Lorraine Williamson
On February 8, 2025, more than 200 camper residents drove through the streets of Palma de Mallorca, honking in protest against a new municipal ordinance. The measure, imposed by the right-wing parties Partido Popular (PP) and Vox, prohibits permanent living in campers and imposes fines ranging from €750 to €1,500 on violators.
The protesters argue that the policy unfairly targets vulnerable residents who cannot afford traditional housing in Mallorca. “We have no other choice,” said demonstrators, calling for the city to provide alternative housing solutions.
Why are camper residents protesting in Mallorca?
The demonstration, organised by the Asociación de Caravaning Oasis (A.C.O.) and Plataforma Autocaravanas Autónoma (P.A.C.A.), featured banners with slogans such as “Parking is not camping. Regulate, don’t ban.”
According to the president of A.C.O., the new legislation is discriminatory and infringes on residents’ rights. “As long as we follow parking regulations, they cannot prohibit us from sleeping in our vehicles,” he stated.
Mallorca’s housing crisis
Housing availability in Palma is critically low. Real estate platform Idealista reports that 90 people currently compete for a single available room in the city. The average rent for a room exceeds €700 per month, while independent studios can be up to 90% more expensive.
Over the last two decades, housing prices in Palma have surged. Research by Fotocasa shows a 124% increase since 2004, pushing many residents toward alternative living arrangements, such as campers.
A report from Xarxa per la Inclusió Social (EAPN) highlights that 20.6% of Balearic Islands residents live in poverty or social exclusion, with child poverty rates reaching 33.3%.
New camper regulations in Palma de Mallorca
The ordinance, approved by PP and Vox, restricts camper use in the city:
- Campers cannot remain in the same spot for more than 10 days.
- Overnight stays within city limits are prohibited, except in designated camper areas.
- Fines range from €750 to €1,500 for violations.
- Police are authorised to remove vehicles if the owner cannot be located.
Mayor Jaime Martínez (PP) stated, “A vehicle is for travelling; a home is something else.” Exceptions may be made for vulnerable residents who submit a social vulnerability report and are referred to the city’s Department of Social Affairs.
Campers demand dialogue with authorities
The protest in Palma underscores the frustration of camper residents. Organisers argue that the government is criminalising individuals who cannot access affordable housing. “The city offers no solutions but takes away our last option,” one protester stated.
Activists are calling for negotiations with local authorities, demanding designated camper areas with essential facilities and a revision of the ban.
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