Some visitors to Nerja received a surprise awakening on March 5 when an area of Las Alberquillas beach was cleared of illegal campers and caravanners.  The move by police and environmental agents followed complaints by environmentalists which highlighted the toursts’ presence within the Maro – Cerro Gordo natural park which is a protected area.

It was still dark when the eviction began to clear the area where camping or overnight stays with motorhomes are not permitted by legislation passed in 2015.  The land, 12 kilometres wide and stretching a mile out to sea, has a high environmental value because of its geological formations and the great biodiversity to which it is home.

After the illegal campers left, the area was cleaned of rubbish left behind – including food remains, wipes, toilet paper, excrement, urine, even bottles of motor oil – which was an unwelcome aspect of their extended stays reported by the environmental group GENA.  The area which had been occupied by the visitors, and some squatters, includes part of the old N-340 road overlooking the cliffs.