Los Gallardos

Los Gallardos is a town in the province of Almería, in the autonomous community of Andalucia, with a total area of 35km² at an elevation of 132m, and a population of around 3,000 inhabitants.

It is a traditional Spanish town (often referred to as “the village”) that is not based on seaside tourism. The facilities that you find available in Los Gallardos in August will also be available in January.

That said, the town does get an influx of visitors, which are predominantly Spanish relatives of full time residents, in July for the annual fiesta in Honour of the Patron Saint Virgin del Carmen, and in January for the Three Kings celebrations as it is one of few towns that has an enactment.

Fiesta in Honour of the Virgin del Carmen, Los Gallardos

Three Kings Celebrations in Los Gallardos.

The town of Los Gallardos is only a 12 minute drive from the coastline of Mojácar followed by Garrucha and Vera Playa just another 5 to 10 minutes away. Airport transfers to Almería, Murcia International and Alicante are 45, 80 and 120 minutes respectively.

Classed as more of an inland town than a coastal one, you get more for your money whether you are looking at buying a property or simply a “cerveza o vino”. For the budget of a 2 bedroom coastal apartment you will find 3 bedroom properties in Los Gallardos, meanwhile, that beer or wine in the town will be better value too.

Types of properties available in Los Gallardos

There is a large variety of properties available with traditional older style properties in the town and newer built properties on the Huerta Nueva urbanization.

Most of the newer build properties have mains gas powered hot water and some also with central heating. Air conditioning is installed in most properties and the kitchen and bathroom installations are more modern to anything that you will find in an original property in the town.

The choice of properties in Huerta Nueva include 2 bedroom 2 bathroom apartments, maisonettes and town houses; 3 bedroom 2 bathroom apartments, bungalows and town houses; all of which have a communal swimming pool. There are also detached villas with 3 or more bedrooms and 2 or more bathrooms with private swimming pools.

For more information on these properties please visit our Huerta Nueva page.

In the town the choice of original properties is equally varied and the majority of them are houses. As for the room distribution and condition of them, they all vary and the prices will reflect how much work may need doing to them.

When a reformed property comes to the market the price is generally higher as the necessary work has been done. The number of reformed properties coming to the market is limited.

Living in Los Gallardos

As already mentioned, Los Gallardos is a traditional working town that is not reliant on tourism. The number of residents is fairly stable all year round, apart from national holidays when families come together to celebrate the occasion.

Most of Next Stop Almeria clients have chosen to purchase in Los Gallardos because of its location and proximity to the coast. The short distance inland offers newer, larger and better value properties to those on the coast and yet it is just a short drive to enjoy the great beaches and facilities that the coastal towns offer.

At the end of the day they retire to Los Gallardos for its more laid back tranquil way of life.

Until more recently many people found it necessary to have to drive when living in Los Gallardos but with improved public transport to local towns and villages and shuttle bus services to the airports ideas have changed. There are also reliable and affordable taxi services.

The village does have a selection of small supermarkets, butchers, bakers, and a weekly street market on a Tuesday; along with doctors, dentists, pharmacy, hair dressers, beauticians and other shops so there is everything that you need for day-to-day living.

The demographic of Los Gallardos

Looking at the number of inhabitants in the last census of 2021, it has more than doubled since 1981 when there were only 1,438. However it has dropped since 2011 when it peaked at 3,401. Not only have the numbers changed but the demographic has too.

The 2021 census reported that 60% of the population was Spanish, 32% European, and Africa, America and Asia make up the remaining percentage. 55% are aged 18 – 64 and 31% are 65 years or over.

The most diverse mix of nationalities can be found on Huerta Nueva that was initially aimed at the retired British market but with the property crash in 2007 prices plummeted and what was the high percentage of British expats has now been diluted with Spanish, Belgian, Scandinavian and other nationalities.

What is there to do in the area?

There are many opportunities to join likeminded people for various sports and leisure activities. There are several walking groups which will help you learn more about the area; bowling, gardening, photography and craftwork clubs where you can meet new friends; and of course there are golf clubs.

For those looking for fitness and wellbeing there are running, cycling and swimming clubs as well as fitness and yoga classes, which during the warmer months take place on the beach.

There is a lot of history to explore after centuries of Moors & Christians conquests that have carved much of the local architecture. For the more adventurous, the cities of Granada, Sevilla and Jeréz are all great places to visit for a weekend.

Skiing is also possible in Granada which is only a couple of hours drive away.

Taking it easy and enjoying the sun on your terrace is also an option.

What are the nearest state and international schools and how good are they?

The nearest state school is in Los Gallardos, CEIP Juan XXIII, and was created in 1963 and renovated in 2011. The school teaches many students from different nationalities and ages range from 3 to 14 with classes from nursery through primary school, to 1st and 2nd year of secondary school (also known as ESO). For the British students unable to speak Spanish, extra classes during school hours are provided.

CEIP Juan XXIII does not require its students to wear uniforms and the school day for primary classes start at 9am and finishes at 2pm. The students of 1st and 2nd year of secondary start at 8am and finish at 2:30pm. The school provides “school dinners” with an after-school club for primary school students although places are limited.

The final obligatory two years of secondary school are taught in the larger town of Vera in a secondary school called Alyanub. A school bus provides transport to and from the school for the students from Los Gallardos and other surrounding towns.

This secondary school also provides further learning such as the Baccalaureate degree and intermediate and higher vocational training cycles which include administration course, electro mechanics for vehicles course and many more.

The nearest international school is in Vera, Colegio ValdeSerra, with infant (0-6), primary (6-12), upper (12-16) and high schools (16-18). Covering all aspects of education as you would expect the school has a good reputation and we can only quote favorable reports on the school and also of the state schools in the area.

Tips and advice to people looking to buy in Los Gallardos or surrounding area.

Do your homework! Research the area on the internet and get as much background as you can. Make an appointment to come and visit us having given us your Ideal Property Wish List.

We will show you the properties that we think meet your criteria and we ask for your honest feedback on each as this will help us narrow your search down.

Revisit the area without us and talk to people that could potentially be your neighbours. Our business is based in Los Gallardos and we live there too, we have nothing to hide!

If you are not familiar with the purchase procedure in Spain then this link may be of interest to you: Property Purchase Procedure

You will also find an FAQ page on our website.