Today, we’re delve into the lifestyle offered by Albacete, a gorgeous province and city in southeastern Spain. Overseas buyers tend not to pop Albacete at the top of their list of locations to buy in, but it is ideal for those seeking an authentically Spanish area.
Albacete Cathedral.
Most people visiting Spain and considering moving here usually head for the coast, Madrid or Barcelona for work or maybe to the mountains. However, there are numerous places inland that escape curiosity which is a pity as many can offer an excellent way of life in true Spanish style.
One such city is Albacete in the province of Castilla–La Mancha and the largest in the province. You may have driven past it on your way to or from southern Spain, not stopping, keen to get closer to your destination but this is a pity as it is a fascinating place which offers much for those wishing to move to Spain and embrace the lifestyle.
On the grand scale of things, Albacete is a small and tranquil city of some 175,000 inhabitants with plenty of parks and outstanding architecture. In fact, it is considered to offer a high standard of living and the locals are friendly too.
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Small in size but big on community
The welcoming local people and neighbours often get together to enjoy festivals together and there are many festivals! The most famous is Feria de Albacete, a September event, involving bullfighting, concerts, dance and sport. People are willing to help foreigners, whether they are looking for an address or need advice on where to eat. There are many people from other countries living here including South Americans, Romanians and a small English-speaking community.
Immerse yourself in Spanish history & culture
The Knife Museum.
Albacete is a historic place with many interesting buildings and picturesque alleys and it is where the High Court of Justice of Castile-La Mancha is located. The city is mainly on flat ground, making it easy to negotiate. The Gothic Cathedral took 400 years to finish and is lovely. Close to the Albacete Museum which displays the history and archaeology of the city, is the delightful Albelardo Sánchez Park with its wide paths shaded by trees.
Pretty courtyards abound in Calle Tejares which is lined with traditional buildings and for those who enjoy shopping, head for Pasaje de Lodares where you will find local boutiques and larger stores with many international brands. By the way, Albacete region is famous for producing knives and you will find all types for sale in the city. A visit to the Knife Museum is an eye-opener!
The central square, Plaza del Altozano, is a great place in which to relax and enjoy a glass of wine or beer. It is surrounded by important buildings housing the likes of the Bank of Spain and the Palace of Justice.
Albacete: ideal for city living without breaking the piggy bank
Compared to other cities of roughly similar size, the cost of living in Albacete is very reasonable. Property here costs much less than in the big cities of Barcelona and Madrid, groceries and public transport are all affordable as is eating out in the many restaurants. Rentals are very reasonable, around €450 in the centre for a one-bedroom apartment.
Affordable property prices
Prices for houses and apartments are very reasonable compared to most other cities in the south of Spain. Three-bedroom apartments in the city can be as low as €130,000. Outside of the city, the same budget could buy you a villa with a pool.
Need a breather from the city?
Alcalá del Júcar.
Nearby are some wonderful places to visit too. Alcalá del Júcar for one. I spent a wonderful 24 hours here in February some years ago and despite most outlets being closed at that time of year, I met some interesting locals and was shown some of the secret places in this village built at the bottom of a steep gorge and into the surrounding cliffs. With its Roman bridge and houses, half in the rock, it is a great place to take friends and family as well as enjoying it for oneself.
Alcaraz. Overlooked by castle ruins, the town and Plaza Mayor are a true find. Not particularly touristy, it is a slice of authentic Spain, about 80 km from Albacete.
Lagunas de Ruidera, a large wetland Natural Park of 25 km with lakes and wildlife. There are places to bathe and cool off in the hot season. Enjoy waterfalls, brooks, bulrushes and reeds as well as birds who choose to spend the winter here.
Fun for fitness fanatics
The golf club of Las Pinaillas just 12 km from the city has an excellent reputation. Football, rock climbing, sport and fitness centres, basketball, a tennis club, indoor sports and many more are all available.
Sunny summers, chiller winters
Inland Spain has cool winters and hot summers. Albacete is no exception and enjoys rainfall in the spring and autumn though the area is quite arid. Temperatures range from an average of 12.5ºC in February to 32.5ºC in August.
All aboard: Albacete’s transport links
Albacete Airport is a short ride from the city but has limited flight destinations. For international flights, Alicante–Elche is the nearest at two hours’ drive. Valencia and Murcia airports are around 3 hours’ away. There is a fast train to Madrid, 2.5 hours. Two motorways lead there, the A 30 and A 31 which go to Elche and Alicante and Murcia.
Your new permanent home?
English is not widely spoken in Albacete, especially not compared to larger cities with big international communities like Madrid, Barcelona or Alicante. Even in the city, Albacete is somewhere only to buy if you are prepared to brush on your Spanish. There are job opportunities in technology, tourism, retail, education, healthcare and manufacturing – but with all these, you’ll need strong Spanish.
There are no international schools in Albacete but children from the UK seem to settle well into local Spanish schools and quickly learn the language. The Albacete campus of the University of Castilla–La Mancha has 11 faculties and welcomes Erasmus students from around the world.
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