After a nearly three-hour bus ride from Murcia, I finally set foot in Almería. The journey from Málaga is about the same, and it’s a bit closer from Granada, but Madrid to Granada is already quite a trek. Taking the train directly from the capital Madrid to here also takes six hours. It’s easy to see how challenging it can be to access this part of Spain, even with an airport that offers only a handful of flights.
Nestled on the southeastern coast, Almería is a hidden gem with a dry climate, known for its rich Moorish heritage and stunning natural seaside landscapes. Like many coastal cities, it boasts an ancient castle overlooking the sea, and at the heart of the old town, you’ll find a local cathedral and a few museums.
For a traveler, one or two days are sufficient, but for a resident, life might feel a bit monotonous.
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After checking into the homestay in the afternoon, I took my child for a leisurely stroll. On the streets, bearded men are a common sight. Almería, being part of the Andalusian Autonomous Community, accepts the same bus card used in Málaga and Granada.
With a mix of walking and bus rides, it took me just an hour or two to explore the entire city, which is perhaps a little larger than a small county town in China. The seaside promenade and beaches exude a natural and relaxed vibe, while the old town in the city center has a few charming European-style areas that I particularly enjoyed.
However, most of the buildings and newer districts are unremarkable slab houses, and many streets are in a state of disrepair… This experience only reinforced my belief that, outside of a few core cities in Spain, property prices in most areas will likely decline in the future.
[Recommendation][Recommendation][Recommendation]
Reflecting on last year when I struggled to find a suitable house in Madrid, I almost rented a first-line sea view apartment on the seaside promenade here, mainly because of a Montessori international school. After speaking with the school teachers, I was close to making the decision.
Fortunately, a last-minute stroke of rationality and judgment made me abandon this unique idea, and I also canceled my plans to visit before moving. I opted for a safer and more reliable option instead. This semi-intentional visit ultimately put my mind at ease. While the seaside is indeed beautiful, the city lacks in many other aspects, and the choices for living and education are too limited.
It can only be said that it is slightly better than Cartagena, which I visited yesterday.
[Recommendation][Recommendation][Recommendation]
While it’s rumored that this charming spot has been crowned the happiest city in Spain for 2024, one can only assume that the contentment and joy of its residents stem from the simplicity and tranquility of a small town. If immigration agents are still promoting this place, I must say that only someone truly adventurous—or perhaps a bit eccentric—would choose to settle here with their family after traveling all the way to Spain. [Embarrassed]
