Almeria News

El Algarrobico Hotel License: Carboneras Rejects Delay Accusations

Published on May 24, 2025 | Category: News

TL;DR: The Carboneras City Council refutes claims by the Andalusian Government that it is intentionally delaying the mandatory review of the El Algarrobico hotel license, stating that all actions taken are within legal bounds.

El Algarrobico Hotel License: Carboneras Responds to Delay Accusations

The Carboneras City Council has formally responded to accusations from the Andalusian Regional Government, rejecting claims that it is delaying the mandatory review of the controversial El Algarrobico hotel license. In a recent submission to the High Court of Justice of Andalusia (TSJA), the council defends its actions as fully compliant with administrative law and criticizes the allegations as unfounded.

The dispute revolves around a ruling that requires the council to initiate an ex officio review of the license issued in 2003 to Azata del Sol for the construction of the hotel in the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park. Environmentalists, including Greenpeace, have long campaigned against the hotel, arguing it violates environmental protections.

City Council: Actions Are Legal, Not Political

According to a legal brief accessed by EFE, the Carboneras council dismisses the Regional Government’s appeal as a “fallacy” and states that the required steps are being followed in line with legal protocols. The council emphasizes that it is acting within the judicial and administrative domain, not based on political motives.

As proof, the council notes that on April 9, Mayor Salvador Hernández requested a formal report from the Municipal Secretariat detailing the legal framework and steps necessary to carry out the court ruling. This was followed by regular updates to the TSJA as required.

Administrative Constraints and Staffing Issues

One of the key points raised by the City Council is the precarious staffing situation within the municipal administration. The council points out that the post of Municipal Secretary is currently filled only one day per week by a nationally qualified secretary, making timely execution of complex administrative procedures difficult.

This, the council argues, is a crucial factor that the Andalusian Government has overlooked in its appeal. Despite these constraints, the report requested by the mayor has already been completed and forwarded to the judicial authorities.

Background: Years of Legal Conflict

The El Algarrobico hotel has been at the center of legal and environmental controversies for nearly two decades. Built within a protected natural area, the hotel has never officially opened, and multiple court rulings have declared its construction illegal. The current process stems from a case brought by Greenpeace Spain, leading to an order for the building permit to be formally annulled and reviewed.

Despite various resolutions from the TSJA urging action, the full ex officio review of the license has yet to be executed. The Regional Government now seeks to annul the mayor’s procedural approach and insists on stricter enforcement, claiming the current reporting every ten days is insufficient.

Next Steps

The Carboneras City Council has requested the TSJA to dismiss the Regional Government’s appeal and uphold the mayor’s original decision, asserting that it aligns with legal requirements and administrative due process. The court’s decision could determine the next phase in the long-standing battle over one of Spain’s most controversial coastal developments.

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

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Almeria News

Cold Weather in Almeria This Week

Published November 17, 2025 | Category: Almeria Weather

TL;DR: A mass of very cold air will reach Almeria this week, bringing an early taste of winter with sub-zero nights in inland villages and a noticeable drop in temperatures by Friday 21 November.

Cold weather in Almeria: early winter temperatures arriving this week

The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) is forecasting a marked change in the weather across Spain in the coming days as a mass of very cold air arrives from higher latitudes. Temperatures will fall gradually, with values more typical of winter than mid-November.

According to AEMET, frost is expected from Tuesday onwards, becoming more widespread and intense as the week progresses. The cooling will be felt across much of the country and will also reach the province of Almeria, which has enjoyed relatively mild conditions until now.

The drop in temperatures will be most noticeable from Friday 21 November, when this early arrival of winter is expected to be fully felt in Almeria. Saturday should bring a very similar situation, with cold days and even colder nights, especially away from the coast.

Inland villages: sub-zero nights and sharp drops

In inland municipalities such as Bacares, Oria, Serón, María, Chirivel, Vélez Blanco and Vélez Rubio, forecasts point to sub-zero minimum temperatures. In some of these areas, both daytime highs and night-time lows could fall by around 10 °C compared to recent days.

Coastal areas: milder but noticeably colder mornings

Along the coast, the change will be more moderate, but residents in towns such as Almeria city and the Levante and Poniente coasts will also feel the colder air. The most noticeable difference will be in the night and early-morning temperatures, which will drop clearly compared with the start of the week.

For the start of the week, AEMET is forecasting partly cloudy skies with occasional light rain in the province, more likely and heavier over the mountains during the afternoon. Temperatures will already be on a downward trend, with light to moderate westerly winds.

Official forecasts and updates are available from the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET).

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

Events

FICAL Almeria 2025 kicks off with full cinemas and a vibrant opening weekend

Published November 2025 | Category: Events

TL;DR: FICAL Almeria 2025 opened this weekend with full cinemas, red-carpet energy and a strong start to one of the province’s biggest cultural events of the year.

FICAL Almeria 2025 opens with packed cinemas and a vibrant first weekend

One of the province’s most important cultural celebrations, the Festival Internacional de Cine de Almería (FICAL 2025), officially opened this weekend with a lively start. The festival, running from 14 to 23 November, began with red-carpet activity, full auditoriums and an atmosphere that brought together film professionals, local residents and visitors from across the region.

The opening gala at the Auditorio Maestro Padilla drew large crowds, setting a strong tone for a week of screenings, industry talks, and cultural events that continue throughout Almería city and surrounding venues.

Red carpet energy and opening-night atmosphere

The start of FICAL saw the arrival of directors, actors and emerging filmmakers, with the festival’s traditional red-carpet walk adding glamour to the evening. Early screenings were quickly booked out, reflecting growing interest from both locals and international visitors living in Almería.

Local institutions emphasised the importance of the festival for the cultural profile of the province. The Diputación highlighted the event as “a meeting point for new cinema and creative innovation,” reinforcing FICAL’s role as one of Andalucía’s key audiovisual festivals.

Strong weekend attendance across multiple venues

Throughout Saturday and Sunday, screenings at key venues such as Casa del Cine, Teatro Apolo and Auditorio Maestro Padilla saw near-full attendance. Families, cinema enthusiasts and expats contributed to a diverse audience, while open-air activities and photography exhibitions attracted foot traffic around the historic centre.

Workshops for young filmmakers, documentary presentations and panel discussions filled the weekend schedule, marking one of the most dynamic opening weekends in recent editions of the festival.

Upcoming highlights: week-long programme continues

With FICAL now underway, the coming week will feature international short films, premières, industry panels and daily public events. The closing gala on 23 November will include the awards ceremony for both the feature film and short film competitions.

Full programme details are available via the official FICAL programme platform: YoSoyFICAL.

Almeria News

El Ejido strengthens electrical infrastructure with €700,000 investment

Published November 13, 2025 | Category: Infrastructure

TL;DR: El Ejido has approved a €700,000 investment to modernise its medium-tension electrical grid, strengthening supply for agricultural zones and local communities in the Poniente region. Almeria news

El Ejido invests €700,000 in electrical infrastructure upgrade

The municipality of El Ejido in the Poniente region of Almeria has announced a major infrastructure upgrade aimed at improving the local medium-tension electrical grid. A total of €700,000 has been allocated to enhance supply reliability across key agricultural areas, according to official information released by regional authorities.

The plan includes the installation of a new medium-tension cell at the Cumbres sub-station and upgrades to feeder lines supplying Las Norias de Daza and Balsa del Sapo — two areas known for intensive agricultural activity and irrigation systems that place high demand on the electrical grid.

Full details can be found in the official communication published via Europa Press.

Scope of the project and beneficiaries

Of the total investment, around €100,000 targets improvements at the sub-station, while the remaining €600,000 covers upgrades to the wider distribution network. These works aim to stabilise electrical supply for both residents and the highly productive agricultural sector — a key economic pillar of the Poniente region.

Local representatives explain that these upgrades will reduce service interruptions, support energy-intensive greenhouse operations, and improve long-term resilience across the municipality.

Importance for the Poniente region

This project demonstrates ongoing public investment in the Poniente of Almeria, an area that often receives less English-language media coverage despite being one of the province’s strongest economic engines. Strengthening infrastructure in El Ejido supports agricultural output, commercial activity, and long-term residential growth.

Timeline and next steps

The works are expected to continue for approximately 18 months, with completion anticipated around mid-2026. After the construction phase, the project will undergo testing, safety checks, and system integration before the upgraded grid becomes fully operational.

Once completed, the improved grid will deliver greater reliability and capacity — directly benefiting businesses, the agricultural sector, and the general public.

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