Jávea naturist beach 'scrubbed off the map'

A NUDIST beach in Jávea has been wiped off the map 'for safety reasons', the council says.

The remote and idyllic Ambolo bay has always been popular with bathers seeking an allover tan, but 'rude bits' on display have nothing to do with the fact its signs have been taken down.

Although the cove has been shut to bathers for 11 years due to the risk of rockfalls, thousands of sunseekers still slip through the net – literally – every day in summer so they can get their kit off and catch the rays.

The nearest street, the C/Richard Wagner, was cordoned off with chains in August to stop people parking on it as ambu- lances could not get through, but this did not stop determined locals and holidaymakers from leaving their cars further afield and walking down to the Ambolo.

Now, in a drastic move to avert a possible tragedy, the council has covered the road signs giving directions to the bay from the Portitxol road, meaning anyone not already familiar with the area will not be able to find it.

Only the Cabo de la Nao and Granadella signs remain.

The Ambolo bay has not appeared in guidebooks or on tourist websites for years, but the thrill of the 'forbidden' means it has become more popular since it shut in 2006 than ever before.

In fact, it is nearly impossible to find a towel-space in July and August.

And emergency rescues and cars blocking residents' driveways have multiplied in direct proportion to Jávea council's attempts to dissuade visitors to the beach.