If you are longing for a property far from the rain, may we suggest amazing Almería. We look at the Spanish province that is home to the Tabernas Desert. Its climate, its history as a film set, its landmarks, its tapas…and of course, what kind of property you can expect to find there. Spoiler: Almería is one of the more affordable coasts for homes, even right by the sea.
The beautiful sights of Almería.
The days are officially longer, the sun is rearing its head a little more than before – weather-wise, we’re starting to feel the shift from winter to spring in the UK… But the rain is persistent. If you are starting to question whether your waterproof is really that waterproof or if you can stand another night’s sleep interrupted by the tears of the sky, it might be the perfect time to start fantasising about purchasing a property in Spain. A place to escape the rain.
In the UK, annual precipitation varies between 800mm and 1,4000mm. By contrast, in Spain, annual precipitation 650mm. Of course, much like the Scottish Highlands receives more rain than London, rainfall is not evenly spread across Spain. And so, if escaping the rain is a priority for you, why not consider purchasing a property in Almería?
Almería has an average of 200mm rainfall a year. Almería’s climate is so distinctly different to that of the UK that it is home to Europe’s only desert and boasts of a semi-arid climate. If that sounds a little too intense, Almería lies on the south-eastern Iberia on the Mediterranean Sea, so there is a breeze to feel running through your hair.
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What is Almería’s weather like throughout the year?
January is the coldest month with an average daily maximum of 17°C. From as early as March, the daily maximum can reach 20°C. From May to October, you can expect temperatures in the mid to late twenties. July and August are the hottest months, with average daily maximums of 30°C.
November through to February sees about six hours of sunshine a day. From June through to August, you can bask in the sun for up to eleven hours.
The sea temperature is warm for most of the year too, so if you love a swim, you won’t have to be particularly bold to dip in.
Plus, a temperature freezing has never been recorded in Almería.
Tabernas Desert
Tabernas Desert.
Just 19 miles north of the city of Almería, the Tabernas Desert is 11,625 hectares stunning expanse, between the Filabres and Alhamilla mountain ranges. There, you will find two types of Spanish hedgehog, Erinaceus europaeus and Aethechinus algirus. As well as an array of beautiful birds.
Even if you were not previously aware of the Tabernas Desert, there is a high chance that you have already seen it. The Tabernas Desert has served as the setting for many spaghetti western films. It is here that Clint Eastwood got his big break in films like A Fistful of Dollars (1964) and The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly (1966). It was also the filming location for Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989).
With a home in Almería, you can walk in the footsteps of Clint Eastwood.
Already thinking up ideas for your homemade spaghetti western? Tabernas Desert offers some wonderful opportunities for you to immerse yourself in film. You can go on guided hiking walks, which advertise themselves as “walking in the footsteps of Clint Eastwood”, with a cost of €65 for a small group. Fort Bravo is an operable film set, but when the cameras aren’t rolling, you can go have a snoop. There, you can see western shows of horses, gunslingers, and can-can dancing. For more, there’s Oasys Mini Hollywood, which doubles as a zoological reserve as well as an eye into Hollywood’s Spanish past.
Beaches
Playa de los Muertos.
If your vision of a property in Spain involves regularly flopping down in front of the sea – with over 200km of coastline, a home in Almería will not disappoint. In TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Awards, both Playa de los Muertos and Monsul Beach were recognised. While there are plenty of well-facilitated beaches with restaurants, shops, sunbeds, and water sports, the Costa Almería is considerably less developed than the Costa del Sol or Costa Blanca. So, you can find a quiet, secluded beach that is worth the challenging journey to get there. It may be the perfect place for a private picnic or a skinny dip (or both!)
Other ways to fill your days in Almería
If you need a breather from filming action shots for your spaghetti western and enjoying the sunshine on the Costa Almería, what else can you get up to here?
Refugios de la Guerra Civil
Built nine metres underground, this is the remnants of an underground network that was used to protect the lives of civilians during the Spanish Civil War.
The city
Rambla De Belén.
For days of shopping and café hopping, you will want to head to the city of Almería. It is here you can find your favourite brands like Zara and Mango, interspersed with independent shops. Plus, there is the pretty Rambla De Belén to gaze at, a well-manicured street lined with palm trees.
La Alcazaba
Alcazaba of Almeria.
Second only to the Alhambra in Granada in size, this huge Muslim castle dates back to the 10thcentury and has a large presence over the province.
Tapas
Try the tapas!
In 2019, Almería was named Spain’s gastronomic capital. The region is known for its incredible tapas. It only takes a quick Google search of “Almería tapas” to see chefs and foodies alike are falling over themselves to gloat over their favourite finds. Traditionally, tapas are free with a drink, but that is increasingly becoming not so. Still, you’ll want to snack on grilled kidneys, fried octopus and juicy tomato salad.
How do I get to Almería?
Luckily, flights from the UK to Almería run throughout the year. A direct flight from London to Almería lasts about two hours and forty minutes.
The airport is located 9km east of the region’s capital city, 500m from the coast. At the airport, a bus (Line 30) can take you on a 35-minute journey to the city centre.
Property for sale in Almería
Its own film set, very little rainfall, brilliant beaches, and tasty tapas – what’s not to love about Almería?
Another fantastic thing about Almería is that the price of property is lower than the other Costas. Almería just has not gained the traction of Benidorm or Ibiza – take advantage of this in your property hunt! You could find somewhere bigger or closer to the sea.
If you are looking for a property that has history in its walls, you could purchase a cave home, a barn to convert, an old village house, or a large countryside finca. These could all be found for under €100,000. Inland, the setting can feel rugged, wild.
The closer to the sea, the more expensive your property is likely to be, though few spots in Almería are more than an hour by car from the sea. It is along the coast that you will find more modern, purpose-built apartments and houses.
Over on our property portal, we have close to 2,000 of properties in Almería.
Here, I’ve picked some favourites. To view more pictures of these properties and to enquire, click on the image. Please note that if an error comes up, that means the property has already been swooped up; in that case, we suggest heading over to our portal to find an equally fabulous alternative.
Four-bedroom, Villaricos, Almería, €295,000
Excited by this property? Large four-bedroom home for €295,000. Click on the image to see more pictures and to enquire.
This is a large, detached four-bedroom for less than €300,000. It is just a five-minute (6 km) drive away from the beach. The villa has two floors, a garden with trees, a porch and terrace to take in the views, and space for a pool – should you decide to embark on the project.
Three-bedroom, Cuevas del Almanzora, Almería, €110,000
Can’t get enough of that sea view? Check out this gorgeous three-bedroom apartment – click on the image for more.
This cute three-bedroom apartment is just minutes away from the sea – you even get a balcony to appreciate it all from. Other pluses include: two bathrooms, an American style kitchen, air conditioning and central heating.
Three-bedroom, Cuevas del Almanzora, Almería, €199,000
Three-bedroom villa for €199,000.
This beautiful three-bedroom villa is located in the fishing village of Villaricos. The main bedroom has access to two balconies. And the elegant marble staircase is a must-see. The property was built in 2004.
The village is known for its fabulous fresh food, so if that is one of the factors pulling you towards a property in Spain, you will be happy here.
Two-bedroom, Pulpi, Almería, €249,500
Click on the image to see more of this delightful property…
This modern two-bedroom apartment is in a small development on the beachfront in Almería. It comes with access to a pool.
Five-bedroom, Nijar, Almería, €650,000
Taken by this Five-bedroom, Nijar, Almería, €650,000?
Looking for a home with room enough for all your nearest and dearest to stay? This is a huge five-bedroom country house with breath-taking views. It comes with its own pool, terraced gardens with mature olive trees, a guest house, and a garage. It is walking distance from the town of Nijar.
