Granada Leads Europe Towards Energy Self-Sufficiency in Water Management

Granada has become one of the first European cities to make its entire water system energy self-sufficient — a major step forward in sustainable urban management.

The transformation of the city’s old wastewater treatment plant into the Ecofactoría Sur has turned it from an energy consumer into a clean energy producer. Today, the facility generates 140% of the energy it needs using a mix of biogas, solar power, and advanced optimisation technology.

Run by the municipal water company Emasagra, the Ecofactoría now produces around 11 gigawatt-hours of renewable energy every year, cutting Granada’s carbon footprint by nearly 30% since 2014. The plant also reuses treated water to irrigate parks and gardens across the city — an increasingly vital measure as southern Spain faces worsening drought conditions.

Speaking at the Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona, Mayor Marifrán Carazo described sustainability as “a practical policy that directly improves residents’ lives when managed responsibly,” rather than an abstract environmental goal.

From Waste to Resource

Granada officially reached 100% energy self-sufficiency across its entire water cycle in June 2025, putting the city at the forefront of climate resilience in Europe.

The art of Mudejar wooden ceilings, or techos de madera, is one of Spain’s most remarkable architectural legacies, a testament to the skill of master carpenters and the fusion of Christian and Islamic artistic traditions. These ceilings, found in palaces, churches, and civic buildings across the country, particularly in Toledo, Seville, Zaragoza, and Granada, display a breathtaking interplay of geometry, craftsmanship, and symbolism.

During the late Middle Ages and into the Renaissance, Spain’s Mudejar artisans, many of whom were of Muslim descent, adapted centuries-old techniques to embellish the grandest structures of their time. Their work was deeply influenced by Nasrid and Almohad decorative traditions, characterized by intricate interlacing patterns, elaborate coffered vaults, and the use of fine woods such as pine and cedar. Diego López de Arenas, a Sevillian carpenter and architect of the 16th century, codified many of these techniques in his seminal treatise, "Breve compendio de la carpintería de lo blanco y tratado de alarifes." His work laid the foundation for a new generation of craftsmen who would continue to refine Mudejar carpentry.

The term carpintería de lo blanco refers to a specific branch of Spanish carpentry that specialized in structural wooden frameworks, particularly for ceilings and roofs. The name "de lo blanco" derives from the color of freshly cut coniferous wood, such as pine, which was preferred for its strength and workability. This tradition dates back to the medieval period when wooden construction played a crucial role in architecture due to the limitations of materials available at the time. The geometría de lo blanco, as it was known among craftsmen, involved an intricate understanding of mathematical patterns that allowed for the assembly of elaborate wooden frameworks without the use of nails or adhesives. These designs, often adorned with interlocking lacería motifs, became defining elements of Mudejar craftsmanship.

One of the most stunning examples of Mudejar ceilings can be found in the Alcázar of Seville, where the master carpenter Francisco Rodríguez Cumplido created an extraordinary artesonado ceiling for the Hall of Ambassadors in the 14th century. This dazzling wooden dome, adorned with a complex honeycomb design, evokes the muqarnas found in Islamic architecture and demonstrates the seamless blending of Moorish and Castilian artistic influences.

In Toledo, the convent of San Clemente showcases another masterful example of Mudejar carpentry, attributed to Alí de Cárdenas, a renowned 15th-century craftsman. His work, visible in the cloisters and refectory, exhibits the typical laceríamotifs—intricate interwoven ribbons forming geometric star patterns—so characteristic of the Mudejar style. His influence extended beyond Toledo, as his workshop trained artisans who later worked on ceilings in Madrid and Segovia.

Andalucía has long held a magnetic allure for artists, writers and dreamers. Its landscapes, wild sierras, whitewashed villages, sun-scorched plains, and Moorish palaces, have ignited the imaginations of generations. From the 18th to the 19th century in particular, a parade of foreign and Spanish creatives travelled to this region at the southern edge of Europe and found in its culture, history and light an, enduring source of inspiration.

This was not simply a question of aesthetics. Andalucía stirred something deeper. It was seen as a land outside time, where Christian, Jewish, and Muslim legacies overlapped and blurred; where flamenco echoed through the streets and shadows played across ancient walls. For the artists of the Enlightenment and Romantic eras, many of them disillusioned by industrialisation and urbanisation in northern Europe,  Andalucía offered colour, mystery, and a deeper sense of life.

The Seeds of Romantic Fascination

Guitar making is still very much alive in Granada — a city where art, craft, and music have always intertwined. Among the whitewashed alleys and echoing courtyards of the Albayzín, the sound of chisels, planes, and tapping fingers on fine wood still forms part of the daily rhythm. It is one of the few places in Europe where the luthier’s workshop remains a vital, breathing presence rather than a museum piece.

A Brief History of Granada’s Guitar Makers

The craft of making stringed instruments in Granada dates back centuries. As early as the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, records show local violeros — makers of viols and early guitars — working in the city. By the nineteenth century, as the Spanish guitar took on its modern form and flamenco spread through Andalusia, Granada had already established a distinct school of craftsmanship.

The modern “Granada School” of guitar making took shape during the twentieth century, built on a mix of traditional Andalusian techniques and the influence of Antonio de Torres, the father of the modern Spanish guitar. Masters such as Eduardo Ferrer and Antonio Marín Montero became key figures, training new generations and refining the sound that defines Granada’s guitars: clear, bright, and full of vitality.

Among today’s respected makers are José and Manuel López Bellido, José Marín Plazuelo, Germán Pérez Barranco, John Ray, Mario Aracama, Ana Espinosa Rodríguez, Sergio Valverde Castillo, Óscar Muñoz, and Daniel Gil de Avalle, whose workshop in the Realejo has received national recognition. Each works in their own way, but all share the same dedication to craft, tone, and beauty that has characterised Granada’s guitars for more than a century.

Spain’s sunshine isn’t just good for tourism — it’s powering a quiet economic revolution.

By mid-2025, Spain had become one of Europe’s cheapest countries for electricity, thanks to a surge in solar and wind power that’s breaking its dependence on imported gas.

Electricity prices here are now over 30% cheaper than in Germany, Italy or the UK, and Spain’s renewables supply almost half the country’s power. That shift has given the economy — and the property market — a welcome boost.

In southern regions like Andalucía, where sunlight is abundant and energy prices matter to homeowners and small businesses alike, the benefits are clear. Solar panels are now a familiar sight on rooftops, and rural properties with private renewable systems are becoming more attractive to international buyers seeking self-sufficiency and sustainability.

The Bigger Picture
Spain has long relied on imported oil and gas, but that’s changing fast. National energy dependency has fallen from around 74% in 2022 to about 70% today — the lowest in modern history.

As renewables grow, Spain is also investing in battery storage, hydrogen, and modern grid technology to make clean energy reliable around the clock.

The impact reaches beyond the power bill. A more independent, stable energy system means greater economic resilience — something buyers increasingly value when choosing where to invest or settle.

What It Means for Property Buyers
- Lower running costs: Cheaper electricity makes large rural homes, pool maintenance, and air-conditioning more affordable.
- Growing self-sufficiency: Many homes in Andalucía now feature rooftop solar and battery systems — appealing for buyers wanting to live “off the grid.”
- Sustainability premium: Eco-ready homes are gaining market value and selling faster, especially among Northern European buyers.
- Confidence in infrastructure: Spain’s grid is modernising rapidly, reducing outages and improving service even in rural areas.

In short, Spain’s renewable revolution is doing more than cutting emissions — it’s reshaping the country’s economic foundations and enhancing the long-term appeal of owning property here.

As Spain heads toward 80% renewable electricity by 2030, the sun-soaked south looks set to lead the way — and homeowners who invest now will be the first to feel the benefits.

The Spanish property sector is undergoing a major legal shake‑up. Labour inspectors are cracking down on agencies that classify full‑time agents as “autónomos falsos” — fake self‑employed workers.

This rings particularly true for us in Granada. Walking through the city centre looking into other estate agent’s offices I have frequently been amazed at the spacious brightly-lit spaces containing an array of four or five desks and a window full of properties selling at prices substantially lower than our typical properties.  They are either selling vast numbers of properties (which they aren’t), charging much higher commissions, or they’re doing something I’m not.

And then it was explained to me. Those smartly dressed agents were “self-employed”,  paid nothing unless they both take on a property and then sell it. Fair enough, but only if the agency pays them a salary and a share of the commission. That way they enjoy the same rights as other workerswho are required to come into the workplace on a daily basis, use the company systems, and follow company instructions.

Because, in theory they are self employed, the agency avoids paying the high social charges on top of their salary, which in Spain is approximately 35% of total emoluments (salary and commission). Not only are such agencies depriving the tax authorities of revenue, they are also depriving the agents of their rights to holiday and sick pay, pension contributions, and a final payment at the end of service (finiquito). 

It is a moral as well as an economic issue.If an employee can show (say) three years of permanent employment with a real estate agency, even though their net salary varies according to each month’s commission, they are much more likely to be able to access a mortgage loan than a person who relies on a sub-contract arrangement that can be terminated at a moment’s notice with no consequence, or expense, for the employer.

That is the reason why at Another Way Of Life we have only ever employed people on a full permanent contract (contrato indefinido).

A historic day unfolded in Granada on 19 May 2025, as the first stone was laid for the IFMIF-DONES facility, marking the beginning of construction on what will become the largest scientific installation ever built in Spain and one of the most significant in Europe. Located in the small town of Escúzar, just outside Granada, this project is linked to one of science’s most ambitious challenges: the quest to harness fusion energy. Dignitaries, including senior national and regional officials, attended the ground-breaking ceremony, underscoring the significance of this initiative.

As part of the day’s events, Spain and Japan signed a formal agreement, cementing Japan’s role in the project. This international collaboration is a major step forward, giving a substantial boost to the research planned in Granada. With partners from 17 countries involved in IFMIF-DONES’s steering committee, this wide cooperation underscores the facility’s global significance in the quest for fusion energy.

Fusion – the process that powers the sun – promises virtually limitless clean energy if it can be replicated on Earth, but achieving this is enormously complex. A global scientific effort is underway to overcome these challenges. In France, the ITER project – a large international fusion experiment – is being built to prove fusion’s viability. The next planned step is a demonstration power plant called DEMO, which aims to generate continuous electricity from fusion.

IFMIF-DONES in Granada will bridge the crucial gap between ITER and DEMO. It is designed to test and develop the advanced materials needed for future fusion reactors by exposing them to intense neutron radiation that simulates conditions inside a working fusion reactor. In doing so, IFMIF-DONES will ensure that when reactors like DEMO are ready, they can be constructed with materials capable of withstanding such extreme conditions.

The journey to bring IFMIF-DONES to Spain has been a long one. Over the past decade, scientists and officials worked to secure political and scientific support at home and in Europe, ultimately convincing international partners to choose Granada as the site. As a result, a consortium was established in 2021 by the Spanish government and Andalusia’s regional government to organise the project. Now, in 2025, construction of the testing facility has finally begun, turning a once distant dream into reality. Construction of the extensive administrative facilities necessary to support the project are already complete.

With the advent of AirBnB many cities in Spain have experienced a significant surge in short-term tourist rentals, particularly in historic neighbourhoods and city centres. Property owners have taken advantage of often lax regulations to earn additional income. What started as a means to earn a little cash from a spare room has blossomed into a huge business. Whether this has been to the detriment of the traditional hotel industry is debatable. More likely, it has increased the volume of tourists, specifically in urban areas.

This increase has led to concerns about housing availability for residents and the overall character of these areas. In response, in February 2024, the Junta de Andalucía transferred the authority to regulate tourist accommodations to municipal governments.
This move empowered cities like Granada to tailor regulations to their specific needs and challenges. Following this devolution of powers, the Ayuntamiento de Granada undertook studies to assess the impact of tourist rentals on the city's housing market and community dynamics.

For centuries, Andalucía has captivated the hearts of poets, writers, and painters. From the 18th through the 19th centuries, artists from across Europe journeyed south in search of something different – something wilder, more romantic, and deeply authentic. They found it here, in Andalucía’s jagged sierras, sunlit plains, olive groves and whitewashed villages.

Writers like Washington Irving found inspiration in the halls of the Alhambra. Artists like Gustave Doré and poets like Bécquer were moved by the haunting beauty of old towns, the flavour and intensity of flamenco, Garcia Lorca by the raw emotion of the Andalucian spirit. For me having spent the greater part of y life in the north of Europe it was the light that drew me in. Here, we can see so far, our boundaries are distant. On clear days in winter we can see Morocco’s Atlas Mountains from some of our properties in the Sierra Nevada. These artists weren’t just tourists – they were pilgrims of the imagination.

In the heart of Granada's historic Plaza Bib-Rambla stands a cherished attraction that has captivated both young and old for over two decades: the ecological carousel, known in Spanish as a tiovivo, the origin of which word is living man" his unique merry-go-round, powered solely by human effort, has become an integral part of the square's character.

The story of this remarkable carousel begins with José Carlos Beneroso, a native of Algeciras who came to Granada to sell hams. José Carlos's life took an unexpected turn of events when he and his wife, built a carousel for family enjoyment. What started as a personal project revealed its potential during gatherings with friends. Recognising its appeal and the joy it brought to children, the couple decided to share their creation with the broader public. Since then, José Carlos has been the driving force behind the carousel, pedalling tirelessly to bring it to life for over twenty-five years.

 Granada is a city with two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Alhambra and the Albayzin. It possesses unrivalled charm and is the product of a harmonious blend of cultures. An important element of the charm of the city is the tapas culture which thrives in the large number of traditional bars and taverns. Free dishes such as migas, aubergines with honey, meat in rich sauces, small fava beans with ham, and marinated dogfish are served with glasses of wine or beer. Here are five establishments where history and cuisine converge.

1. Bodegas Castañeda

We are often asked by clients considering buying a property in Granada, about the meaning of the word carmen. It is a term in common usage in the city and is used widely on our websites but its meaning is specific to Granada, a city steeped in history and culture. A carmen is an urban property, a synthesis of house, garden and vegetable plot, rooted in Granada’s past. To understand the carmen is to delve into the layers of history, language, and urban transformation that have shaped the city’s identity.

The Origin of the Word “Carmen”

The word ‘carmen’ has Arabic origins deriving from the Arabic word ‘karm’ meaning ‘vine’. Carmens have (or traditionally had) a bower providing shade to the entrance of the house. Symbolically speaking ‘karm’ means ‘orchard’. In a carmen, the concepts of orchard and garden come together, creating a particular paradise where the five senses can be enjoyed to the full: the sight and smell of trees and flowers, the taste of fruit, the feel of water running through the hands, the sound of the birds that live in the branches and the murmur of the fountains. High walls protect the interior space from view. Water is a fundamental element in a carmen. It is a symbol of life; on the one hand calm water, contained in pools, and on the other hand dynamic water running through fountains. These walled properties not only provide practical benefits, such as shade and privacy, but also embody a cultural ideal of tranquility and aesthetic refinement deeply rooted in the history of Al-Andalus, the area governed for almost seven hundred years by Moorish invaders from North Africa and which, at its height, covered most of the Iberian peninsula. Granada was the last bastion of Islamic rule.

The Essence of the Carmen

What is an AFO and When is it Required?

The AFO (Asimilado Fuera de Ordenación) is a legal status in Spain, particularly in Andalusia, for buildings that have been constructed without a permit or in an area where construction is not allowed but which are too old to face demolition under urban planning laws. The AFO designation provides a way to regularize such properties, allowing their owners to access essential services like water and electricity while ensuring that the buildings meet minimum safety and habitability standards.

Below is an overview of key aspects of the AFO process based on frequently asked questions:

1. When Does the AFO Status Apply?

The AFO status applies to any building classified as irregular within Andalusia. These can be situated on urban, developable, or non-developable land and may include isolated buildings or collections of buildings. In reality, AFOs mostly affect country properties in Andalucia whose title deeds do not reflect reality. To be eligible for an AFO, the building:

• must have been completed more than 6 years ago, which should be verified by an architect.
•  cannot be located on specially protected land, within coastal influence zones, or in areas of flood risk.

2. What Is A Completed Building?

A building is considered completed when no further work is required for it to serve its intended purpose, other than minimal maintenance or safety repairs. In other words, a house ready for occupation.

Grants for Solar Energy Installation in Andalucia

Andalucia, with abundant sunshine, stands at the forefront of Spain’s transition towards a greener and more sustainable future. As part of a national strategy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and curb greenhouse gas emissions, the Junta de Andalucia (our regional government) has launched an ambitious programme to incentivise the adoption of solar energy. This initiative represents both a significant step towards environmental responsibility and economic efficiency, as it offers residents and businesses a way to lower energy costs while simultaneously contributing to a greener future.

Embracing Solar Energy

With an average of over 2,800 hours of sunshine per year, Andalucia is one of the most promising regions in Europe for solar energy. This abundant natural resource makes solar not only an environmentally responsible choice but also a financially advantageous one. The Spanish government has committed to a goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 and, here in Andalucia, blessed with 300 to 320 days of sunshine annually, we are well-positioned to play a leading role in achieving this vision.

Recognising the region’s potential for power generation using the sun, the Junta de Andalucía has introduced a series of financial incentives aimed at accelerating the adoption of solar energy. These grants provide substantial financial support, easing the transition for individuals and businesses seeking to install photovoltaic systems. This new wave of funding builds upon previous initiatives, reinforcing the government’s commitment to sustainability and energy independence.

In 2024, Granada proudly marks two significant milestones: the 40th anniversary of the Alhambra and Generalife being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, and the 30th anniversary of the Albaicín’s inclusion in this prestigious list in 1994. These dual anniversaries not only reaffirm Granada’s cultural and historical importance but also provide an opportunity to reflect on the city’s extraordinary legacy.

As part of the celebrations, a unique initiative has been launched: the "40-30 Commemorative Route", a curated journey through fourteen monuments that encapsulate the essence of these World Heritage sites. This route offers an unparalleled chance to explore Granada’s history, art, and architecture, guided by expert historians and enriched by the stories that define this city.

Bizum: Revolutionizing Mobile Payments in Spain

Bizum is a Spanish mobile payment platform that has revolutionised the way individuals and businesses handle transactions. Launched in 2016, Bizum is integrated with the banking apps of participating financial institutions, offering a convenient and widely-used service for peer-to-peer (P2P) payments and business transactions. It facilitates quick and easy money transfers, making it an essential tool for splitting bills, paying for services, and online shopping.

We are often asked when taking on a property, how long it is likely to take to achieve a sale. The short answer is, for the very individual properties we sell,  it is impossible to tell. We recently sold a house twenty hours after collecting the keys. Other properties have lingered years on the market.

What is the reason for this disparity? A series of factors influence the time it takes to sell. Some of these are under the control of the vendor, some under our control as agents and some are external factors which neither of us can affect.

In recent years, co-living has emerged as a popular trend in Spain, offering a fresh alternative to traditional housing models. Rooted in the idea of shared spaces and communal living, co-living brings together people from diverse backgrounds to live, work, and socialise in a supportive environment. While it began in urban centres like Madrid and Barcelona, co-living has now spread to rural areas, offering a flexible lifestyle for individuals seeking connection and affordability. But what is driving this rise in co-living in Spain, and who is it really for?

What is Co-living?

Co-living is a shared housing concept where residents, often strangers, live together in a communal setting, sharing common spaces such as kitchens, living rooms, and workspaces while having private bedrooms. This model promotes a sense of community, collaboration, and shared responsibility, appealing to a generation looking for more sustainable and cost-effective living options.

Why Is Spain Cancelling The Golden Visa?

Back in April, the Spanish government announced the cancellation of its Golden Visa programme due to growing concerns about its impact on the housing market and social inequality. Just to recap, the Golden Visa has offered residency to non-EU nationals (UK, USA, Canada, Japan etc.) who invest at least €500,000 in Spanish real estate. However, it has also sparked controversy for several reasons. Let’s look at why the government has taken this step.

1. Rising Property Prices and Gentrification

Critics argue that the Golden Visa programme has contributed to rising property prices in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and popular coastal areas, making it difficult for local residents to afford housing. With foreign investors purchasing expensive properties, often for speculative purposes or as second homes, the demand has driven up prices in both the rental and purchase markets, leading to gentrification and pricing local residents out of the market. There is some justification for this argument in the cities but not in the countryside where the market for properties in excess of €500.000 is relatively small in number. And the countryside needs investment from non-EU nationals as there is still a drift away from rural zones amongst the Spanish population, leading to depopulation in some areas.

2. Housing Affordability