Apartment for sale in Garrucha, Almería

Altos de Garrucha - A fabulously spacious penthouse apartment with excellent sea views and a huge terrace of 90m2. Situated in an area just a short stroll from the main high street, the paseo and the port. The complex has lift access, so ideal for those with limited mobility, it has an allocated parking space and a storage room. The property comprises entrance hallway with an entry phone, a large living room / dining room with patio doors leading to the terrace, a fully equipped galley kitchen with access to the terrace, the principal bedroom, an en-suite shower room, two further double bedrooms and a guest bathroom with walk-in shower. All of the bedrooms have built in wardrobes and the entire property benefits from air conditioning/heating. The terrace is divided into areas offering shade or full sun and includes a pergola and retractable awnings.

Local Area
Garrucha is a Spanish town and municipality in the province of Almeria, Andalusia. In 2015 there were 8,577 inhabitants. Its surface area is only 7.68 km² and it had a density of 1,123 inhabitants per square kilometre. The geographical co-ordinates are - 37º 11 'N, 1 49' W. It is situated between Mojácar and Vera, at an altitude of 24 metres above sea level, and 83 km from the provincial capital, Almería. The post code is 04630.

Brief History
Settlement in the area dates as back as far as 5,000 years ago when the first visitors found one of the very few natural harbours in this coastline. It was here that invading armies would land with their provisions and settlers soon discovered the mineral rich veins nearby. Mining of the area took hold and the only way to ship it out was via the sea. In later years there were trains from Bédar directly to the port. The fishing trade, which continues to this day, was important as a food source for these early settlers.

Over the centuries the Garrucheros have been approached by their neighbouring municipalities vying for control of its sea trade but to no avail.

In the early 20th century Garrucha was recognised for its almost Spa-like qualities and became a favourite place for holidaymakers. During that time casinos, dance halls and a tennis club were built to further enrich the experience making it far superior in terms of entertainment to anything else to be found on this part of the coast. Many of these are closed now but Garrucha is still very popular as a resort.

During the summer months this tiny municipality is brimful with tourists and the Malécon, the beautiful Garrucha promenade, is a hive of activity. Street markets grace the promenade on one side and restaurants lay out extra tables and seating on the other. Diners and promenaders can be found into the early hours of the morning when the days are at their coolest and the hum of conversation, the swish of the sea, cars slowly passing and eclectic snippets of music merge to create the sound that defines Garrucha in the summertime.

Economy
Garrucha is a thriving small town with a very pleasing and useful variety of shops open all year round. On Fridays there is a large street market offering foodstuffs and fancy goods. Tourism, though, is their biggest industry filling the town to bursting in the summer months. From Easter onwards the tempo of the town changes with the first influx of holidaymakers for Semana Santa. This is a trial run for many of the local businesses to try their new stock and recipes on visitors. The number of visitors continues to grow from that time and on June 1st all the beach bars and small kiosks will be open in preparation for the summer onslaught.

The year round industries of Garrucha are fishing and the shipping of gypsum from Sorbas to Carboneras. Fishing trips are available daily during the high season and the marina, which grows larger every year, fills to bursting. There is a water taxi service and cruises up and down the coast are available most days, for details it is best to go to the port.