Enjoy our quick guide to Los Gallardos, an inland destination that can be easily reached through the AP-7 motorway from Almeria.
Being only 40 minutes away from the airport, it’s also worth noting that a number of popular attractions are also within a small distance.
These include the beach resorts of Vera, Garrucha and Mojacar as well as the Cabo de Gata Natural Park.
Below we feature an expat interview with Paul Fullard of Next Stop Almeria who covers the Los Gallardos area.
Specifically, we asked Paul on the advantages of choosing Los Gallardos as a place to live and the value for money that one can get if you decide to stay permanently in the area.
Paul, thanks for helping our readers. I guess we should start off by asking what would you say would be the advantages to living in Los Gallardos compared to other Costa Almeria towns?
The village does get an influx of tourist trade, which is predominantly Spanish, in July for the annual fiesta and January for the Three Kings celebrations as it is one of few villages that does a reenactment.
The town of Los Gallardos is only a 10-minute drive from the coastline of Mojácar followed by Garrucha and Vera Playa just another 5 to 10 minutes away. Airport transfers to Almería, Murcia (San Javier) and Alicante are 45, 80 and 120 minutes respectively.
Classed as more of an inland town than a coastal one, you get more for your money whether you are looking at buying a property or simply a cerveza! For the budget of a 2-bedroom coastal apartment you will find 3-bedroom properties in Los Gallardos. Meanwhile, that beer in the village will be 1.80€ including a tapa!
Would the area not suit certain types of people, i.e. are there any possible downsides?
Until recently many people found it necessary to have to drive when living in Los Gallardos but with improved public transport to local towns and villages and shuttle bus services to the airports ideas are changing. The village does have two small supermarkets and a weekly street market along with doctors, dentists, pharmacy and other shops so there is everything that you need for day-to-day living.
What proportion of the local population are Spanish?
The village centre is 90 percent Spanish with a newer development called Huerta Nueva that is now around 14 years old and only 1km from the village where there is a more diverse mix of residents. Huerta Nueva was initially aimed at the retired British market but with the property crash in 2007 prices plummeted and what was the high percentage of British expats is now being diluted with more Spanish and Scandinavian residents.
What are your favourite things to do in the area?
There are several walking groups in the area, along with bowling clubs, golf courses, gardening, photography and craftwork clubs. Taking it easy and enjoying the sun on your terrace is also an option!
Can you give us some insider tips to the best bars or restaurants?
Two of the longest established in the village are Mesón Verfran and Simon’s. Both are family owned businesses offering a good selection of tapas and Mesón Verfran also with menu del día and ala carte menus and large outside terrace.
Are there many facilities such as doctors and dentists, shops etc?
Covered above.
Are there smaller villages nearby that you might also recommend?
The nearest village is Turre which has a selection of restaurants including Indian and Chinese, followed by the picturesque village of Mojácar Pueblo set in the mountain with its windy cobbled streets.
What are the nearest international schools and how good are they?
The nearest international school is in Vera – Colegio ValdeSerra, with infant (0 – 6), primary (6 – 12), upper (12 – 16) and high schools (16 – 18). Covering all aspects of education as you would expect the school has a good reputation and although I do not personally have children I can only quote favorable reports on the school and also of the state schools in the area.
Is crime an issue for expats?
Just like anywhere in the world crime happens and the world is changing. Crime (robbery) in the area has happened and generally where opportunities have been spied. Protect your property and you should be fine.
Coming onto buying property, what is the market like now in terms of prices going up, or down or staying the same?
2017 has been a rollercoaster year. It started so busy and as the British Referendum approached it started to slow down and literally stopped on the morning of the result. A few weeks later things started to pick up again and it almost seemed like the vote had taken place but then Mrs May said “Activate Article 50” and it slowed down again. I think the same pattern will continue until Britain does (or does not!) exit Europe.
The same pattern has been seen with the Sterling to Euro exchange rate making it great one day for the Sterling buyer and bad for those vendors wishing to leave Euro and go to Sterling. Within a few days things have changed bringing vendors to our office suggesting lowering the price and saying “we are open to offers.”
How it will pan out we do not know however overall property prices are increasing and I think long term those that invest now will see a return in years to come.
Is this a good time to buy and are there any repossessions or very cheap properties still available to buy?
Property prices are subject to the vendors circumstances. Some people want to sell quickly and if mortgage-free are prepared to present a bargain whilst others who do have mortgages and or want to get the best price will be harder to negotiate with. Whilst there are bank repossession properties available, the number available in Los Gallardos is small.
What urbanisations are there and can you describe each one and how they might differ from each other?
I think this link would be helpful for anyone interested in the Huerta Nueva development:
https://www.nextstopalmeria.com/los-gallardos.php#huertaNueva
How much are the typical property prices in Los Gallardos for apartments, villas etc?
We have 2 and 3-bedroom apartments available from 70.000€ through bungalows and duplexes from 90.000€ up to detached villas with private swimming pools from 190.000€.
Any tips and advice to people looking to buy in Los Gallardos or surrounding area?
Do your homework! Research the area on the internet and get as much background as you can. Make an appointment to come and visit us having given us your Ideal Property Wish List.
We will show you the properties that we think meet your criteria and we ask for your honest feedback on each as this will help us narrow your search down.
Revisit the area without us and talk to people that could potentially be your neighbours. Our business is based in Los Gallardos and we live there too, we have nothing to hide!
If you are not familiar with the purchase procedure in Spain then this link may be of interest to you:
https://www.nextstopalmeria.com/property-purchase-procedure.
You will also find an FAQ page on our website.
Paul, 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.
Paseo de Los Gallardos s/n
N-340a km520
Tel. +34 950 617 518
Email: enquiries@nextstopalmeria.com
Website: www.nextstopalmeria.com
Contact us to be featured – we want more expat interviews for our newsletter and website. You don’t need to be an estate agent, we want to hear from anyone who lives in Spain whether you are working or retired.
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