Plastic cups, bottles, and scraps of bags have become a familiar sight on El Puntal beach in Somo, Cantabria. This stretch of coastline, protected by environmental programs, is now under threat due to massive parties held here every summer. Local residents note that after such events, piles of trash are left on the sand and dunes, and cleaning services cannot cope with the volume of waste.
During the height of summer festivities in Santander, hundreds of young people arrive at El Puntal on crowded boats. They bring alcohol and food to spend the evening on the beach. Many share photos and videos on social media, which only increases the popularity of the spot among the youth. However, once the parties end, trash is left behind, and local residents are confronted with the consequences when they return to the beach with their children or friends.
Residents of Cantabria and Somo are increasingly expressing dissatisfaction with the behavior of tourists, especially those arriving from Madrid. In their opinion, visitors from the capital are most likely to ignore rules for nature preservation and leave disorder in their wake. Some locals note that these parties are turning a unique natural area into a dumping ground, despite numerous laws protecting this land.
Among vacationers, there are some who try to keep things clean, but most admit that the problem has become widespread. Young people from other regions of Spain, including from Madrid, often come to El Puntal for fashionable online posts rather than for actual leisure. Locals are calling on authorities to tighten controls and restore order on the beach to preserve it for future generations.
Municipal and regional authorities admit they are struggling to cope with the influx of visitors. Local officials are appealing to national bodies for support to strengthen security measures and increase the number of personnel maintaining order. However, the situation remains tense for now, and disputes between locals and tourists continue.
At the beach, you can find both groups of young people and families with children, who have to be careful because of broken glass and litter. Some tourists from Madrid feel they are unfairly blamed for all the problems, pointing out that locals also break the rules. Nevertheless, most agree that mass parties harm the ecosystem and disrupt peaceful leisure.
El Puntal beach remains a popular spot for summer gatherings, but the question of how to balance mass tourism with environmental preservation is still unresolved. Locals and authorities are seeking solutions to restore the beach’s former appearance and ensure safety for all visitors.
