Community

Antas plans cultural and walking landmark at Cabezo Maria

Published January 6, 2026 | Category: Community

TL;DR: Antas has secured €100,000 in regional funding to protect and develop the Cabezo Maria site, combining archaeology, landscape and local heritage into a long-term cultural and walking landmark for the municipality.

Antas plans cultural and walking landmark at Cabezo Maria

The inland municipality of Antas is set to strengthen the protection and public use of the Cabezo Maria site after securing €100,000 in regional funding aimed at cultural heritage and sustainable tourism. The project focuses on conserving the archaeological remains while improving access, interpretation and integration with the surrounding landscape.

The funding will allow the town to move from isolated archaeological work towards a broader, structured plan that connects history, environment and local identity. Cabezo Maria, a dormant volcanic hill overlooking Antas, is already a place of strong local significance. The new project seeks to formalise that role while ensuring long-term preservation.

The funding forms part of a regional heritage programme supported by the Junta de Andalucía’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, aimed at protecting archaeological sites and promoting sustainable cultural tourism.

From archaeological site to accessible heritage space

According to the project outline, the first phase will focus on stabilising existing archaeological structures, including walls and floors uncovered during earlier excavations. Protective treatments will be applied to reduce erosion and environmental damage, while access points will be reviewed to improve safety and prevent uncontrolled entry.

Technical documentation and a long-term maintenance plan form part of the proposal, ensuring that future interventions are guided by conservation criteria rather than short-term tourism pressure. The aim is not rapid development, but controlled access that protects the integrity of the site.

A circular walking route linking history and landscape

A second core element of the project is the creation of a sustainable circular walking route. This trail will connect the archaeological site with the nearby hermitage, existing viewpoints and established footpaths used by local residents. Materials such as local stone and wood will be used to minimise visual and environmental impact.

The route is designed to improve movement between different points of interest while respecting the natural setting. Rest areas and clear wayfinding are planned, allowing visitors to explore the area without placing pressure on sensitive zones.

Improvements are also planned for steeper sections of the path leading towards the hermitage, with the aim of making the route safer for walkers and less disruptive for local wildlife.

Interpreting geology, archaeology and local traditions

Interpretation will play a central role in the project. New information panels are planned to explain the geological formation of Cabezo Maria, its archaeological importance and its role in the wider history of the Vera basin. These panels will also place the site within the cultural life of Antas, including local festivities and pilgrimages linked to the hill.

This approach reflects a broader shift away from isolated monuments towards contextual storytelling, helping visitors understand not only what they are seeing, but why it matters to the local community.

A site with growing archaeological importance

The importance of Cabezo Maria extends beyond local heritage. Recent archaeological research confirmed the presence of a vast early Christian church carved into the volcanic rock, believed to be one of the earliest documented monastic complexes of its kind in Andalusia. The discovery added significant weight to the site’s historical value and reinforced the need for careful long-term protection.

Cabezo Maria has been listed in the Andalusian heritage register as a protected archaeological zone since 2011. More recent findings have expanded its relevance beyond the province, drawing academic attention and strengthening its case as a reference point for inland heritage in Almeria.

Local participation and long-term impact

Beyond physical works, the project includes educational and community-based activities. Workshops, guided visits and training initiatives are planned to involve local residents and encourage responsible heritage tourism. Local guides and cultural actors are expected to play a role in presenting the site to visitors.

Rather than positioning Cabezo Maria as a standalone attraction, the municipality aims to embed it within Antas’ broader cultural landscape, balancing access with conservation and avoiding the pressure associated with mass tourism.

For visitors interested in exploring Antas beyond the archaeological site — including local traditions, walking routes and practical travel information — our Antas guide provides a broader picture of the town and its surroundings.

Looking for more stories about local heritage, village life and inland development across the province? Browse the latest updates in our Community 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.