Costa Tropical Blog

Campervans (motorhomes) are again invading Salobreña over the winter period. On a recent trip along the seafront there were none parked on the front road but quite a few tucked into the side streets. Where had most of them gone? Were the police winning the annual battle to keep the campervans off the main beach road? Travelling up into the old town and looking out towards La Guardia, the answer was plain to see. Over thirty campervans were parked together on a parcel of land although we are told that there are often more at this parking point. A recent conversation with a campervan owner highlighted many of the problems they face when they are travelling through Spain. In many other European countries, France being mentioned as one of the most forward thinking in their approach to the campervan tourist, there are Aires which are sites especially for the use of campervans and shouldn’t be mistaken with camping sites. At these Aires, usually situated in walking distance to towns or other central locations, the campervan travellers have the use of water supplies, electricity and a CDP (chemical disposal point). The costs are minimal and are usually much less than a camping site. France is alleged to have over three thousand Airies throughout the country but as soon as you drive into Spain the situation changes dramatically. In other European countries the campervan tourist is seen as someone who brings additional economy into the towns and villages and are welcomed but in Spain its either park in the designated camping sites or face the prospect of being moved on. A campervan is an expensive piece of kit to purchase and the owners have probably thought long and hard over the pros and cons of owning one and most of them are usually responsible and law abiding people who want to enjoy the freedom of waking up each morning and to choose their direction and pace of travel. Many owners do enjoy what is known as ‘wild camping’, to pull over and stop where and when they want to but they are usually respectful of their surroundings and will ask for permission from a landowner before parking. However, there are always those few who spoil it for the others. Back to the campervan site that has grown larger by the week in Salobreña. Where are the campervans disposing of their black water (waste from toilet holding tanks) or their grey water (waste from sinks and showers)? The landowner has obviously given his permission to the campervans to park on his land and with any luck is getting some financial reward, the police and local residents are no doubt happy not to have the presence of campervans on the beachfront road and the shops in Salobreña are no doubt gaining from them economically. Perhaps it is time for Salobreña to arrange for a designated campervan site with water, electricity and a CDP and show the campervan owners they are wanted and welcomed, especially over the quieter winter months.