Spain's motorhome parking push: new projects and old disputes

The Department of Territorial Planning of Gipuzkoa denied the declaration of 'public interest' for a private motorhome parking project in the Igara area on non-developable land. The resolution states that neither sectoral legislation nor territorial planning considers such a facility to be of public interest, and that similar services can be located in urban areas, as already done in Donostia. The project included 80 spaces with water supply and gray/black water disposal, but authorities insist that placement on non-developable land requires a direct functional link to rural areas, which is not the case here.

Gellida Ortiz Proyectos has applied for a Declaration of Community Interest (DIC) to establish a transit motorhome overnight area in Peñíscola. The 11,218 m² site is located on undeveloped municipal land. The project would accommodate up to 193 people and provide 64 parking spaces.

In the municipality of Sant Josep on Ibiza, the former Casa Lola estate, previously known for illegal construction, is turning into an informal settlement. Residents report an increase in caravans and makeshift shacks, as well as nighttime activity, raising concerns. On April 28, police arrested a man for attempting to illegally occupy a neighboring house, heightening security fears.

A car driver died in a head-on collision with a motorhome on the N-340 highway in Roda de Berà, Tarragonès. Traffic was closed in both directions for nearly two hours.

The BNG party in Monforte will present a motion at the next municipal plenary session requesting the expansion and upgrade of the existing motorhome area. The current facility, with about 20 spaces, is considered insufficient given the growth of motorhome tourism and the town's role as the capital of the Ribeira Sacra region. The party highlights a lack of basic services such as water supply, dump station, lighting, and electrical hookups, which limits visitor stays. According to BNG, inaction would mean losing economic opportunities, as some visitors are forced to move to other municipalities due to lack of space or adequate services.

Valcaravan, a company with 40 years in caravanning, has reopened a renovated store in Beniparrell (Valencia) after damage from the Dana flood. The facility covers 5,500 m² and offers motorhomes, campervans, and caravans (new and used), plus parts, accessories, and a service workshop. It is an official dealer of Rápido, Itineo, North Cape, Sterckeman, Ranger, and Rimor. A rental service under the Walabi brand will also operate on site.