Today, we’re headed to Lleida, a small city in western Catalonia. A home there is a superb choice for those seeking a balance of the conveniences of city life, a big dose of authentic charm and a lower cost of living.
Most international buyers tend to hunt for their dream home along Spain’s glittering coastline or Barcelona or Madrid, but those options might not suit you. Perhaps you’re after somewhere a little bit different. More traditionally Catalonian. Quieter. With a lower cost of living. But, of course, with plenty to do – be it exploring the history, enjoying golf or hanging out in jazz bar. Curious?
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Could Lleida suit you?
Discover life in Lleida.
Lleida is a city in western Catalonia. One of the Catalonia’s oldest cities, in 2022, Lleida’s population was a little under 141,000. It has a large foreign community, many people coming from Romania and South America though British people are living there too. As in the rest of Catalonia, the main language spoken is Catalan, but many speak English.
Life here is slower than in other cities and it isn’t for those who are keen to dance until dawn. However, Lleida offers a gentle lifestyle surrounded by wonderful countryside and mountain valleys.
Lleida, a short history
Lleida was established by the Romans. It was the site of Caesar’s victory over Pompei. The Moors took over during the 8th century and remained as rulers until 1149. Around 150 years later, the University of Lleida was founded and is the 3rd oldest university in Spain. It had a thriving Jewish population until Jews were expelled from Spain in 1492 by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella.
The city suffered during several wars, including the Spanish Civil War from July 1936 to April 1939. Subsequently, Lleida has sustained its position as an important part of the autonomous region of Catalonia.
Culture in Lleida: Jazz, film & olive oil
Seu Vella.
Lleida has a large concert hall, and the city hosts two important music festivals, one in March, the other in November. The first is Músiques Disperses Folk Festival. November is the month for jazz and the town holds a jazz festival called Jazz Tardor. There are regular concerts and other musical events.
Lleida also has a Latin American film festival and an Animated Film Festival. As you might expect there are several museums and art galleries to visit.
Lleida has a strong culinary tradition and hosts a nationally recognised culinary festival held in May called “L’Aplec”, when a very large number of people come together to taste the delights of local cuisine. The Arbequina olive grows here, and the olive oil produced is special and delicious. You can enjoy it at home as well as in most of the local restaurants.
There are nightclubs located at the edge of the city, accessible by car and by bus on Saturday nights.
One of the most important places is the cathedral, Seu Vella, which has been towering above the city since 1278. You will find several other historic buildings of interest reflecting the changing life in Lleida from Roman times, the Moorish occupation, and the Middle Ages right up to the 21st century.
Day trips: skis & swims
Make the most of the mountains…
There are several green spaces, both parks and gardens in the city. Sports centres offer a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. For golfers there is the Golf Lleida and Country Club and a short distance out of town is Raimat Golf Club. You can even go cycling, hiking or rock climbing in the mountains.
One of the advantages of living in and around Lleida is the proximity to ski resorts, there are seven to choose from with varying lengths of runs and facilities.
For a trip to the seaside, allow for a 2.5-hour drive to the Costa Brava.
Shopping malls offer a good variety of outlets and of course, there are smaller, individual shops to browse in.
Living in Lleida: The practicalities
One of the attractions in Lleida is the cost of living which is noticeably lower than in many other parts of the country.
Healthcare is very good with all amenities you might need. Education is well thought of here as is the university with modern and well-equipped schools and further education centres.
Work options won’t be many if you don’t speak Spanish but there are language schools where English is taught and there is work on the farms and olive groves.
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How to get to Lleida
15 km from Lleida is the regional Lleida–Alguaire Airport. However, for international travel, you may want to catch a fast train connection to Barcelona, Madrid or Zaragoza. The area is well served by buses plus there is a tourist bus and a night bus service.
What’s the weather like in Lleida?
Lleida enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters which are sometimes foggy and a few degrees cooler than the coast. It gets quite hot in the summer months with an average of 32º. The rainy months are in April, May, September and October but rainfall is low compared to other areas.
What can you buy for your budget in Lleida?
There are properties in the area to suit every budget and taste, from town centre apartments to elegant villas in the countryside. For most people, buying in Lleida’s new town or one of the small towns close by will offer more choices and reasonable prices.
You can buy property in Lleida’s historic centre needing renovation for as little as €95,000. A ready-to-move in apartment there goes for €180,000. While just under €300,000 is the average price for a family terrace house in Lleida city. Just a five-minute drive from the city, the La Bordeta neighbourhood offers smart properties.
Inland Catalonia properties are generally less expensive than those on the coast and offer a variety of styles from stone houses in medieval villages to modern country estates, contemporary apartments to inexpensive terraced houses. If you don’t want the busy coastal areas, a visit inland will present many pleasant surprises.
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