Cuevas del Almanzora
Cuevas del Almanzora is known for Desert Springs Resort – Europe's only golf course in Arizona desert style – and for its inhabited cave dwellings, with 15,000 inhabitants, 3,350 sunshine hours and the sea just 15 minutes away.
Quick facts Cuevas del Almanzora
Population
14 000
2025
Source: INE/Municipal Registry
Foreign residents
20%
Source: Estimat baserat på padrón
Estimated Swedes
30
Mycket liten skandinavisk närvaro
Distance to airport
55 min
Almería (LEI)
Price per m²
1 000 €
Source: Idealista/Marknadsdata
Sunshine hours per year
3100
Average temperature
18°C
Average temperature
Lifestyle in Cuevas del Almanzora
Here you choose either the genuine Spanish village life (perhaps in a cave!) or the exclusive club life at Desert Springs. It is quiet, rural and very reliably sunny. Perfect for those wanting to escape the coast whilst still being close to the sea (15 min).
Why Swedes love Cuevas del Almanzora
- ✓Prices are among the lowest in all of coastal Spain — a modern townhouse costs as much as a studio in Stockholm.
- ✓Cave houses are a unique buying option not found anywhere else.
- ✓The dry climate with 3100+ sunshine hours is ideal for winter escapes.
- ✓Villaricos fishing harbour offers genuine Spanish coastal life without tourist crowds.
🤔Who is it NOT suitable for?
- •Those who want an international atmosphere and large expat communities.
- •Those without a car — public transport is poor.
- •Investors seeking quick capital gains — the market is slow.
Districts in Cuevas del Almanzora
Cuevas del Almanzora (pueblo)
The historic main town with the castle, squares and all daily services. Authentic inland Spain.
Pros
- +Extremely low prices
- +Authentic Spanish atmosphere
- +All services available
Cons
- −15 min by car to the beach
- −Limited English among locals
Villaricos
Small coastal village at the river mouth with a fishing harbour and quiet beaches.
Pros
- +Genuine fishing village feel
- +Good fish restaurants
- +Beachfront at low prices
Cons
- −Very small — limited shops
- −Dead in winter
Palomares
Small farming village near the coast with newer residential complexes and sandy beach.
Pros
- +Among the cheapest on the coast
- +Modern complexes with pool
- +Near the beach
Cons
- −Limited services
- −Unknown location — harder to resell
Climate in Cuevas del Almanzora vs Stockholm
2800
Sunshine hours/year
50
Rainy days/year
28°C
July avg
25°C
Sea temp July
| Month | Cuevas del Almanzora | Stockholm | Difference | Sea temp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 12°C | -2°C | +14°C | 15°C |
| Apr | 17°C | 5°C | +12°C | 16°C |
| Jul | 28°C | 18°C | +10°C | 24°C |
| Okt | 21°C | 8°C | +13°C | 21°C |
Property market in Cuevas del Almanzora
Price trend (5 years)
+8%
Steadily increasing trend since 2020
Estimated Rental Yield
5%
Gross yield for long-term rental
Tourist license
Possible
Generally possible to obtain a short-term rental license.
What does a property cost?
Average price ranges for standard properties in good condition.
* Prices are estimated averages and may vary depending on location, condition and view.
Attractions & experiences in Cuevas del Almanzora
Desert Springs Golf (world-class). Cave museum. Chateau del Marques de los Velez castle. Lunar Cable Park (wakeboard). Embalse de Cuevas lake for swimming.
Transport & getting around in Cuevas del Almanzora
Almería airport 60 min. Murcia 1h 15 min. Car is an absolute necessity.
The best of Cuevas del Almanzora
Grottor
Unikt boende
Desert Springs
Arizona-stil
Historia
Palats & Slott
Öken
Vilda västern
Practical for Swedes
Travel from Sweden
Norwegian (säsong)
1-2 ggr/vecka till LEI
Via Alicante/Murcia
Alicante 2h, Murcia 70 min med bil
Transfer to the area:
Almería airport 55 min, Murcia airport 70 min. Rental car a must.
Healthcare & Health
Health centre in Cuevas del Almanzora. Hospital in Huércal-Overa (20 min).
NIE number & Legal
Applied for in Vera or Almería city.
Swedish services on-site
Compare with nearby areas
💡Tips for buying in Cuevas del Almanzora
Desert Springs has high community fees but offers a top-class lifestyle (Cricket club, exclusive restaurants). Cave living is climate-smart – cool in summer, warm in winter!
Watch out for
"Those who want an international atmosphere and large expat communities., Those without a car — public transport is poor., Investors seeking quick capital gains — the market is slow."
Common questions about Cuevas del Almanzora
Traditional dwellings carved into the rock, common in Almería province. They have natural temperature regulation (cool in summer, warm in winter). Modern versions have full comfort. Prices from 30,000-80,000 EUR.
Palomares was the site of a nuclear weapons accident in 1966, but the area has been thoroughly decontaminated. Spanish authorities and international bodies confirm it is safe to live there. Many modern residential complexes have been built.
Difficult. There are Brits in Villaricos, but in the pueblo and at the authorities, Spanish is necessary. A basic Spanish course is strongly recommended.
The average price is approximately €1,000/m² (Idealista 2025), among the lowest in coastal Spain. Prices have risen 8% over the last 5 years. The village centre (Cuevas pueblo) costs around €800/m², Villaricos and Palomares approximately €1,100/m². A villa costs €120,000–350,000, and modern cave houses start from €30,000.
The nearest airport is Almería (LEI) at 90 km, about a 55-minute drive south. Murcia International (RMU) is 90 km north and takes approximately 70 minutes. A hire car is an absolute must. Norwegian flies from Stockholm to Almería during the summer season.
The area has 3,100 sunshine hours per year and one of the driest climates in Europe (AEMET). The average temperature in January is 12°C and in July 28°C. The low rainfall (approximately 250 mm/year) makes the climate ideal for winter residents and those suffering from joint pain or asthma.
Properties in Cuevas del Almanzora
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