Published October 31, 2025 | Category: Infrastructure

TL;DR: The new Almeria AVE station and underground rail integration are progressing steadily, backed by official investments and construction milestones confirmed by Spain’s transport authorities.

Almeria AVE Station: Underground Rail Hub to Transform the City by 2027

The long-planned Almeria AVE station is moving forward as one of Spain’s key infrastructure projects for the southeast. Supported by the national government and ADIF Alta Velocidad, the new underground connection and intermodal terminal are set to reshape the city’s urban and transport network over the next two years.

The Soterramiento: A Milestone in Urban Transformation

The project’s core is the soterramiento — a 2.5-kilometre underground railway section beneath the Avenida del Mediterráneo and the El Puche district. This section removes level crossings, improves safety and reconnects neighbourhoods long divided by surface rail lines. According to the ADIF Alta Velocidad, construction of the underground corridor has passed the halfway mark and remains on schedule for completion by October 2026.

The overall investment for the soterramiento phase now totals approximately €187 million, including updated works and design adjustments confirmed in the project’s 2025 progress report published by the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility (MITMA).

The New Intermodal Station

Directly above the underground corridor, a fully modernised intermodal terminal is under construction. Covering around 4,800 m² on two levels, the building will house six tracks — three dedicated to high-speed AVE trains, two for conventional lines and one mixed-use service. The complex also includes a new bus terminal with 26 platforms and an underground car park for about 400 vehicles.

The design, developed by engineering firm Estudio Ayesa in coordination with ADIF, combines modern glass structures with the restored historic façade of the existing station. It is intended to serve as a unified hub connecting train, bus and road transport while maintaining harmony with Almeria’s coastal skyline.

Investments and Official Timeline

In October 2025, ADIF Alta Velocidad confirmed an additional €8.2 million investment for the Vera–Almeria stretch of the Murcia–Almeria high-speed line to install concrete slab track (vía en placa). This is part of the national rail modernisation programme overseen by MITMA.

Meanwhile, the Junta de Andalucía has included more than €24 million in its 2026 budget to support Almeria’s urban rail integration and intermodal station works. The regional and national governments have reaffirmed that the soterramiento will be completed in 2026, followed by AVE test operations in 2027.

Urban and Economic Impact

The Almeria AVE station is more than a transport project — it represents a complete redefinition of the city’s mobility and land use. By taking the railway underground, large urban spaces are being freed for public use, parks, and new residential developments. The elimination of surface tracks also improves traffic flow and air quality in eastern Almeria.

Economically, the project is expected to generate long-term benefits through faster connections to Murcia and Madrid, enhanced logistics for the port, and a significant boost to local tourism once high-speed services are operational.

Looking Ahead

Work on the underground infrastructure and the new terminal will continue through 2026. Once completed, Almeria will gain a state-of-the-art intermodal hub linking the port, bus network and high-speed rail — the largest public infrastructure upgrade in the province in decades.

Further project updates, technical documents and progress reports can be consulted via official sources such as ADIF Alta Velocidad and the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility.

For more updates from across the province, visit our Infrastructure category.

Published October 30, 2025 | Category: Real Estate & Economy

TL;DR: The Garrucha Red Prawn Festival 2025 attracted thousands of visitors and generated an estimated €0.4 – €1 million in local spending. Hotels filled up, restaurants stayed busy, and the town’s signature seafood — the Gambas Rojas de Garrucha — once again proved to be both a culinary and economic powerhouse for Almeria.

Table of Contents

• A Festival that Moves Money and People
• Tourism Impact: Thousands Visit Garrucha
• Local Business and Hospitality Boost
• The Value of the Gambas Rojas de Garrucha
• Extending Almeria’s Tourism Season
• Conclusion

A Festival that Moves Money and People

When Garrucha hosts its annual Red Prawn Festival, the town transforms from a quiet fishing port into a bustling showcase of gastronomy, culture, and enterprise. The 2025 edition, held from October 24 to 26, drew visitors from across Andalusia and beyond, offering proof that food festivals can be serious economic engines — not just community celebrations.

According to local organisers, the event gathered dozens of exhibitors, including restaurants, seafood producers, and members of the Sabores Almeria brand, in a weekend dedicated to Almeria’s most prized crustacean: the Gambas Rojas de Garrucha.

Tourism Impact: Thousands Visit Garrucha

Media reports describe “thousands of visitors” crowding Garrucha’s port throughout the weekend — a reasonable estimate places attendance between 8,000 and 12,000 people. With most tapas dishes priced at €3.50 and visitors typically consuming multiple servings plus drinks, direct food-and-beverage turnover likely reached €120,000 – €300,000.

Beyond the festival grounds, the influx created a noticeable shoulder-season tourism boost. October is usually a calmer month after the busy summer, but during the festival weekend local hotels reported near-full occupancy. Based on comparable events and data from Spain’s Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE), Garrucha and nearby coastal towns such as Vera Playa and Mojácar likely recorded 800 – 1,800 room nights, representing €68,000 – €189,000 in hotel revenue.

Local Business and Hospitality Boost

Restaurants and bars around the harbour benefitted from the extra footfall, with owners reporting turnover increases of 30 – 50 % compared to an average autumn weekend. The festival also brought indirect spending in shops, petrol stations, and taxi services — estimated at €200,000 – €480,000 across the municipality.

Mayor Pedro Zamora summed it up during the opening ceremony:
“This festival unites residents, businesses, and visitors around our most emblematic product. The Garrucha Red Prawn represents pride, identity, and the future.”

Provincial Deputy Esther Álvarez added:
“Each edition reaffirms an idea we all share: the Gamba Roja de Garrucha is not only an exquisite delicacy but an ambassador of our land.”

The Value of the Gambas Rojas de Garrucha

The town’s fish auction — la lonja de Garrucha — depends heavily on this single species, which accounts for roughly 70 % of its annual sales value. In 2022 the lonja sold more than 34 tonnes of red prawns worth about €1.57 million, averaging €45 per kilo. During the festival itself, an estimated 1.3 – 1.5 tonnes of red prawns were consumed, representing about €60,000 – €70,000 in raw product value before preparation and retail margins.

Even in global markets, the Gambas Rojas de Garrucha are renowned for their deep red hue and sweet flavour — qualities that fetch premium prices of up to €170 per kilo at auction. For local fishermen and chefs alike, the prawn is both livelihood and legacy.

Extending Almeria’s Tourism Season

The Diputación de Almería (provincial government) promotes the festival as part of a broader strategy to extend tourism beyond the summer months. By attracting domestic visitors in late October, events like Garrucha’s festival sustain jobs and maintain hotel and restaurant operations during what would otherwise be a low-demand period.

According to the provincial tourism blog, Garrucha “volverá a ser la capital de la gamba roja” — once again the capital of the red prawn — emphasising how gastronomy, identity, and economic growth come together in one event.

Economic activity

The 2025 Garrucha Red Prawn Festival generated an estimated €388,000 – €969,000 in combined economic activity for the town and surrounding area. It demonstrated how culinary identity can translate into real financial value — sustaining small businesses, filling hotel rooms, and reinforcing Almeria’s reputation as both a coastal paradise and a land of first-class cuisine.

Methodology & Sources

Economic estimates are based on publicly available data and conservative assumptions. Visitor numbers (“thousands”) and exhibitor counts were reported by the Diputación de Almería. Hotel occupancy and average daily rate (ADR) references come from the Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE) and Dataestur. Average spending per visitor is derived from SEGITTUR and Andalucía Lab tourism reports. Red prawn value estimates use figures from the Garrucha fish market (Lonja) and 2022 sales data published by local media.

All monetary ranges are conservative and meant to illustrate the festival’s approximate impact rather than provide audited financial results.

Discover more about Almeria’s seafood scene in our Food & Drink section.

For more updates from across the province, visit our Real Estate & Economy category.

Published October 23, 2025 | Category: Real Estate & Economy

TL;DR: Solvia, Banco Sabadell’s property agency, is offering 42 homes for sale across Almeria province starting from just €12,900 — a rare chance to buy affordable homes in southern Spain.

Almeria province real estate – 42 homes for sale from €12,900

While housing prices in Spain continue to rise, finding an affordable property remains a challenge for many. Yet, in Almeria province, new opportunities are emerging for buyers seeking value and lifestyle. Solvia, Banco Sabadell’s real estate division, has just launched a large-scale promotion with homes discounted by up to 30% — and 42 of these are right here in Almeria.

This initiative includes a variety of homes — from small village houses to coastal apartments — located in both rural and urban areas. It’s a snapshot of how affordable living in Almeria continues to attract local and foreign buyers alike.

Most affordable real estate under €20,000

According to listings on the official Solvia website, the cheapest home in the province is in the mountain village of Canjáyar, priced at €12,900. It’s a compact one-bedroom flat of around 50 m², located on Juan de la Cruz Street in the Alpujarra region.

Other low-priced options include:

• 🏡 A 160 m² house in Fiñana for €13,500
• 🏠 A small property in Cuevas de San Roque (Almeria City) for €15,000
• 🏡 A 53 m² apartment in Nacimiento priced at €16,500
• 🏠 A two-bedroom flat in Canjáyar for €17,500

All of these properties feature negotiable prices and discounts ranging from 20 % – 30 %. For buyers willing to invest in renovation, they offer a genuine chance to own a home in Andalusia for less than the cost of a small car.

Mid-range opportunities – from €20,000 to €60,000

With slightly higher budgets, buyers can access larger homes and more central locations. For example, an apartment on Maestro Lázaro Street in Tíjola (106 m², three bedrooms) is listed for €20,000, while a four-bedroom semi-detached house in Fiñana sells for €22,000.

In Terque, the well-known museum town, a 55 m² flat is available for €24,000. Nearby in Paterna del Río and Nacimiento, apartments are on offer for around €25,000. Closer to the coast, Viator and Roquetas de Mar each have listings under €30,000 — particularly interesting for those who want access to beaches and services.

One of the most eye-catching deals is in Adra, where several apartments are currently priced below €50,000, making it a strong candidate for long-term rental investment or seasonal living.

Larger towns and premium homes

For buyers looking in established urban centres, Solvia’s catalogue includes listings in El Ejido and Roquetas de Mar. In El Ejido, a two-bedroom apartment on Dr. Castro Street is part of a “Flash Sale” promotion, starting at €62,000. In Roquetas, an 86 m², three-bedroom home is available for €52,000 — 9 % below its original price.

At the upper end of the list are properties in Cuevas del Almanzora (€140,000 for a 60 m² apartment) and in Sorbas, where a seven-bedroom detached villa on a 900 m² plot is priced at €230,000.

Market trends and advice for buyers

The Solvia sale reflects a wider trend of growing interest in southern Spain’s secondary property market. Many rural homes in Almeria are being revived by new residents — a movement driven by expats, digital nomads, and retirees seeking affordability and quality of life.

For those exploring this path, it’s essential to check building conditions, ownership history, and utilities before purchase. Our full guide to affordable homes in Almeria offers detailed tips on buying safely and legally.

Final thoughts

With 42 listings starting from €12,900, the Solvia campaign highlights that Almeria province still offers some of the most accessible real estate in Spain. Whether you prefer the quiet charm of Canjáyar or the coastal life of Adra, opportunities remain — but demand is rising quickly.

For official listings, visit the Solvia website. For broader insights into local housing and investment trends, explore our Real Estate & Economy category.

Published October 17, 2025 | Category: Latest news·

TL;DR — Spain’s new State Housing Plan 2026–2030 opens up direct grants for young buyers (under 35) purchasing a primary home in rural Almeria municipalities (under 10,000 inhabitants). Amounts can reach up to €15,000 (capped at 20% of price), with income limits up to 5× IPREM and residence obligations.

Young Home Buyers in Almeria: New €15,000 Aid Boosts Rural Property Market

Table of Contents

1. What’s changing in the 2026–2030 State Housing Plan
2. Who qualifies and key conditions
3. Why this matters for rural Almeria
4. How and where to apply
5. The 89 Almeria municipalities included (INE 2024)
6. Outlook for buyers and local markets

1) What’s changing in the 2026–2030 State Housing Plan

Spain’s upcoming State Housing Plan 2026–2030 expands support for young home buyers in small towns. For the first time in Almeria, assistance is expected to reach up to €15,000 for the purchase of a primary residence in municipalities with 10,000 inhabitants or fewer, with a cap of 20% of the purchase price and residence obligations. The policy goal is to help young people step onto the property ladder and to strengthen rural communities at risk of depopulation.

The measure updates earlier rural aid that targeted towns under 5,000 residents, aligning support with the real demographic map of inland Almeria. It comes alongside other youth measures (including rent-to-buy initiatives and guarantees) and sits within a national housing budget envelope of around €7 billion.

2) Who qualifies and key conditions

While regional calls will set the fine print, the national framework anticipates the following baseline conditions:

• Age: under 35 at the time of application.
• Location: property must be in a municipality with ≤10,000 inhabitants (see full list below).
• Use: the home must be your primary and permanent residence.
• Income: up to 5× IPREM (Spanish reference income indicator used to calculate aid eligibility, approx. €8,400/year in 2025), with higher thresholds for large families or disability.
• Amount: base aid above €10,800 and potentially up to €15,000, capped at 20% of the purchase price.
• Exclusivity: you must not have received a similar purchase grant before.
• Minimum residence period: beneficiaries must keep ownership and residence for a set number of years (to be confirmed in the regional call).

3) Why this matters for rural Almeria

The policy targets inland areas like Los Vélez, Filabres-Tabernas and Almanzora, where prices are comparatively accessible but financing and job constraints have slowed first-time purchases. By widening eligibility to towns up to 10,000 residents, the plan could unlock demand in places such as Carboneras, Mojácar, Viator, Dalías and Gádor—and dozens of smaller municipalities—supporting local services and helping to stabilise population trends.

For readers tracking policy and market shifts, explore our category hub: Real Estate & Economy.

4) How and where to apply

Applications will be processed by the Regional Government of Andalusia once the national Royal Decree is approved and the regional call is published. Start by checking:

• Ministerio de Vivienda y Agenda Urbana (MIVAU) — national program rules, Royal Decree and guidance.
• Junta de Andalucía — housing access measures — regional information, calls and documentation.

Tip: prepare proof of age, income, padron/empadronamiento, purchase contract or reservation, and a signed declaration that the home will be your primary and habitual residence.

5) The 89 Almeria municipalities included (INE 2024)

Based on 2024 population figures, 89 of Almeria’s 103 municipalities have fewer than 10,000 inhabitants. Full list (alphabetical):

• Abla, Abrucena, Albanchez, Alboloduy, Alcolea, Alcóntar, Alcudia de Monteagud, Alhabia, Alhama de Almería, Alicún, Almócita, Alsodux, Antas, Arboleas, Armuña de Almanzora, Bacares, Balanegra, Bayárcal, Bayarque, Bédar, Beires, Benahadux, Benitagla, Benizalón, Bentarique, Canjáyar, Cantoria, Carboneras, Castro de Filabres, Chercos, Chirivel, Cóbdar, Dalías, Enix, Felix, Fines, Fiñana, Fondón, Gádor, Los Gallardos, Gérgal, Huécija, Íllar, Instinción, Laroya, Laujar de Andarax, Líjar, Lubrín, Lucainena de las Torres, Lúcar, Macael, María, Mojácar, La Mojonera, Nacimiento, Ohanes, Olula de Castro, Olula del Río, Oria, Padules, Partaloa, Paterna del Río, Pechina, Purchena, Rágol, Rioja, Santa Cruz de Marchena, Santa Fe de Mondújar, Senés, Serón, Sierro, Somontín, Sorbas, Suflí, Tabernas, Taberno, Tahal, Terque, Tíjola, Las Tres Villas, Turre, Turrillas, Uleila del Campo, Urrácal, Velefique, Vélez-Blanco, Vélez-Rubio, Viator, Zurgena.

6) Outlook for buyers and local markets

If you are under 35 and considering a first home in rural Almeria, this window could meaningfully improve affordability—especially for modestly priced properties where a grant covering up to 20% of the price makes a tangible difference to the upfront cash requirement. Watch for the Andalusian call to confirm exact amounts, eligible price caps, deadlines and residence periods.

For broader real estate updates, visit our Real Estate & Economy category.