Community

Los Millares in Almeria confirmed as Spain’s oldest city

Published December 30, 2025 | Category: Community

TL;DR: Archaeological research confirms Los Millares, near Santa Fe de Mondújar, as the oldest known organised city in Spain, following the discovery of a unique gold object and advanced hydraulic infrastructure dating back over 5,000 years.

Los Millares in Almeria confirmed as Spain’s oldest city

The archaeological site of Los Millares, located in Santa Fe de Mondújar in Almeria province, has strengthened its status as the oldest known city in Spain after new discoveries made public in 2025, including a previously unknown gold object and evidence of highly advanced water management.

Recognised by the scientific community as the first fully organised and hierarchical settlement on the Iberian Peninsula, Los Millares dates back more than 5,000 years. Archaeologists describe it as the earliest example of an urban society with political power, social inequality and large-scale resource control in what is now Spain.

The settlement occupies a strategic plateau overlooking access routes from the Mediterranean and the copper-rich areas of the Sierra de Gádor. Modern research began in the late 19th century, when Belgian engineer Louis Siret identified the fortified city and its extensive necropolis of collective tombs.

Los Millares is officially recognised as one of the most important prehistoric sites in Spain and is protected as a cultural heritage site by the regional authorities, according to the Junta de Andalucía.

Advanced fortifications and pioneering water engineering

One of the defining features of Los Millares is its defensive system, consisting of four concentric stone walls surrounding residential and political areas. The outer wall included a monumental entrance and semicircular towers, forming a fully enclosed fortress rather than isolated structures, as confirmed by recent laser-based surveys.

Equally significant is the discovery of a large water cistern located in the upper part of the settlement. This structure could supply water to more than 1,000 people, ensuring survival during droughts or prolonged sieges. Archaeologists have also documented a channel that transported water from outside the settlement, demonstrating complex hydraulic engineering centuries before Roman times.

Gold discovery and evidence of social inequality

The necropolis of Los Millares contains nearly 100 circular collective tombs, some of which reveal striking differences in wealth. In early 2025, researchers uncovered a small gold object within the settlement — the first confirmed use of gold ever documented at the site.

This find supports the theory that the ruling elites had access to luxury materials and long-distance trade networks. Other burial goods include African ivory and symbolic artefacts known as oculated idols, linked to religious beliefs. Together, these discoveries point to an already stratified society divided between elites and common inhabitants.

The economic backbone of Los Millares was copper metallurgy. Control over metal production allowed the city to manufacture tools and weapons highly valued across the Mediterranean, turning prehistoric Almeria into a major centre of innovation and power.

A local civilisation with Mediterranean connections

Genetic studies of human remains have confirmed that the population of Los Millares was local, descending from early Neolithic farming communities of southeastern Iberia. The city was not founded by external colonisers but developed internally, incorporating external influences through trade rather than population replacement.

Although Los Millares maintained contact with North Africa and other Mediterranean regions, its social and political structures were home-grown. This indigenous civilisation sustained itself for nearly 1,000 years through careful management of water, metallurgy and defence.

New visitor centre and global recognition

2025 marks a turning point for the site with the opening of a new visitor centre, supported by an investment of over €2 million. The facility aims to make the importance of Los Millares accessible to the public and support its candidacy for UNESCO World Heritage status.

By around 2200 BC, the city was abandoned and replaced by the El Argar culture, marking the end of an era in southeastern Iberia. Even so, Los Millares remains a defining chapter in European prehistory, confirming that organised urban life existed in Almeria thousands of years before classical civilisations.

Interested in archaeology, history and heritage sites across the province? Explore more stories in our Towns & Villages section.

Community

Albox sets out key projects for 2026 as new municipal budget takes effect

Published January 6, 2026 | Category: Community

TL;DR: The 2026 municipal budget for Albox is now in force, setting out a series of local projects planned for the year ahead. Around €1 million is earmarked for investments including new public facilities, road access improvements and upgrades across several neighbourhoods.

Albox outlines major local projects as 2026 municipal budget comes into force

The municipal budget for Albox officially came into effect on January 1, 2026, defining the financial framework for the year ahead and confirming a number of projects planned across the town and its surrounding districts.

The total budget for 2026 amounts to just under €12 million, with close to €1 million allocated to direct investments. Among the most significant projects scheduled for development are a new residence for older residents, the future Auditorio Comarcal “Corazón del Almanzora”, and the transformation of the Avenida 28 de Febrero into a new boulevard-style public space.

The budget also includes funding for improved access to the Terdiguera industrial estate, alongside a series of smaller-scale projects in Albox’s outlying districts. Areas such as Los Segovias, Locaiba, La Aljambra and Llano de los Olleres are expected to see upgrades including new social buildings, public squares and family-friendly spaces.

In addition to physical infrastructure, the 2026 budget reflects increased funding for local community initiatives and cultural life. Allocations for sports clubs, cultural associations and local events have been maintained or expanded, while programmes aimed at active ageing and public participation are set to receive additional resources during the year.

Public safety and everyday services also feature in the planning for 2026. Measures include investment in video surveillance systems, staffing and equipment for the local police force, and a pavement improvement plan with a dedicated allocation of €150,000 for streets, squares and public spaces.

With the new budget now in force, the coming months will see how these plans translate into visible changes on the ground for residents and visitors alike, as projects move from planning into execution throughout Albox.

Looking for local updates and everyday life across the province? Find more stories in our Community section.

Community

Hailstorm hits Adra on Three Kings’ Day as Storm Francis brings more unstable weather

Published January 6, 2026 | Category: Community

TL;DR: A sudden hailstorm hit Adra on Three Kings’ Day afternoon, briefly whitening parts of the town and the A-7 near Guainos. Traffic slowed as hail accumulated on the road surface, with Storm Francis still driving unstable conditions across Almeria province.

Hailstorm hits Adra on Three Kings’ Day as Storm Francis keeps conditions unstable

Residents in Adra got an unexpected taste of winter on the afternoon of January 6, when rain briefly turned into a sharp hailstorm around 16:00. The burst of ice pellets quickly coated streets and parked vehicles in parts of the town, while drivers on the A-7 near Guainos reported difficult conditions as the roadway turned white.

The hail episode appears to be part of the same unstable pattern linked to Storm Francis, which has brought unusually cold air, showers and snow to higher ground across Almeria province in recent days. Along the coast, that instability can occasionally translate into short, intense downpours — and in this case, a sudden burst of hail.

For motorists, the key risk is traction. Even a brief hailstorm can create a slippery surface that behaves like ice, especially where hail accumulates in dips or shaded sections of road. If you are travelling, it is worth checking live updates before setting off and driving cautiously if conditions change quickly.

Official weather updates and warnings are available via Spain’s state meteorological agency AEMET. For real-time incident and traffic information on major routes such as the A-7, drivers can also consult the DGT.

With overnight temperatures still low in many inland areas and showers continuing in parts of the province, brief and localised weather surprises remain possible — particularly near the coast and around mountain foothills.

Want to stay informed about local conditions and daily life across the province? Explore more updates in our Community section.

Community

Almeria remains “frozen” as Storm Francis lingers, with frost alerts and road impacts

Published January 6, 2026 | Category: Community

TL;DR: Cold conditions continue across Almeria province as Storm Francis lingers. Night-time temperatures could drop to -4°C inland, with snow still affecting higher ground. Several secondary roads remain closed or require snow chains, while yellow alerts are active for early Wednesday morning.

Almeria remains under cold conditions as Storm Francis refuses to leave

After a Three Kings’ Day marked by low temperatures and grey skies, Almeria province remains firmly under the influence of Storm Francis. While the heaviest rain has eased, cold air continues to dominate, especially overnight and in inland and mountainous areas.

According to Spain’s state meteorological agency AEMET, yellow alerts for minimum temperatures are active from Tuesday evening until Wednesday morning. In parts of the Almanzora Valley and Los Vélez, thermometers could fall as low as -4°C, with widespread frost expected.

Road closures and snow in inland areas during Storm Francis

Recent snowfall has left winter scenes in areas such as the Sierra de Gador and the Sierra de los Filabres. While the main road network across the province remains open, several secondary routes have been affected by snow and ice.

The Diputación de Almería has reported closures on a number of provincial roads, including sections of AL-5402, AL-5406 (Las Menas de Serón), and the AL-4404 near Calar Alto. Snow chains are also mandatory on the AL-3102 in the La Tetica de Bacares area. Drivers are advised to check conditions before travelling and avoid unnecessary journeys in affected zones.

Some local access restrictions have also been reported. In Pechina, the Ayuntamiento de Pechina has warned that access to the Andarax river area remains closed as a precaution, particularly around El Chuche.

Looking ahead, temperatures are expected to recover only gradually. Overnight frost risk will persist during the early morning hours, especially away from the coast and outside larger urban centres.

Want to stay informed about local conditions and daily life across the province? Explore more updates in our Community section.