Rural life in Spain: personal transitions versus service shortages

The challenges and motivations surrounding rural living in Spain are highlighted through contrasting perspectives. While some individuals find fulfillment in relocating to the countryside, others face significant systemic difficulties in small municipalities.

Rakel Sanes, a woman who moved from the periphery of Barcelona to the small village of Fulleda in 2001, has documented her transition to rural life. After moving to southwest France, she now uses digital platforms like YouTube and her podcast, ‘Mundo rural en positivo’, to share her experiences and encourage others considering leaving the city for the countryside.

Conversely, residents in small towns within Málaga, such as El Borge, Comares, Iznate, and Totalán, report a decline in essential services. These municipalities, many with fewer than 1,500 inhabitants, struggle with limited medical access, infrequent public transportation, and the loss of banking services. In El Borge, the local government has attempted to negotiate with the entity Cajamar to maintain a permanent ATM, but residents currently must rely on a mobile ATM service that visits only once a week.