Tarifa conflict escalates over illegal motorhome overnight stays

Luis, creator of the YouTube channel Refugio Arenas, has started living in a caravan on a farm in Asturias. To move toward self-sufficiency, he bought vegetable seedlings and a water pump. He works online as a holistic coach, uses a portable shower and battery, and visits a nearby village gym.

CamperCas has unveiled the MAN TGE Adrenaline camper based on a 4x4 chassis. The model is available in Spain from 37,900 euros and accommodates four people. Equipment includes a bathroom with shower, Dometic kitchen, 70-liter fridge, two 120W solar panels, a 275Ah battery and a Webasto heater.

French retirees Chantal and Didier Gautherey from Hérault have spent four winters in Spain in their motorhome, citing warm weather and lower living costs. According to France Info, Spain attracts motorhomers with free parking, drinking water, toll-free motorways and cheaper fuel: Philippe Bardoux saves 30 euros per tank compared with France. Olivier Eglinsdoerfer, co-manager of Vanbreak Campervan in Andalusia, says about 200,000 French motorhomers visit Spain annually, and the country is expanding infrastructure for motorhomes and campervans as Greece, Portugal and France tighten restrictions.

According to official records from the Lanzarote Cabildo Data Centre, just over 400 motorhomes were registered on the island in 2015, while the current figure exceeds 2,000. This represents an increase of more than 400% in a decade. The statistics do not include converted camper vans. In 2026, the island's southern campsite, open until 4 October, has upgraded its facilities and recorded record camper numbers. The Cabildo is considering a specific area in the north of the island to manage the activity; parking or overnight stays in prohibited places can result in fines.

A cost comparison shows that an annual pitch for a caravan on the Costa Blanca costs €250–350 per month, including water and sometimes electricity. A studio in Limoges rents for around €380 excluding charges. With electricity (€30–50), groceries (10–15% cheaper than in France) and basic health insurance, the caravan budget totals €400–480 per month, versus €480–550 for the studio. Stays over 90 days require resident registration.

Spanish manufacturer Benimar unveiled the Kaleo series at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf, comprising three semi-integrated motorhomes and one alcove model on a Citroën Jumper chassis. The range is positioned as entry-level but follows a closed concept: standard equipment is comprehensive, and no individual options are available except for an automatic transmission. An optional Onroad package adds Thunder Grey metallic cab paint with body-coloured bumper, 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, cab blackout, leather steering wheel with radio controls, swivel cab seats, awning, extra garage door, a 150-litre compressor fridge, a Dometic habitation door with window and double glazing, a panoramic roof window, an electric drop-down bed (except on the alcove K625), and preparations for equipment including a reversing camera.