Lorraine Williamson
Spain’s Mediterranean coastline has long been a magnet for buyers, but with property prices climbing sharply in cities such as Alicante, many are starting to look inland. The search for affordable homes, better quality of life and a closer connection to nature is fuelling renewed interest in rural towns.
One such place — little-known Higueruela in Albacete province — is proving that a move inland doesn’t have to mean sacrificing convenience.
A village with modern comforts
At first glance, Higueruela looks like a typical Manchego village, surrounded by open fields and wind turbines. Yet behind the traditional façade lies a community wired with fibre optic internet, a daily bus connection to larger towns, and facilities ranging from a primary school to a public swimming pool. Far from being cut off, residents enjoy access to everything from pharmacies and shops to sports courts and a library.
Homes for the price of a car
Perhaps the biggest draw is the price tag. On platforms such as Idealista, family houses of more than 100 square metres can be found for around €49,000 — less than the cost of a new SUV. Rentals start at roughly €300 a month, though many are arranged informally through word of mouth. In a place where neighbours know one another by name, newcomers often discover opportunities simply by asking around.
A pioneer in renewable energy
Unlike many villages struggling to reinvent themselves, Higueruela embraced green energy two decades ago. Five vast wind farms now define its skyline, making it one of the region’s leaders in renewables. The Casa de los Molinos visitor centre charts how wind power transformed the village’s economy and identity, blending traditional farming with a forward-looking ethos.
Nature, history and wine on the doorstep
The appeal goes beyond bricks and mortar. Just outside the village lies the Salobralejo lagoon, a protected wetland where nearly 200 species of birds rest and breed. Archaeological sites recall Iberian and Roman history, while nearby bodegas open their doors to wine enthusiasts. In summer, locals cool off in natural pools such as El Charco, turning the surrounding countryside into an outdoor playground.
A model for Spain’s rural revival?
Higueruela is not officially part of Spain’s “Vente a vivir a un pueblo” campaign, which encourages repopulation of small towns. Yet it embodies the idea: affordable housing, modern services, a sustainable economy and cultural richness. As more young families are priced out of the coast, villages like this could become the blueprint for Spain’s next chapter — one where rural life offers not just survival, but opportunity.
Sources: El Español, Idealista,