Rural revival: Five Almeria villages make moving inland easier and more enticing

Five villages in the Almanzora Valley are joining forces in a €357,763 project designed to improve housing access, transport and business opportunities. Could this make rural Almeria more attractive to British expats and people considering a move to Spain?

Moving to a quieter part of Spain, finding an affordable property and perhaps starting a small business is an attractive prospect for many British expats. Five inland villages in Almeria province are now working together to make that prospect more realistic, with a new initiative tackling some of the practical problems associated with rural living.

Tijola, Lucar, Bayarque, Bacares and Armuna have joined forces under a project called ‘Vivir Cerca: Servicios del Alto Almanzora en 30 minutos‘. Translated as ‘Living Close: Alto Almanzora Services Within 30 Minutes’, the scheme is intended to improve access to essential services, make it easier to find housing and create new economic opportunities across the area.

With a budget of €357,763, the scheme is designed to help the five villages tackle population decline while making the surrounding countryside a more practical place to live, work and raise a family.

Could you find a home in one of these Almeria villages?

Housing is one of the most interesting parts of the project for people considering relocating to inland Spain. Under a programme called ‘Pueblos con futuro’ (Villages with a Future), the five villages plan to establish a regional housing office. One of its main tasks will be to identify empty properties and encourage their recovery so they can potentially be made available to people wanting to settle in the area. The detailed breakdown of the housing plans explains how the proposed office will operate.

The office will also help connect property owners with prospective residents, while providing advice about renovating older houses and improving their energy efficiency.

For British buyers and renters considering something alternative to the more expensive coastal resorts, this could be particularly interesting. Rural Almeria has traditionally offered a different property market from the Costa del Sol, with smaller communities, countryside surroundings and opportunities to find traditional village houses.

However, the scheme should not be mistaken for a promise of free accommodation or subsidised homes. No specific properties, rental prices or relocation payments have been announced as part of the scheme. Its housing office is intended to help identify available properties and make connections between owners and potential residents.

Business opportunities for people wanting a new start

Finding somewhere affordable to live is only part of the challenge when moving to a rural community. Having a way to earn a living is just as important. A second strand of Vivir Cerca, called ‘Impulso colectivo’ (Collective Initiative), will concentrate on supporting local businesses, self-employment and entrepreneurship.

Plans include training workshops, meetings between local associations and support for people interested in developing new economic activities. Particular attention will be given to encouraging young people and women to take part in the area’s economic development.

For prospective expats with experience in hospitality, tourism, retail or other small businesses, this could be worth looking into. One example of the possibilities of rural living can be seen in the British family who moved to rural Almeria and bought a €40,000 cortijo.

The project does not currently advertise specific vacancies or promise financial grants to people setting up companies. Instead, its intention is to provide support, training and connections that could help new business ideas get off the ground.

Better transport and services across five villages

Another consideration for anyone thinking about leaving Spain’s coastal towns is access to everyday services. Small inland communities can offer a quieter lifestyle, but travelling to appointments, shopping or taking part in activities can be more difficult without reliable transport.

Under the ‘Servicios que nos unen’ (Services That Bring Us Together) programme, the five councils plan to improve connections through a shared transport route. The intention is to make essential services more accessible across the area, while also organising joint cultural and sporting activities. Particular attention will be given to older residents and people who have difficulty travelling independently.

For retired British residents, as well as families considering a move inland, improvements to local transport could make a practical difference to everyday life.

Could rural Almeria become a destination for newcomers?

Tourism is another part of the plan. Under the ‘Alto Almanzora como destino vivo’ (Alto Almanzora as a Living Destination) initiative, the five villages will work together to promote their natural surroundings, history, food and cultural heritage.

Plans include promoting walking routes and trails, encouraging sports tourism and giving greater visibility to locally produced goods. Such activity could create additional opportunities for local businesses, particularly in accommodation, hospitality, food and outdoor activities.

Almeria already attracts considerable interest from foreign property buyers. Previous housing figures reported by Euro Weekly News showed that around one in five homes sold in Almeria went to foreign buyers in the third quarter of 2024. Although that figure does not specifically relate to inland villages, it illustrates the importance of overseas buyers to the local property market.

Who is paying for the €357,000 project?

The total investment in Vivir Cerca is €357,000. Around 80 per cent of the funding comes from Spain’s Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge (MITECO), with the remaining 20 per cent contributed by Tijola Town Hall.

Tijola will coordinate the project and act as the main administrative centre for the five villages. The official MITECO funding documentation lists the project among those selected under its rural development funding programme.

Rather than each small council trying to tackle housing, transport and business development independently, the scheme brings their resources together under one regional strategy.

For British expats already living in Almeria, or anyone considering moving to a quieter part of Andalucia, the scheme could be worth following. Its success will depend on how effectively the plans translate into accessible housing, better services and genuine opportunities for people wanting to build a life in the countryside.