I would agree
come here stay for a few weeks
we used owners direct and rented short term from a couple on there
hired a car from a great company and drove around
to work out which area we really wanted to live in
as all offer diferent things
and all properties need to be viewed
preferably at diferent times of day
as noise might not be an issue in the afternoon
but deafening at night times or early morning
we have been living here permanantly now for the last 2 years
with 6 months here and 6 months uk for the previous 2 years
we now have what is for us .... the perfect bungalow in the perfect place with perfect considerate neighbours
but it took us a while to look and find exactly what we wanted
exciting times ahead for both of you
all the best with your move
maggie