- Over 60 century-old homes along Playa Babilonia in Guardamar del Segura will soon face demolition under Spain’s Coastal Law.
- The affected homes, built in the 1920s and 30s, represent a unique low-rise coastal community literally at the water’s edge.
- Long-time residents express sadness over the loss of their homes, community, and cherished way of life tied to the sea.
- The Spanish government argues erosion and environmental concerns justify the demolition, citing the homes as obstacles to beach regeneration.
- Residents contend the state has neglected beach preservation efforts, including unfavorable river sediment management affecting the shoreline.
- Legal battles have stretched over 8 years, but demolitions are scheduled to begin in September 2025.
- Local and international supporters highlight the cultural and ancient value of these homes as part of Spain’s coastal heritage.
The End of an Era: Historic Playa Babilonia Homes to be Demolished
The countdown has begun for the demolition of more than 60 century-old homes located at Playa Babilonia, a unique stretch of seaside housing in Guardamar del Segura, Alicante. These humble, single-story homes stand literally on the shore, forming a distinct coastal neighborhood that has been a beloved home and summer retreat for generations.
Residents like Maruchi Saura (84) and Asunción González (88),long-time neighbors and pillars of this small community,live daily with the heartache of facing an certain goodbye. For them and many others, the homes are not just buildings – they are heirlooms, repositories of family memories, and the backbone of a close-knit seaside lifestyle that stretches from childhood to grandparenthood.
A Unique Coastal Community at Risk
The houses lining over 600 meters of coastline were built mostly between the 1920s and 1930s. Originally constructed to prevent sand encroachment from the advancing dunes, these stone and cane-covered homes have stood as a testimony to a conventional way of life intimately connected to the sea.
Residents recall decades of summer gatherings spanning June to October and a strong bond forged through mutual support. As Asunción González reflects, “We formed a wonderful family. A community of amazing people living with solidarity – and now it’s all coming to an end.“
Why Are the Homes Being Demolished?
The decision comes from the Spanish government’s interpretation of the Ley de Costas (Coastal Law), which aims to protect public ownership of maritime land and combat beach erosion. The State refused to renew concessions for the homes after they expired in 2018.
The ministry of the Habitat points to two main reasons:
- These constructions represent the ”first factor of regression” of the already eroding beach.
- The houses block a continuous dune cordon crucial for the natural regeneration and protection of the coastline.
However, residents argue that the State itself bears responsibility for the current beach erosion. Criticism is directed toward coastal infrastructure projects, such as a river Segura breakwater that disperses sediment away from the shoreline, preventing beach rebuilding.
They emphasize that homes, far from being the cause of beach loss, were initially protective barriers built when natural sediment flow was healthier. Also, they highlight inconsistencies in enforcement, noting that similar coastal homes elsewhere in Spain have been granted extensions.
Legal battle and Residents’ Response
This removal process has been contested for over eight years in Spain’s National Court, with residents appealing to authorities to preserve their homes. Though their legal avenues are nearly weary, they still hold on to hope.As Asunción passionately states, “We are fighting against the odds, but there is still hope.“
Meanwhile, residents prepare for imminent eviction. Under a verbal agreement, clearing out their homes is set to begin in early September 2025, with demolitions slated to follow days later.Some affected families have opted to design their own evacuation plans to control costs and speed the process.
Despite the heartbreak,the community vows a peaceful exit. “we want no trouble,we are peaceful people. We will leave with dignity, whatever the outcome,” says Maruchi Saura.
Life and Memories Tied to the Sea
The sea is more than a neighbor for these residents – it is indeed a life force. Maruchi has lived at Playa Babilonia year-round for 32 years,having sold her home in Murcia to embrace this beachfront lifestyle fully. She describes the privilege of waking up to the ocean, bathing in its waters even in winter, and a simple way of life rooted in nature’s rhythms.
These homes have witnessed decades of family life, the growth of children and grandchildren, moments of joy and sorrow – and a slow but steady shrinking of the beach itself.
International Attention and the Call for Heritage Conservation
The plight of Playa Babilonia’s homes has gained international sympathy, including visitors from Germany who have expressed sorrow after seeing the impending destruction on television and in person. Many see these houses – made with stone walls and traditional reed roofs – as cultural heritage deserving preservation rather than demolition.
Local advocates and some municipal councils have called for solutions that respect both environmental and cultural interests, but jurisdictional and legal complexities limit the scope of protections.
| Aspect | Residents’ View | Government’s Position |
|---|---|---|
| Cause of Beach Erosion | State’s coastal projects worsen erosion | Homes cause beach regression |
| Concessions | Should be extended | Not renewed after 2018 |
| Heritage Value | High: historic & cultural significance | Low priority vs. environmental law |
| Legal Status | Pending appeals, hopeful | Demolitions authorized |
What Lies Ahead?
As demolition day looms, the community treasures every remaining moment at playa Babilonia’s shores. While legal and political battles may have run their course, the emotional and cultural loss remains profound.
In the words of Maruchi Saura: “We thought this would be our home until the very end – now,we don’t know where to go.“
This story reflects a broader conflict faced by many coastal communities worldwide – balancing environmental protection with preserving human history and the intimate ways people connect to place and nature.
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