Cantabria: Rising Camper Costs and New Parking Decree

The political group Manifesto Miñor is urging the Gondomar municipality to equip a motorhome parking area that is already being used informally. According to the group, in August an average of 4-5 motorhomes park there daily, despite the lack of facilities and regulation. The project, proposed by the group in 2016-2017, involves relocating the area next to the bus station and installing water supply and waste disposal. The estimated cost is 25,000 euros. The group also claims the mayor's office has not granted access to project documents, raising suspicions of inaction.

A 2020 Volkswagen T6.1 Atlantic Off Road with 170,000 km on the odometer is listed for sale in Alicante for €39,900, a €30,000 reduction from its original price. The vehicle features a 2.0 TDI diesel engine with 110 hp, five seats, and three sleeping berths thanks to a pop-up roof. It includes a kitchen with sink and refrigerator, an outdoor shower, a 100 Ah lithium auxiliary battery, and a 200 W flexible solar panel.

Due to soaring housing costs on Mallorca, locals like Begoña Iglesias-Moreno are forced to live in motorhomes. Despite working numerous overtime hours, she cannot afford to rent an apartment and lives with her son in a borrowed motorhome. This situation highlights the growing social inequality on the island, where tourism has a dual impact on the real estate market.

Spanish content creator Marina, known as @marinaaluca on TikTok, documents her daily life in a motorhome with her partner Fran Parra. She initially feared extreme heat inside the vehicle during summer, but found that choosing shaded spots and spending time outdoors keeps the interior comfortable. Marina advises parking in shade, using cross-ventilation, and limiting time inside during peak heat. She also notes that living in a motorhome in Spain costs between €500 and €1,200 per month per person, with vehicle prices ranging from €20,000 to €70,000.

In Cantabria, a new regional law regulating motorhome use came into force in May. In response, municipalities, especially coastal ones from Castro Urdiales to San Vicente de la Barquera, are reviewing their local ordinances to restrict parking of motorhomes and camper vans without contravening the new legislation.

According to DGT data, the number of motorhomes and camper vans in Spain has grown from 48,000 in 2015 to nearly 137,000. In response, DGT has issued instruction PROT 2026/04 clarifying rules on driving, parking, technical inspections, and cargo transport. For motorhomes up to 3.5 tonnes, the speed limit is 120 km/h on highways and 90 km/h on conventional roads; for heavier vehicles, it is 90 and 80 km/h respectively. Parking is not considered camping if the vehicle stays within road markings and time limits. It is forbidden to move around the cabin, lie on a bed, or cook while driving. Carrying bicycles and motorcycles is allowed with proper racks and a V-20 sign.