Naturists no longer welcome at popular Costra Tropical beach bars

As a result of these conversations, about four years ago a 'naturist optional' area was set up in La Barraca, a space where both naturists and clothed people could share without restrictions.

In addition, according to them, during the past year, eating was allowed in the outside areas of the beach bars, with the condition of wearing sarongs when getting up.

However, this year the situation has changed. In a meeting between the association and the owners of the beach bars, the association was told that they "could not be naked on their premises, that they had already taken a decision and that they did not want to go back", explains the president of the association, José Gamero.

Gamero says that the bar owners gave a number of reasons for the decision, from the supposed lack of profitability of the naturist space to the discomfort of some staff or customers in the presence of naked people: "Naturists and people with clothes have shared this space for years with respect", the association points out.

"It is not profitable".

The business owners involved deny that this is a radical change or a measure against nudism. Manuel García Novo, manager of La Bola Marina, says that his position has always been the same: "The beach is naturists but the business has never been adapted to serve naturists. We have always asked for minimum hygiene standards".

In his case, he states that he has never allowed access to completely naked customers apart from occasional or exceptional situations outside normal business hours.

Rosario Barbero, owner of La Barraca, explains that the decision to close the naturist area is strictly economic. "It was an area that was not profitable. If I can't make ends meet, I can't keep it open. I have the right as the owner to make decisions about my business". Barbero adds that most of the naturists who come to the beach already wear sarongs to access the restaurant.

The association warns that decisions like this could put the historical identity of Cantarriján at risk. "This could be the beginning of a change. Little by little the naturist character of the beach could be lost".

The arguments do not convince the association and for the moment, the talks have not borne fruit and the positions are still far apart. Even so, the association assures that the door to understanding remains open.