Off the beaten track in Spain's Costa Blanca
The Mediterranean as it once was
Who doesn’t enjoy a European ‘old town’ untouched by modern architectural blight and lovingly cared-for by the generations of people who have made their home there? ‘The Mediterranean as it once was’ can still be found on Spain’s Southeastern coast and just inland, where AIPP member, Olive Grove Estates have been helping the more discerning foreign buyer for over 13 years.
“Narrow streets, lively town squares and quality you can feel oozing out of the local historic buildings gives a unique, rich and satisfying feeling that our clients just fall in love with”, so says Agnes, Olive Groves CEO. “We have a great range of properties with which to access a wonderful and healthy lifestyle with prices from around €70,000 to £800,000”.
The Hidden Gems
Castalla is situated in the foothills of the Sierra de Maigmo mountain range giving beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and home to around 12,000 people. Inexpensive local and delicious cuisine helps residents, visitors and second home owners enjoy the local ambience and colourful festivals. Replenish with one of the speciality regional dishes to include gazpacho, arroz a banda and paella, of course.
The area may be historic with a stunning and restored ancient hill-top castle but the amenities are very much 21st Century with medical, educational and the full range of local authority services. The natural beauty of the area can be enjoyed via one of the many walking, cycling and horse riding trails and the weekly Saturday market offers fresh local food and drink, clothing and home textiles.
Read more about the delights of Castalla via this link to Olive Grove Estates website
A choice of castellated towns; Caudette, Yecla and Villena
There is plenty of property to choose from in authentic, charismatic and well-priced Spanish towns away from the coast. The cost of living in these towns remains relatively very low, making it an ideal location for older and retiring expats looking to downshift and make the most of their monthly budget. The local wine is also excellent, with Yecla producing a very fine red Monestrell; supporting the local economy with not only sales but cellar tours and tastings for visitors to the cellars.
Caudette and Yecla both have the same old castle-charm as Castalla and will benefit from the motorway bringing enhanced connection to Murcia and Valencia. Currently, road links to the nearest city, Murcia, are about 40 mins, but set to improve further when the motorway fully opens. Villena is on the high-speed AVE trainline from Madrid, such seemingly remote places not being cut-off from the need for good transport connections.
Read more about the delights of Villena, Caudette and Yecla via this link to Olive Grove Estates website