We have many interesting members of Los Nordicos in Almuñécar. Ingemar Claësson, 92, is one.

He and his wife Inga came to Spain for the first time in 1956, on a Vespa from Sweden (!). He was attending a summer course in Pathology in Sevilla and Inga was a soon-to-be architect.

They stayed for two months and fell in love with the city, the country, its people, the buzz. They returned to Spain often on vacation and explored many places. In 1988 a Spanish colleague, with roots in Granada, advised them to visit Almuñécar. And they got hooked!

Why did you prefer Almuñecar to all other places you had been to in Spain?

“The location (including closeness to Granada and Sierra Nevada – and skiing!), the history, the friendly atmosphere. The first thing we did was to go trekking with an excellent guide. We went up to the Alpujarra – and always returned. Our favourite spots! The incredible nature experiences convinced us to stay.  

We went twice a week to Motril for evening lectures by teachers from the University of Granada during a decade. We learned about the history of Andalucia, the culture, the geography, its flora and fauna. This was an amazing opportunity to learn about the culture and learn the language.”

When did you become permanent residents?

“In 1994, when I retired as a children-radiology specialist in Sweden. Since 1988 my wife had already renovated two houses before we found the perfect plot in Los Pinos. She designed our dreamhouse, with incredible 360-degree views. We moved in 2004. 

The plot had been part of a bigger property that belonged to Franco’s Minister of Housing. He spent vacations in Almuñecar, where he contributed to social housing, including the Marineros project for fishermen. Almuñecar’s first Phoenician Necropolis was discovered during its construction. As a thank you gift, I have been told, he received a large plot of land where he built his house. The story tells that Franco came in his yacht a few times to visit, not always welcomed in town. With time the plot changed owner, and we could buy a piece on the top of the hill.”

Any favourite places in the Alpujarra you want to highlight?

“So many! Ferreirola Busquistar (after Pampaneira and before Pitres) is special, with amazing nature, scents, the sound of the Trevélez river and locals.

In Mecina Fondales I met Lars Pranger, a Swedish potter now over 90. He studied traditional pottery all over Spain, brought samples with him and started his own designs based on this learning. His daughter, Emily Pranger, was 3-years old when they settled in Fondales. She worked with her father and then went to the Escuela de Arte y Oficio in Granada. She moved to Berlin. In 2023 she decided to come back with her family and take over her father’s workshop and trade. She opened a small museum to exhibit all the Spanish pottery and ceramics he had collected. This is a place and workshop worth a visit!”

Do you have any recommendations for the future of Almuñecar?

“My plea to the Ayuntamiento is to not aim at becoming a kind of Marbella for the sake of tourism. This would destroy the charm and soul of Almuñécar – and make it difficult for the sexitanos to stay when prices skyrocket. I hope the benches, where the town characters spend many hours together chatting, will remain forever. Avoid building a lot of invasive and so-called modern buildings, make the new blend in with the old, which is so much nicer. “

…Ingemar, now a widower, remains an active member of Los Nordicos. “It is nice to have this extended family. We support each other. It helps on so many levels, especially when you are alone and coming of age,” he said. He still moves around the region on his scooter. He shares stories and insights about life in Almuñécar and Alpujarra, organise parties and excursions. He always has an interesting book from his vast library to lend you. 

For him, 92 is still just a number…. I hope I will feel the same at his age!

(New/International Feature: Nordic Corner – Ingemar Claësson)

Keywords: Ingemar Claësson, 1956, Sevilla, Alpujarra, Lars Pranger, Swedish Potter

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