Lleida – Catalonia – Spain

Lleida

My home now.

The provincial capital of this part of Catalonia, Lleida (or Lérida in Spanish) has changed hugely since I first came here in 1995. By 2008 the population had grown to over 130,000 (see the wikipedia page on Lleida), driven on by the now defunct construction boom.

With some of Spain’s finest and most popular ski runs a short drive away and the beach a similar drive to the South East, it is a nice place to live, and away from the multitudes of tourists, the local culture is rich and traditions remain strong.

Agriculture is still the main industry here, almost defiantly so, though plenty of people (like me!) are trying to diversify the economy. It has also become a little more cosmopolitan as it attempts to modernise itself, and with the high speed train link to Madrid and Barcelona it is now very easy and efficient to get around. They are even in the final phases of a new regional airport, though it remains to be seen whether any major carriers will come here.

For me, it has the convenience of a city without the level of noise and traffic of a major capital. The Mediterranean climate, apart from a few short weeks of winter fog, and the warm welcome we have received, makes our decision to move here feel so right.

I’ll add to this page over time with details of cultural events, photos and other local links, so check back here regularly!