My month housesitting in Almeria

We often hear from our housesitters just how much a particular housesit suited them. In this case housesitting in Almeria was a great success for the McRoys. We see this in the details Joann offers about their enjoying the region and living like locals while housesitting. Read on to learn more.

Sunshine, Serenity, and a Feral Friend Named Tom- My Month Housesitting in Almeria

The southern Spanish sun beat down, a welcome warmth after leaving the UK. This wasn’t a typical holiday – this was housesitting in Almería, a truly immersive experience that offered far more than just a place to stay.

Learning a little about Almeria

Almería is a province and city located in the South Eastern corner of Andalusia, Spain, distinguished by its unique desert-like landscape and Mediterranean coastline. It’s very attractive if you like that evocative Mediterranean landscape. The region is renowned for having Europe’s only true desert climate, with the Tabernas Desert serving as a backdrop for countless Western films, earning it the nickname “Europe’s Hollywood.”

Almería’s economy is heavily driven by intensive greenhouse agriculture, with vast expanses of plastic-covered greenhouses producing tomatoes, peppers, and other vegetables that supply much of Europe year-round. The provincial capital, also called Almería, features a impressive Moorish fortress called the Alcazaba, built in the 10th century, which overlooks the city and Mediterranean Sea.

The region boasts over 200 kilometres of coastline with pristine beaches, including the protected Cabo de Gata Natural Park, which combines volcanic landscapes with crystal-clear waters. Despite its arid climate, Almería receives over 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, making it a popular destination for both agriculture and tourism, while its unique geography has made it a favourite filming location for movies requiring desert or otherworldly settings.

The Start of Our Housesitting in Almeria

Our hosts, Margaret and Alan, had entrusted us with their beautiful home in the small village of Huércal-Overa, while they embarked on a month-long adventure in their motorhome. Our mission? Primarily to keep their vibrant garden flourishing and to look after the elusive, yet charming, feral cat named Tom.

Delightful Huércal-Overa

Huércal-Overa itself was a quiet escape. With distant neighbours, it offered a sense of peaceful solitude that was incredibly refreshing. But what truly surprised and delighted us was the thriving English community.

villa where the McRoys were housesitting in Almeria — This is the villa where we were housesitting in Almeria

Photo by Joann McRoy

We quickly discovered the local bar, which served as an unofficial hub, where friendly faces gathered for drinks, conversation, and a healthy dose of camaraderie. It was wonderful to have that immediate connection, sharing stories and tips with fellow expats who had made this corner of Spain their home.

A Rhythmic Assignment Housesitting in Almeria

Our days quickly fell into a comfortable rhythm. Mornings often began with a leisurely breakfast, followed by the satisfying task of watering Margaret and Alan’s extensive plant collection. From potted geraniums to fragrant jasmine, keeping everything hydrated in the Spanish heat was a daily ritual. And then there was Tom. This ginger enigma was a true character.

tom the ginger cat — Our housesitting in Almeria required a careful and watchful eye on the enigma that was Tom the cat

Photo by Joann McRoy

He kept his distance, darting in and out of view, but his trust slowly grew over the weeks. We’d leave out food and water, often catching glimpses of him enjoying his meals from a safe distance. By the end of our stay, a tentative head scratch was even permitted – a victory in itself!

Housesitters Living Like locals

local market in Huercal Overa in Almeria — We visited several local markets while housesitting in Almeria

Photo by Joann McRoy

Beyond our immediate responsibilities, we wholeheartedly embraced the local lifestyle. The weekly produce markets in nearby towns became a highlight. The colours, the smells, the bustling energy – it was a sensory feast. We’d stock up on sun-ripened tomatoes, sweet peaches, and the freshest seafood, all at incredibly reasonable prices. Cooking with such vibrant ingredients was a joy, and our evening meals, enjoyed on the terrace as the sun dipped below the horizon, were truly memorable.

We also made sure to explore the surrounding villages. Each one had its own unique charm, from the ancient winding streets of Mojácar to the dramatic coastline near Garrucha. We’d spend hours wandering, discovering hidden plazas, sampling local delicacies in small tapas bars, and simply soaking in the authentic Spanish atmosphere. It wasn’t about ticking off tourist attractions; it was about integrating ourselves, even for a short while, into the rhythm of daily life.

We explored the local landscape while housesistting in Almeria

Photo by Joann McRoy

Housesitting is Enriching and Totally Free When You Get There

And the best part? This entire enriching experience was effectively free. No hotel bills, no rental car fees, just the cost of our flights and daily expenses. Housesitting in Almería, caring for plants and gaining the trust of a feral cat named Tom, allowed us to truly immerse ourselves in the culture, connect with a welcoming community, and discover the hidden gems of this beautiful region. It was a month of sunshine, serenity, and an unforgettable taste of authentic Spain – all thanks to the kindness of Margaret and Alan, and the quiet charm of Huércal-Overa. We can’t wait for our next Spanish housesitting adventure!

Before our Adventure Housesitting in Almeria – How we got started

couple housesitting in Almeria — We’ve really enjoyed our time housesitting in Almeria

Photo by Joann McRoy

We’re a married couple in our early 50s, and until recently, our roots were firmly planted near Manchester, where we’d lived our entire lives. I spent the majority of my career in Housing, while Mark navigated the world of Engineering. For decades, that was our rhythm.

Then came 2023, and with it, a significant shift: semi-retirement! It was a conscious decision to seize the day, embrace adventure, and truly enjoy what the world has to offer – because, as we all know, who truly knows what tomorrow brings?

Life’s Too Short

Indoor plants at the Almeria housesit — We enjoyed Margaret’s garden and her pot plants

Photo by Joann McRoy

Life’s too short not to grab it with both hands, and for us, we have an appreciation for the outdoors and connecting with new people. We’re also huge animal lovers. Until very recently, our lives were enriched by two wonderful dogs who, bless their hearts, lived to the grand old age of 15. We still miss their wagging tails and comforting presence every day.

For years, our holidays were synonymous with our trusty VW or motorhome, exploring new landscapes and discovering hidden gems on wheels. We loved the freedom of the open road, but then something new entered our radar: house sitting!

Final Thoughts on our Housesitting in Almeria

It all started with a casual conversation – a friend at work mentioned his nephew was doing it, housesitting that is. We’d always been open to renting places during our travels, but the idea of housesitting immediately clicked. Just like this assignment to go housesitting in Almeria, there is so much to gain culturally, from an exploration and adventure point of view, you meet new people and enjoy their pets all on a managed budget!

It was, and continues to be, a fantastic win-win situation for us. Not only does it allow us to save some money on accommodation, but it also provides us with those much-missed dog cuddles, the chance to be outdoors in new environments, and countless opportunities to meet fascinating people. Best of all, it allows us to truly immerse ourselves in local cultures and experience different ways of living, far beyond the usual tourist trail.