Dolmens are vertically placed stones that usually support a flat boulder. While many are scattered throughout Western Europe, little is known about who founded them. Human remains found in or near many have led to an oft-cited theory that they are tombs.
Local historical and tourism associations have advocated moving the Guadalperal Stones to a museum or elsewhere on dry land.
Their presence is also good news for Ruben Argentas, who owns a small boat tour company. “The dolmen are emerging and dolmens tourism is starting,” he told Reuters after a busy day bringing tourists to the site and back.
But there is no panacea for local farmers.
“There hasn’t been enough rain since the spring… There is no water for the livestock and we have to transport it inside,” said Jose Manuel Comendador. Another, Rufino Guinea, said his pepper crop had been destroyed.
Climate change has left the Iberian Peninsula at its driest in 1,200 years, and winter rains are expected to decrease further, according to a study published by the journal Nature Geoscience.