GARRUCHA & VILLARICOS

Garrucha is a historic fishing town which has been popular since the 19th century as holiday resort. Its heritage has been beautifully maintained. Now it’s a busy port, with fishing boats, merchant ships and pleasure craft providing the focal point of the town’s activity. At dawn, the colourful flotillas sets out to sea. Or wait till a bit later to watch them come in again as you relax in a bar along the palm-lined promenade. There’s also a Blue Flag beach in the centre of town. With life here revolving around the fishing industry, it comes as no surprise the Garrucha is also known for its superb fish cuisine, especially Garrucha prawns. You can buy one-bedroom apartments in Garrucha for 100,000 euros, two-bedroom apartments from 140,000 and townhouses from 200,000 euros.

Just north of Garrucha is Villaricos, a simple, unspoilt fishing village whose history dates back to Neolithic times. Life here is relaxed in a typically Andalucian way. The town’s Esperanza harbour has recently been refurbished to include exclusive residential developments alongside bars and restaurants. Apartments start at 190,000 euros.