Chaos in Canary Islands as Tenerife hotel taken over by squatters

By Lauran O'Toole, News Reporter

More than 200 people are living in the former four star hotel (Image: Google Maps)

Furious Tenerife locals are up in arms after a former four-star hotel, once a place of luxury, has been taken over by squatters. Hotel Callao Sport, in the peaceful resort of Callao Salvaje, closed at the start of the pandemic and has remained a shell of its former self ever since.

Just 1.7 miles from the popular Costa Adeje, this hotel, once designed for sports tourism, is now overrun with squatters and much to the frustration of locals, the situation appears to be only getting worse. According to reports from Cope Canarias, at least 50 rooms were initially occupied, but that has doubled to 100 in just two weeks.

It is believed that more than 100 rooms are now occupied by squatters (Image: Google Maps)

The resort, which prides itself in being a relaxing destination, is being plagued with continuous noise disturbances, lights left on throughout the night, as well as a growing sense of insecurity.

Situated in the southwest, Callao Salvaje has an array of luxury villas, almost each with private pools, and there is also a beautiful public tennis court. However, the arrival of hundreds of squatters is putting a cloud on the peaceful resort.

Alarm bells are ringing among locals who are concerned that criminal networks are taking over their typically quiet and safe town they believe are working out of the hotel.

One concerned resident, Pedro, estimates more than 200 people are living in the hotel.

Once a place of luxury the hotel is now overrun with squatters (Image: Google Maps)

He told COPE Radio in Tenerife that thefts and looting are common within the complex, with furniture and other materials being dismantled and allegedly sold on online platforms.

According to Pedro, authorities have intervened several times due to thefts of objects and machinery from the hotel. He also claims people appear to be charging for the use of rooms.

As tensions rise many angry locals feel "the Guardia Civil have done nothing."

Adeje Town Hall has stated that the property’s owner has begun legal proceedings but emphasised that security matters fall under the jurisdiction of the National Police and the Guardia Civil. However, the Local Police have intervened in cases that fall within their remit when residents request it.