Residents of El Portús Naturist Campsite facing destitution, intimidation and homelessness on a daily basis
Expats and Spaniards in the community are fighting for their homes and dignity amidst what they allege are illegal evictions
The tranquil paradise of Camping Naturista El Portús in Cartagena has turned into a nightmare for the remaining residents, as stories of demolished homes, intimidation and anguish emerge.
Chris Miller, a resident recovering from a serious spinal operation, is among those enduring unimaginable hardship, as he and his neighbours struggle to preserve their homes and humanity against relentless harassment.
Demolished homes and shattered lives
What was once a close-knit community of over 200 families is now a ghost town, with fewer than 10 residents clinging to their homes.
Javier Suárez, one of the homeowners, returned recently to find his house reduced to rubble without warning or legal permission. His belongings, from cherished family photographs to everyday appliances, were scattered in the wreckage.“The house was locked with two padlocks. Everything we owned was thrown on the ground. My daughter’s presents from when she was little are in the rubble,” said Suárez, his voice heavy with grief.
The ordeal began in September 2023 when Newtown Capital S.L., the campsite’s new owner, imposed a strict 12-month limit on residency, disregarding the decades-long tradition of families living at El Portús in the pursuit of being able to build on and develop the land. Many residents were forced out through coercion, but those who remain now live in constant fear of losing everything.
“They would not treat animals like this”
Chris Miller describes life at El Portús as a daily battle. “There are fences and chains everywhere. Security guards control access to our own homes. We have to carry basic necessities up a steep mountain road. Each day brings new harassment designed to break us.”
Miller’s own experience highlights the cruelty faced by residents. Just weeks after a gruelling spinal surgery, he was denied vehicle access to his home despite a medical letter explaining his condition. Even an ambulance sent to assist him was turned away by the director of the campsite.
“It took me four hours to get home,” Miller recounted. “I was in agony and humiliated. My neighbours had to carry me. The nurse who was meant to change my dressings was refused entry. I have to give myself anticoagulant injections because the nurses are not allowed to visit. My girlfriend had to change my dressings. This is the reality of our life. This is our Christmas.”
A severe mental and physical toll
The stress of the evictions has led to severe mental and physical health issues. Several residents have fallen ill, and one tragically took their own life. Families, many of whom have called El Portús home for generations, now find themselves homeless or battling immense stress.“The new owners Newtown Capital and the directors, old and new, have no respect for the law,” says Chris. “They play with our lives. Each day there is more harassment designed to make our lives a misery. This has been going on for over a year now. They would not treat animals like this”
The residents of El Portús, supported by the Association of Owners, which was formed a year ago, are pleading for help.
“The evictions they are trying to do are illegal,” Miller said. “They have resorted to intimidation and threats and they do anything they can to frighten the remaining residents to leave.”
The campsite’s management has yet to respond publicly to the allegations, but the residents remain steadfast in their calls for accountability. They hope that their stories, filled with pain and resilience, will draw attention to the injustice they face and inspire action to end their suffering.
Suárez has not been allowed to retrieve any of his things that are not destroyed as it’s cordoned off by the police, the rain ruined most of what was left anyway.
Following the destruction of his home, Suárez lodged a formal compliant with the Guardia Civil, who arrested the director of the Portús campsite and four of his employees on charges of illegally damaging the property. They were held in the cells overnight and released pending trial.
For Chris Miller and the others still holding on, the hope of justice is their last refuge. As Christmas approaches, the residents of El Portús face the prospect of spending the season in fear and despair. But their determination to fight for their homes and rights remains unshaken.
“We need help, and we need to be heard,” says Chris.
Images: Chris Miller
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