I’ve just found out that some property developers are trying to push through planning permission to build some super-hotels on El Palmar Beach, near Vejer de la Frontera in Andalucia, Southern Spain. El Palmar sits on the Costa de la Luz (Coast of light), the Atlantic coast between Tarifa and Cádiz, and is one of the most unspoilt stretches of coastline left in Spain.
Please sign the petition at the top of this website: Save El Palmar Beach.
You can also join the Facebook group here: Save El Palmar on Facebook
In December 2009, the local council of Vejer de La Frontera announced a deal with property developers to build a giant 600-bedroom concrete monstrosity of a hotel right on El Palmar beach. The PELP group, who set up the initiatives to prevent this (and whose links I have included above for the petition and Facebook group) strongly believe in the following:
…that the Playa del Palmar, and by extension, the entire Sea around Cape Trafalgar could become an international example of ecological and rural tourism of exceptional quality. An example of real sustainable development, responsible tourism and awareness.
…that the few miles of unspoiled beaches left in our country should not succumb to the concrete development that has already decimated the Spanish coastline.
…that the preservation of natural resources and virgin wilderness areas is of paramount importance.
My parents have lived in El Palmar for 15 years, and I have visited lot! It’s paradise, a perfect example of how not to spoil a beach. a big hotel would totally destroy the place and it’s magic. I always tell people that it is a great example of the Spanish not buggering up all their beaches (unlike along much of the Med coast). it must absolutely not happen! I can’t believe they are trying to do this, as far as I know the whole area is protected, no more building in the first row, and very regulated further inland. I amtotally shocked by reading this, and daren’t tell my parents (though they might know, and haven’t dared tell me!!). Save El Palmar paradise