Enjoy our quick guide to Villaricos, one of the many towns in the beautiful Spanish region of Almeria.
Situated at the foot of the Sierra Almagrera Mountains, the town boasts a superb climate with the winter season being noted for its mild temperature while the summer’s heat is calmed by the refreshing breeze from the Mediterranean Sea.
Visitors to the area are drawn to its sparklingly clear waters and impressive diving spots. Hardcore diving fans can even take advantage of the town’s local diving school.
For nature lovers, head on to Villaricos’ rugged undeveloped coastline and enjoy the area’s tranquility amidst the breathtaking sight of its rock pools and sand.
Below we feature an expat interview with Jerry Woods of WPMS Inmobiliaria who covers the Villaricos area.
Specifically, we asked Jerry on the advantages of choosing Villaricos 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 Villaricos compared to other Costa Almeria towns?
The village is situated on the Garrucha to Aguilas road and it is about 10 kilometres from Garrucha.
Villaricos is a fishing village and it has a strong local fishing background which still operates today and the fish is served in several of the restaurants in the village. It has a population of about 4000 of which 85 percent are Spanish with the rest of the population composed of different races including English.
As you approach the village you will see the Balistica tower on the right and just before this, there is a road that takes you down to the Las Brisas chiringuito, and a long beautiful sandy beach.
The village has two marinas which can be accessed by road or parking the car and walking along the promenade at each port you will find chiringuitos which offer drinks, main meals and various tapas.
What urbanisations are there and can you describe each one and how they might differ from each other?
The village consists mainly of apartment buildings, some of which have pools while others do not. However some villas can be found in Los Conteros urbanisation which has chalet-styled villas set around a small square with communal gardens. Here you will also find a communal swimming pool and there is also the Los Conteros Bar and Restaurant with a terrace overlooking the pool. It is within walking distance in Villaricos with a few houses being scattered through the village. These are all naturally Spanish-owned properties.
Can you give us some insider tips to the best bars or restaurants?
As you proceed to the village, you will see the Bar Monteroy Spanish Tapas, Casa Paco restaurant with a terrace offering extensive sea views, Bar El Tiburon offering freshly caught fish, and bar El Galeon offering main courses and tapas. These are all typically Spanish bars.
On the next block down, there are two restaurants and two hostels as well as Taberna Cristina’s Indian tapas bar.
Further on down the road the road opens onto the square where you will find Bar La Plaza, an English bar which serves extensive English and Spanish cuisine; Lucky Bar at the opposite also selling both English and Spanish food and a very Spanish tapas bar called El Gato.
Exploring further down the road you will see the second of the chiringuitos which is called El Faro. This offers freshly made tapas as well as main meals including paella. A little further you will find the hostel restaurant Las Esperanza offering a mixed menu which includes fish dishes as well as steaks.
Are there many facilities such as doctors and dentists, shops etc?
A little further on you will find the local hairdresser and a small local supermarket.
Continuing down the main street you can pass the local church and on the opposite side of the street there is Rosa’s Mini Market shop where you can purchase fresh fruit vegetables. There is also a butcher found here. This shop is open most days throughout the year.
A small pharmacy and the doctor’s surgery can be found in the small square. Here there are views of the sea and a pebbled beach.
There is a large market every Sunday. It passes down the main street turning into the square and also past the harbour and the Harbour Lights community. A wide variety of consumables can be purchased here but do be prepared to haggle over clothing, watches etc.
How much are the typical property prices in Villaricos for apartments, villas etc?
Prices of property in the village are slightly higher to the ones in close proximity to the sea. Although they have dropped slightly, they have not dropped as much as elsewhere. But having said that, a property can be purchased from about 74,000 euros depending on the requirements of the purchaser. There are very few bank repossessed properties in the village. Most of the properties are either passed down through the family or cash has been paid for without the aid of a mortgage. However one or two bargains can still be obtained.
In addition there are several opportunities to rent properties from about 300 euros per month plus the bills for utilities used. This will help you to find out if village life suits you.
What are the nearest international schools and how good are they?
There is a primary school in the village but all the secondary colleges are out of the village. But there is a school bus service available.
How does one get there?
There is a local bus service which runs to Vera or Garrucha but it only runs 3 times a day. Living here I would envisage that a car would be required and would also be an advantage.
The nearest airport is Almeria which is approx. 45 minutes drive away or going down the toll road the airport of San Javier is about one hour twenty 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.
WPMS Inmobiliaria
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: www.wpmsspain.net
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