Moving to Almuñécar
This week Matthew looks at moving to Almuñécar, located along the southern coast of Spain – Costa Tropical to be exact. Enjoy!
(If there is an area of Spain that you would like us to feature… drop us an email to info@spainbuddy.com)
Almuñécar, Spain’s tropics
Ups
The Costa Tropical, on which Almuñécar and neighbouring La Herradura lie, is not your typical Spanish Costa. Because the Sierra Nevada is not only above but extends almost to the coastline, there’s a shortage of land which is suitable to build on. Making this coast reassuredly quiet.
Downs
Metropolitan types might miss the buzz of big-city life. Especially during October to April, when Almuñécar effectively closes for business as a tourist resort. Although, there’s an established expat community which serves as a counterbalance to the seasonal lack of holidaymakers.
In and out
The nearest international airport to Almuñécar’s Málaga-Costa del Sol (AGP). It’s a 88.7km eastward drive along the A-7. Allow around a hour for your journey, around 10 minutes less than if you choose to land at Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén (GRX).
Education
If you’re worried about your child settling in a Spanish school, then you might want to consider Almuñécar International School. Bear in mind, however, that annual fees start at around the 5.000€-mark for younger children before hitting just under 10.000€ for older pupils. The age-range of the schoolchildren’s here’s 3-19.
Shop until you drop…
The Casco Antiguo’s home to everything from souvenir shops which wouldn’t look out of place in Marrakech, not surprising given the town’s Moorish heritage, to quirky boutiques. If the local supermarkets don’t stock some of your favourite non-Spanish brands, try Olivares on Calle Mariana Pineda which imports both British and Scandinavian goods. But for more local foodstuffs, head to the indoor municipal market which is open from 9:00am to 2:00pm Monday to Saturday.
Property types
Almuñécar enjoyed a pre-expat existence. So, its architecture is more traditional than newer resorts elsewhere. Prepare to be lulled by the warm allure of its various properties.
Market watch
Apartments, €45.000+. Villas, up to €3.000.000.000.
In Praise Of
“Almuñécar’s a friendly fishing village, framed by the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains and the majestic Mediterranean. You can hike in the summer, ski in the winter, and return to enjoy tapas or a swim in the sea, all in the same day. It’s full of tradition, history, and culture, making it a very popular year-round destination which nevertheless retains its Spanish charm.” Heidi Wagoner (Wagoners Abroad)
• Are you an expat in Almuñécar? What do you like/dislike about it? Let us know below.
Matthew Hirtes, our resident broadsheet journalist, moved to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria back in 2004. He’s travelled extensively through Spain, covering it for such publications as Telegraph Travel, Metro, and The Independent. The author of Going Local in Gran Canaria: How To Turn a Holiday Destination into a Home, Matthew truly is a resident expert.
Matthew writes for two sections of Spain Buddy: Moving to Spain and Spanish Football as well as providing Reviews
