The president of Andalucia has chosen to holiday in Almeria for the second summer in a row.
The Partido Popular leader has quietly returned to the picturesque town of Carboneras with his family.
But unlike in 2024, when he openly shared snapshots of his beach break on social media, this year Moreno has been noticeably more discreet.
The shift comes after criticism that he was absent during recent crises – including devastating wildfires in Tarifa and Huelva and the fire that damaged Cordoba’s iconic Mezquita.
Speaking in Malaga this week, Moreno defended his decision to stay away from photo ops during emergencies.
‘I’m not going to turn up just for a picture,’ he said. ‘We try to be serious and not get in the way. I’m always monitoring the situation and, when my presence is required, I’m the first to be there.
‘One should be where they’re needed, providing resources. I’m not in favour of gratuitous photos in complex situations.’
Despite the president’s silence on his holiday whereabouts, locals and business owners in Carboneras have reported seeing him strolling around town in recent days.
From the beach to the feria
While he may have opted for discretion during his break, Moreno is set to resurface publicly this weekend.
The Partido Popular has confirmed he will attend the Affiliate Day dinner at the Almería Feria, scheduled for Saturday, August 23 at 9.30pm in the El Cañillo caseta.
He’ll be joined by Almeria’s mayor Maria del Mar Vazquez and provincial PP president Javier Aureliano Garcia, in what is expected to be a show of strength for the ruling party ahead of an increasingly charged political season.
Carboneras is jewel of Almeria
With around 8,500 residents, Carboneras sits on the edge of the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park in Almeria’s Levante region.
It is both an authentic fishing town with whitewashed houses and seafood taverns, and a growing destination for those seeking a quieter alternative to Spain’s busier coastal resorts.
The coastline boasts jagged volcanic cliffs, hidden coves and long sandy beaches, including the famous Playa de los Muertos, often voted one of the most beautiful in Spain.
While tourism plays an increasing role in the local economy, the town is also home to the Endesa power station and a major desalination plant, as well as traditions like salt mining and fishing that still leave their mark.
Culturally, Carboneras bursts into life with its Moors and Christians festival in June, while the summer season brings fiestas and open-air celebrations.
Its cinematic scenery has also earned it a spot on the map of Almería’s film industry, as the surrounding landscapes have appeared in epics such as Lawrence of Arabia and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
Carboneras retains a sense of discretion and calm that make it the perfect getaway for public figures such as Moreno.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
