Published 25 June 2026 | Real Estate & Economy

TL;DR: Tourist rental homes in Almeria province have surged by nearly 50% since 2020, with some towns now dedicating over 10% of their housing stock to short-term rentals, highlighting growing pressure on local housing markets.

Growth of Tourist Rental Homes in Almeria

Sharp Growth in Tourist Rentals

Tourist rental properties in Almeria province have seen a significant increase over recent years. According to the National Institute of Statistics (INE) data from May 2026, there are now 7,092 homes officially registered for tourist use, marking a 47.4% rise since 2020. This rapid expansion has fueled debates and prompted local authorities to address how such rentals affect the housing market amid an ongoing housing crisis.

Concentration in Key Towns

The distribution of these short-term rental homes is uneven across the province. Coastal and tourist-oriented towns have the highest numbers. Vera leads with 1,171 properties, closely followed by Nijar with 1,065, Roquetas de Mar with 1,040, Mojacar with 1,033, and the provincial capital Almeria with 960. In contrast, 27 smaller municipalities report no tourist rental properties at all, illustrating a clear divide between hotspots and more rural areas.

Local Housing Stock Under Pressure

Looking beyond raw numbers, the proportion of housing dedicated to tourist accommodation offers a clearer picture of the impact on communities. Sixteen towns now have more than 1% of their homes set aside for tourism, a seemingly small figure but significant in local terms. Towns including Enix, Garrucha, Turre, Roquetas de Mar, Almeria city, Cuevas del Almanzora, Oria, Velez-Blanco, and Tabernas fall between 1% and 2.5%.

More markedly, six municipalities exceed 4%, with Carboneras at 4.28%, Pulpi 4.49%, Vera 5.59%, and Nijar nearly 7%. An unusual example from inland Almeria is Laroya, where 7.39% of homes are tourist rentals, outpacing comparable rural towns. However, Mojacar stands out with the highest pressure, dedicating over 10% of its housing stock to short-term tourist rentals, a steep increase from 7.66% in 2020.

Regional and National Context

These figures place Almeria within a broader regional trend. Andalucia as a whole has the highest percentage of tourist rental homes on the Spanish mainland, with 1.94% of its housing stock used in this way. This is well above other regions such as Castile and Leon, Murcia, Madrid, or Aragon. Only the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands have higher proportions nationally, at 3.27% and 4.44% respectively. Meanwhile, the average percentage of tourist rentals across Spain remains low at around 1.28%, highlighting the particular intensity of this phenomenon in Almeria’s tourist hubs.

Balancing Tourism and Housing Needs

The soaring numbers of tourist rental homes are impacting local housing availability and affordability, raising concerns among residents and local governments alike. While tourism remains a key economic driver for Almeria’s coastal and rural areas, the challenge lies in balancing visitor accommodation demand with the housing needs of long-term residents. The evolving regulatory landscape reflects growing efforts to manage this balance, though the trend suggests the issue will remain a key community topic in coming years.

For updates on local community life, public services and local developments across the province, follow our latest posts in the Real Estate & Economy section.

Published 08 May 2026 | Real Estate & Economy

TL;DR: Almeria property prices are rising sharply, with luxury homes in coastal areas like Roquetas de Mar, Nijar and El Ejido seeing strong demand.

Almeria property prices rise sharply in luxury home market

Almeria property prices are rising rapidly, with the luxury segment showing the strongest growth across key coastal areas.

Over the past year, the price of existing homes has increased by close to 19%, placing the province among the fastest-growing housing markets in Spain. This growth, based on recent property data, reflects a combination of increasing demand and limited availability in prime locations.

Where Almeria property prices are rising fastest

The strongest activity is concentrated in areas such as Roquetas de Mar, Nijar and El Ejido, particularly in locations close to the coast.

The rise in Almeria property prices is especially visible in these coastal zones, where demand continues to outpace supply.

These areas offer a mix of accessibility, established infrastructure and proximity to natural attractions like the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park, making them increasingly attractive for both domestic and international buyers.

What the top end of the market looks like

The upper end of the market highlights how far prices have moved.

In Aguadulce, properties are approaching €3 million, with large villas offering multiple bedrooms, terraces and extensive outdoor space. Similar levels are being seen in parts of Nijar, where unique properties within or near protected natural areas continue to attract premium buyers.

In El Ejido, particularly around Almerimar, high-end properties are also reaching above €2 million, supported by marina access and established residential developments.

What is driving the trend

The current price growth reflects a combination of factors. Demand for coastal property remains strong, while supply of prime locations is limited.

At the same time, Almeria continues to be positioned as a more affordable alternative compared to other coastal regions in Spain, which is drawing attention from buyers looking for value at the higher end of the market.

There is also a gradual shift towards higher-quality developments, which is pushing average values upwards.

What it means for the wider market

Growth in the luxury segment does not exist in isolation. Rising prices at the top tend to influence the rest of the market, affecting availability and pricing across mid-range properties.

This can create additional pressure for local buyers, particularly in areas where supply is already limited.

broader shift

The current increase in Almeria property prices reflects a broader shift in how the region is positioned within the Spanish housing market.

With continued demand in key areas, especially along the coast, price growth is likely to remain a defining factor in the local real estate landscape over the coming years.

Follow the latest developments in property, investment and local business across the province in our Real Estate & Economy section.

Published 08 May 2026 | Real Estate & Economy

TL;DR: The former El Cantal campsite in Mojacar is set for redevelopment into a mixed-use area with hotel, commercial and possible residential elements, pending urban planning approval.

Former El Cantal campsite in Mojacar set for redevelopment

The long-closed El Cantal camping site in Mojacar is moving towards redevelopment, with plans to convert the coastal area into a mixed-use zone combining hotel, commercial and potentially residential space.

The site, located in the Los Lomos del Cantal area close to the beach, has remained largely unused for years, making it one of the last significant undeveloped coastal plots in this part of Mojacar.

What is planned for the site

Current plans point towards a combination of tourism facilities, retail space and housing, although the final balance will depend on planning approvals.

Initial activity on the site has already started with the creation of a parking area, aimed at easing congestion during the summer season.

Planning depends on PGOU changes

The project is linked to the adaptation of Mojacar’s PGOU (General Urban Development Plan) to align with the Andalusian land use law known as LISTA.

This process is expected to move forward around 2027, when the municipality plans to introduce targeted modifications to urban land classifications.

Until these adjustments are approved, large-scale development on the site remains conditional.

Why this area matters

El Cantal is not just another plot of land. The former campsite has historical significance as one of the earliest tourism sites in the area, attracting international visitors over several decades.

Its location, close to Punta del Cantal and the Mojacar coastline, also makes it strategically important in terms of future development.

At the same time, it represents one of the few remaining coastal spaces where large-scale changes are still possible.

What happens next

The immediate focus remains on planning approvals. Without the PGOU adjustments, the project cannot move into full development.

In the meantime, the use of the land as a parking area suggests a phased approach, where smaller interventions are introduced before any major construction begins.

The scale of the project, covering around 10 hectares, means that any future development will have a visible impact on this section of the Mojacar coastline.

Broader pattern

The redevelopment of El Cantal reflects a broader pattern in Mojacar, where older tourism infrastructure is being reconsidered and repositioned.

If the final outcome leans more towards tourism, residential use or a balance of both will depend largely on how the planning framework evolves over the coming years.

Follow the latest developments in property, investment and local business across the province in our Real Estate & Economy section.