New Cantabria Decree
The Government of Cantabria has approved a new decree regulating campsites and motorhome service areas. The document simplifies administrative procedures, reducing the number of articles to 44, and relaxes technical requirements, including reducing the minimum driveway width to 3 meters for one-way traffic. The limit on the number of spaces in service areas has been removed, which should reduce unorganized parking. Criteria defining when a motorhome is considered to be in camping mode have also been clarified, and outdated requirements, such as the mandatory presence of a medical post, have been abolished.
Controversy in Llanes
The Asturias Motorhome Association has called the new norm in Llanes absolutely restrictive and discriminatory. The norm allows overnight stays only at the La Talá parking lot and in campsites, prohibits setting up camping equipment on the street, and provides for fines of 500 euros. Critics note that a motorhome owner leaving their vehicle overnight outside permitted zones, even if they are staying in a hotel, would be fined, while a regular car can park without sanctions.
Tourism Sector Reaction
The Cantabria Rural Tourism Association forecasts an increase in bookings for the upcoming summer, despite a 5% price increase. Association president Hamza El Yasir noted that many clients are returning. However, the industry expresses dissatisfaction with the Cantabrian government's motorhome decree, which they believe was adopted without considering the interests of rural tourism businesses. At the same time, the decree regulating housing for tourist use has received a more positive reaction, as a significant reduction in the number of properties operating in the region is expected.
