Why move to Vinuela
If you are a lover of Andalusian food, an enthusiastic walker or just in search of a quiet life amid majestic surroundings then Vinuela could be for you.
On the poetically named ‘route of olives and mountains’ and next to a picturesque reservoir is the small hillside village of Vinuela (Little Vineyard). Traditional Spanish life goes on here just as it has for thousands of years, with the production of olives, wine and grapes a central part of the village economy, culture and unique gastronomy.
Situated 19 kilometres from the nearest beach and 45 kilometres from the city of Malaga, in Vinuela you’ll soon find that the best attractions are right on your doorstep. The reservoir, which is the largest in the region, is a great place to sunbathe, swim and sail; spend a little time here and you’ll soon see why the village is known as the oasis of Axarquia. Add to this the stunning mountain scenery and wildlife and you could completely forget about the busy beaches of the Costa del Sol.
Community
The village on the hill is home to just over 2,000 people and around half are British. Vinuela and the Axarquia region is a particularly popular place to retire, so you will meet a well established expat community if you choose to settle here.
Property
You’ll find a great range of properties at prices to suit most budgets. In the village there are reasonably priced traditional houses and apartments. Head into the hills for a choice of villas and farm houses, great for potential development.
Amenities
For such a small village, Vinuela is remarkably well equipped. Numerous bars and restaurants serve local specialities including the excellent sweet wine from the nearby vineyards. And you won’t want to miss fresh bread every morning from nearby Panadería Leonardo.
Transport
Malaga and its airport are under an hour’s drive along quick local roads. If you are without transport there are a number of bus services to connect you with the city and the region’s other towns and villages.
Employment
As this is a small village work is fairly limited locally, so most people commute to Malaga where there are many more job opportunities, particularly in tourism and property.
Health
The village has a pharmacy and its own public health centre where some staff either speak English or have access to a translation service. If you require more specialised care, then the University Hospital in Malaga is around a 40 minute drive.
Schools
There is a local state primary school in the village and a school for all ages 15 minutes away in Alcaucin. If you’d like your children to follow the British national curriculum your nearest international school is in Rincon de la Victoria a half hour away
Cost of Living
Prices tend to be a little lower on this eastern side of the Costa del Sol and that’s certainly true in Vinuela. However with shopping a little limited in the village, you might have to factor in trips to the larger supermarkets in Velez-Malaga.