Almeria
Endangered sharks find refuge along the Almería coast
The waters surrounding Almería are becoming increasingly important in the fight to protect endangered shark species in the Mediterranean. Recent scientific research has identified the Almería coastline and the Gulf of Vera as critical marine corridors where sharks feed, travel and connect with other populations across the sea. Far from being dangerous predators lurking near beaches, these animals are essential to the health of the marine ecosystem and play a key role in maintaining biodiversity in Mediterranean waters.
Almería coast identified as a key shark conservation area
Almería is home to a variety of protected animal species, including some of the ocean’s most misunderstood predators. As part of a collaborative research project led by marine scientists and conservation groups, researchers identified the Almería coast, along with several other areas of the Mediterranean, as crucial to the survival of endangered shark species.
The study forms part of a wider effort to better understand how sharks move throughout the western Mediterranean and how climate change, industrial fishing and habitat loss are affecting their populations. Scientists involved in the project described the waters off Almería as a biological “highway” that connects different marine ecosystems and shark communities.
Why sharks are essential to the Mediterranean ecosystem
Sharks are not as scary as they appear in films. In reality, they play a vital role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems by regulating prey populations and helping preserve healthy ocean habitats. Despite their ecological importance, sharks are considered among the most threatened animals in the world.
Human’s pose the biggest threat to sharks, with an estimated 100 million killed each year. The biggest cause of death for sharks is human intentionally hunting them for food or sport, or unintentionally capturing them in fishing nets, which often proves to be fatal. Additionally, an increasing number of sharks are being displaced from their natural habitats because of rising sea temperatures and environmental changes linked to climate change. According to conservation experts, several Mediterranean shark species have seen dramatic population declines over recent decades.
Feeding grounds, migration routes and safe passageways
What makes Almería‘s waters so important to shark survival is their multipurpose nature. The area acts as a feeding ground, a transit point and a natural corridor that allows different shark populations to connect and reproduce safely.
Researchers also noted that the unique underwater geography along the Almería coastline creates nutrient-rich conditions that attract marine life from across the Mediterranean. This abundance of prey makes the region particularly valuable for migratory species travelling between deeper waters and coastal areas.
Satellite tracking reveals shark movement along the Almería coast
Throughout the study, scientists used satellite transmitters to track and study the sharks in real time. This data proved vital in determining their movements, migration routes and behavioural habits, while also helping researchers design future marine protection measures.
The tracking project revealed that some sharks travel thousands of kilometres across the Mediterranean, repeatedly returning to the waters off Almería. Scientists believe this information could help authorities create protected marine corridors and improve conservation policies throughout southern Spain.
Blue Sharks and Six-Gill Sharks frequently visit Almería waters
The most common visitors to Almería’s coast were blue sharks and blunt-nose six-gill sharks, both considered harmless to humans. Blue sharks are known for their long-distance migrations and are frequently spotted in deeper Mediterranean waters, while six-gill sharks typically inhabit greater depths and rarely approach beaches.
While sharks may be regular visitors to Almería‘s slice of the Mediterranean, there is no reason for locals or tourists to panic about a great white appearing near popular swimming areas. Experts involved in the study stressed that encounters with dangerous shark species remain extremely rare along the Andalusian coastline.
Marine protection efforts continue in southern Spain
Scientists hope the findings will encourage stronger marine conservation measures in the Mediterranean and greater public awareness about the importance of shark protection. As research continues, the Almería coast may become one of the most significant areas in Europe for understanding and protecting endangered shark populations.
Sixty individuals gathered in Almería recently to show off their quick reflexes and speedy problem-solving skills, competing in the 2026 IndalOpen O’Clock Speedcubing Championship, the largest Rubik’s Cube competition in the province. Held at the Huércal de Almería Multiuse Theatre across Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24, the tournament attracted competitors from across Spain and around the world.
Speedcubing continues to grow in popularity
Before videogames and smartphones, many people entertained themselves by matching the colourful sides of a Rubik’s Cube. For some it was a way to waste an afternoon, while for others it became a difficult challenge they were determined to master. Over the years, that simple puzzle evolved into an international competitive discipline known as Speedcubing.
As such, solving a Rubik’s Cube in record time has become a major competitive challenge. Competitors race against the clock to solve complex puzzles, including the traditional Rubik’s Cube and several advanced variants, as quickly as possible. It is a sport that prioritises brain over brawn, with competitors relying heavily on pattern recognition, concentration, memory and muscle memory.
Organised by the Asociación Almeriense de Speedcubing with support from the local council and the Provincial Council of Almería, the championship has grown into one of Andalucía’s leading events for cube-solving enthusiasts.
Competitors from around the world
The event saw rising talents competing against past champions from across the globe, including participants from Australia, Colombia, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States. Several Spanish champions and runners-up also attended, helping to create one of the strongest fields ever assembled in the province.
Although the traditional 3×3 Rubik’s Cube remained one of the headline attractions, competitors also battled across nine different categories, including 2×2, 4×4, Megaminx, Pyraminx, Square-1 and Clock, the event’s featured discipline.
Visitors also enjoyed side activities throughout the weekend, including raffles, specialist speedcubing stalls and a unique challenge inspired by the current 3×3 world-record scramble.
Marcos Caballero Marsilla Claims Victory
While several categories were contested during the weekend, the main race against the clock was won by Marcos Caballero Marsilla from Spain, who achieved a remarkable average time of 3.9 seconds. His performance capped an intense weekend of competition that showcased the extraordinary skill, focus and dedication required to compete at elite speedcubing level.
Local organisers praised both the international turnout and the growing popularity of the discipline among younger competitors, with many believing the event has firmly established Almeria as an important destination on the European speedcubing circuit.
Community spirit and charitable giving were on full display in Arboleas recently, when friends, families and businesses took part in the 2026 Walk for Life charity race. A parade of 500 people dressed in pink marched through the streets, raising money to support cancer patients in the area. Incredibly, Walk for Life 2026 raised over €25,000, the charity’s biggest fundraising effort to date.
While the 2025 race might have been a sunnier endeavour, the 2026 eclipsed it in every way, breaking its previous participation and fundraising records.
Community donations help support cancer patients in Arboleas
As the Walk for Life race grows in popularity, so does the charity’s capacity to provide life-changing support. Even the smallest donation can make a big difference in supporting cancer patients and their families during a difficult time. The Walk for Life Arboleas team is blown away by the overwhelming generosity and continued support from the community.
However, the charity walk isn’t the only fundraising event Walk for Life is hosting in 2026.
Sharon Regan charity concert announced for October 2026
On Thursday, October 1, Sharon Regan will star in “From West End with Love”, a charity benefit concert that is much better suited to those who prefer an evening of entertainment over an afternoon exercising.
Over the course of the evening, Regan will perform a variety of songs, from West End hits to familiar film favourites. With her powerful vocals and elegant stage presence, guests will be entranced, unable to look away. The evening promises to be magical, with the community coming together to appreciate and celebrate music, all the while raising funds for an important cause.
Sharon Regan has been a long-time supporter of Walk for Life Arboleas. Her most recent benefit concert in January 2026 raised over €2,500 for the charity.
Where to buy tickets for the Walk for Life benefit concert
Tickets are priced at just €15, with all profits donated to Walk for Life Arboleas. Buy in person from a variety of locations, including Solo Buen Precio Arboleas and Total Entertainment Albox, or contact bevwalf4life@gmail.com.
Euro Weekly News delivers the latest news and events for Mojacar, Albox, Antas, Arboleas and Huercal Overa all in one place in English.
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