In an increasingly fast-paced and connected world, many yearn for a simpler lifestyle, in harmony with nature and focused on personal well-being. It is in this context that Spain’s hippie villages become an attractive refuge for those seeking to connect with their free spirit.
Origins of the hippie movement in Spain
Although hippie culture reached its peak in the 1960s in the United States, its influence arrived in Spain in the late 1960s and early 70s. Attracted by the philosophy of peace, love, and freedom, many young Spaniards identified with this alternative movement, seeking alternatives to traditional society.
The transformation of rural villages
Over time, some rural villages in Spain underwent a transformation, becoming inhabited by people with hippie ideals. These places, often far from the hustle and bustle of large cities, provided an ideal environment to live in community, close to nature, and practising a self-sufficient lifestyle.
The best hippie villages to explore
Spain is home to a wide variety of hippie villages, each with its own unique charm. Below are some of the most notable ones:
1. Las Negras (Almería): a hippie oasis in the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park
The origins of the hippie community in Las Negras date back to the 1970s when a group of young people, attracted by the natural beauty of the area and its alternative lifestyle, decided to settle there. Over time, the community grew and became a reference point for the hippie movement in Spain.
The residents of Las Negras live in close harmony with nature, respecting the environment and adopting a self-sufficient lifestyle. Many practice organic farming, traditional crafts, and other activities that allow them to stay connected with the land.
Hiking enthusiasts can enjoy trails leading to hidden gems of the natural park, such as the Cabo de Gata Lighthouse or Cala del Cuervo. For the more adventurous, diving offers an opportunity to explore the area’s rich marine life.
Music and art are integral to life in Las Negras. Throughout the year, concerts, craft markets, and other cultural events bring life to the village streets.
2. Bubión, Granada: a charming Alpujarran village
Bubión is a small and charming village in the Alpujarra region of Granada, known for its picturesque beauty and rich cultural heritage. As part of the Alpujarra, Bubión has attracted diverse communities over the years, including a notable hippie presence.
The hippie community in Bubión has settled there in search of a life more in harmony with nature and away from urban noise. These inhabitants have significantly contributed to the village’s bohemian character, fostering an atmosphere of creativity and sustainability. The presence of artists, artisans, and organic farmers is evident in the daily life of the village, where local markets and craft workshops reflect this alternative spirit.
Additionally, the hippie community in Bubión actively participates in cultural life, organising events and activities that promote coexistence and the exchange of ideas. This lifestyle has revitalised the area, attracting tourists and new residents interested in a simpler way of life connected to nature.
Bubión, along with other Alpujarra villages such as Pampaneira and Capileira, is part of a highly appreciated tourist route due to its natural beauty and cultural authenticity, enriched by the diversity and energy brought by the hippie community.
3. Beneficio (Granada)
Beneficio is one of the most well-known and oldest hippie communes in Europe, located in the Alpujarra of Granada. Founded in the late 1970s, the commune attracted its first residents from Ibiza, who sought an alternative lifestyle in harmony with nature and away from the conventions of modern society.
Nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains, Beneficio has been a refuge for those seeking to live self-sufficiently and in community. The inhabitants of Beneficio practise organic farming, use renewable energy, and share resources in an environment that promotes peace and collaboration.
Over the years, Beneficio has maintained a fluctuating population, with people from all over the world drawn to its philosophy of free and communal living. The commune is known for its relaxed atmosphere and as a meeting place for travellers and individuals seeking a spiritual retreat or a deeper connection with nature.
4. Valle Gran Rey (La Gomera)
Valle Gran Rey, located on the island of La Gomera in the Canary Islands, is known for its relaxed atmosphere and hippie community, which has attracted travellers and seekers of an alternative lifestyle since the 1960s and 70s. This valley is famous for its natural beauty, with impressive cliffs, black sand beaches, and a pleasant climate year-round.
The hippie community of Valle Gran Rey established itself in search of a peaceful refuge where they could live in harmony with nature. The lifestyle here revolves around sustainability, art, music, and spirituality. Many residents and visitors practise yoga, meditation, and other activities related to physical and mental well-being.
Moreover, Valle Gran Rey offers a wide range of outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and surfing. Local markets and craft shops reflect the hippie influence, selling handmade and organic products. The sunsets in the valley are particularly famous, drawing people to the beach to enjoy the scenery and company.
The hippie community of Valle Gran Rey has managed to maintain its essence over the years, making it a popular destination for those seeking an alternative lifestyle as well as tourists wanting to experience the peace and beauty of this corner of La Gomera.
5. Matavenero (El Bierzo, León)
Matavenero is an eco-village located in the region of El Bierzo, León, which has become a benchmark for those seeking an alternative and sustainable lifestyle.
The community was established in the late 1980s by a group of environmentalists and people interested in self-sufficiency and living in harmony with nature. The village had been abandoned since the 1960s and was revived and rebuilt by these new inhabitants.
The residents of Matavenero practise organic farming, sustainable construction, and energy self-sufficiency. The community is organised cooperatively and hosts events and festivals that attract visitors from around the world.
Matavenero remains a living example of an eco-village, maintaining its principles of sustainable and communal living. It is known both nationally and internationally and continues to receive visitors interested in its way of life and in participating in activities and workshops related to sustainability and community living.
7. Ernes (Negueira de Muñiz, Galicia)
The commune was established in the late 1970s, attracting people interested in a communal and self-sufficient life. The geographical isolation of Negueira de Muñiz, in a mountainous and natural setting, provided the ideal environment for this type of settlement.
The residents of the commune practise organic farming, craftsmanship, and other self-sufficient activities. They maintain a social structure based on cooperation and mutual support, which has allowed the commune to endure over the decades.
Despite contemporary challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the commune has maintained its lifestyle and remains an example of resilience and adaptability. The members of the Ernes commune continue with their daily activities, adapting to new realities without losing their communal essence.
8. Tejeda de Aliste, Zamora: A Refuge in the Empty Spain
Tejeda de Aliste, located in the province of Zamora, is part of what is known as ‘Empty Spain‘, rural regions with low population density and depopulation issues. This phenomenon has led to various initiatives to revitalise these areas, including the formation of alternative communities like hippie settlements.
In Tejeda de Aliste, a hippie community has settled with the aim of repopulating and revitalising the area. These communities often attract people seeking a simpler life in close contact with nature, away from urban life. They focus on self-sufficiency, sustainable resource use, and communal living.
‘Empty Spain’ has seen renewed interest due to the advantages these areas offer for alternative and ecological projects. Families and groups settling in these locations bring new ideas and ways of life that can help boost the local economy and promote sustainability. Furthermore, these movements can be a response to the growing interest in more ecological and sustainable lifestyles, in contrast to densely populated urban areas.
