Camper travel gains momentum in Europe: freedom without intermediaries

High rents and low wages have led to a spontaneous settlement of over a hundred vehicles in Málaga's Sacaba Beach area. The number of residents has doubled in six months, including airport workers and hospital staff.

Yakart Autocaravanas, founded in Lugo, held its tenth annual 'Camino de Santiago' motorhome route. This year the route runs from A Coruña to Pontevedra over 12 days, with 120 participants, all from outside the region. Company representative Antonio Jul stated that the motorhome sector continues to grow, including in Europe, and that the company has expanded to four cities and ten franchises. Both rental and sale motorhomes are available.

Many coastal municipalities in Spain have introduced restrictions on parking for motorhomes, caravans, and camper vans. The Civil Guard evicted 80 such vehicles from the Estrecho natural park in Tarifa. In the municipality of Udías (Cantabria), metal stakes have been installed to block access to the Braña del Mozuco recreation area. Local authorities cite lack of infrastructure and violations by some users.

Málaga City Council unanimously approved a census of families living in informal motorhome settlements and a social intervention plan, citing rising numbers of people priced out of the housing market

Spain's traffic authority (DGT) has reminded of rules for sleeping in vehicles on the Canary Islands. Sleeping in a properly parked vehicle is allowed, but placing tables, chairs, or awnings outside is considered illegal camping and carries fines from €60 to €600. Fines may be higher in protected areas. Authorities also warn of heat and theft risks.

The Cantabrian government has installed wooden stakes along the Braña del Mozucu recreational area in Udías to prevent it from becoming an improvised parking lot for motorhomes and camper vans. The measure follows last summer when the site was used as a parking area, damaging the grass and trees and leaving litter. According to the local forestry chief, the barrier is already working, but its effectiveness will be tested during the peak tourist season.