Madrid legalizes motorhome parking and hostels in new tourism law

Amy, a 40-year-old mother of five from the UK, switched to homeschooling after the COVID-19 pandemic and began traveling Europe in a caravan. The family plans to buy land in Spain or Portugal for self-sufficient farming. Amy says this lifestyle lets children learn through their interests and spend time outdoors.

In the Spanish municipality of Relleu (Alicante), a suspended walkway over the reservoir gorge has been operating since 2022, often compared to the 'Caminito del Rey'. The route features wooden planks up to 60 meters high, a glass-floor section, and several viewpoints. For campervan travelers, free overnight spots are available near the CV-778 road and the Partida Castell area, which offers picnic tables and drinking water. Entrance to the walkway costs €3.50, free for local residents.

CamperDays, a motorhome rental platform, has proposed four pet-friendly routes for summer trips with dogs. Spain has 9.3 million dogs, driving demand for pet-adapted tourism. Routes include dog beaches in Alicante and Tarragona, hiking trails in Valencia and Alicante nature parks, dog water parks in Barcelona and Alicante, and urban parks in Valencia and Barcelona. The CamperCheck online tool helps plan routes with pet needs.

Alazne Rodrigo, known from Spanish TV, documented her daily routine in a motorhome. She found resource management and maintenance simpler than anticipated. Living costs in Spain range from €500 to €1,200 per month, with initial investment between €20,000 and €80,000.

The As Carballeiras Association has complained to the Lugo city council about the state of the As Costas do Parque motorhome area. Issues include faulty electrical installations, poor signage, lack of cleaning, and damaged wooden fencing. The group calls for repairs and maintenance of the infrastructure, which is used by tourists year-round.

The Madrid regional government approved amendments to the Tourism Organisation Law. The reform legally recognises new accommodation types, including hostels and reception and overnight areas for motorhomes and camper vans. It also expands tourist rights and duties, clarifies insurance requirements, and updates the penalty system. In 2025, the region received 15.4 million visitors, with tourism reaching a record 8.7% of GRP (€28.6 billion).