El Cortijo Grande, Almería
Your Neighbourhood is a series of local area guides from VIP Almeria. We’re bringing you the best of local villages combined with the latest property data. Cortijo Grande is part of Turre postcode: 04639.
Why Cortijo Grande?
It is a very cost effective option away from the beach but an area with all year services and amenties within a short drive.
Cabrera and Cortijo Grande are prestigious areas lying on the Sierra Cabrera mountain range, just a short distance from the beaches at Mojacar.
The Sierra Cabrera Mountains, whose peaks rise to nearly one thousand metres above sea level, overlook the towns of Carboneras, Los Gallardos, Mojácar, Turre and Sorbas. The area is rich in natural resources, from minerals to plants and wildlife, and is regarded as an area of natural beauty.
Turre can be a busy place, fairly pivotally located for those wanting to near the coast of Mojacar but avoiding the higher property prices.
The typical gastronomic menus in Turre consist of dishes such as migas (fried bread with meat), albondigas (meatballs), gurullos con conejo (gurullo pasta with rabbit), caldo pimentón (fish stew), olla de trigo (wheat stew), caracoles (snails), ajo colorao (garlic soup) and papas al ajo cabañil (garlic potato salad).
Friday is market day offering the opportunity to buy fresh local grown produce. It is also a great time to partake in a drink with a local tapa on the terrace of any one of the variety of bars and restaurants in this quaint market town whilst soaking up the lovely atmosphere.
Where to Move:
There are alternative areas zoned as a hamlets or more rural places from the village such as Cortijo Grande and Sierra Cabrera (The prestigious Moorish village). The architecture and setting of these zones are very unique to the area so please note that a car is required as it is not on a bus route to Turre main street.
The Cost: “Really anywhere in Spain so it is a lifestyle choice, a single could live comfortably on €1,200 — or less. A couple can live for around €2,000 a month. Eating out at restaurants is very inexpensive as are childcare, groceries transportation and sport and leisure club membership/activities.
Turre is a municipality of Almería province. It has a population of approx 3,400 people.
Take me there!
On route to Sierra Cabrera
What’s the story with house prices?
2 Bedroom Apartment - 60,000€
2 Bedroom Townhouse - 90,000€
2 Bedroom Villa - 175,000€
3 Bedroom Villa - 225,000€
Where should I get lunch?
Without travelling into the main village:
Los Pastores Restaurant in Cortijo Cabrera.
Hostal Rural Turre from Tio Tomas is a one stop venue. It has an inland "Beach Bar", swimming pool, live shows, flamingo nights. Zip-lines, quads, paintball, climbing, horseback riding or sports areas.
Finca Listonero - Popular for Sunday lunch, Fine dining or weekend retreats. Advance booking required.
So what’s the big draw?
Much of the municipality of Turre is surrounded by the Sierra Cabrera (Natural Mountains and park). The mountains here are excellent for rock climbing or for the more sedate there are many pleasant walks and the preserved remains of the old villages of Cabrera to visit or enjoy a game of golf in Cortijo Grande - currently not open however it is used to hit a few balls around and maintained locally by residents.
What do people love about it?
It has a great sense of community - It has its own Association for residents who own in the Valley.
And... what do people NOT love about it?
The need for a car to travel
OK, I’m sold. Give me one piece of local trivia to impress a local
Did you know that Cortijio Grande had its own airfield?
Head through Turre and less than 3km from the top of the main street on the old Los Gallardos road, turn left through the pillars signposted Cortijo Grande, after 1km turn right on a narrow track, by foot its is approx 30 mins on an easy track with two easy inclines, it is also possible to drive with care. Once at the airfield you can see the old hangars, control tower and runway. To quoate Steve Ball - Local resident "I walked the length of the runway and at the South Western end still visible is markings from a tennis court and even the runway identifier, 06, (runway direction 060 degrees). As a pilot myself I would have loved to land here, wending my way through Sierra Cabrera must have been an awesome flight. Apparently the runway hasn't been used for around 40 years but with a bit if work it would be usable".