Published November 1, 2025 | Category: Infrastructure

TL;DR: Almeria Airport launches its new 2025–26 winter schedule with record growth — two new UK routes to Liverpool and Bristol bring a 12% rise in available seats and 10% more flights compared to last winter.

Almeria Airport Winter 2025: New UK Routes Boost Flights by 12%

The winter flight schedule for Almeria Airport (LEI) has officially begun with significant growth, according to Aena and Spain’s Ministry of Transport. For the 2025–26 season, airlines have scheduled a total of 284,000 seats and more than 2,600 operations to and from Almeria — a year-on-year increase of 12.4% in capacity and 10.7% in flights.

Table of Contents

• 1. Overview of the 2025–26 Winter Season
• 2. New UK Routes: Liverpool and Bristol
• 3. Domestic and International Breakdown
• 4. Economic and Tourism Impact
• 5. Regional Context and Airport Performance
• 6. Looking Ahead to 2026

1. Overview of the 2025–26 Winter Season

Almeria Airport’s new winter schedule — running from late October 2025 through March 28, 2026 — reflects a coordinated effort to expand the city’s air connectivity and reduce tourism seasonality. The airport will operate a total of 284,000 available seats across domestic and international routes, confirming Almeria’s growing importance as both a tourism and business hub in southeastern Spain.

The airport director, Ignacio Tejero, expressed optimism in a public statement, highlighting “the aviation sector’s renewed confidence in Almeria and the strong cooperation between airlines, tourism boards, and regional authorities.”

2. New UK Routes: Liverpool and Bristol

This season introduces two new routes connecting Almeria directly with the United Kingdom: Liverpool and Bristol. These additions build upon existing services to London (Gatwick), Madrid, Barcelona, Melilla and Palma de Mallorca, expanding Almeria’s reach within the UK market — a key source of year-round visitors to Andalusia’s coast.

As previously reported in our coverage of EasyJet’s Liverpool–Almeria route, the airline expects strong demand throughout winter 2025–26. The new Bristol service further strengthens the province’s connectivity to western England, complementing the popular London and Liverpool routes already in operation.

Both routes are operated by EasyJet and are scheduled to run twice weekly during the winter season, connecting UK passengers directly to Almeria’s tourism hubs — including Roquetas de Mar, Mojácar, El Toyo, and Vera.

3. Domestic and International Breakdown

Of the total 284,000 available seats, 222,844 correspond to domestic flights (+1.9% year-on-year), while 61,190 are allocated to international operations — a staggering +80.2% compared with last winter. This surge is largely driven by the UK market and charter services expanding into northern Spain and select European cities.

In addition to regular scheduled flights, charter connections will continue throughout the season to destinations such as A Coruña, Vigo and Zaragoza, along with occasional one-off operations to Berlin, Istanbul, Marrakech and Tetouan. These ad hoc routes highlight Almeria’s increasingly diverse connectivity profile.

4. Economic and Tourism Impact

The new winter flight programme is a clear indicator of confidence in Almeria’s tourism potential. The Junta de Andalucía estimates that each 10% increase in air capacity generates roughly 30,000 additional overnight stays in the province. By that measure, the airport’s current growth could contribute up to 90,000 extra hotel nights over the next five months.

Local tourism operators in El Toyo, Mojácar, Roquetas de Mar and Vera — areas that traditionally slow down after summer — expect this schedule to help extend the season. British and northern European travellers remain the primary targets, as Almeria continues to market itself as a “sun-all-year” destination.

Hotel associations such as ASHAL (Asociación de Hostelería de Almería) have also welcomed the increased air connectivity, citing higher winter bookings and stronger interest in mid-range resort stays.

5. Regional Context and Airport Performance

Nationally, Spain’s airports managed by Aena are experiencing similar trends. The operator reported that for the 2025–26 winter season, Spanish airports overall will handle 3.5% more seats and 3.3% more operations than last year — continuing a post-pandemic expansion that began in 2023. (Aena Press Release, Oct 2025).

According to the MITMA Air Traffic Report (July 2025), Almeria registered nearly one million passengers between January and September 2025, an 11% increase over the same period in 2024. The upward trend is expected to continue through the end of the year, supported by renewed international demand and improved domestic connectivity.

6. Looking Ahead to 2026

With the new routes and increased flight frequencies, Almeria Airport is positioned for sustained growth heading into 2026. The introduction of additional UK services may pave the way for further connections to northern Europe — including potential seasonal routes to Manchester and Amsterdam.

Furthermore, ongoing works at the future AVE high-speed rail station in Almeria will improve intermodality between air, train and road transport by 2027, enhancing accessibility and reinforcing the airport’s strategic role in southeastern Spain.

For now, the expansion of Almeria Airport’s winter schedule is both a logistical and symbolic milestone: proof that the region’s tourism and transport sectors are thriving well beyond the traditional summer season.

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

Published October 31, 2025 | Category: Real Estate & Economy

TL;DR: Vera tops Andalusia’s housing market with a record 72.9% rise in second-hand property prices, as Almeria province records one of the strongest annual growth rates in Spain’s coastal real estate.

Almeria Property Prices 2025: Vera Leads Andalusia with Record 72.9% Rise

The province of Almeria has become one of Andalusia’s standout performers in Spain’s property market during 2025. According to the latest Fotocasa Real Estate Index for October 2025, the average price of second-hand homes in the province rose by an impressive 14.3% year-on-year — the second highest in Andalusia, only behind Granada.

Within the province, the coastal municipality of Vera registered a remarkable 72.9% price increase over the past year, making it the fastest-growing property market in the entire region. It was followed by Cuevas del Almanzora with +33.8%, and Almeria city with +7.4% — proof that demand for both coastal and urban properties is intensifying.

Table of Contents

• 1. Market Overview: 2025 in Numbers
• 2. Vera’s Record-Breaking Growth
• 3. What’s Driving Prices in Almeria?
• 4. How Almeria Compares with Other Andalusian Provinces
• 5. Investment Opportunities and Rental Yields
• 6. Future Outlook for 2026 and Beyond
• 7. Conclusion

1. Market Overview: 2025 in Numbers

Across Andalusia, housing prices have shown robust momentum. Fotocasa data reveals that property values rose 0.6% month-on-month and 20.2% year-on-year across the region. Almeria ranked as the second-fastest growing province, with an average price of €1,579/m² in October — significantly above the 2024 figure of €1,381/m².

For context, the Andalusian average currently stands at €2,687/m², while national averages (INE data, September 2025) hover around €2,130/m². Despite being one of the most affordable Mediterranean provinces, Almeria’s growth rate now rivals that of Málaga and Cádiz, two much costlier coastal markets.

In Almeria city, prices climbed to approximately €1,828/m², representing a 7.4% annual increase. New-build developments in districts like Nueva Almería and Retamar recorded the highest per-square-metre prices, averaging between €2,100 and €2,400.

2. Vera’s Record-Breaking Growth

Vera’s 72.9% price jump is one of the most remarkable property surges in Spain this decade. Experts attribute this to a combination of factors: a rising number of international buyers, improved coastal infrastructure, and a significant reduction in available housing stock. The town’s average price per square metre now surpasses €2,000 for quality coastal properties.

The nearby municipalities of Cuevas del Almanzora (+33.8%) and Garrucha (+18%) also recorded substantial growth. These northern coastal towns attract European retirees and remote workers looking for affordability, safety, and year-round sun — all within a short distance of beaches and marinas.

Municipal data from the Ayuntamiento de Vera shows that building permits for single-family homes doubled between 2023 and 2025, mainly driven by mixed-use resort developments and second-home demand from the UK, France, and Northern Europe.

3. What’s Driving Prices in Almeria?

Several underlying dynamics explain Almeria’s sharp rise in property values during 2025:

• Limited new housing supply: Developers have been cautious since the pandemic, resulting in fewer available properties. The provincial supply of listings on Fotocasa dropped by 18% compared to 2024.
• Growing expat demand: The number of foreign buyers in Almeria rose by 21% year-on-year, led by British, Belgian, and Nordic buyers (source: INE foreign property transaction data).
• Improved connectivity: The ongoing construction of the AVE high-speed rail line between Murcia and Almeria — expected to open for tests in 2027 — is raising long-term investment appeal, especially for northern Almeria.
• Tourism rebound: 2025 has seen record hotel occupancy levels, particularly in Mojácar, Vera, and Carboneras, which indirectly increases short-term rental profitability.
• Inflation hedge: With European interest rates stabilising and inflation pressures easing, many households are investing in property as a safer long-term asset.

4. How Almeria Compares with Other Andalusian Provinces

Almeria’s +14.3% year-on-year growth outpaced Seville (+8.8%), Córdoba (+7.1%), and Huelva (+5.9%), although it still trails Granada (+15.1%) slightly. With Málaga averaging €4,351/m² and Cádiz €2,249/m², Almeria remains the most affordable coastal alternative in Andalusia — yet one that is rapidly catching up in performance.

The province’s housing price index has now risen for nine consecutive quarters, a streak unmatched since before the 2008 financial crisis. Analysts from the Spanish Housing Observatory (MITMA) note that Almeria’s market fundamentals are “strongly expansionary but not speculative,” supported by real demand and job creation in tourism, renewable energy, and logistics.

5. Investment Opportunities and Rental Yields

While the surge in prices raises concerns about affordability, Almeria still offers strong rental yields compared to other Mediterranean regions. According to recent data from Idealista, the province’s gross rental return for 2025 averages 7.1%, with some coastal zones like Adra and Garrucha exceeding 10% for short-term holiday lets.

In the luxury and mid-range segment, new-build apartments in Mojácar Playa and Vera Playa are priced between €180,000 and €350,000 — still well below similar properties in Málaga or Alicante. The inland market (such as Albox, Lubrín, or Arboleas) remains an attractive entry point for expat investors, where renovated cortijos start at around €90,000.

Real estate agencies report increasing enquiries from digital nomads and retirees looking for climate, safety, and affordable living. In addition, the local government’s focus on renewable energy and green infrastructure (through the Junta de Andalucía’s 2026 sustainability plan) is expected to boost economic confidence and urban quality of life.

6. Future Outlook for 2026 and Beyond

Looking ahead, Almeria’s property market is projected to maintain healthy growth through 2026, although the pace is expected to moderate after this year’s sharp rise. The Fotocasa Real Estate Index forecasts an average provincial increase of 7–9% for 2026, reflecting continued demand balanced by a modest increase in supply.

New urban developments planned near the future AVE station and the city’s northern districts could slightly stabilise prices, while Vera and Cuevas del Almanzora may see further double-digit growth due to limited available plots.

In the medium term (2027–2028), the arrival of high-speed rail, ongoing coastal regeneration, and potential tax incentives for sustainable housing are likely to keep Almeria among Spain’s most dynamic provincial markets.

7. Conclusion

The Almeria property market in 2025 is defined by rapid coastal appreciation, growing international demand, and strong fundamentals backed by infrastructure and economic expansion. While Vera’s +72.9% rise is extraordinary, the broader trend across the province confirms a consistent upward trajectory driven by real demand rather than speculation.

With an ideal mix of affordability, connectivity, and Mediterranean lifestyle appeal, Almeria continues to attract buyers seeking long-term value and lifestyle investment — setting the stage for a balanced but optimistic 2026.

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

Published October 31, 2025 | Category: Events

TL;DR: The All Saints’ Fair in Albox begins today, marking five days of music, tradition, and Andalusian celebration that will fill the town until November 4.

All Saints Fair in Albox Begins Today with Concerts and Celebration

The town of Albox is ready to host one of the province’s most important annual festivals — the All Saints’ Fair. The 2025 edition officially opens this Friday, October 31, and will run through Tuesday, November 4, featuring a packed schedule of concerts, parades, and local traditions.

The midday fair opens at 2:00 PM, followed by the lighting ceremony at 7:00 PM. At 8:30 PM, the official proclamation will take place inside the Municipal Tent, delivered by Albox’s five Holy Week brotherhoods: Costaleros, Los Moraos, Paso Blanco, Paso Negro, and Coloraos. The event will also include the coronation of this year’s Queens, a long-standing local tradition that draws large crowds.

Tonight’s headline concert features Ultraligera, one of Andalusia’s rising rock bands, performing at 11:30 PM in the Brotherhoods Tent. Additional shows include Los Bigardos and DJ Jonathan Castillo at the main venue, and the group Guateque entertaining senior residents in the Municipal Tent.

Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy cover bands, orchestras, DJs, and folk music across multiple stages. Mayor María del Mar Alfonso highlighted the fair’s inclusive spirit: “We’ve made a great effort to offer something for everyone — families, seniors, and children alike. Our traditions, such as the Livestock Fair, remain key to Albox’s identity.”

The festive atmosphere will continue late into the night with open-air dancing, music, and the lively mediodía gatherings. “Let’s enjoy our fair, forget our obligations for a while, and celebrate together,” added the mayor.

For official updates and the full program, visit the Ayuntamiento de Albox.

For a full overview of upcoming public holidays and local festivities across the province, check the official Almeria Local Holidays 2026 calendar.

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

Published October 30, 2025 | Category: News

TL;DR: A 4.2-magnitude quake rattled western Almeria overnight but caused no damage — experts say it’s part of the region’s normal seismic rhythm.

Table of Contents

• 4.2-Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Almeria
• Overnight Aftershocks Across the Coast
• What Causes Earthquakes in Almeria
• A Seismic History That Runs Deep
• How Strong Was It? Understanding Intensity Levels
• Staying Safe: Preparedness and Advice
• Conclusion

4.2-Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Almeria

At 10:38 p.m. on October 29, 2025, residents across western Almeria felt a sudden jolt as a 4.2-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast. The epicentre was located in the North Alboran Sea, just south of El Ejido and near Balerma, at a shallow depth of about two kilometres.

The National Geographic Institute (IGN) recorded the tremor with an intensity between III and IV on the European Macroseismic Scale. The shaking was noticeable indoors but caused no structural damage. Authorities quickly confirmed there were no injuries or disruptions across the province.

Overnight Aftershocks Across the Coast

Throughout the night, the earth continued to move beneath Almeria’s coastline. Five smaller aftershocks were recorded between 11:08 p.m. and 6:12 a.m. Thursday morning, ranging from magnitudes 1.6 to 2.5. All originated near Balanegra and El Ejido, consistent with a normal pattern of stress release after a moderate quake.

This activity follows the stronger July 14, 2025 earthquake (magnitude 5.4) near Níjar — part of a recurring seismic cycle in southern Spain that experts say is normal for the area.

What Causes Earthquakes in Almeria

Almeria sits on one of Europe’s most dynamic geological borders — the boundary between the African and Eurasian plates. As the African Plate pushes slowly northward, it compresses and fractures the crust beneath the Alboran Sea. The Carboneras Fault, which runs offshore between Níjar and Vera, is one of the most active fault lines in the region.

Scientists from the CSIC and IGN note that most earthquakes here are minor, though they serve as a reminder that Almeria is built on a living, shifting landscape. “It’s a naturally active zone,” explains one IGN technician. “The ground occasionally trembles — that’s how the Earth releases tension.”

A Seismic History That Runs Deep

Earthquakes are nothing new to Almeria. The city was nearly destroyed in 1522 by one of the most powerful earthquakes in Spanish history, which led to the reconstruction of its fortified cathedral. Another devastating event struck in 1804 around Dalías and Berja, killing hundreds and reshaping the region’s architecture.

Even towns like Vera and Huércal-Overa have felt their share of tremors through the centuries. Modern construction standards, however, now make significant damage from moderate quakes extremely unlikely.

How Strong Was It? Understanding Intensity Levels

The IGN uses the European Macroseismic Scale (EMS-98) to describe how earthquakes are felt by people rather than instruments:

• Intensity IV – Felt indoors by many people; objects move slightly; minimal vibration.
• Intensity III – Felt by a few indoors; hanging objects swing lightly.
• Intensity II – Barely perceptible, usually noticed only at rest.

Wednesday night’s Almeria earthquake registered between levels II and IV depending on location — enough to surprise residents, but not strong enough to cause harm.

Staying Safe: Preparedness and Advice

Experts recommend staying calm during tremors and following three key steps:

• Drop to your hands and knees to prevent falling.
• Cover your head and neck under sturdy furniture or next to an interior wall.
• Hold On until the shaking stops.

After the quake, check for hazards and avoid elevators.
Residents can follow updates and report experiences directly to the National Geographic Institute (IGN), which monitors seismic activity in real time.

Natural forces

The October 29, 2025 Almeria earthquake was another reminder of the natural forces shaping southern Spain. While the ground may tremble now and then, Almeria’s spirit — like its landscape — remains strong and unshaken.

For more local updates, explore our News and Nature & Environment sections.

For more updates from across the province, visit our Nature & Environment category.