The development of the Algarrobico hotel began in 2003, with a construction permit granted by the municipal administration of Carboneras, despite the National Park’s objections.
In 1987, the region where the Algarrobico hotel was being developed was designated a natural park. It comprises of hills, coves, shrubs, and wide plains and is believed to encompass 150 square miles of volcanic soil. Its sole residents are those who live in fishing towns and old mining communities that were created prior to the proclamation of the natural park.
Azata, a Spanish real estate developer, asked for a building permission in 2001 to build a hotel along the beach. Their request was approved two years later, and construction on the structure began. Nonetheless, the decision drew criticism, mainly from environmental organizations concerned about the impact on the local ecology.
The demonstrations resulted in a 2006 court judgement in which a judge ordered that construction be halted permanently. Since then, the 21-story, 411-room structure has been left in limbo, half-finished and encircled by three construction cranes.
