Enjoy our quick guide to Cuevas del Almanzora, a municipality in the Spanish province of Almeria.
The name is inspired by the caves found in the town as well as the river that runs through it. Some of these caves have been excavated and restored as rural lodgings which provide decent accommodation to visitors.
If you want to experience an authentic Spanish traditional celebration, the best time to go is in mid-November when the town celebrates for various days as a way to honour San Diego de Alcala.
Other notable festivities include the Easter Carnival and Easter week (May) and the Pilgrimage of Guazamara-Los Guiros.
Below we feature an expat interview with S. Jerry Woods of WPMS Inmobiliaria who covers the Cuevas del Almanzora area.
Specifically, we asked Jerry on the advantages of choosing Cuevas del Almanzora as a place to live and the value for money that you can get if you decide to stay permanently in the area.
Jerry, thanks for helping our readers. I guess we should start off by asking what would you say would be the advantages to living in Cuevas Del Almanzora compared to other Costa Almeria towns?
The town of Cuevas Del Almanzora is the main town of the area and the local council and administration for the area operates from here.
Cuevas is a typical Spanish market town with the usual shops, supermarkets, chemists and the usual facilities found in most towns. It consists of narrow streets which eventually lead through the town up the hill leading eventually past the administration offices to the Castle which now houses the local police station, a museum giving details of the history of the area and there is also small but lovely art gallery.
On the outskirts of the town there can be found many cave houses which are still lived in today, this is where the name of the town came from.
Are there many facilities such as doctors and dentists, shops etc?
On Tuesday and Thursday there is a local market held in the Plaza del Castillo where a variety of products can be purchased and there is also an indoor market open those days adjacent to the site of the outdoor market.
There are several hostels in Cuevas and these are located on the outskirts of the town near to the local bus station and the Guardia Civil Office and barracks.
If you drive down towards the river bed you will find a modern medical centre which services the local areas in and around Cuevas Del Almanzora.
Moving down to the river and then following it up the mountain towards the reservoir you will find a water sports centre. This centre was originally built as part of the Mediterranean games which took place a few years ago. It is now a privately run centre.
What are the nearest international schools and how good are they?
As you would expect there are several schools in the area but there are no international schools in the area, although a little English is spoken in most of the institutions.
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How much are the typical property prices in Cuevas Del Almanzora for apartments, villas etc?
The house prices in Cuevas are slightly lower than those on the coast and there are bank repossessions still available with prices from about 48,000 euros for a two bed roomed property. It is worth noting that most repossessed will need work and renovation as the previous owners usually strip the properties.
Are there smaller villages nearby that you might also recommend?
The town is only about five minutes drive from the town of Vera which is the next sizable town, and it is about ten minutes drive from the coast while the golf course of Desert Springs is close by.
Is crime an issue for expats?
As in any larger town there crime rate is probably higher than in the local villages but having both the Local Police and the Guardia Civil being stationed in the town this will help, no doubt, help to reduce the levels of crime as they are able to respond quickly.
How can I get there?
Presently, there is not a train service in the area but it does have a good bus service via which you can reach Vera bus station which has services to many places in Spain including Valencia.
The nearest airport is at Almeria which is approx. 1 hours drive away or going down the toll road the airport of San Javier is about one hour ten minutes away.
Jerry, thank you so much for taking the time to help our readers with your experiences in Spain. If you want to contact him, you can find his details below.
Calle Las Torvas 8
04616 Villaricos
Cuevas del Almanzora
Almeria, Spain
Tel. +34 678 321 111;
+34 950 618 697
Email: info@wpmsspain.net
Website: http://www.wpmsspain.net/
Here’s an interesting tourist video on Cuevas del Almanzora.
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