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Weekly Markets in Almería: Full Guide to Mercadillos Across the Province

Published September 2, 2025 | Category: Travel Tips, Towns & Villages

TL;DR: Almería hosts 91 weekly markets across the province. From Plaza Pavía in the capital to village markets in Mojácar, Vera, and Carboneras, there’s a mercadillo almost every day. Here’s the full guide.

Weekly Markets in Almería: Full Guide to Mercadillos Across the Province

Table of Contents

The tradition of mercadillos in Almería

Weekly open-air markets, known locally as mercadillos, are a vital part of life in Andalusia. They offer everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to clothes, shoes, plants, and household items. For visitors, they provide a unique chance to experience Andalusian street life, taste local products, and shop like the locals. In the province of Almería, markets are held in virtually every town and village, often on the same day of the week for generations.

Weekly markets in Almería city

The capital city of Almería hosts several markets spread throughout its neighborhoods. The most famous is the Plaza Pavía market, open from Monday to Saturday and known for its fresh produce and fish stalls. In addition, the city has seven rotating mercadillos:

  • Mercadillo del Estadio – every Tuesday, around the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterráneos.
  • Mercadillo del Auditorio – every Saturday, next to the Maestro Padilla Auditorium.
  • Mercadillo de Cabo de Gata – every Saturday, in the coastal village of Cabo de Gata.
  • Mercadillo de El Alquián – every Sunday morning.
  • Mercadillo de Los Ángeles – during the week in the Los Ángeles neighborhood.
  • Mercadillo de Bola Azul – a popular neighborhood market.
  • Mercadillo de Plaza de Pavía – the daily market hub for fresh produce.

Together, these markets ensure that Almería city has lively street markets nearly every day of the week. For official information, check the Ayuntamiento de Almería.

Markets across the province of Almería

Beyond the capital, Almería province is famous for its rich network of weekly markets. According to official listings, there are around 91 weekly mercadillos, spread across every day of the week. Popular markets include:

  • Huércal-Overa – Monday.
  • Albox – Tuesday, one of the largest inland markets.
  • Mojácar – Wednesday, held in Plaza del Rey Alábez.
  • Carboneras – Thursday, close to the seafront.
  • Garrucha – Friday, along Calle Miradores.
  • Vera – Saturday, spreading across Plaza Mayor.
  • Villaricos – Sunday, a coastal market with summer buzz.

These are just highlights – almost every town, from Vélez Rubio to Sorbas, has its own weekly event. Together, they form one of the richest market traditions in Andalusia. A complete overview is available at mercadillosemanal.com.

Markets by day of the week

Here is a summary of how many markets take place each day across the province:

  • Monday – 8 markets (e.g. Huércal-Overa, Antas, Rioja)
  • Tuesday – 12 markets (e.g. Albox, Cuevas del Almanzora, Los Gallardos)
  • Wednesday – 14 markets (e.g. Mojácar, Bédar, Lubrín, Vélez Blanco)
  • Thursday – 16 markets (e.g. Carboneras, Roquetas de Mar, Purchena, Sorbas)
  • Friday – 12 markets (e.g. Garrucha, Turre, Zurgena, Macael)
  • Saturday – 14 markets (e.g. Vera, Arboleas, Vélez Rubio)
  • Sunday – 12 markets (e.g. Villaricos, La Alfoquía, San Juan de los Terreros – summer only)

This means there is always a market happening somewhere in Almería province, no matter the day.

Tips for visiting local markets

  • Go early – Markets usually open around 9:00 and close by 14:00. Arrive early for the freshest produce.
  • Bring cash – Many stalls do not accept cards, especially in smaller villages.
  • Expect variety – From fruit and vegetables to shoes, textiles, and souvenirs, mercadillos are a blend of essentials and bargains.
  • Parking advice – In towns like Vera or Garrucha, arrive early to secure parking nearby.
  • Authentic experience – Don’t just shop; enjoy a coffee or tapas nearby to make it a true Andalusian outing.

Conclusion: Experience authentic Almería

The weekly markets of Almería are more than just shopping spots – they are lively social hubs that bring together locals and visitors. Whether in the capital at Plaza Pavía, in the coastal town of Garrucha, or in the mountain villages of Vélez Blanco and Bédar, each mercadillo offers its own flavor of Andalusian life. For travelers, they are a must-visit tradition that blends food, culture, and community.

For more updates from across the province, visit our News section or browse the Travel Tips category.

Expats & Living

Location Auctions Antas – Fortnightly Household Auctions in Almeria

Published November 10, 2025 | Category: Community

TL;DR: Location Auctions Antas, managed by Mark Seigne of Location Warehousing S.L., runs live fortnightly auctions of household goods in Antas. It’s a friendly, family-run event where locals and expats can buy and sell quality items, discover bargains, and enjoy a lively community atmosphere. Editorial

Location Auctions Antas in Almeria

Location Auctions Antas – Fortnightly Household Auctions in Almería

Location Auctions Antas has become a familiar name across Eastern Almeria, known for its professional organisation, fair prices, and friendly spirit. Operated by Location Warehousing S.L.—a family business founded more than twenty years ago by David Seigne and now managed by his son Mark—the auction division is a natural extension of the company’s long-standing commitment to service, reliability, and community values. What began as a small, local initiative has grown into one of the most popular regular events in the region, drawing visitors from Antas, Vera, Mojácar, and beyond.

A Trusted Family Business with Local Roots

The Seigne family established Location Warehousing to provide dependable removals and storage services for residents and expatriates in Southern Spain. Over time, the company’s success created a new opportunity: offering a way for people to buy and sell second-hand items safely and transparently. Thus, Location Auctions Antas was born. The auctions take place at the company’s spacious warehouse on the El Real Industrial Estate, just off the A7/E15 motorway. The site offers excellent access, plenty of parking, and a welcoming environment that has become synonymous with trust and quality. Mark Seigne and his dedicated team have built on David’s original vision—combining professionalism with the warmth of a true family business.

What You’ll Find at the Auctions

Each fortnight, the Antas warehouse transforms into a buzzing marketplace filled with hundreds of lots. From sofas, tables, and white goods to paintings, power tools, garden furniture, and collectables, there is something for everyone. Many items come from house clearances, relocations, or downsizing clients, while others are consigned directly by local residents. Every auction brings new surprises: a restored vintage cabinet, a classic bicycle, or perhaps a one-of-a-kind Andalusian artwork. For newcomers settling into the Almería region, the auctions offer a cost-effective, sustainable way to furnish a home while meeting friendly faces from the local community.

How to Take Part

Joining the excitement is simple. Buyers register on arrival, receive a numbered paddle, and can then bid freely during the live event. The experienced auctioneer guides proceedings with humour and clarity, ensuring newcomers feel comfortable and returning bidders stay entertained. Once an item is sold, payment is made on-site and collection usually follows the same day. Sellers can deliver their goods in advance, and the Location team handles cataloguing, secure storage, and presentation. Commissions are modest and clearly explained, reinforcing the company’s reputation for transparency and fairness.

Secure, Professional, and Fully Insured

Because the auctions operate under the umbrella of Location Warehousing S.L., every detail benefits from the same rigorous standards of safety and care. The Antas premises are alarmed, insured, and directly connected to the local police. Goods remain protected until sold, and the entire process—from intake to sale—is carefully monitored by Mark’s staff. This professionalism has earned the trust of hundreds of repeat customers, many of whom have supported the event for years. It’s this consistency, coupled with genuine friendliness, that keeps Location Auctions Antas a step ahead of typical second-hand markets.

Community Spirit and Sustainability

Beyond the buying and selling, the auctions have become a true social occasion. Locals drop by to browse, chat, and enjoy coffee while the bidding unfolds. The atmosphere is lively yet relaxed—an ideal Wednesday morning activity that blends practicality with entertainment. For expats, it’s also a gateway into the local community and an easy way to integrate into Spanish life. On a broader scale, the auctions promote sustainability by giving used items a second life. This circular approach reduces waste, supports mindful consumption, and contributes to the eco-friendly values many Almería residents share.

From Household Goods to Hidden Treasures

Part of the fun lies in the variety. One week the warehouse might be filled with garden sets and kitchen appliances, the next with paintings, musical instruments, or even motorbikes. Every event offers something unexpected. Seasoned bidders and first-time visitors alike describe the experience as both enjoyable and addictive. “You never know what will come through the doors,” says Mark Seigne. “That’s what keeps people coming back.”

Visit the Next Auction

The auctions are held every 14 days at Location Warehousing’s main site in Antas. Doors usually open mid-morning for public viewing, with the live sale beginning at 10 a.m. Entry is free, and there’s ample space to browse before bidding begins. Full details, including upcoming dates and preview photos, are posted regularly on the official Location Auctions Antas Facebook page. Bargain hunters, home improvers and the simply curious will find these auctions a memorable glimpse of local life in Almería — friendly, authentic and full of surprises.


Contact details:
Location Auctions Antas
Polígono Industrial El Real, Calle Mojana 9
04628 Antas (Almería), Spain
Tel: +34 697 980 061
View on Google Maps
Facebook: Location Auctions Antas


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

This article is a sponsored contribution by Location Warehousing S.L. and does not necessarily reflect the views of VisitingAlmeria.com.

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Expats & Living

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

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

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.

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Events

What to Do in Almeria: Late October & Early November 2025

Published October 26, 2025 | Category: Events

TL;DR: Wondering what to do in Almeria this October 2025? Here’s a curated roundup of the best festivals, concerts, outdoor routes and community happenings across the province — from the Garrucha Red Prawn Festival to Almerijazz, Halloween parades and mountain bike adventures.

What to Do in Almeria: Late October & Early November 2025

As autumn sets in, Almeria’s cultural calendar comes alive with local fairs, music festivals, gastronomy routes and outdoor activities. Whether you’re drawn to coastal celebrations, mountain trails or creative workshops, there’s something happening in nearly every corner of the province. Below is your essential guide to the most exciting things to do in Almeria from late October through early November 2025.

Table of Contents

Festivals and Fairs

Late October in Almeria is defined by lively festivals that blend tradition with community spirit. In Garrucha, the VI Red Prawn Festival celebrates one of the Levante coast’s most prized delicacies with tastings, music, and family-friendly events through October 26. Organised by the Diputación de Almería and the Ayuntamiento de Garrucha, the event draws thousands of visitors and local chefs celebrating the region’s famous red prawn.

Meanwhile, in Huércal de Almeria, car and motor enthusiasts gather for HuércalMotor 2025, a three-day auto and motorcycle show featuring 22 brands, exclusive offers, and entertainment for all ages. It’s coordinated by the Ayuntamiento de Huércal de Almería with regional business sponsors and free entry for visitors.

For more upcoming fairs and city festivals, visit our Events category.

Culture and Music

The highlight of Almeria’s cultural season is the Almerijazz International Festival 2025, running through November 9. Concerts take place at Teatro Apolo and other city venues, featuring Spanish and international artists in collaboration with Radio Nacional de España (RNE). The festival, coordinated by the Ayuntamiento de Almería, offers both free and ticketed shows and continues to position Almeria as a cultural hub in southern Spain.

Two new art exhibitions also stand out this season. Cianotipia explores experimental photography techniques, while Jardín de Sal examines the intersection between salt, art, and ecology. Both are hosted at municipal galleries and open until early November.

Discover more cultural and musical highlights in our Community section.

Sports and Outdoors

Nature and sport merge during the XVI Ruta BTT del Jamón de María, held this weekend in the Parque Natural Sierra de María–Los Vélez. Dozens of cyclists joined this emblematic mountain-bike route celebrating local gastronomy and endurance. The race forms part of the XCM Series Almeria 2025 and is organised with the support of the Diputación de Almería and Federación Andaluza de Ciclismo.

For hikers, the recent rainfall in Bedar and the Sierra de los Filabres has refreshed rural routes. Authorities from the Junta de Andalucía confirm that major trails remain open and safe, with excellent conditions for late-autumn trekking.

For outdoor guides and nature routes, visit our Nature & Environment category.

Food and Gastronomy

Beyond Garrucha’s seafood festivities, food lovers can explore the ongoing Ruta Sabores del Almanzora, a gastronomic route connecting 20 villages and more than 40 establishments across the Valle del Almanzora. It runs through November and is coordinated by Valle del Almanzora Turismo, promoting traditional tapas, wines and local produce from inland Almeria.

In Tabernas, the Autumn Cultural Programme continues through late November, offering outdoor cinema, desert walks and artisan markets. The initiative, supported by the Ayuntamiento de Tabernas, showcases the natural and creative spirit of the desert region.

For culinary experiences and local products, check our Travel Tips section.

Community and Family

Halloween brings community life to the streets of Almeria. The Noche en Negro, organised by the Ayuntamiento de Almería, transforms the city centre into a night of parades, silent film screenings, and live music inspired by 80s rock. Nearby, Benahadux celebrates a three-day Halloween programme filled with family workshops, games and costume contests led by the Ayuntamiento de Benahadux.

On October 31, the Cámara de Comercio de Almería hosts the “Visibilidad Local” workshop — an AI-focused session on improving business visibility and digital strategy for local entrepreneurs and expats. Registration is free via the Chamber of Commerce website.

For ongoing workshops and local initiatives, explore our Expats & Living category.

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

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Towns & Villages

Abla Guide. Discover Abla, Almeria — History, Nature, and Local Festivals

Published October 16, 2025 | Category: Towns & Villages

TL;DR: Abla is a charming mountain village at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, known for its Roman heritage, traditional festivals, local crafts, and peaceful rural lifestyle. Ideal for nature lovers, hikers, and those seeking authentic Andalusian life.

Discover Abla, Almeria — History, Nature, and Local Festivals

Set on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada, Abla is one of Almeria’s most historic and tranquil mountain villages. With cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, and friendly locals, it offers a glimpse of authentic Andalusian village life far from the crowded coast. The town has deep roots that reach back to Roman times — historians identify it with the ancient settlement of Abula.

Today, Abla blends its agricultural heritage with a growing interest in rural tourism, hiking, and cultural activities promoted by the Ayuntamiento de Abla and the Junta de Andalucía.

Geography and Setting

Abla occupies an area of around 46 square kilometres and lies in the northwestern part of Almeria province, on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada, facing the Sierra de los Filabres. The village overlooks the upper course of the Nacimiento River, making it the natural gateway to the Alpujarra of Almeria. The surrounding landscape alternates between fertile valleys and gentle elevations such as “Cerrón de Guzmán” and “Loma de las Bazanas”, offering wide views over the mountains and olive groves.

Although its economy has traditionally been based on agriculture and livestock, Abla once hosted small industries such as distilleries, flour mills, and the production of olive oil, wine, cereals, and legumes. These activities, together with the breeding of wool cattle, sustained the village for generations. Today, rural tourism and traditional crafts continue that legacy, providing a small but steady source of local income.

Historical Highlights

Abla’s origins reach deep into antiquity. Many historians identify the modern village with the Roman settlement of Abula, mentioned by the geographer Ptolemy in his Geographia (Book II, 6, 60) as part of the Iberian region of Bastetania. Some scholars, however, propose that the reference might correspond instead to Ávila (ancient Obila), though Abla remains the most widely accepted identification among historians of Roman Hispania.

The municipality successively hosted Romans, Visigoths, and Muslims, each leaving their mark on its architecture and culture. The ruins of an Arab castle and the 2nd-century Roman mausoleum still bear witness to these layers of history. During the 15th century, conflicts between Christians and Moors led to a decline in population, but by the early modern period Abla had re-established itself as one of the first Christianized towns in southern Spain — a status that local tradition dates to the 1st century AD.

Visitors can still explore both the Arab castle remains and the Roman Mausoleum on the outskirts, along with the 16th- and 17th-century religious buildings that give the village its architectural charm. The parish church of La Anunciación, built in 1530, dominates the Plaza Mayor and remains a focal point for community life.

According to the Andalucía tourism portal, Abla also played a role during the Arab period, forming part of the Alpujarra route that connected Granada with the Mediterranean coast.

What to See and Do

  • Mirador del Calvario: A panoramic viewpoint offering spectacular views of the Filabres mountains and the valley below — especially beautiful at sunset.
  • Old Quarter Walk: Explore Abla’s narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and traditional courtyards filled with potted flowers.
  • Local Crafts: The town is known for its traditional blacksmithing, basket weaving, and textile work, still visible in family workshops.
  • Nature Trails: Several marked routes lead into the Sierra Nevada foothills. The “Ruta del Calvario” and the “Jairola Trail” are among the most popular. Maps are available at the Town Hall.

Local Festivals and Traditions

Abla celebrates several lively local festivals throughout the year, blending faith, music, and community. The best-known are the Fiestas de los Santos Mártires (Patron Saints’ Festival), held every April with processions, floral offerings, and open-air concerts. Summer brings the Fiestas de Verano, featuring music, dancing, and sports in the Parque Municipal. Both events attract visitors from nearby villages and returnees from abroad.

The official local holidays for 2025 are 28 April and 4 August, as recorded by the Junta de Andalucía’s provincial calendar. These dates correspond with Abla’s main celebrations and are great opportunities to experience village life up close.

Gastronomy

Abla’s gastronomy captures the essence of rural Almeria — simple, seasonal, and deeply rooted in tradition. The town’s cuisine shares much with the nearby Alpujarra region, featuring hearty mountain dishes prepared with local olive oil and fresh produce from the Nacimiento valley.

Signature recipes include migas almerienses (fried breadcrumbs with peppers and sausage), choto al ajillo (young goat cooked in garlic sauce), and comforting stews flavoured with local pimentón. Visitors will also find a variety of homemade sausages, mountain-cured hams, and almond-based sweets, all served in family-run restaurants and bars around the Plaza Mayor.

Getting There and Staying

Abla lies just off the A-92 motorway, about 55 km from Almeria city. The drive takes around 45 minutes, making it an ideal destination for a day trip or a peaceful rural stay. While accommodation options are limited, nearby towns such as Fiñana and Gérgal offer small guesthouses and rural homes.

Public transport is available via regional buses connecting Abla to Almeria, Guadix, and Granada, though schedules are limited. Travellers are advised to check timetables in advance via the Transport Consortium of Almeria.

Practical Information – Abla

  • Town Hall (Ayuntamiento de Abla): Plaza Mayor, 1 — 📞 950 35 80 01 — www.abla.es
  • Civil Guard (Guardia Civil): Ctra. Nacional 340, Km 385 — 📞 950 35 80 12
  • Health Centre: Calle del Doctor Pérez, 10 — 📞 950 35 83 04
  • Tourist Information: Inside Town Hall — open weekday mornings
  • Emergency Numbers: 112 (General), 061 (Medical), 062 (Guardia Civil), 091 (National Police)

For more nearby destinations, visit our Towns & Villages category and explore the hidden gems of inland Almeria.

For local updates and community events, check our Community section.

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