Move to Montefrio
Thinking of making the move? Start here. From finding a place to live and setting up internet, to understanding how the town works (and who to call when the hot water stops working) — we’ve been through it all. This page is your go-to guide for living in Montefrío, not just visiting. We share everything we wish we knew when we first arrived — the reliable builders, the paperwork quirks, the best local spots, and how to settle in without the overwhelm.
Live like a local | Feel at home, faster.
Yes, Montefrio is a popular choice for expats looking for a slower pace of life in southern Spain. With stunning scenery, affordable living, and a welcoming mix of locals and fellow internationals, it’s ideal for those seeking authenticity and community in rural Andalucía.
Absolutely. Montefrio offers a peaceful setting, friendly community, good access to healthcare, and beautiful weather — making it a great place to retire in Andalucía. Many retirees appreciate the slow pace, outdoor lifestyle, and cultural charm of this historic town.
Montefrio is known for its low cost of living compared to larger Spanish cities. A couple can comfortably live here for under €1,500 per month, including rent, groceries, bills, and outings. Homeowners often spend even less, especially if they use local produce and heating methods.
As of 2024, the average price of a home in Montefrio ranges from €60,000 to €150,000, depending on size, condition, and location. Rural cortijos (farmhouses) or village houses in need of renovation can be found for less, (we bought ours for €30,000) while modernised or panoramic-view homes fetch higher prices.
Most people use Idealista.com — the main property website in Spain — to find homes for rent or sale in Montefrio.
You can filter by town, price, number of rooms, and more.
Insider tip: Some of the best properties are not listed online. Keep an eye out for “Se Vende” (For Sale) or “Se Alquila” (For Rent) signs in town, and ask around. Word-of-mouth is still one of the best ways to find hidden gems.
While you can get by with minimal Spanish, especially with help from the expat community, learning basic Spanish is strongly recommended. Most locals do not speak English, and having even a few key phrases will make daily life, admin, and socialising much easier.
However we have gotten by using google translate and the locals are understanding and patient.
Montefrio has a tight-knit and welcoming community made up of locals, Spanish residents, and a growing number of expats. While it’s a small town, there’s a warm social culture — people stop to chat in the street, help each other out, and share a love for local traditions and festivals. It definitely helps to speak spanish!
Montefrio has local primary and secondary schools, including a public infant school (guardería). Education is in Spanish, and schools are well integrated into the community. For bilingual or international schooling, options are available in nearby Granada.
Yes, there are several dentists in Montefrio, offering general dental services and check-ups. Some speak basic English, and expats often recommend asking neighbours for trusted local practitioners.
For any type of insurance in Montefrio, we recommend Compare in Spain. Trudy and Misty will not only find the right policy for your needs, but they’ll also submit claims on your behalf if anything goes wrong.
Whether it’s home insurance for a cortijo or private health coverage, they’ve got you covered.
We recommend Lobster Mobile — a fully English-speaking provider, perfect for expats living in Montefrio.
Their €12.99/month plan includes:
100GB of data
Unlimited calls and texts in Spain
Free international calls to the UK, USA, and more
English-speaking customer support
You can sign up online or through Compare in Spain for extra support.
Yes — if you’re planning to live in Montefrio for more than a few weeks, you’ll need to register with the Ayuntamiento (Town Hall) by doing your empadronamiento (local residency registration).
This is required for many things, including:
Accessing healthcare
Registering children at school
Getting your NIE (foreigner ID)
Setting up utilities in your name
Bring your passport, rental contract or property deed, and proof of address. The process is usually quick and friendly — and it helps show you’re part of the community.
Yes, Montefrio has a public health centre (Centro de Salud) located in town. Residents can access GP services, nurses, and basic medical care here. For more specialised treatment, hospitals in Loja and Granada are nearby.
No — Montefrío does not currently have Uber or a local taxi service. This is something to be aware of when planning your move or visit.
For day-to-day life, we highly recommend owning or hiring a car. Montefrío is a rural town with limited public transport, and having your own vehicle makes it much easier to explore nearby towns, do larger grocery shops, or attend appointments.
There is a public bus service to Granada and nearby towns like Alcalá la Real or Loja, but most expats and residents find that having a car offers the flexibility needed for rural Andalusian living.
Water service in Montefrio is managed by the Ayuntamiento (Town Hall). Bills come quarterly and can be paid directly at the town hall or your bank.
To switch the account into your name, take your house deed or rental contract with ID to the Ayuntamiento.
Montefrio is approximately 40 minutes from Granada Airport and around 1 hour and 20 minutes from Málaga Airport by car. Both airports offer domestic and international flights, making Montefrio a convenient rural base with easy access to major travel hubs.
Yes — Amazon and most courier companies deliver to Montefrio, but delivery reliability can vary, especially with drivers unfamiliar with the area. Our local drivers are excellent, but some external couriers may struggle to find your property or may not attempt delivery at all.
Our local tip: Use the address of GALP petrol station on the Alcalá la Real road as your delivery point. The staff there are incredibly helpful and will accept packages on your behalf if you put your full name and their address. Then, you can simply go and collect it.
Example format: Your Full Name GALP Montefrio Carretera de Alcalá la Real, A-403, Km 69 18270 Montefrío, Granada Spain
Add your local phone number in the order notes — many drivers use WhatsApp to get in touch.
This trick works for Amazon, Correos Express, SEUR, and most other couriers.
Summer: Hot and dry (35–40°C) — fans or A/C are essential
Winter: Cold nights, sunny days — bring warm bedding and a heater
Spring/Autumn: Mild, green, and perfect for exploring
You can refill or exchange gas bottles at GALP or Repsol. The team is used to expats and happy to help.
Gas is commonly used for hot water, stoves, and heating.
Montefrio uses black street bins, so you don’t need to maintain your own. Simply take your rubbish to the nearest bin, and it will be collected daily in the evening.
Yes, Montefrío is very pet-friendly. Dogs are welcome on most walking trails, and many cafés have outdoor seating where pets are allowed. It’s common to see locals walking their dogs through town or exploring the countryside.
However, be aware that there are stray dogs and cats around town. While most are used to being around people and other animals, it’s always best to be cautious — especially with new pets. We strongly recommend keeping all vaccinations up to date, and using flea/tick prevention year-round.
There is no veterinary clinic currently operating in Montefrío. The nearest and most trusted vet is located in Alcalá la Real, about 25 minutes away by car. The clinic is well-equipped, experienced with expat pet owners, and offers general care, vaccinations, and emergency services.
We recommend registering your pet with them early and keeping vaccinations up to date, especially due to the presence of stray animals around town.
They’re not called "skips" here, but yes — you can order one through the local brick yard (almacén de materiales de construcción). They’ll drop it off and collect it for you. Great for renovations or big clear-outs.