Real Estate & Economy

Almeria Vacation Rentals Surpass Residential Housing in 2025

Published September 19, 2025 | Category: Real Estate & Economy
Almeria now has more vacation rentals than long-term apartments, but the city says growth is balanced and offers new opportunities.

Almeria vacation rentals outnumber residential housing: growth and outlook

Introduction
El Zapillo: epicenter of vacation rentals
Historic Center and City Center
Retamar-El Toyo: sports and conference tourism
San Miguel – Cabo de Gata
Peripheral neighborhoods
Global data and future outlook
What this means for the Almeria property market

First comprehensive study on tourist use housing

The Municipal Housing Observatory of Almeria has presented its first comprehensive study on tourist use housing (VUT). The results reveal that the number of vacation rentals now exceeds the supply of long-term residential properties. According to the municipality, this rapid growth—VUTs have tripled since 2020—has not led to saturation or the displacement of residents. Instead, officials emphasize that the trend creates opportunities for urban revitalization, by occupying empty buildings and boosting local commerce.

El Zapillo: epicenter of vacation rentals

The neighborhood of El Zapillo records the highest tourist rental concentration. In relative terms, there are six times more vacation rentals than conventional apartments. Most of these properties were created in previously unused or empty buildings, helping to revitalize the area without displacing residents. The profitability of vacation rentals, which is estimated at twice the return of traditional housing, explains the sustained growth since 2020.

Historic Center and City Center

The city’s historic and central districts—covering Paseo de Almeria, Puerta de Purchena, La Rambla, La Almedina, and the old town—host over 400 tourist rentals. This represents 26.6% of the city’s total. The number of VUTs here has tripled since 2020, though the municipal study confirms that population decline in these areas is linked more to demographics than to tourism pressure. Meanwhile, the tourist boom has reinvigorated local shops, bars, and accommodation, consolidating the center as an economic hub.

Retamar-El Toyo: sports and conference tourism

In Retamar-El Toyo, located near the coast and Almeria airport, there are 251 tourist rentals—16.6% of the city’s total. The area has specialized in sports and conference tourism, capitalizing on existing infrastructure. Growth has been absorbed by current housing stock, ensuring a balance between tourist demand and permanent residents. Local businesses, especially restaurants and leisure services, report positive impacts.

San Miguel – Cabo de Gata

The San Miguel – Cabo de Gata district shows the highest tourist density per inhabitant, with 7.2 vacation rentals per 100 residents. During summer, the floating population surpasses the number of locals, but the Observatory states this does not create tension in rental prices or strain urban services. The phenomenon here is clearly seasonal, tied to high-summer demand.

Peripheral neighborhoods

Outside the main tourist areas, peripheral neighborhoods account for 21% of the total VUTs. This proportion is considered low and does not affect long-term housing supply. Instead, authorities highlight that tourism use of vacant properties in these areas is an opportunity for economic activity and improved coexistence without residential displacement.

Global data and future outlook

According to municipal data, Almeria has 1,516 vacation rentals, offering 7,467 places, or 57% of the city’s total tourist capacity. If no restrictions are applied, VUTs could exceed 3,000 by 2030. Still, the Councilor for Urban Planning and Housing, Eloísa Cabrera, stresses that the priority remains compatibility: “The expansion of tourist housing into empty buildings is an opportunity, not a problem.”

Independent reports, including coverage from La Vanguardia and Travel and Tour World, confirm both the strong growth of the sector and the municipal commitment to balance and regulation.

What this means for the Almeria property market

The expansion of vacation rentals highlights a wider transformation in the Almeria property market. With rising demand for short-term stays and solid returns for owners, tourism is shaping investment strategies across the city. For buyers and investors, this trend signals both opportunities and the need to understand local regulations. Looking ahead, Almeria’s balance between tourism and long-term housing will remain a key factor in sustaining growth and community well-being.

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

Infrastructure

AVE High-Speed Rail to Almeria Passes 50% Completion Ahead of 2026 Deadline

Published September 22, 2025 | Category: Infrastructure, Real Estate & Economy

TL;DR: The AVE Almeria high speed rail is now more than 50% complete, with full service expected by October 2026. This milestone promises to transform transport links, tourism and property investment across the province.

AVE Almeria High Speed Rail: Over 50% Complete Ahead of 2026 Opening

Construction Progress and Current Status

The AVE Almeria high speed rail has reached a decisive milestone. According to Spain’s Ministry of Transport and local reports, more than 50% of the construction work is now complete. Tunnels, viaducts and track sections are progressing simultaneously, with several phases already nearing finalization. The integration of the line into Almeria’s main station is considered one of the most technically demanding parts of the project, but officials confirm that works are advancing as scheduled.

Timeline and Opening Date

Authorities have set a clear target: the AVE Almeria high speed rail should be fully operational by October 2026. This schedule would finally connect Almeria to Spain’s wider high-speed rail network, reducing travel times to Madrid to under three hours. Previous infrastructure projects in Andalusia have experienced delays, but in this case funding, planning and execution are aligned to deliver on time. The milestone of 50% completion reinforces confidence that the deadline can be achieved.

How the AVE Will Transform Transport

Once inaugurated, the AVE Almeria high speed rail will reshape mobility across the province. Residents will benefit from faster, more reliable connections to other Andalusian cities such as Granada, Malaga and Seville, while long-distance travelers will find Almeria far more accessible. For tourists, shorter travel times will make the province a stronger competitor to coastal destinations already served by the AVE. Local businesses also expect an increase in conference tourism and day trips, supported by the improved connectivity.

Impact on Real Estate and Economy

Infrastructure projects of this scale typically generate a ripple effect in the property market. Analysts predict that the AVE Almeria high speed rail will drive demand for both residential and commercial property, especially in areas close to the main station and along connected corridors. Investors see the project as a catalyst for economic activity, with opportunities in tourism, hospitality, retail and services. Similar projects in other Spanish provinces have demonstrated clear links between high-speed rail and rising property values.

For more insights into housing trends and investment opportunities, visit our Real Estate & Economy section.

Local Perspectives and Challenges

Despite optimism, the project is not without challenges. Construction has disrupted traffic in parts of Almeria city, and some residents have voiced concerns about noise and integration with existing public transport. Environmental groups are monitoring the impact of tunnels and bridges on local landscapes and ecosystems. However, municipal leaders emphasize that the long-term benefits outweigh short-term inconveniences. Reinforced coordination between city transport systems and the new AVE station will be crucial to maximize its positive impact.

Outlook for Almeria Province

With the works now more than halfway finished, the AVE Almeria high speed rail is no longer a distant promise but a tangible reality. Its completion in 2026 will mark a turning point for the province, improving mobility, strengthening the economy and enhancing Almeria’s visibility as a destination for both tourists and investors. The combination of faster travel times, stronger infrastructure and new opportunities for growth positions the province for a new era of development.

For ongoing coverage of major transport projects, visit our Infrastructure category. To understand how these investments influence property values and investment trends, explore our Real Estate & Economy category.

Food & Drink

Almería watermelon exports leads Spain in premium standards watermelons

Published September 15, 2025 | Category: Food & Drink

TL;DR: Almería remains Spain’s top exporter of watermelon this campaign, boosted by premium branding, sustainability efforts, and quality certifications.

Almería watermelon exports lead Spain, dominating the market

This season, Almería has reinforced its status as Spain’s leading watermelon export province. Output is expected to rise by more than 21% compared to last year, with over 631,000 tonnes projected for the 2025 campaign. The economic value is also increasing, with estimates surpassing €229 million.

Local cooperatives and exporters highlight the success of sustainable farming practices, including biological pest control, alongside promotional initiatives such as the campaign No cortes en verde (“don’t cut when green”). These measures, supported by the Andalusian Greenhouse & Fruit Strategic Plan, are credited with raising quality standards across the sector.

In parallel, the regional brand “Sabores Almería” continues to expand its profile at national and international fairs. While watermelons remain the flagship product, the label also promotes olive oils, wines, cheeses and other local delicacies, helping reinforce Almería’s identity as a hub for premium Mediterranean produce.

For more updates from across the province, visit our Food & Drink category.