‘Surfer paradise’ in southern Spain is being flooded with luxury developments – including a five-star hotel between two natural parks – CSN News

A WAVE OF luxury developments has swept over the Costa de la Luz holiday resort of Tarifa.

The municipality, which is known for its beautiful beaches and strong wind, has seen a boom in real estate, with luxury hotels, residential developments, and holiday apartments popping up.

Five major developers have been working with the City Council of Tarifa to meet housing and tourism demand over the last two decades. 

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According to conservative estimates, over 1,200 homes, 400 of which will be affordable housing, and 1,500 hotel rooms, will be built as a result of the initiative. 

The true extent of the development is still unclear, as certain projects are still waiting for final approval.

One of most contentious plans was a major redevelopment along the coast of Los Lances. 

The agreement, signed between the City Council of Marbella and developer Granparcela SL in September 2024, aimed at renovating a stretch of 150,000 m2, incorporating high-end apartment, a hotel and commercial spaces. 

The plan, which also proposed relocating local schools and the La Tarifeña canning factory, faced immediate backlash from residents and activists. 

Fierce opposition from the group ‘Tarifa no se vendeThe City Council was forced to suspend the agreement after a month due to protests.

Despite this setback, a number of large-scale projects are still on track.

One of the most striking luxury developments is the Ecohotel Las Piñas, a five-star project backed by Belgian investors. 

Nestled between two natural parks, the €40 million hotel will have 18 private villas with three to six bedrooms, four senior suites, and 22 junior suites. 

There will be a spa of 1,000 m2, multiple outdoor swimming pools, a fitness center, a restaurant with a high level, and even a beach club. 

The project is currently under judicial review, even though construction and operation permits have already been obtained. 

If the legal proceedings are successful, investors plan to start construction immediately and complete it within two-years.

Altanea Cordoba, a Cordoba based developer is working with renowned Chefs Jose Andres (left) and Angel Leon (right) to create a five star glamping area and culinary academy in Bolonia. 

The project is aimed at combining sustainable tourism and world-class cuisine.

Although developers claim that these projects will bring jobs to Tarifa and modernise the city, they are raising concerns over its ability to accommodate such rapid expansion. 

Urban Planning Department of the City Council is struggling to process permits effectively due to outdated regulations and lack of resources. 

Tarifa also faces ongoing wastewater problems. Raw sewage is still discharged to the sea from Los Lances Beach.