The Paradox of Modern Motorhomes: Five Sleeping Berths, But Only Four Passenger Seats

Javier, a 67-year-old former truck driver, lives in a five-square-metre motorhome because his monthly pension of 500 euros does not cover conventional rent. After a stroke left him partially paralysed, he retired early without the minimum contribution period for a higher pension. His previous rent was 670 euros per month. He sold belongings and borrowed money to buy the motorhome. In winter he sleeps dressed, eats one meal a day and cannot afford a new 300-euro television. Javier links his situation to Spain's housing crisis, which he says also affects younger generations.

The municipality of Oseja de Sajambre has put out to tender the construction of a new motorhome area in the urban space known as La Cortina, next to the Casa del Parque. The investment amounts to €324,000. Works are scheduled for 19 September 2026. The aim is to boost tourism on the Leonese side of Picos de Europa.

Maribel and Vicente from Mallorca moved into a motorhome of just over 10 square meters five years ago to travel the world. They say living costs in the motorhome are about €2,000 per month including diesel, saving them €1,200 compared to an apartment. The couple receives two ordinary pensions and says this is enough for a comfortable life.

The Ciutadella town council on Menorca has introduced a fee of 4 euros per 100 litres of water for motorhomes refilling at the designated point in the industrial estate. The measure follows detected "uncontrolled" use of the tap. Mayor Maria Jesús Bagur announced this at Thursday's plenary session, stating that a public price of 4 euros per 100 litres is already in place.

Torreblanca in Castellón province offers an alternative to crowded Peñíscola and Benicàssim. The municipality has three beaches, including Playa del Nord with dunes restored in 2010, and Playa del Prat next to the Prat de Cabanes-Torreblanca Natural Park. The town applies Instruction PROT 2026/04, allowing overnight stays in a properly parked camper provided no elements extend beyond its footprint and no fluids are discharged; overnight stays are prohibited in the natural park, dunes and beaches. Torreblanca has no official motorhome area, but a free camper area, Torre d'En Domènech, is 20 minutes away by road, with paid electricity and only seven spaces. Camping Torrenostra, 800 m from the beach, is open year-round, with low-season rates from 16.80 to 21 euros per night for two people and a camper.

According to the Spanish publication El Espanol, a man named Jesus sold his fully paid-off apartment and moved into a caravan. He stated that living in a vehicle allows him to save twice as much, with monthly expenses ranging from 300 to 500 euros. In his caravan, named India, electricity is supplied by roof-mounted solar panels, and there is a shower cabin and a dry toilet; grey water is emptied regularly and the fresh water tank is refilled. Before adopting a nomadic lifestyle, Jesus experienced depression and anxiety.