CAVE LIFESTYLE . . . REALITY

Is it for you? Some important points to consider concerning every day life in rural Andalucia.

The word 'rural' conjures up images of being out in the sticks with civilisation miles away. While this is true for some areas of Andalucia, the location of your chosen property will not necessarily fall into that category. Life in the country can be tough and you will encounter things, both good and bad that you just won't expect. If you've come from a large UK city adjusting to village life may not be as easy as you think.

This brief guide will give an example of what (not) to expect in your chosen area.

Your new home

Living in a cave is both exciting and unique, but there are a few things to bear in mind before deciding if it is for you. Obviously some people just cannot imagine 'living underground' but this alternative dwelling has so many plus points.

For example, there is no need for gas central heating (which is very rarely available) and you will not have the expense of air conditioning or costly electric heating.

There is unlikely to be mains gas in the area, so get used to the gas bottles. For hot water a gas boiler is the most cost effective, providing you meet the safety regulations, which means adequate ventilation and usually the boiler must be on an outside wall or even better in an out house or garage. If you cannot meet these requirements, then an electric boiler will do the job just as well and as long as you don't keep it on its highest setting all the time, then it won't prove to be too expensive.

Regular maintenance such as clearing your roof, if possible and keeping on top of cracks will keep your cave in good condition.

Entertainment

Most people will relocate to a small village and although small villages provide ample basic amenities for day to day life, you may have to travel some distance for more 'luxury' items if you can get them at all.

If you enjoy regular trips to the cinema or theatre, then you will have to travel to larger towns for these attractions.

While along the coast there is an abundance of shopping malls, department stores and other leisure facilities such as golf courses, further in land this may not be the case (yet) so take this into consideration before you decide where you want to be.

While there may be a take away pizza service in your village, Indian and Chinese restaurants and take always may not be readily available. However, even in small villages, the standard of food in bars and restaurants is very high at great prices so go where the Spanish go, and enjoy great food in warm, welcoming environments.

Life Outside

For those of us who want to escape to the country, rural Andalucia is the perfect place. Wherever you buy in the 'campo' you can enjoy peace and quiet and being close to nature.

Obviously the weather is an important factor and you are able to spend most of your time outside. Walking, gardening, cycling, swimming, picnics or just enjoying the fresh air are just a handful of activities that can be regularly enjoyed.

The sunshine and heat are a major attraction, but be careful the sun is very strong in southern Spain and you can get burnt on a seemingly cool day in November so be sensible and protect yourself. Learn from the Spanish, and keep out of the midday sun!

While the summer temperatures can be extreme, if you live in a mountainous village, the weather in general can surprise you. In our part of Andalucia, we have the most extreme differences in temperature between the day and the night, summer and winter. You can expect to experience days in the summer where the temperature is well into the 40's and in January minus 16 is not uncommon.

Heavy rainfalls can leave tracks and roads impassable due to the mud and be prepared for the snow. Although it doesn't last very long two or three days of heavy snow can leave you stranded for days. It is important to be aware of what to expect throughout the year and be prepared accordingly, i.e. plenty of wood and supplies in for the winter and in the summer, lots of water and sun cream.

People

Andalucian people are considered to be the most warm and friendly in the world. A basic understanding of the language is a must in small villages if you are to experience this sunny characteristic for yourself. If you show a willingness to learn and get involved in the local community, you will reap the benefits and settling in will seem much easier.

Remember though that it works both ways so be prepared to help others even if you have to get by with a bit of sign language. If you have an elderly neighbour, it doesn't take a lot to pop in once a week. If you can, stop and offer to help someone who has broken down or appears stranded - you never know, it may happen to you sometime.

Getting about

Being rural means the nearest airports or bus or train stations can be at least an hour away, usually more. This is worth considering if you plan to come out on regular holidays or family and friends want to visit, as getting here can take a day just on travelling. If you fancy flying home on a whim it may not be as easy as you think.

The one thing that still strikes us however, is how good the roads are and how little traffic there is which does make travelling much easier. The only exception seems to be market days and the tourist season when it is almost impossible to get parked.

Be aware of Spanish drivers at all times, as although they are as competent as any other nation of car users, from our experience they seem to think everybody can read minds. When we first arrived here, we used to joke that Spanish cars had no indicators as it seemed no one used them. Get used to people pulling out or just stopping in front of you without warning. It is especially frustrating in small villages particularly when you find yourself as part of a two car traffic jam. An example of this happening is while driving down a narrow one way street, the driver of the car in front just simply has to stop and have a full conversation with a passing pedestrian who he will probably see when he parks his car and goes shopping anyway.

Stationary traffic can cause problems too. The local people in our village just appear to abandon their cars all over the place but the reality is they have parked up and just gone for a paper. Never mind that they've left their car in the middle of the road so no one can pass. Often when this happens they leave their keys in the ignition and although I have never dared do it, we have seen other drivers get in the offending car and move it so people can pass.

Money Matters

Modern cave homes are proving to be a great investment. Although prices are rising and there is a vast difference in price depending on where your home is and what state it is in, buying a cave home is a sound investment. As long as you are careful and listen to the advice you can buy a unique affordable home which is likely to only increase in value over the years.

Living here, although not free is cheaper in comparison to life in UK towns and villages. As mentioned in other pages, the cost of everyday living is much lower. Although the materialistic temptations are just not there, you can enjoy a good standard of life which includes eating out and enjoying the local attractions without breaking the bank.