Published December 1, 2025 | Category: Real Estate & Economy

TL;DR: Albox has launched the second edition of its Albox Consumer Voucher campaign, investing €50,000 in discount vouchers to support Christmas shopping at local businesses and attract visitors from across the Almanzora Valley.

Albox Strengthens Its Position as a Commercial Hub With Second Consumer Voucher Campaign

Albox has officially launched the second edition of its Consumer Voucher campaign, a local economic initiative designed to support families, shops, and small businesses during the Christmas season. Running from December 1st to January 10th, the programme builds on the overwhelming success of last year’s edition, which generated more than €200,000 in local spending.

With a new budget of €50,000, the Town Hall aims to encourage residents and visitors alike to shop locally during one of the most important retail periods of the year. The Albox Consumer Voucher objective is twofold: to ease the financial burden on families during the festive season and to strengthen the commercial fabric of Albox and the wider Almanzora Valley.

The Consumer Voucher campaign is part of a broader strategy by the Albox Town Hall to position the municipality as a leading commercial centre in inland Almeria. By combining direct financial support with targeted promotional campaigns, the Town Hall hopes to consolidate Albox as a natural shopping destination for surrounding towns and villages.

How the Albox Consumer Voucher system works this year

The mechanics of the programme are simple, accessible, and designed to maximise rotation so that as many people as possible can benefit:

• Each voucher provides a €5 discount on purchases.
• Vouchers can be downloaded online through the Town Hall’s official platform.
• They must be redeemed in €20 increments at participating businesses (for example, spend €20, pay €15).
• Users can access up to five vouchers per week.
• Unused vouchers automatically return to the common pool every week to ensure fair redistribution.

More than 45 local businesses have joined the campaign so far, ranging from clothing shops, supermarkets, bookshops, and gift stores to bars, cafés, restaurants, hairdressers, beauty salons, and small service providers. The list is expected to grow as more businesses sign up during the campaign.

This variety ensures that families can use the vouchers for a wide range of Christmas needs – from holiday meals and clothing to gifts, dinners, school materials, or personal care. For many households, these discounts can make a noticeable difference in a period traditionally marked by higher expenses.

Open to everyone – not just residents

One of the most attractive aspects of the initiative is that it is open to the general public, not just residents of Albox. This detail is important because Albox has long served as a commercial centre for the broader Almanzora Valley.

By extending eligibility, the Town Hall encourages visitors from nearby municipalities such as Arboleas, Cantoria, Zurgena, Partaloa, Oria, and even Huercal-Overa to do their Christmas shopping in Albox. In practice, this helps attract more foot traffic into the town’s commercial areas and boosts revenue for small businesses that rely heavily on seasonal spending.

For many shop owners, the campaign also serves as free promotion: customers discover new shops, cafés, and services that they might not have visited without the additional incentive of the vouchers. This creates a ripple effect that can last beyond the Christmas season.

A €50,000 investment that multiplies itself in the local economy

During last year’s first edition, the Town Hall invested €40,000, which – according to official reports – translated into more than €200,000 in purchases made at local establishments. This means that for every euro invested by the municipality, more than five euros were reinjected into the local economy.

This year’s increased budget of €50,000 demonstrates the municipality’s confidence in the programme’s broader economic and social value. Local business leaders, including the Almeria Chamber of Commerce, support the campaign and provide information and assistance to participating merchants through their local office in the town.

A word from the Mayor

Mayor Maria del Mar Alfonso highlighted the importance of the initiative in supporting both families and entrepreneurs:

“Last year this campaign was a resounding success. We invested €40,000 directly from the Town Hall, which translated into over €200,000 in sales for our local businesses and restaurants. This year, we’ve increased our contribution to €50,000 in discount vouchers, which families can use to shop at our local businesses. We’re helping them through this period of high expenses while ensuring that this money stays in our town.”

The mayor also underlined that Albox is “a town of entrepreneurs” and that the municipality will “continue to stand by them and support them in every way possible.”

A growing vision for local commerce in Albox

The success of this voucher programme aligns with the Town Hall’s broader strategy to strengthen Albox as one of the leading commercial centres in the Almanzora region. With a growing population, a strategic location, and a strong network of small and medium-sized enterprises, Albox is increasingly positioned as a competitive alternative to larger commercial hubs.

Initiatives such as the Consumer Voucher campaign help to:

• Reinforce customer loyalty to local businesses.
• Bring more visibility to small shops and services.
• Encourage sustainable local spending.
• Stimulate weekend and Christmas tourism from surrounding areas.
• Maintain economic activity during the winter months.

This type of municipal support has become particularly valuable for small shops, many of which face rising costs, online competition, and seasonal fluctuations. For them, the combination of increased customer flow and direct discounts can be decisive at the end of the year.

Residents and businesses respond positively

Local reaction has been strongly positive, especially among families and workers facing rising prices during the holiday period. Many residents appreciate the fact that vouchers are easy to obtain, do not require complex registration, and can be used for everyday shopping as well as Christmas gifts.

Businesses involved in the programme are also seeing tangible benefits: increased customer flow, more sales of mid-range products, higher visibility, and repeat visits – all essential during the Christmas season.

With the second edition of the Consumer Voucher campaign now under way, Albox continues to strengthen its image as a dynamic and welcoming commercial hub in the heart of the Almanzora Valley. More information about the initiative and participating businesses can be found through the official website of the Albox Town Hall.

Stay updated with the latest economic developments, investment trends, and business initiatives across Almeria. Explore more stories in our Real Estate & Economy section.

Published December 1, 2025 | Category: Real Estate & Economy

TL;DR: Macael marble, long celebrated as Almeria’s “white gold,” is entering a new European recognition process. Beyond the administrative aspect, the initiative highlights the cultural, economic and historical importance of this iconic natural stone.

Macael Marble Moves Toward New European Recognition

For centuries, macael marble has defined the landscape, culture and economy of northern Almeria. Its unmistakable white and grey tones, exceptional durability and refined texture have earned it a reputation as one of Spain’s finest natural stones. Today, the sector is taking an important step forward as macael marble begins a formal European process designed to better protect and strengthen the identity of this historic material.

This new procedure includes the possibility of geographical protection at EU level, but the significance extends far beyond any technical classification. What truly matters is what the initiative represents: a renewed effort to recognise the heritage, craftsmanship and economic value embedded in macael marble, a stone that has shaped civilizations, supported families and contributed to the international image of Almeria for more than two thousand years.

A Stone Rooted in History and Civilisation

Macael marble has been used continuously since antiquity. Archaeological evidence confirms that the Romans extracted and transported the stone for theatres, temples and public buildings across the peninsula. Its purity and strength made it ideal for large-scale structures, sculptures and decorative elements that needed to withstand both weather and time.

Across the centuries, the stone retained its prestige. One of the most iconic examples is its presence in the Court of the Lions in the Alhambra of Granada. The 124 slender columns and the central fountain—perhaps the most photographed element in Andalusian architecture—were all carved from macael marble. Its soft luminosity, when touched by natural light, gives the courtyard its distinctive atmosphere of elegance and calm.

The stone also appears in the Roman Theatre of Merida, the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, the palatial complex of Madinat al-Zahra, several Renaissance and Baroque monuments across Andalusia, and important areas within the Royal Palace in Madrid. Few natural materials in Spain can claim such a uninterrupted lineage of prestige.

Today, macael marble continues to be used in luxury interiors, contemporary architecture, high-end restoration projects and international design work. Its distinctive balance of colour and texture makes it a favourite among architects and decorators seeking timeless natural materials.

A Sector That Grounds the Local Economy

Beyond its cultural value, macael marble is a cornerstone of the economy in the Sierra de los Filabres. The region’s quarries, factories and workshops provide stable employment and sustain a vibrant network of micro-enterprises, artisans, transport companies and design studios. Many families have worked with marble for generations, preserving techniques that combine traditional craftsmanship with modern technology.

The economic relevance of the stone sector has grown over the last decades, with macael marble reaching markets in Europe, the Middle East and North America. Export figures continue to rise as international demand expands. High-end residential projects, boutique hotels, commercial spaces and restoration programs increasingly rely on authentic macael marble for its quality, appearance and longevity.

Given this global reach, ensuring the authenticity and distinction of macael marble is essential. The current European recognition process supports this goal: it strengthens the identity of the material and helps protect it from imitation stones produced elsewhere.

Why European Recognition Matters

Europe’s updated framework for artisanal and industrial products allows materials with a strong regional identity to be formally recognised and protected. For macael marble, this represents an opportunity to highlight its geological origin, historical continuity and the skilled craftsmanship behind its production.

The Junta de Andalucia, together with the national Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mines, is supporting the sector through this multi-stage process. While geographical protection is one component, the broader aim is to reinforce the competitive position of macael marble in global markets, support rural employment and safeguard one of Almeria’s most emblematic industries.

The process also encourages sustainable practices, innovation and collaboration between companies, helping strengthen the long-term resilience of the entire value chain.

A Future Built on Heritage

The sector’s development is closely aligned with the CRECE Industry Plan for the Stone and Marble Sector, promoted by the regional government. This strategy focuses on modernising traditional industries, improving sustainability, adopting new technologies and strengthening innovation.

For the stone and marble industry, the plan supports improved extraction techniques, digital transformation in factories, product diversification, training for new professionals, and international promotion. Together with the current European recognition process, it creates a solid foundation for the sector’s future development.

Macael marble is more than a building material: it is a symbol of Almeria’s identity, a legacy handed down over centuries, and a source of cultural and economic strength. As the recognition process advances, the objective remains clear—preserving the value of a stone that continues to define the character and reputation of the province.

For more updates on local industry and economic development, visit our Real Estate & Economy section.

Published November 27, 2025 | Category: Infrastructure

TL;DR: Spain has approved €9.6 million in new supply contracts for the Murcia–Almería High-Speed Rail, supporting progress on the Lorca–Vera and Vera–Almería sections as the corridor moves toward full assembly and electrification.

Murcia–Almería High-Speed Rail: Progress, Funding and Next Steps

The Murcia–Almería High-Speed Rail has received a new funding package worth €9.6 million from Spain’s Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, managed through Adif Alta Velocidad. The contracts focus on supplying essential technical components required for the next stage of track assembly.

Of this amount, €5.3 million is dedicated to advanced turnouts for the Vera–Almería section. These systems allow high-speed trains to safely change tracks and are crucial for finalizing the alignment.

A further €4.3 million is assigned to expansion joints for the Lorca–Vera segment. These devices absorb rail movement caused by temperature changes, ensuring long-term structural integrity and safety.

The investment adds to previous contracts for sleepers, rail sections, drainage systems and safety equipment, forming a comprehensive package that transitions the corridor into its technical phase.

Construction progress across the Murcia–Almería High-Speed Rail corridor

Work along the nearly 200 km Murcia–Almería corridor is now entering a coordinated phase of track installation, electrification and systems integration. Platform construction is largely completed, opening the way for full assembly.

On the Murcia–Lorca stretch, track laying is already underway, supported by ongoing electrification works that include catenary supports, power-supply structures and transformer installations.

The Lorca–Vera section is preparing for its final assembly phase. Deliveries of sleepers, fastening systems and structural components are ongoing, while contractors finalize tender procedures for on-site assembly.

Between Vera and Almería, construction teams are installing materials previously contracted, including rails, sleepers and turnout systems. This section includes multiple viaducts, access zones and tunnel approaches, all requiring precise coordination.

Across the entire route, progress continues on ERTMS signalling, fibre-optic communication networks, noise protection barriers and energy substations — all of which must be in place before test runs begin.

Technical specifications and engineering highlights

The high-speed line is designed for operations up to 300 km/h, using double standard-gauge track. In select sections, it runs parallel to Iberian-gauge freight lines, allowing simultaneous passenger and logistics use.

Major engineering structures include long tunnels, multi-span viaducts and complex cut-and-cover works. One of the most distinctive achievements is the completed Viaduct of the Ugly Ones, marking a major structural milestone on the Almería side.

Other technical elements include reinforced retaining walls, advanced drainage systems, anti-vibration slabs and concrete structures designed to withstand high-speed dynamic loads.

Urban integration and station connections

At both the Murcia and Almería ends of the corridor, urban integration works play a major role. The transformation of Almería’s rail access — including its underground connection — is coordinated with the high-speed project and managed jointly by Adif and the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility.

In Almería city, tunnel entrances, ventilation systems and safety corridors are being prepared to interface with the new underground alignment. Once complete, the connection will link directly with the future intermodal station.

Regional benefits: faster mobility and stronger links

The new corridor will significantly improve long-distance travel for Almería Province. Shorter travel times to Murcia, Alicante, Valencia, Catalonia and Madrid will reshape travel patterns for both residents and businesses.

For Vera, the future high-speed station will create a direct link between inland towns and major destinations across eastern Spain. Improved accessibility is expected to boost year-round tourism in areas such as Vera Playa, Garrucha and Mojácar.

Students, workers, medical travellers and seasonal visitors will benefit from faster, more predictable transport options that reduce dependence on long road journeys.

Economic and territorial impact

Infrastructure projects of this scale often stimulate investment around station areas. As the Murcia–Almería corridor advances, interest is already increasing in residential and commercial development near key nodes.

Almería’s agricultural sector stands to gain from improved logistics, as faster freight connections help reduce distribution times to national and European markets.

Local governments also anticipate improvements in public transport integration, road access, and urban renewal tied to the arrival of high-speed services.

Outlook and next steps

With new contracts activated for turnouts, expansion joints, electrification components and signalling systems, the Murcia–Almería corridor is moving decisively toward its final phase. The next stages include full track assembly, systems testing and certification.

Although specific operational dates may shift as work progresses, current indicators show stable momentum toward fully incorporating Almería into Spain’s high-speed rail network.

For official updates, progress documents and technical reports, visit Adif Alta Velocidad and the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility.

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

Published November 2025 | Category: Real Estate & Economy

TL;DR: The long-awaited Mojacar bypass (“Variante Costera”) is progressing steadily and aims to ease coastal traffic, improve mobility and deliver major economic and real-estate benefits for the Levante coast.

Mojacar coastal bypass advances: key infrastructure to boost mobility, tourism and real-estate value

Mojacar’s long-planned coastal bypass is moving forward and entering its final construction stage. Officially known as the “Variante Costera de Mojacar,” the project will create a 2 km road connection between the A-1203 and the Paraje de Las Marinas area, relieving pressure on the busy coastal corridor and improving access to key urbanisations along the shoreline. Once completed, the bypass is expected to bring significant improvements in mobility, tourism appeal and long-term property value across the Levante region.

Video: Mojacar Bypass Construction

For readers who want a clearer look at the progress on the Mojacar coastal bypass, this video provides an on-site view of the works currently underway. It shows a straightforward visual update of the project’s status.

Overview

The project forms part of the Junta de Andalucia’s wider mobility and infrastructure strategy. According to the official documentation (“Proyecto de obra Variante Costera de Mojacar. Tramo: Carretera A-1203 – Paraje de Las Marinas”), the bypass is designed to handle up to 6,000 vehicles per day, especially during high-season periods when congestion peaks along the coastal strip.

The key objective is to reduce bottlenecks on the main coastal road, improve circulation between Mojacar Pueblo and the beach area, and strengthen long-term urban and economic development.

Economic impact for the Levante coast

The bypass is expected to deliver major benefits to Mojacar’s economy. Reduced congestion improves visitor mobility, enhances access to hotels, restaurants and beaches, and increases the town’s appeal as a year-round tourist destination.

Better mobility often directly correlates with stronger real-estate demand. When previously congested or hard-to-access zones receive new transport links, both property values and investor confidence typically rise — a trend widely seen in coastal municipalities undergoing mobility upgrades.

According to the municipality, the total investment exceeds €7.8 million, supported jointly by the regional administration and Mojacar Town Hall. (Official Mojacar Town Hall)

Infrastructure details

• Total planned length Mojacar bypass: approx. 2 km
• Connection: A-1203 → Las Marinas
• Purpose: congestion relief, coastal mobility, improved access to urbanisations
• Budget: approx. €7.8 million
• Execution timeline: approx. 24 months from adjudication

Technical aspects of the Mojacar Bypass include adapted gradients, redesigned access points, environmental protection measures and multiple roundabouts to improve circulation and safety. Environmental adjustments were integrated following requirements from the relevant agencies.

Benefits for residents, tourism and development

Once operational, the bypass will shorten travel times during peak periods and move a significant portion of traffic away from Avenida del Mediterraneo and other saturated coastal roads. This will improve daily mobility for residents, reduce summer bottlenecks and benefit local businesses and services.

For real-estate development, enhanced access to the coastal belt typically translates into stronger buyer activity, more viable investment opportunities and higher long-term quality-of-life indicators.

Challenges & current status

While the project is structurally advanced, several official and local reports indicate that the Mojacar bypass is not yet ready for opening. The southern end of the route remains pending due to land-ownership and expropriation issues, including a formal land-delimitation process affecting privately owned plots.

According to recent publications, work on part of the final section has been at a standstill for months, awaiting resolution of these legal and administrative procedures. Although a significant portion of the roadbed and infrastructure was completed during earlier phases, the bypass cannot be delivered or opened until the affected parcels are formally cleared, compensated or realigned.

Local reporting also notes that one section had been described as “practically finished”, but the absence of an executed expropriation agreement has prevented its handover. These procedural matters have delayed the full commissioning of the bypass even though the regional investment—estimated at €7.8 million—remains in place.

In summary: the physical works are advanced, but the road is not operational until ownership and boundary resolutions are finalised at the southern end of the route.

Latest construction progress: 90% completion and final works underway

Following the most recent site visit by the Director General of Road Infrastructure, the Mojacar bypass (“Variante Costera”) is now 90% complete. This new phase of progress follows a period in which works were slowed due to expropriation procedures affecting the southern end of the route.

The remaining works now focus on the final stretch, including pavement installation, improved drainage systems and the construction of the last planned roundabout connecting the bypass with coastal developments.

Technical progress: pavement and drainage

• 25 cm granular base layer of compacted crushed stone
• 8 cm intermediate asphalt layer (AC22 Bin B50/70 S)
• 5 cm surface wearing course (AC16 Surf B50/70 S)
• Longitudinal drainage reshaping and concrete ditch lining

Final roundabout and road connections

The last roundabout is currently being prepared, marking the end point of the second phase. Once completed, it will connect directly with coastal urbanisations via a network of service roads, improving access to developments such as La Parata and the Playa del Cantal area.

Expected opening timeframe

The Junta anticipates that, following pavement completion, drainage works and the installation of signage, safety barriers and noise protection panels, the Mojacar bypass will be ready for opening in 2026. The remaining works are estimated to take approximately three months, subject to final testing and commissioning.

This progress confirms that the Variante Costera remains one of Mojacar’s most strategically important mobility projects, expected to ease congestion, support tourism and deliver clear benefits to residents and businesses along the Levante coast.

Next steps

Current official notes indicate that the project is moving through its planned phases. Some remaining segments require final completion following expropriation procedures and technical adjustments. Once finalised, the surface works, signage and final testing will begin, leading toward commissioning and opening.

The bypass is expected to be one of Mojacar’s most transformative infrastructure projects of the decade, enhancing mobility, tourism flow and long-term economic development.

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