Yecla Murcia in the heart of rural Spain.

Yecla, sits right on the border of the Murcia, Alicante and Albacete regions. Yecla and it's surrounding towns of Jumilla, Caudete, Villena and Pinoso are growing in popularity. This can only be because they are very traditionally Spanish towns with a lot of culture and have managed to outrun the spoils of your typical ex-pat enclaves.

Yecla is a small town situated 96Km north of Murcia, about an hours drive from Alicante. It lies alongside “El Carche”, which is the longest mountain range in Spain and is surrounded by small mountains. Its municipality covers an area of 607sq kilometres. It is quite an affluent town withy the principle industry being the manufacture of furniture, 40 furniture shops along one road alone. Yecla furniture

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This prosperity helps to keep the younger generation in the town, unlike a lot of Spanish villages where they leave to find work in larger towns. Consequently there has been much regeneration in Yecla but this is being done sympathetically without the loss of historic and significant buildings, which are being carefully restored. Yecla is still a very traditional Spanish town in the Murcia region.

Yecla has its own theatre, cinema, football ground, municipal swimming baths and a modern hospital. There are many bars and eateries, which include Chinese, Italian, Mexican and the more traditional tapas bars along with numerous cafes. There are a few supermarkets so shopping for food not a difficult task. There is a tennis club and a bunch of gymnasiums for those wishing to keep in shape. The plaza de toros also holds concerts as well as the more usual bullfights. The attendance of which is not compulsory! In fact a lot of the younger people in Spain are non-attendees and much prefer the "mock"; bullfights where the young bulls usually win.

Fiestas are enjoyed by all ages and Yecla has four throughout the year. The Fiestas Patronales in December which gives thanks for the men returning alive from war, Semana Santa (or holy week) at Easter when the men dress in hooded robes and parade floats through the streets, Fiesta de Primavera and San Isidro which welcomes spring and the September fair. If these are not enough to keep you busy you can visit the other towns and enjoy the fiestas that they celebrate. Jumilla is one to mention. They have a wine festival in September during which the wine actually does flow through the streets, and over you. Last year they used up 30000Litres, which were sprayed over the cheering crowd to the backdrop of loud Latin music (were old clothes). Villena holds a Moors and Christians festival with mock battles. The costumes and horses are spectacular. The atmosphere during these fiestas is very uplifting, as everyone is laughing, singing, dancing and above all happy and friendly.

Whilst the manufacture of furniture is the principal economy, it is extremely evident that agriculture still plays a very important part in the lives of the locals. The region is a significant producer of wine grapes, olives and almonds. There are numerous Bodegas (Wineries) scattered around town and the surrounding area.

The few Brits that live here are enjoying life the Spanish way. This part of Spain is relaxed and slowly paced. Unlike the Costas there are few English-speaking locals here so the need to learn the local lingo (Castellano) is a must and it can be fun. The locals seem to enjoy having us here and enjoy trying to speak English with you. The hospitality is something else.
You won't find an English breakfast in any of the eateries. Life in Yecla is a million miles away from life in Britain. This is why the 60 or so Brits here enjoy it so much.
One of the most significant differences that come to mind here is the way that respect for family values is still very much on the agenda. In the afternoons the town squares are busy with old aged men gathering to chat and watch the world go by together. The parks and garden areas are full of Grandmothers with little children it really is very refreshing to see.
The history of Yecla

The town centre has lots of shops and you can usually find whatever it is that you are looking for or somebody's brother can get it for you.
If, like us you think you'd like to live in this area and leave the UK for a much more relaxed way of life in the sun by all means contact us and we'll do our best to assist you in obtaining information, property viewings or simply give you advice.

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