–80 for a week and provides peace of mind. Check that your policy covers activities you plan to do — water sports and hiking may require additional cover.
EU visitors should also carry an EHIC/GHIC card for access to public healthcare, but this does not cover repatriation, cancellations or private treatment.
4. Not Checking the Rental Licence
Licensed holiday rentals in the Valencian Community display a VT (Vivienda Turística) registration number. Unlicensed rentals offer no consumer protection, may not meet safety standards and can be shut down at short notice — potentially leaving you without accommodation mid-holiday.
Always book through a reputable agency or verify the VT number independently on the Generalitat Valenciana website. All OceanHome properties are fully licensed and regularly inspected.
5. Overlooking Hidden Costs
Before confirming any booking, check what is and isn’t included in the price:
- Cleaning fees: some agencies charge €50–€120 on top of the rental price.
- Linen and towels: usually included, but check.
- Air conditioning: some properties charge a daily supplement (€5–10/day) for AC usage.
- Security deposit: typically €200–€500, refunded after inspection.
- Tourist tax: the Valencian Community does not currently charge one, but this may change.
OceanHome includes cleaning, linen and towels in all quoted prices — no hidden extras.
Frequently Asked Questions
Co-Founder & Business Consultant· Based in Torrevieja since 2018
Maya co-founded OceanHome and oversees operations across 40+ properties on the Costa Blanca.
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