Today, I want to tell you about a unique place in Europe.

It's an unofficial village, not administratively recognized, and it fascinates me.

A place where time stopped decades ago, and where a handshake serves as a notarial contract.

The residents themselves keep order within the chaos, so an anarchy prevails. There’s no police, no services of any kind, yet hundreds of people live there.

I’m going to tell you the story of this place, where it’s located, and how you can get there to visit.

Oh, and I’ll show you photos, lots of photos.

La Algameca Chica, a settlement unrecognized by any authority

This small settlement runs along both sides of the Benipila ravine in Cartagena (Region of Murcia).

The first houses, built with the temporary permission of the Spanish Navy, date back to the 18th century.

They have endured to this day, where 110 families live in these seaside shacks.

Contrary to what you might think, this is not a shantytown.

Not at all.

In most cases, these are second summer homes, with a few homes belonging to former fishermen who settled here.

There is no marginalization or social exclusion.

La Algameca has no official administrative recognition.

Its location makes it difficult to either legalize or outlaw. So, it’s the residents who maintain order within the chaos.

A true anarchy on the outskirts of Cartagena.

And if it’s not an officially recognized village, how do they get services?

The only service provided by the authorities is trash collection.

Electricity comes from solar panels, and water from a nearby spring. There’s no sewage system. No police presence. No other services at all.

There are no notaries for formal agreements, but none are needed.

Here in La Algameca, private property is respected. Neighbors set their own rules, and everyone follows them.

It's the only neighborhood association with no delinquent dues, keeping order within the chaos.

La Algameca is divided into two sides, left and right, separated by a bridge built by its residents.

This bridge was destroyed in the last storm of 2019, and the neighbors took it upon themselves to repair it. Everything you see in this village is the work of its people.

Walking through its colorful streets might make you feel like you’re somewhere else, perhaps in Asia or Latin America.

In summer, the population grows significantly; people fish, kids run around the streets, and they swim safely in the estuary, just like decades ago.

Before entering Algameca, it's essential to shed all kinds of prejudices.

Talking to its inhabitants and experiencing a different lifestyle that harks back to earlier times is truly an experience.

And if you get hungry, there are two restaurants, one on each side. Don’t expect luxury, but you will find a cozy and family-friendly place where they will make you feel at home.

La Algameca and its residents are under the scrutiny of the authorities.

However, its nature and location make it very difficult for the administration to take action, for better or worse.

This legal vacuum has led to a unique way of life that is one of a kind in the Western world.

How to get there?

Parking 15 minutes walking: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ncBL1meQQWavx6Vt9

Parking on the right bank, very close, but there may not be space: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QDkvQhrXgzpofTv19

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/algameca.chica?igsh=MW4yb21rYm0xaHMxZw==

Not all of it, but almost.

And by car, which is more enjoyable. Although lately, I've been taking trips in a camper, which is even better.

Well, today I’ll keep it short. I’m going to give you the names of 7 lesser-known towns in Spain that you absolutely should visit.

Albarracín (Teruel)

https://maps.app.goo.gl/3ozhLWx1BxCVhriY6

Orbaneja del Castillo (Burgos)

https://maps.app.goo.gl/CBKi9RUxF2pBWP5ZA

Castellfollit de la Roca (Gerona)

https://maps.app.goo.gl/kVKxX66WEwAnzUwFA

Very close by, just ten minutes away, you also have Besalú.

Besalú (Gerona)

https://maps.app.goo.gl/AtzpyaonwkQz8dsR8

Setenil de las Bodegas (Cádiz)

https://maps.app.goo.gl/dhXwsqLwGoYwQMkc7

Bulnes (Asturias)

https://maps.app.goo.gl/fmEycjxpVCP9Atu37

???

A peaceful anarchy that no local authority recognizes, which has become a unique place in Europe.

It's not a village; in fact, it isn't recognized by any authority and doesn't appear on maps.

It's a piece of land owned by the Ministry of Defense that was given to some fishermen hundreds of years ago.

They live in a sort of anarchy without basic services like water or electricity, but the neighbors collaborate to keep the place lively.

It's a completely safe place, very safe. I recommend visiting it.

This spot won't appear in any travel guide, I guarantee you.

Keep an eye on tomorrow's email because I'll be telling you a lot about this latest location. You're going to like it.

Would you live in any of these villages?

Let me know in the comments which one you'd choose for your retirement.

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You’ve probably also realized that in the stands of the stadium, when the chords of the national anthem play, the audience stands up and starts humming something like: “lo lo lo looooo lo lolo lo lo lo”

And you might be thinking: WTF!

Well, that’s because the Spanish anthem doesn’t have any lyrics.

Currently, we only have the melody.

But this hasn’t always been the case, not at all.

There was a time when the anthem went like this:

Viva España,

alzad la frente, hijos
del pueblo español,
que vuelve a resurgir.

Gloria a la Patria
que supo seguir,
sobre el azul del mar
el caminar del sol.

¡Triunfa España!
Los yunques y las ruedas
cantan al compás
del himno de la fe.

Juntos con ellos cantemos de pie
la vida nueva y fuerte del trabajo y paz.

To help you understand:

Long live Spain,

Raise your heads,
children of the Spanish people,
who rise again.

Glory to the Fatherland
that knew how to follow,
over the blue of the sea
the path of the sun.

Triumph, Spain!
The anvils and wheels
sing to the rhythm
of the hymn of faith.

Together with them, let us sing proudly
the new and strong life of work and peace.

With that lyrics, we would be world champions every four years

Can you imagine? A stadium fully engaged, players puffing out their chests...

Even the All Blacks from New Zealand would be intimidated by such an anthem.

But no, we removed the lyrics and sing the silly “la la laaaa la laaa,” turning ourselves into the laughingstock of the entire world.

What a mess.

Why did we remove the lyrics from the anthem?

Well, we need to go way back.

Specifically, to the 18th century, when the Marcha Real (the anthem of Spain) emerged. It originally had no lyrics, as it was used as a march.

Throughout history, there have been attempts to add lyrics to the Marcha Real, but with little success.

• Second Spanish Republic (1931-1939): When the Republic was established, it was decided that the anthem should be purely instrumental to eliminate any association with the previous monarchy and to avoid religious or political references that could divide the population.

• Franco's Regime (1939-1975): During Franco's dictatorship, several lyrics were attempted, but none were officially adopted universally. The proposed lyrics often contained religious or political references that were not accepted by everyone.

• With Franco's death and the transition to democracy, there was a desire to break away from the Francoist past. This included the elimination of lyrics associated with the previous regime. The 1978 Constitution, which laid the foundations for the new Spanish democracy, reinforced this idea by not including any lyrics for the anthem in its text.

The decision to have no lyrics also aided national reconciliation, allowing the anthem to represent all Spaniards without ideological or regional distinctions.

Spain is different. And this makes perfect sense in this context.

To this day, the fact that the anthem has no lyrics is a symbol of Spain's identity.

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