El Portús residents fight back as campsite management tightens control over Christmas
Recent developments highlight the continued challenges for residents, who were restricted from accessing their homes over the Christmas holidays and had the power cut at times
The El Portús Naturist Campsite continues to be the centre of significant unrest as the relationship between the new owners and long-time residents deteriorates further. Since the new management, under Newtown Capital and its parent company Traiga Resorts, took control in July 2023, there has been a marked shift in policies and tensions, particularly over the treatment of residents.A notable development occurred just before Christmas, when residents met with a lawyer representing some of the site’s tenants. The lawyer conveyed that the management was seeking to resolve matters by negotiating with the remaining residents, urging them to cease their public criticisms as they were unhappy with their involvement being publicly linked to the ongoing issues.
Despite these efforts, residents’ attempts to celebrate the holiday season were marred by restrictive actions from the campsite’s management. On Christmas Eve, a group of residents, having invited friends for a festive dinner, were met with an unexpected requirement to sign a waiver before allowing guests entry.
The terms of the waiver, which included agreeing not to hold the company responsible for any damages or injuries, were deemed unacceptable, and consequently, the residents were denied the visit. The situation worsened when access to their homes was blocked for New Year’s Eve, and on Three Kings Day, a power outage left residents without electricity for several days.
Adding to the growing frustration, in the first week of January, additional security measures were implemented, with chains and padlocks securing access points. These actions appear to be part of a broader strategy to exert pressure on the remaining residents to leave.
The security personnel reportedly denied access to some residents, advising them to request entry via email and wait for a response. This has left many feeling isolated, especially those with limited mobility or urgent needs.
The dispute dates back to November 2023, when the management announced that it would enforce a new regulation requiring residents to vacate their plots within a year. This decision has been met with significant opposition from tenants, many of whom have lived at the site for decades.
Some residents argue that their contracts remain valid and accuse the management of unlawful eviction practices. Legal action has been taken, with the director and several employees facing charges related to breaking and entering and property damage.
While the management asserts that the changes are part of a renovation and modernization process, residents are unconvinced, viewing the actions as a deliberate attempt to push them out. The situation has escalated further with the closure of key access routes, including the path to Cala Morena beach, and demands for a public right of way to be established.
With both sides now bracing for a protracted legal and social battle, the future of El Portús remains uncertain. Residents continue to advocate for their rights and seek compensation, while management strives to complete its planned upgrades, leaving the campsite’s next chapter in the balance.
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