El Portús without the nudists
As the iconic Spanish naturist campsite prepares to relaunch, a small group of residents fights eviction, intimidation, and the loss of their homes
A controversial redevelopment effort at El Portús, a historic naturist campsite in Cartagena, Spain, has reached a new flashpoint as corporate owners prepare to relaunch the resort without its naturist character—despite unresolved legal disputes, claims of harassment, and a dwindling group of long-time residents refusing to leave.
Taiga Resorts Costa Cálida, the new name for the site under the ownership of investment firm Newtown Capital S.L., has announced plans to reopen the property in August 2025. Once a thriving naturist haven with over 200 full-time residents, the campsite has been largely cleared of its original community, many of whom had lived there for decades. Only seven households remain, resisting eviction and braving what they describe as psychological torment and increasingly unlivable conditions.
“We haven’t moved from here since January because we’re afraid if we go out, we’ll be left without a home,” resident Rosa Llopis told Murcia Today, adding that she and her son rely on donations for food and medicine.1
Ongoing conflict
The conflict dates back to 2023 when Newtown Capital acquired the site and began enforcing regional tourism laws that prohibit year-round occupancy and permanent residency on campsites. These laws had previously been unenforced, allowing generations of families—both Spanish and expatriate—to build semi-permanent or prefabricated homes at El Portús. Evictions began in earnest following a November 2023 notice to 210 residents that their contracts would expire by January 2024.2 Some residents left under duress; others saw their homes demolished without warning. According to Euro Weekly News, one man returned from a family visit to find his home “torn apart and scattered on a rubbish heap.”3
Residents who stayed have faced intimidation, restricted access to water and vehicles, and—in at least one tragic case—death by suicide amid the stress and isolation. According to testimonies, the campsite is surrounded by fencing and chains, patrolled by guards who control movement. In one incident, a recovering spinal surgery patient was reportedly denied ambulance access to his home, despite a doctor’s note and urgent medical need.4
That resident, Chris Miller, has been one of the most outspoken remaining residents in the media. Miller has documented conditions on-site and shared disturbing reports of aggression from security guards, including an incident where a man was allegedly thrown to the ground and kicked.5
Management has denied all allegations of misconduct, asserting that no force has been used and that residents who remain are “misrepresenting the situation for financial gain”.6 A spokesperson insisted the site has complied with laws and is “aligned with the competent administrations.” They claim the new development model emphasizes sustainability, featuring renovated mobile homes and amenities like pools, restaurants, and outdoor activity zones.
Cala Morena beach controversy
A parallel controversy surrounds access to Cala Morena beach, a beloved public stretch historically reached through the campsite or a treacherous rocky path. Activists argue the company has illegally privatized access to the coast. Taiga Resorts counters that there’s “no right of way affecting the campsite facilities,” though they claim to be in talks with authorities. Meanwhile, the Spanish Coastal Authority has begun compulsory expropriation proceedings to secure beach access.7
Those beach access concerns have also reignited scrutiny over the company’s broader development practices. Environmentalists warn that Taiga’s ongoing construction may be violating land use protections within the Natura 2000 zone. Cala Morena Libre, a local advocacy group, has accused the company of installing modular homes without proper permits. Although planning inspectors reportedly issued a stop-work order, construction continued regardless.8
The struggle has drawn growing media attention, legal complaints, and grassroots protests—including a planned demonstration on May 11 in solidarity with the remaining residents.
Residents pay the price
Sadly, for many, the trauma is ongoing. During the 2024 holiday season, residents were promised a temporary Christmas truce, only to be told that allowing guests required them to forfeit their housing rights. Many reportedly spent Christmas alone. “We didn’t bother to cook dinner. It was just another day of being mistreated,” one resident told Euro Weekly News in January.9
As Taiga Resorts accelerates preparations for its grand reopening, the outcome of this bitter and deeply human conflict remains uncertain. It also reflects similar struggles elsewhere, such as the resident-owner battle currently being waged at Olive Dell Ranch or recently over DeAnza Springs Resort, both in California. What’s clear is that El Portús—once a haven for naturists seeking community and freedom—is a case to watch, a battleground over property rights, corporate development, and the meaning of home. 🪐
Murcia Today. (2025, May 8). El Portús naturist campsite prepares to reopen without the nudists. https://murciatoday.com/el_porta_s_naturist_campsite_prepares_to_reopen_without_the_nudists_1000209575-a.html
Euro Weekly News. (2023, November 20). El Portús Naturist Camping Residents to be Evicted. https://euroweeklynews.com/2023/11/20/el-portus-naturist-camping-residents-evicted-costa-calida-murcia-cartagena/
Euro Weekly News. (2025, January 6). The struggle at Camping Naturista El Portus. https://euroweeklynews.com/2025/01/06/the-struggle-at-camping-naturista-el-portus/
Murcia Today. (2024, December 12). Residents of El Portús Naturist Campsite facing destitution, intimidation and homelessness on a daily basis. https://murciatoday.com/residents_of_el_porta_s_naturist_campsite_facing_destitution_intimidation_and_homelessness_on_a_daily_basis_1000172006-a.html
Murcia Today. (2025, February 24). El Portús campsite developers push ahead with allegedly unauthorised construction. https://murciatoday.com/el-port%C3%BAs-campsite-developers-push-ahead-with-allegedly-unauthorised-construction_1000192623-a.html
Murcia Today. (2025, May 8). El Portús naturist campsite prepares to reopen without the nudists. https://murciatoday.com/el_porta_s_naturist_campsite_prepares_to_reopen_without_the_nudists_1000209575-a.html
(Murcia Today, 2025, May 8).
(Murcia Today, 2025, February 24).
(Euro Weekly News, 2025, January 6)
No progress at De Anza Springs Resort after some hopeful moves, but Olive Dell Ranch is welcoming social nudity/naturism again!
So sad what is happening at El Portus.