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Adjacent to a road on the southern coast of Tenerife in El Médano, a mother and son have set up an impromptu abode in a green and blue tent. Joshua Castiglioni, 27, a former bartender from

near Milan, and his mother Paola Nigro, aged 63 with a background in cleaning, sought a new beginning on the Spanish island three months ago amid family turmoil. Currently without their

original work documents, they're awaiting new ones. Should Joshua secure employment, his goal is to squirrel away funds for a rental with sturdy walls and ceiling. Tenerife's

residents recently protested in the capital against excessive tourism, arguing it has made housing unaffordable. Initially attempting to settle by a beach across a minor highway bridge, the

police intervened, prompting them to leave. "Here is a free zone," clarified Joshua. He also mentioned: "It's good because the weather is good here, we have the

sea.It's easier than Italy, for sure, but it's always complicated for some stuff because you don't have the light." Life is more manageable than in Italy, though certain

aspects remain challenging due to lack of amenities like electricity, reports the Express. They rely on public lavatories and plead with nearby eateries for sustenance. "We ask and they

give us something," revealed Joshua. "The food is never a problem here. They are so kind, everybody. You're free to be yourself, for sure. You have no rules. After the bridge

there's all the rules." In the vicinity, other individuals have constructed their own makeshift homes, linked by a footpath carved into the surrounding sand and shrubbery. One

such dwelling even boasts an outdoor toilet hut. Another home features a front gate seemingly crafted from the back of a wooden dining chair, while others have taken advantage of natural

caves. Joshua shared: "A lot [of people] live here. We're like a family. Sometimes it's good, sometimes it's not good. It's normal. "Here, it is quiet. The same

on the beach, but the police come every time to say 'go away'". His mother, communicating through her son as a translator, expressed: "I like it. It's like a

holiday." Paola hopes to own a house in the future, but for now, she's content with their current living situation. She enjoys the freedom and notes that in Italy there are a

"lot of problems, a lot of rules". Paola also appreciates the weather and the ability to visit the sea whenever she pleases. Marco Gaudio, 51, another Italian native, relocated to

Tenerife for work a year ago after leaving his job in a restaurant kitchen. Awakening from a nap in a tent adjacent to Joshua and Paola, Marco spoke to the Express whilst reclining and

shirtless. "For the moment, it's ok," he stated. He mentioned that he has a child in Toulouse, and he's waiting to secure a job so he can provide them with a better life

here. When questioned if he ever felt scared, he flexed his biceps and confidently responded: "No problem." When asked if he was bored, Marco insisted he wasn't, but he would

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