Motorhomes as holiday rentals: New business model in Palma's Ciutat Jardí district angers residents

On the evening of July 14, a motorcycle and a motorhome collided laterally on the GI-553 road near Sant Feliu de Buixalleu (La Selva). The motorcyclist died at the scene despite rapid emergency response. The Mossos d'Esquadra are investigating the cause. This accident brings the 2026 road death toll in Catalonia to 77, including 31 motorcyclists.

In the Bernat Alzina car park in Es Migjorn, Menorca, a motorhome parked horizontally occupied four parking spaces, prompting complaints from residents. Some locals have developed an aversion to motorhomes, sometimes unjustified, but to avoid it, drivers should follow parking rules.

The municipality of Coll de Nargó (Alt Urgell) plans to build a motorhome area with 16 spaces. The project, costing €170,000, is included in the Generalitat's 2026 budget and partly funded by the traffic department. Tender is expected in September after urban planning procedures, with construction lasting 3–4 months. The site will be on plot 28 of polygon 1, next to road L-511, between Sant Climent church and the fire station. Mayor Sergi Ubach said the facility will improve services, coexistence and the local economy, and help regulate traffic. A fee for access is being considered. The area will have water, electricity, and grey and black water disposal.

A customer who rented a motorhome from Roadsurfer from June 16 to 27, 2026, claims the company is trying to charge for damage that existed before the rental. During pickup in Viladecans, the awning was found to deploy unevenly and had a broken support leg held together with worn duct tape. Employee Leonardo noted this on his tablet, but the company's first damage assessment attributed the awning damage to the customer. The customer provided timestamped photos, yet Roadsurfer demands payment for the awning and a broken rear light (€715 for the part and €406 for labor), threatening legal action. The company lacks a customer service phone number, does not return deposits, and does not cover awning damage under any of its three insurance plans.

Germany's Foreign Office has updated travel advice for Spain, highlighting risks for motorhome and caravan users. Key threats include theft on highways (especially the A7) and wildfires that recently killed 12 people in Andalusia. Drivers are advised not to stop on the hard shoulder if signaled falsely about a breakdown, and to evacuate immediately when ordered. Since 2026, Spanish-registered vehicles must carry a V-16 emergency light, but foreign vehicles may still use a warning triangle.

An increasing number of travelers are opting to reach Spain by car or motorhome rather than by plane, making the journey itself part of the holiday. This approach allows a gradual experience of changing landscapes and climate, and offers more freedom in route planning. Short stops in small towns and local markets become key parts of the trip, while a flexible schedule reduces dependence on the clock. For longer journeys, this provides more space and independence, especially when using a caravan.