In the heart of the natural area of Maro-Cerro Gordo on the border between the Costa del Sol and Granada province’s Costa Tropical Cantarriján beach has always been synonymous with freedom, coexistence and respect. For decades, this corner of Almuñécar has been one of the great references of naturism in Andalucía, a place where naturists and people in clothes have shared space without conflict and with a good atmosphere.

In the past few weeks, a decision has changed this “unbreakable” atmosphere and caused conflict between naturists in the community and owners of beach bars.

The conflict is due to a change of criteria at La Barraca and La Bola Marina beach bars, which – according to the association of friends of Cantarriján naturist beach (AAPNC) – have begun to demand that naturists dress in order to be able to use certain areas or services where, until now, this requirement did not exist or was more flexible.

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The association’s goal is to make naturism visible and promote coexistence at the beach. It has been in existence for nine years. During that time, the association claims to have worked with the beach bars to reach agreements that allowed naturists at bars.

A ‘naturist option’ space was created in La Barraca four years ago. This allowed both naturists to share the area without any restrictions.

According to the report, in the past year eating outside the beach bars was permitted, but only if you wore a sarong when getting up.

The situation changed this year. 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 claims that bar owners have given a variety of reasons for their decision. These range from the alleged lack of profitability in the naturist area to the discomfort felt by some customers or staff when naked people are present.

The business owners deny this is a radical shift or a move 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 requested minimum standards for hygiene.

In this case, he claims to have never permitted access to customers who were completely naked except for rare or extraordinary situations that occurred outside normal business times.

Rosario Barbero of La Barraca explains the reasons behind the decision to close down the naturist section. “It was a place that wasn’t profitable. If I don’t have enough money to pay the bills, I won’t be able keep it open. “I have the right to make business decisions as a proprietor”. Barbero added that the majority of naturists come to the beaches already wearing sarongs in order to get to the restaurant.

The association warns that decisions like this could put the historical identity of Cantarriján at risk. “This could be a beginning of a shift. The naturist nature of the beach may slowly disappear.

The association is not convinced by the arguments and, for the time being at least, the discussions have not yielded any fruit. Positions are still very far apart. The association still assures the possibility of understanding.