Albatera could become the latest Costa Blanca town to welcome visitors arriving on four wheels as motorhome tourism continues to grow across Spain.
A developer has submitted plans to build a new camper area on rural land in La Dehesa de Albatera. The proposed site is intended exclusively for motorhomes, campervans and caravans.
It would not include bungalows or permanent accommodation, focusing instead on self-contained touring vehicles.
The project must now go through the planning process before any work can begin.
A 48-pitch campsite
The proposed campsite would cover almost one hectare, occupying around 9,300 square metres between Camino del Espartal and the Rambla Salada, close to the Orihuela municipal boundary.
Plans include 48 pitches averaging 78 square metres each, with capacity for up to 144 guests.
Visitors would have access to a reception building, bar and social club, covered terrace, toilets, showers, laundry facilities, washing areas, a motorhome service point and a 114-square-metre swimming pool.
If approved, the campsite would remain open throughout the year.
Why the project needs special approval
The site stands on non-urbanisable rural land, so the developer cannot apply for a standard building licence.
Instead, the proposal requires a Declaration of Community Interest (DIC), a planning procedure used in the Valencian Community for certain developments in rural areas.
The Valencian government will now assess the application alongside technical reports covering road access, water supply, drainage, landscape integration and the site’s proximity to the Rambla Salada.
Even if the DIC receives approval, the developer will still need a municipal building licence before construction can begin.
A growing market
The developer believes demand for motorhome tourism is continuing to increase. The proposal argues that the inland Vega Baja offers an attractive alternative to the busier Costa Blanca coastline.
The campsite would target visitors interested in walking, cycling, nature and rural tourism while providing a convenient base close to Albatera, Granja de Rocamora and the A-7 motorway.
The application also states that the surrounding area currently has few dedicated facilities for motorhomes despite the growing popularity of this type of travel.
Planning process continues
The proposed site is close to the Rambla Salada in an area currently classified as having a low flood risk under the regional flood prevention plan.
However, following recent flooding across the Valencian Community, the regional government is reviewing some flood-risk maps. As a result, planners are expected to examine the proposal carefully before making a decision.
If the project receives all the necessary approvals, the campsite would have permission to operate for 30 years.
Bridging the Gap’s recap
- Plans have been submitted for a new motorhome campsite in Albatera.
- The proposed site would provide 48 pitches for motorhomes, campervans and caravans.
- Facilities would include a swimming pool, bar, showers and a motorhome service area.
- The project requires approval from the Generalitat Valenciana before it can proceed.
- The developer hopes to attract visitors exploring the inland Vega Baja rather than the Costa Blanca coast.
