A row has erupted between Estepona naturists and a new beach bar, Nido, after naked people were banned from using the club. Estepona is a popular holiday destination for British tourists and has beautiful beaches for both nudists and clothed people.
The Town Hall ruled that Nido was compliant with the rules but Costa Natura has continued to fight back.
Noelia Monllor, the secretary of the resort’s community, said: “They are not naturists or nudists.
“They have their own clientele but they have occupied the nudist beach, which has led to a feeling of invasion.”
They said: “(The beach bar) does not accept nudist clients, which we have to accept because it is the right of admission, but we are only looking for a peaceful and respectful coexistence.”
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Albert Beniflah, the owner of Nido, said he believes the bar respects the beach’s nudist nature.
He said: “We respect nudism but we don’t practice it because there are families who come with their children.
“If they want to do nudism on the beach, let them do it, but we do not accept it in our concession or in our beach bar.
“Nudists want to use the sunbeds and access the beach bar naked and the law states that it is forbidden and that it can even be a crime of exhibitionism if there are minors there.”
The bar’s presence has also sparked a petition as nudists worry that the spirit of the naturist area is being destroyed.
Almudena Medrano Martin, a nudist, told The Guardian: “If they’re bothered by us they shouldn’t have set up here.
“Until now, we’ve never had any problems in this area. Nudists and textile-clad bathers have always coexisted peacefully here.”
The Costa Natura resort describes itself as a ‘naturist paradise’ and is home to over 100 apartments.
The resort has a private 22 metre pool, a smaller children’s pool and its own restaurant for guests to enjoy.
Over 30 years old, Costa Natura was Spain’s first naturist resort and welcomes families and couples every year.
The resort’s rules state that no clothing is allowed in the swimming pools, jacuzzi or sauna but towels must be used at all times on the sunbeds.
It is not compulsory to be naked on Estepona’s naturist beach and guests can enjoy views of Gibraltar’s Rock from the beach.
Both Costa Natura and Nido have been contacted for comment.