Palma City Council has announced a crackdown on caravans and motorhomes gathering in areas including Ciutat Jardí, insisting there is “no room” in Palma or the wider Balearic Islands for vehicles to settle, camp or operate as part of caravan tourism.
The move follows mounting complaints from residents over growing numbers of caravans parked in coastal areas. Council spokeswoman Mercedes Celeste said the local authority was determined to enforce existing regulations designed to prevent long-term occupation and unauthorised camping.
Responding to calls from neighbours for basic services to be provided to people living in the vehicles, Celeste rejected the idea, arguing it would effectively amount to recognising an official campsite in Ciutat Jardí. She said the Balearic Islands were not seeking to attract caravan tourism.
“The position of the city council is clear: motorhomes are not permitted in Palma either for living in or for tourism,” she said, adding that the council would continue efforts to shut down illegal caravan sites across the city.
Celeste also criticised opposition councillors who have questioned the measures, insisting the local government could no longer ignore the issue. She said enforcement would be strengthened through an increased police presence, following the addition of more than 50 new Palma Local Police officers last week and the launch of a fresh recruitment campaign.
The council also confirmed that the expansion of Palma’s paid parking zones, known as ORA areas, would continue in other parts of the city. Payment machines are already being installed, with further street modifications expected before the timetable for the rollout is officially announced.