Hundreds of families at Villas Caravaning left in limbo as legal battle looms

Residents demand court oversight as safety concerns and unpaid bills leave the campsite in crisis

The long-running problems at Villas Caravaning in La Manga have now reached the courts. The Residents' Association has announced it will request a court-appointed administrator for the campsite during a hearing at Cartagena's Palacio de Justicia this Thursday, March 12.

The move follows years of disputes over the management of the site, which is owned largely by Caravaning Costa Cálida, S.L. Residents claim mismanagement has contributed to the closure of the campsite and the deterioration of its facilities, leaving many families in a precarious situation.

Villas Caravaning has been closed since last year while the Town Hall of Cartagena reviews technical deficiencies. A municipal inspection last summer, carried out by a team of five specialists, revealed serious safety risks, including the use of highly combustible materials, faulty electrical systems, and a lack of fire prevention measures compliant with Spain's Technical Building Code. 

Financial pressures have added to the difficulties. Outstanding utility bills at the site reportedly exceed €500,000, with electricity and water costs unpaid by previous users now shared among current residents. Around 100 families still live on the site, many registered as residents, despite the regional law limiting camping stays to temporary periods. There are also claims that some residents are running unlicensed businesses, including renting out caravans.

Councillor Diego Ortega, responsible for Urban Planning, recently noted that inspections show little improvement despite years of promises. “Three years on, when we thought they were fixing the facilities, it turns out they were not,” he said.

This latest legal step adds another chapter to the long-running saga at the campsite, making the situation even more complex. The appointment of a court administrator could oversee the campsite, in the hopes of resolving long-standing problems while also ensuring the safety of residents and compliance with regulations.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Cartagena