In my experience alarms are a waste of time and money, my best advice is to secure the building with bars on the windows and doors etc. If you have near neighbours let them know you will be away for most of the time, and they can then be aware of people and/or vehicles approaching your house, the spanish practice is for all of the above plus a dog i know this probably would not be practical in your case.

So do folks ever get insurance?

We would advise people to have bars at windows and doors fitted. An alarm may be a deterrent as well. Maybe if you have a trusted neighbour, get them to visit the property reguarly. Put lights on a timer and possibly a radio to make a noise in the evening. Mostly be very careful who you tell about any absence from the property. We are getting claims where the main suspects are people that may be known to the victim. We can insure rural homes at a reasonable cost but it will be more expensive without protection.
Catalunya Insurance Services