Almunecar, Spain

With a population of 27,544, Almuñécar is hardly the sleepy Spanish hamlet it may appear. As a major tourist hub on the Costa Granadina, the city has seen rapid development and an influx of foreigners seeking sun and sand. However, the reality is that navigating Almuñécar's byzantine bureaucracy can be a persistent headache, and the local government has struggled to maintain infrastructure in the face of such growth.

The city's history stretches back over 2,000 years, with Phoenician, Roman, and Moorish influences still visible. Today, Almuñécar's economy relies heavily on tourism, with a thriving fishing and produce industry supplementing the mix. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, subtropical fruits, and traditional local pastries.

In short, Almuñécar is a bustling, cosmopolitan town well-suited for those drawn to the lure of the Mediterranean lifestyle, but who are prepared to tackle the challenges that come with rapid development and an influx of outsiders.