Chaos in Spanish seaside city as 'gang of Algerian squatters' take over tourist hotspot

By Lauran O'Toole, News Reporter

The group of men have made a makeshift home just metres from the seafront (Image: Getty)

Majorca’s housing crisis has hit new heights with a ‘group of Algerian squatters’ taking over an abandoned building just metres away from some of the island's most famous beaches. Perched above the sea in Palma lies the once thriving Pescados Miró seafood plant in El Peñón in Coll d’en Rabassa - a suburb of Palma de Majorca which is in close proximity to Palma International Airport. 

Now standing in ruin the building has become a makeshift home to a gang of squatters who have even managed to illegally connect to electricity. The group of men have been spotted using the sea water and a nearby fountain to wash. With the summer season fast approaching, the makeshift home could cause concern for the flocks of tourists arriving at the hotspot.

Beach at El Coll d'en Rabassa (Image: Getty)

Situated just metres away from family homes and tourist beaches, residents are increasingly concerned about anti-social behaviour rising in the area, with the makeshift home disrupting their peaceful way of life.

Furious locals have reported having personal items stolen with the strangers “watching” their homes.

Despite locals repearedly reported the nuisance to the authorities, police say they cannot act — as the property is publicly owned and no official complaint has been filed.

The makeshift home is located in Coll d’en Rabassa (Image: Getty)

With property prices soaring, locals are continuing to see a huge jump in rental prices across the island, as the cost-of-living continues to make a negative impact.

“Locals can’t afford to live here anymore,” one resident said. “But squatters get to stay on the beach for free.”

This problem is not just isolated to Majorca, as Ibiza is seeing shanty towns growing across the island with the land between Sa Carroca and Can Raspall becoming overrun with tents and vehicles.

Despite being a much loved holiday destination the shanty towns are creating a severe impact on living conditions causing the crisis to reach fever pitch.