Housing crisis on Balearic Islands: workers and civil servants move into caravans

A 44-year-old German woman was attacked with a knife in her motorhome at a caravan site near Almería, Spain. The suspect was arrested after a chase into the sea.

The municipality of Muros de Nalón (Asturias) will close the parking lot at Aguilar beach from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. from July 1 to September 30. The measure aims to prevent vans and motorhomes from staying overnight, as Mayor Celestino Novo reports daily litter and feces on the parking area. Showers and public toilets will also be closed from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. due to misuse (washing dishes, bathing dogs), with wastewater contaminating the stream that flows into the sea. Additionally, the beach bar is closed after three companies declined its concession.

A 44-year-old German woman was seriously injured in an attempted rape inside her motorhome in Almería on June 21. The incident occurred around 5:30 PM in a motorhome parking area near the Andarax River. The 21-year-old suspect, currently undocumented, forced entry with a knife and a stick, beat the victim, and attempted sexual assault. A passer-by heard screams and intervened, causing the suspect to flee. He was later rescued from the sea by police and arrested.

Agaden-Ecologistas en Acción has praised the Civil Guard operation that evicted 78 motorhomes and camper vans from Los Carriles area in the Strait Natural Park, but insists that similar oversight must apply to beach bars and leisure establishments within the protected area. The group claims these venues create makeshift parking lots, increase fire and waste risks, and their outdoor concerts disturb birds in the ZEPA and Biosphere Reserve. Agaden calls on Tarifa's mayor to conduct inspections throughout the summer, citing laws that assign control duties to the municipality.

Dream Alcalá has published a selection of six destinations for motorhome or camper van trips from Madrid, all reachable in under three hours. The list includes Sierra de Guadarrama (45–60 minutes), Segovia (1 hour 15 minutes), Toledo (about 1 hour), La Alcarria (1–1.5 hours), Sierra Norte de Madrid (1–2 hours), and Tiétar Valley with Sierra de Gredos (2–2.5 hours). Key attractions and practical tips on parking and overnight stays are provided for each route.

Economist José María Páez stated that placing a caravan on agricultural land for permanent residence is illegal, even if it has wheels or is not anchored. The law assesses not the type of structure but its use: if the caravan is used as a home (continuous living, connection to utilities), it is considered a violation. Offenders face fines up to €30,000 and forced removal. Registering the caravan as a residence does not legalize the situation.