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The Costa del Sol Tourist Board in Spain has urged Britons to leave the UK for winter. British tourists could escape the energy crisis in Spain, officials said.

Francisco Salado, president of the Costa del Sol Tourist board, said the region was trying to attract energy ‘nomads’.

He said that tourists won’t be as cold in the sunny Malaga area so might not need to use any heating.

Salado said: “They will be better off spending the winter with us.”

He added that some Governments around Europe were already encouraging residents to spend the winter in warmer climes.

Salado said: “The Costa del Sol has an advantage in this situation because it is already a benchmark for good weather and quality facilities.”

Temperatures in Spain’s Costa del Sol between December and February average around 14 degrees.

Although winter is the region’s coldest season, it’s still warm enough for many people to avoid using central heating.

Accommodation prices are also often at their lowest in the winter season allowing Britons to pick up a bargain on a holiday home.

However, British tourists will have to contend with strict post-Brexit travel rules if they want to spend the winter in Spain.

Britons can spend a maximum of 90 days in the EU out of every 180 days and could be penalised if they overstay.

If British citizens want to stay in Spain for longer than 90 out of every 180 days, they will need to apply for a visa.

Penalties for overstaying a visa include fines, travel bans or overnight detention in an immigration facility.

The Brexit rules have impacted the lifestyle of some British expats who are often known as ‘swallows’.

Swallows used to travel to Spain every winter to spend the coldest months of the year in warmer climates.

However, since Brexit many expats have had to make a choice to apply for residency in Spain or sell their property.

It can be difficult to apply for Spanish residency as it must be done from the UK and can require a lot of proof.

Energy bills have soared across the UK, leaving many Britons struggling to pay ahead of the winter.

Some experts have even suggested people could relocate to far-flung destinations such as Thailand.

Although the flight costs would be high, countries such as Thailand and Vietnam have a much lower cost of living.

The idea is expected to primarily appeal to retired people who have more freedom to relocate overseas.

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