Expats & Living

Affordable Homes Almeria: Expats Revive Rural Villages in 2025

Q: What is Vivemás Andalucía and how does it help Almeria’s villages?

Vivemás Andalucía is a regional platform launched in 2025 that lists housing, jobs, and services across 480+ rural municipalities. It connects newcomers — including expats — with inland towns that offer affordable homes and opportunities in the province of Almeria.

Q: Are there tax incentives for buying a home in small Almeria villages?

Yes. In municipalities with fewer than 3,000 residents, the property transfer tax (ITP/AJD) may be reduced to 3.5% for homes under €150,000 used as a primary residence. Young buyers under 35 can also apply for regional subsidies and mortgage guarantees.

Q: Can foreign buyers (expats) qualify for these programs?

Foreign buyers can legally purchase property in Andalusia and, if they become residents and meet the criteria — such as using the property as their main home — they may qualify for regional or national aid programs depending on their circumstances.

Q: Do €300-per-month rentals still exist in villages like Abrucena?

The €300 monthly rent figure was reported in early 2025 as an example. Actual prices depend on availability, condition, and location of the home. Some properties may require renovation, so it’s best to check updated listings or contact the local town hall.

Q: Which Almeria villages have recently welcomed new residents through initiatives?

Programs like Holapueblo have attracted new families to Laujar de Andarax and Las Negras, while Abrucena remains a key example of affordable living and new settlement opportunities within inland Almeria.

Published October 7, 2025 | Category: Expats & Living

TL;DR: Dozens of inland villages in Almeria still face depopulation, but new initiatives — including Holapueblo, the regional strategy 2025-2030, and the Vivemás Andalucía housing portal — are creating real opportunities. Expats and young families are finding affordable homes in towns like Abrucena, Laujar de Andarax, and Las Negras, helping to revive rural life in southern Spain.

Affordable homes in Almeria: expats revive rural life through new opportunities

October 2025 update
The demographic challenge in Almeria
Abrucena: affordable living and skilled work demand
Holapueblo’s new settlers in Laujar de Andarax and Las Negras
Andalusia’s new rural strategy and the Vivemás Andalucía portal
Housing market, vacant homes and fiscal incentives
Why expats play a key role in rural renewal
Challenges and the road ahead

October 2025 update

Since this topic first gained attention earlier in 2025, Almeria’s rural housing scene has evolved quickly. In September, the Junta de Andalucía officially launched the First Andalusian Strategy to Address the Demographic Challenge 2025-2030 in Almeria, alongside a new digital platform, Vivemás Andalucía, described as an “Airbnb for rural living.” This portal connects newcomers with municipalities, available homes, job opportunities, and local services. It marks a turning point in Andalusia’s commitment to repopulate the interior of provinces such as Almeria.

Meanwhile, initiatives like Holapueblo continue to bring new families — including foreign ones — to small Andalusian towns. Housing remains far more affordable than on the coast, and expats increasingly see rural Almeria as a place to settle, work remotely, or start small businesses.

The demographic challenge in Almeria

Almeria’s population imbalance has become one of Andalusia’s defining issues. While the province overall has grown to more than 777,000 inhabitants, its inland municipalities are losing people at an alarming rate. The Junta classifies 22 municipalities as being in a state of “red alert” for depopulation — meaning fewer births, higher unemployment, and accelerated aging.

Regions such as the Alpujarra Almeriense, Los Vélez, and the Nacimiento valley show the steepest declines. Many villages now have fewer than 1,500 residents. Yet this same trend has created an unexpected opportunity: these communities offer some of the most affordable homes in Almeria, often priced below €50,000 for purchase or around €300 per month for rentals — though supply is limited and renovation needs can be high.

Abrucena: affordable living and skilled work demand

The town of Abrucena, at the northern foot of Sierra Nevada, remains one of the most emblematic examples of rural renewal. Featured in El Español earlier this year, it continues to attract attention for its quality of life and housing affordability. Located just 67 km from Almeria city and well connected by road to Granada, Córdoba, and Jaén, Abrucena offers high-speed internet, 5G coverage, schools for all ages, and a daily taxi service to the provincial capital.

Rental listings cited in early 2025 mentioned homes for €300 per month, although availability varies and many properties require restoration. Still, compared to coastal areas such as Roquetas de Mar or Mojacar, the savings are enormous. The local economy also shows promise: there is demand for carpenters, plumbers, and electricians, as well as potential for wood-processing and small artisan businesses based on local forestry resources.

With orchards of cherries, almonds, and olives, Abrucena combines nature with potential for agro-tourism and food-based entrepreneurship. For expats seeking affordable homes in Almeria and the chance to build a new life, it represents a viable, community-oriented alternative to crowded coastal towns.

Holapueblo’s new settlers in Laujar de Andarax and Las Negras

According to Diario de Almeria and Idealista, the Holapueblo program — backed by Redeia, IKEA, and AlmaNatura — has helped 29 people settle in Andalusian villages in its first five years. Two of those families chose Almeria: one in Laujar de Andarax (inland Alpujarra) and one in Las Negras (in the Níjar coast). Both families established small businesses, including a ceramic workshop and local artisan projects.

The fifth edition of Holapueblo, published in mid-2025, confirms the program’s growing diversity. About 45% of participants are couples with children, 67% are aged 35-50, and 24% are foreigners — notably from Argentina, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Most of the projects launched by newcomers are led by women and focus on crafts, local food, or creative services. The result is a quiet but real transformation: new people, new jobs, and revived social life in villages once at risk of disappearing.

Holapueblo’s coordinators emphasize that success depends on community involvement. Municipalities that catalogue available housing, rehabilitate municipal homes, and provide administrative support attract more residents. In Almeria, towns like Laujar de Andarax have excelled at that approach — combining tradition, scenic beauty, and proactive local government.

Andalusia’s new rural strategy and the Vivemás Andalucía portal

In September 2025, the Junta de Andalucía presented the Andalusian Strategy against Depopulation 2025-2030 in Almeria. It includes 32 lines of action and a major digital innovation: the Vivemás Andalucía portal (vivemasandalucia.es), a website connecting potential settlers with more than 480 priority municipalities. The portal lists available homes, job offers, and business opportunities while promoting rural living as part of the campaign “El pueblo de tu vida.”

The government is also creating a catalogue of vacant housing to match supply and demand and is funding infrastructure improvements — from road upgrades to rural internet. This “Airbnb-style” approach to rural development signals a shift toward marketing small villages not as relics of the past but as viable lifestyle destinations for new generations and international residents.

Housing market, vacant homes and fiscal incentives

According to the most recent report by Comisiones Obreras Andalucía, Almeria has around 73,000 vacant homes — roughly 16.8% of its total housing stock, one of the highest rates in Andalusia. Many are located in rural areas, providing a potential base for revitalization. However, only about 8% of homes in Andalusia are long-term rentals, which means the rental market in small towns remains tight and often informal.

To encourage settlement, the Junta maintains major tax incentives for people buying property in small municipalities. Transfer tax (ITP/AJD) is reduced from 8% to 3.5% for homes under €150,000 in towns with fewer than 3,000 inhabitants, if used as a main residence. There are also subsidies of up to €10,800 for young buyers under 35, and 95% loan guarantees through Andalusian public banks.

Several municipalities have launched their own micro-initiatives. In the city of Almeria, for instance, the municipal developer “Almería XXI” has just completed 64 affordable rental apartments for young people, part of a larger effort to offer real housing solutions while complementing rural initiatives inland.

Why expats play a key role in rural renewal

Almeria’s low cost of living, good climate, and growing connectivity make it increasingly appealing to expats seeking authenticity and affordability. For remote workers, entrepreneurs, or retirees, small villages provide both peace and opportunity. The rise of digital work and flexible careers allows many to live anywhere — and for some, that means mountain views instead of city traffic.

Beyond economic impact, expats contribute cultural exchange, language skills, and new business models. In Laujar de Andarax, for instance, the arrival of a language school has benefited both locals and newcomers. Others are creating artisan workshops or eco-tourism ventures that draw visitors to places long forgotten on the map.

As housing pressure grows on the coast, these inland villages could become the next chapter of Almeria’s development — a blend of Spanish tradition and international community building.

Challenges and the road ahead

Despite progress, challenges remain. Many rural properties need substantial renovation, and essential services such as healthcare or public transport are still limited in remote areas. Successful repopulation depends not only on cheap housing but also on strong local engagement, clear administration, and sustainable job creation.

Still, optimism is rising. With Holapueblo expanding, the new Vivemás Andalucía portal active, and the Junta’s fiscal and social incentives in place, the stage is set for a new rural renaissance. Almeria’s small villages — from Abrucena to Laujar and beyond — may once again thrive, thanks to the blend of policy, community, and international newcomers ready to call them home.

FAQs: Moving to a village in Almeria

What is Vivemás Andalucía and how does it help Almeria’s villages?

Vivemás Andalucía is a regional portal launched in 2025 that lists homes, jobs, and services in 480+ rural municipalities. It helps newcomers — including expats — discover real housing options and opportunities in Almeria’s inland towns, and contact the local council or initiative directly.

Are there tax incentives for buying a home in small Almeria villages?

Yes. In municipalities with fewer than 3,000 inhabitants, transfer tax (ITP/AJD) can be reduced to 3.5% for purchases under €150,000 used as a main residence. Young buyers may also access subsidies and public mortgage guarantees (subject to eligibility and current rules).

Can foreign buyers (expats) qualify for these programs?

Generally, foreign buyers can purchase property in Andalusia and, if they become residents and meet the criteria (e.g., main residence, income limits for certain grants), they may qualify for regional or national aid. Always confirm current requirements before committing.

Do €300-per-month rentals still exist in villages like Abrucena?

€300/month was reported in early 2025 as an example for specific listings. Availability and conditions vary; some homes need renovation. Check recent listings and speak to the town hall or local agents for up-to-date offers.

Which Almeria villages have recently welcomed new residents through initiatives?

Through programs like Holapueblo, new families have settled in Laujar de Andarax and Las Negras. Abrucena is frequently highlighted for affordability, connectivity, and demand for skilled trades.

Explore more local life stories in our Expats & Living section, learn about housing and investments in Real Estate & Economy, and discover the charm of inland towns in Towns & Villages.

For more updates from across the province, visit our Expats & Living category.

Towns & Villages

Abla Guide. Discover Abla, Almeria — History, Nature, and Local Festivals

Published October 16, 2025 | Category: Towns & Villages

TL;DR: Abla is a charming mountain village at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, known for its Roman heritage, traditional festivals, local crafts, and peaceful rural lifestyle. Ideal for nature lovers, hikers, and those seeking authentic Andalusian life.

Discover Abla, Almeria — History, Nature, and Local Festivals

Set on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada, Abla is one of Almeria’s most historic and tranquil mountain villages. With cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, and friendly locals, it offers a glimpse of authentic Andalusian village life far from the crowded coast. The town has deep roots that reach back to Roman times — historians identify it with the ancient settlement of Abula.

Today, Abla blends its agricultural heritage with a growing interest in rural tourism, hiking, and cultural activities promoted by the Ayuntamiento de Abla and the Junta de Andalucía.

Geography and Setting

Abla occupies an area of around 46 square kilometres and lies in the northwestern part of Almeria province, on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada, facing the Sierra de los Filabres. The village overlooks the upper course of the Nacimiento River, making it the natural gateway to the Alpujarra of Almeria. The surrounding landscape alternates between fertile valleys and gentle elevations such as “Cerrón de Guzmán” and “Loma de las Bazanas”, offering wide views over the mountains and olive groves.

Although its economy has traditionally been based on agriculture and livestock, Abla once hosted small industries such as distilleries, flour mills, and the production of olive oil, wine, cereals, and legumes. These activities, together with the breeding of wool cattle, sustained the village for generations. Today, rural tourism and traditional crafts continue that legacy, providing a small but steady source of local income.

Historical Highlights

Abla’s origins reach deep into antiquity. Many historians identify the modern village with the Roman settlement of Abula, mentioned by the geographer Ptolemy in his Geographia (Book II, 6, 60) as part of the Iberian region of Bastetania. Some scholars, however, propose that the reference might correspond instead to Ávila (ancient Obila), though Abla remains the most widely accepted identification among historians of Roman Hispania.

The municipality successively hosted Romans, Visigoths, and Muslims, each leaving their mark on its architecture and culture. The ruins of an Arab castle and the 2nd-century Roman mausoleum still bear witness to these layers of history. During the 15th century, conflicts between Christians and Moors led to a decline in population, but by the early modern period Abla had re-established itself as one of the first Christianized towns in southern Spain — a status that local tradition dates to the 1st century AD.

Visitors can still explore both the Arab castle remains and the Roman Mausoleum on the outskirts, along with the 16th- and 17th-century religious buildings that give the village its architectural charm. The parish church of La Anunciación, built in 1530, dominates the Plaza Mayor and remains a focal point for community life.

According to the Andalucía tourism portal, Abla also played a role during the Arab period, forming part of the Alpujarra route that connected Granada with the Mediterranean coast.

What to See and Do

Mirador del Calvario: A panoramic viewpoint offering spectacular views of the Filabres mountains and the valley below — especially beautiful at sunset.
Old Quarter Walk: Explore Abla’s narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and traditional courtyards filled with potted flowers.
Local Crafts: The town is known for its traditional blacksmithing, basket weaving, and textile work, still visible in family workshops.
Nature Trails: Several marked routes lead into the Sierra Nevada foothills. The “Ruta del Calvario” and the “Jairola Trail” are among the most popular. Maps are available at the Town Hall.

Local Festivals and Traditions

Abla celebrates several lively local festivals throughout the year, blending faith, music, and community. The best-known are the Fiestas de los Santos Mártires (Patron Saints’ Festival), held every April with processions, floral offerings, and open-air concerts. Summer brings the Fiestas de Verano, featuring music, dancing, and sports in the Parque Municipal. Both events attract visitors from nearby villages and returnees from abroad.

The official local holidays for 2025 are 28 April and 4 August, as recorded by the Junta de Andalucía’s provincial calendar. These dates correspond with Abla’s main celebrations and are great opportunities to experience village life up close.

Gastronomy

Abla’s gastronomy captures the essence of rural Almeria — simple, seasonal, and deeply rooted in tradition. The town’s cuisine shares much with the nearby Alpujarra region, featuring hearty mountain dishes prepared with local olive oil and fresh produce from the Nacimiento valley.

Signature recipes include migas almerienses (fried breadcrumbs with peppers and sausage), choto al ajillo (young goat cooked in garlic sauce), and comforting stews flavoured with local pimentón. Visitors will also find a variety of homemade sausages, mountain-cured hams, and almond-based sweets, all served in family-run restaurants and bars around the Plaza Mayor.

Getting There and Staying

Abla lies just off the A-92 motorway, about 55 km from Almeria city. The drive takes around 45 minutes, making it an ideal destination for a day trip or a peaceful rural stay. While accommodation options are limited, nearby towns such as Fiñana and Gérgal offer small guesthouses and rural homes.

Public transport is available via regional buses connecting Abla to Almeria, Guadix, and Granada, though schedules are limited. Travellers are advised to check timetables in advance via the Transport Consortium of Almeria.

Practical Information – Abla

Town Hall (Ayuntamiento de Abla): Plaza Mayor, 1 — 📞 950 35 80 01 — www.abla.es
Civil Guard (Guardia Civil): Ctra. Nacional 340, Km 385 — 📞 950 35 80 12
Health Centre: Calle del Doctor Pérez, 10 — 📞 950 35 83 04
Tourist Information: Inside Town Hall — open weekday mornings
Emergency Numbers: 112 (General), 061 (Medical), 062 (Guardia Civil), 091 (National Police)

For more nearby destinations, visit our Towns & Villages category and explore the hidden gems of inland Almeria.

For local updates and community events, check our Community section.

Expats & Living

Things to Do in Almeria October 2025 – Festivals, Food, and Culture Across the Province

Published October 16, 2025 | Category: Events

TL;DR: October is packed with festivals, food routes, concerts, and local culture all over the province — from the Sabores del Almanzora to concerts in Almeria city and the legendary Costa de Almeria Rally.

Things to Do in Almeria October 2025

Table of Contents

Gastronomy and Food Festivals
Cultural Events and Performances
Sporting Highlights and Outdoor Activities
Concerts and Music This October
Day Trips and Local Discoveries
Final Thoughts: Enjoying October in Almeria

Gastronomy and Food Festivals

October is the tastiest month of the year in the province of Almeria, with food routes and festivals taking over towns from the coast to the interior. The 3rd Ruta Sabores del Almanzora runs throughout the month, uniting more than twenty villages and over forty-five bars and restaurants. Visitors can enjoy traditional tapas, artisanal products, and participate in a “passport” activity that rewards explorers with local prizes. The event celebrates the agricultural richness of the Almanzora Valley and encourages slow travel and local discovery (official site).

In Arboleas, the XXII Jornadas Gastronómicas continue the celebration of local flavours with a vibrant “Ruta de la Tapa Nazarí”, featuring medieval-inspired dishes and tastings of olive oils, wines, and homemade desserts. This year’s event also includes a crafts market and live music in the town square, turning Arboleas into a lively culinary destination.

Further south, the coastal town of Garrucha is preparing for the 6th Gamba Roja Festival from 24–26 October. The event honours the famous red shrimp that has put Garrucha on Spain’s gourmet map. Chefs from all over Andalusia will participate in showcookings and tastings right by the marina, accompanied by local wines and family-friendly entertainment. It’s one of the top seafood festivals in southern Spain and a must for visitors who want to experience Almeria’s coastal cuisine at its best.

Meanwhile, the brand Sabores Almeria continues to shine internationally, recently confirming its participation at the Expo 2025 in Osaka, where the province’s gastronomy will be showcased on a global stage — a reflection of how Almeria’s culinary identity is evolving beyond local borders.

Cultural Events and Performances

Culture lovers are spoilt for choice this October. The Autumn 2025 cultural programme in Almeria city offers theatre, music, and family shows every week. Highlights include the play “Marqueses y Barones” (October 15), the poetic performance “Candilena: Tonada y Luz” (October 18), and “No me toques el cuento” (October 24), a witty feminist reinterpretation of classic fairy tales.

On October 19, the Banda Municipal de Almeria will perform “Ensueños Andaluces”, a concert dedicated to Andalusian soundscapes, while that same evening the stage welcomes “Popeye, el musical” for families and a tablao flamenco for lovers of traditional dance and guitar. Most performances take place at the Teatro Apolo and Teatro Cervantes, two of the city’s most emblematic venues (official agenda).

Beyond the capital, several municipalities host smaller-scale cultural events: in Berja, the Gata Brass Band will perform “Paraíso Gata” on October 31, and in Alhama de Almeria, Diego Pecharromán will give a live concert as part of the Diputación’s provincial programme Cultura en la Provincia. These initiatives ensure that culture reaches every corner of Almeria, from the coast to the Sierra de los Filabres.

Sporting Highlights and Outdoor Activities

October also offers plenty of opportunities for those who enjoy sports and nature. The biggest upcoming event is the Rally Costa de Almeria 2025, celebrating its 50th edition on 31 October and 1 November. It is one of the most emblematic races in Andalusia and brings drivers and fans from all over Spain. The route crosses several municipalities, offering spectators scenic views of the Almerian landscape — from desert roads to mountain passes (more info).

In El Toyo, construction has begun on a brand-new beach sports complex, set to make the area a future international hub for volleyball, rugby, and beach football. Although it’s still in development, the “Arena Center El Toyo” represents a major step toward positioning Almeria as a sports-tourism destination. Funded through the European Union’s Next Generation program, it’s expected to open in early 2026, reinforcing Almeria’s reputation for sun, sea, and active living.

In the meantime, hikers and cyclists can enjoy the cooler autumn weather to explore natural gems such as the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, the Tabernas Desert, or the scenic trails around Sierra Alhamilla. The season’s mild temperatures make October one of the best months of the year for outdoor adventures in Almeria.

Concerts and Music This October

Music lovers can look forward to a diverse lineup across the province. On October 17, comedian and musician Juan Amodeo brings his new show “013” to Teatro Cervantes, blending humour, music, and social commentary. Later in the month, Arturo Pueyo and La Causa Swing & La Funkería will perform in the same venue, adding jazz, funk, and Andalusian rhythms to the mix.

Smaller towns such as Vera, Roquetas de Mar, and El Ejido are also updating their concert calendars with tribute acts, pop-rock evenings, and flamenco nights as part of the wider provincial programme Diputación Cultura. These free or low-cost concerts are perfect for anyone travelling through Almeria and looking for an authentic night out.

Day Trips and Local Discoveries

October is also ideal for exploring beyond the main events. Visitors can combine cultural plans with scenic drives — for instance, following the “Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos” through the Alpujarra Almeriense, visiting hidden gems like Paterna del Río and its Agua Agria recreation area, or enjoying coastal viewpoints in Mojácar and Carboneras. These quieter experiences complement the festival calendar perfectly, allowing travellers to balance excitement with tranquility.

Many towns host their own small fairs or local markets this month, featuring artisans, gastronomy, and traditional music. Evenings are pleasantly cool, making it easy to stroll through historic centres such as Vera, Níjar, Sorbas, and Adra without the summer heat.

Final Thoughts: Enjoying October in Almeria

Almeria in October is alive with flavour, rhythm, and colour — a month where food, culture, music, and sport blend into one unforgettable experience. From seafood feasts on the coast to flamenco nights and mountain escapes, every corner of the province has its own story to tell.

This month captures the best of Andalusia’s autumn atmosphere — still warm enough for the beach, yet cool enough for exploring inland towns and cultural venues. It’s the perfect moment to dive into the rhythm of local life and discover why Almeria remains one of Spain’s most authentic destinations.

For more updates from across the province, visit our Community category.