Locals Outraged as Tourist Campervans Overrun Spanish Coastal Haven

Saladar Beach in Alicante, known for its expansive golden sands and array of amenities, has become the center of a growing dispute as large numbers of tourist campervans turn the popular coastal spot into an impromptu campsite. Despite clear signage that prohibits permanent parking, visitors—mainly from the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium—park their vehicles for extended periods, setting up chairs, tables, and tarpaulins, and even sometimes engaging in activities like illegally disposing of wastewater in a nearby nature reserve. This situation has left local residents feeling increasingly frustrated as they watch their cherished public space being overwhelmed by temporary holidaymakers.

The discontent among locals is not limited to the misuse of space; residents also express anger over the neglect of local regulations, citing examples of improper waste disposal and lack of courtesy towards the environment. Some community members note that language is not a barrier as complaints in both English and German fall on deaf ears. There is a growing call among locals for the establishment of designated areas where residents and visitors can coexist, with a fee system to manage the use of the prime coastal property more responsibly.

The issue has escalated beyond Saladar Beach, as similar patterns of behavior have been observed in Elche. In response to mounting concerns about the influx of tourist campervans and illegal holiday flats, Alicante Council recently announced a temporary halt on new tourist flat licenses for two years. Urban Planning councillor Rocio Gomez indicated that this pause will allow a comprehensive review of existing laws and a re-evaluation of holiday home distributions across the city’s districts, signaling an effort to regain control and ensure local regulations are strictly followed.