Residents of Fuengirola, a well-known coastal town on Spain’s Costa del Sol, are expressing growing discontent over the extended use of public car parks by camper vans. Locals are reporting that these vehicles are exceeding the 48-hour parking limit, leading to pollution and parking shortages.
The Costa del Sol, a popular destination for tourists, is facing challenges with the increasing presence of camper vans.
Fuengirola, a favored destination for tourists attracted to its sandy beaches, lacks a dedicated motorhome park. Consequently, drivers are utilizing public parking spaces as makeshift campsites during their visits. Despite this, local authorities have stated that building specific caravan sites is not currently feasible due to space constraints and the logistical challenges of incorporating electricity and drainage systems.
However, the Fuengirola town hall has indicated that local police are conducting regular patrols and can issue fines, ranging from €300 (£251) to €750 (£628), to those who fail to comply with parking regulations.
A spokesperson for Spain’s far-right VOX party has criticized local authorities for their perceived inaction. They argue that the unregulated proliferation of motorhomes is creating significant problems for both parking and “co-existence” within the community. The spokesperson further claimed that some motorhome owners have essentially turned a local parking area into their permanent residence, generating waste and causing disturbances for nearby residents.
Tourism is a key part of Spain’s economy, but issues like these impact local communities.
José Luis Quintero, the president of the Association of Andalusian caravanners, acknowledged the existence of the problem. “This isn’t a problem exclusive to Fuengirola – it is something that can be witnessed all along the coast,” Quintero noted, speaking to the Spanish news outlet SUR.
This situation parallels issues in Lanzarote, where a housing shortage, fueled by the rise of holiday rental flats, has forced some residents to live in their vehicles. The rising cost and scarcity of rental properties have led to a noticeable increase in people residing in vans within car parks across the island. Housing has become a primary concern for residents of this popular holiday destination.
