If you’re looking to swap city stress for rural bliss, a small village in the Valencian mountains may just have the keys to your future—literally starting from €20,000.
Alpuente, a hidden gem calling for newcomers
Alpuente, a charming historic village located just under 100 kilometres from Valencia, is opening its arms to new residents, reports the Spanish press. With only 670 inhabitants and a surplus of job vacancies and empty homes, the village is making a strong case for rural revival. And with houses starting at €20,000, it might be one of the cheapest places in Spain where the dream of homeownership remains intact.
Set in the ruggedly beautiful comarca of La Serranía, Alpuente isn’t just offering low-cost real estate—it’s offering a lifestyle. Whether you’re remote-working, escaping rent madness, or seeking a slower pace, the village seems tailor-made for those dreaming of a reset.
Homes for all tastes—and budgets
In Alpuente’s town centre, properties of all sorts and sizes are looking for buyers. A fully furnished three-bed, 150 m² home is going for a mere €20,000. Elsewhere, more generous homes in need of moderate renovation are priced upwards of €50,000.
And for those with more royal aspirations (or just a blockbuster budget), there’s even a castle for sale. This cinematic-looking 400 m² stone edifice, complete with a solarium terrace, storage room, and jaw-dropping mountain views, is on the market for €360,000. Fit for a noble—or at least a city-weary executive looking to make a dramatic life change.
Plenty of work, no experience needed
Unlike many rural villages facing decline, Alpuente has work to offer—and lots of it. Local farms and livestock businesses are actively looking for new workers, with up to 100 open positions and no specific qualifications required. Residents here sustain themselves through agriculture and animal husbandry, including pigs, chickens, rabbits, and sheep.
It’s an old way of life still surrounded by UNESCO-worthy beauty—plus, you’ll never have to sit in traffic again.
Historic charm and natural wonders
Despite its modest size, Alpuente is steeped in history and packed with architectural gems. The village boasts a medieval castle (complete with its original wall), the Church of Nuestra Señora de La Piedad, the Tower of the Aljama, and the Ermita de la Purísima. It is also home to the Paleontological and Ethnological Museums, both part of the Comunidad Valenciana museum network.
For outdoor lovers, Alpuente offers an expansive network of hiking and biking trails, perfect for weekend adventurers or daily decompressors alike.
The municipality also comprises several smaller hamlets, such as La Almeza, Baldovar, Campo de Abajo and Campo de Arriba. Some, like La Carrasca, serve as peaceful weekend retreats, while others—such as El Chopo and La Hortichuela—await full-scale resettlement.
Rural revival with 21st-century potential
With cheap homes, job opportunities, historic charm and natural splendour, Alpuente is a compelling example of how rural Spain could rebound—if people are willing to take the leap.
And at just an hour’s drive from Valencia, it might be the perfect halfway point between total detachment and urban accessibility.
