In the heart of the province of Soria, in the tiny village of Benamira, life has long since come to a standstill. For the past 16 years, only one person has lived here—Fernando del Amo. He once arrived as a young man to save on rent, moving into the house of his grandparents. Back then, he planned to stay just a few months, but ended up remaining for years.
Much has changed since then. In a village that was once full of life, silence now prevails. Fernando’s last neighbor, elderly Pedro, has passed away, and now Fernando is the only one keeping any semblance of activity here. He admits that solitude doesn’t frighten him, but brings bitterness and regret. Every time he walks across the empty square, he is reminded how much effort his ancestors invested in this place, and how all of it is now on the verge of disappearing.
The struggle to survive
Benamira’s main problem is the lack of basic amenities. The nearest store and pharmacy are in Medinaceli, about ten kilometers away. Fernando has to travel there for food and medicine, and if he needs anything more serious—like going to the hospital or shopping at a supermarket—he has to go to Almazán, Sigüenza, or the provincial capital Soria, which is almost 90 kilometers away. Sometimes he orders goods online, but still tries to support the local shops, because if they disappear, so will the village itself.
Despite all the difficulties, Fernando remains optimistic. He is convinced that if life in places like this isn’t preserved, they will disappear forever. That’s why he strives not only to survive, but also to uphold traditions, maintain connections with neighboring villages, and take part in joint events.
Rural routine
Living alone has its advantages. Fernando started a vegetable garden, runs through the surrounding hills, and forages for mushrooms. In the city, he wouldn’t have had the time or motivation for any of this. Sometimes he organizes get-togethers with residents from nearby villages — they hold contests, cook meals together, and compete in sports. Recently, Benamira hosted its first mountain race, drawing 180 participants. In the summer, descendants of former residents return, bringing the village to life for a while.
Fernando admits he does miss having regular company, but he has no regrets about his decision. According to him, life here is simpler and more peaceful, and solitude gradually stops seeming intimidating. He dreams of permanent residents returning to Benamira — at least 15 or 20 people, so the village doesn’t vanish from the map.
Hope for the future
Fernando’s story is not unique in Spain. According to statistics, around 1,800 settlements in the country have only a single resident. The reasons are an aging population, lack of jobs, and isolation. Many such villages are disappearing, but there are those, like Fernando, who refuse to give up and continue fighting for their small homeland.
As long as there is a single light shining in Benamire, the village still has a chance at life. Fernando remains hopeful that one day people will return, and the streets will once again be filled with voices and laughter.
