The Rise of Van Living in Lisbon: Neighbors Push Back Against RV Parking

The Growing Trend of Van Living in Lisbon

In recent years, the number of people living in motorhomes has surged in Lisbon. As summer approaches, more individuals seek the freedom of the open road, with some, like Jorge Valter, who has lived in a motorhome for the past ten years, choosing this lifestyle to avoid apartment living and neighbors. Similarly, Ana (a fictitious name) has embraced this lifestyle for two years, allowing her to explore diverse countries and cultures.

The motorhome market is expanding, with 26,562 registered motorhomes in Portugal. The year 2019 marked a significant increase with 2,046 new registrations. However, by November 2024, registrations saw a slight decline to 1,474, igniting controversies among local residents tired of seeing these vehicles parked in front of their homes, particularly in free parking areas.

Jorge Valter has been living in a motorhome for ten years. Photo: Catarina Ferreira

Local Protests Against RV Parking

In neighborhoods like Benfica and Belém, residents have voiced their frustrations. In Benfica, complaints arose when motorhomes occupied a popular parking area, prompting residents to report the situation to the local council. Similarly, in Belém, neighbors complained about litter left by motorhome occupants, leading to parking bans in these areas.

Legal Status of Motorhome Parking

Legislation concerning motorhome parking has also been contentious. In 2021, amendments to the Highway Code prohibited overnight stays outside designated areas. However, a subsequent law allowed parking for a maximum of 48 hours in residential zones, a rule that is often unenforced due to a lack of police resources for monitoring.

Need for Dedicated RV Parking Areas

With ongoing complaints and little enforcement of current laws, solutions are being sought. The president of the CPA (Portuguese Motorhome Association) advocates for the creation of dedicated motorhome service areas in Lisbon, similar to those found in other municipalities. Currently, the only campground available in Lisbon is deemed too expensive for many travelers.

In 2015, the CPA proposed a project for a motorhome service area, which gained approval but has since stalled due to cost issues. Despite promises of progress, both the Lisbon Municipality and the local council have not provided updates on the project's status.

"A dedicated service area would provide 50 parking spots and help alleviate the current issues of illegal parking in the city," states the CPA president.

Global Context of Motorhome Living

The rise in motorhome living is not unique to Lisbon. Globally, demand for motorhomes has increased, driven by a desire for affordable travel and a closer connection to nature. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated this trend as international travel restrictions pushed many towards motorhome vacations.

In cities like Bristol, housing crises have led residents to live in vehicles, creating tensions with local communities. In Lisbon, Valter acknowledges that while not everyone, some individuals choose the motorhome lifestyle due to rising housing costs.