In a landmark development for one of Spain’s most sought-after coastal destinations, the City of Marbella is on the verge of adopting its long-awaited new Plan General de Ordenación Municipal (PGOM), the city’s updated general urban development plan. Following a favourable report from the Junta, the local council is expected to grant final approval in the coming weeks during a plenary session.

The PGOM replaces the outdated PGOU from 1986, which has governed urban planning for nearly four decades. This modern framework is in line with Andalucia’s regional laws, making the city the first in Andalucia to complete the adaptation. The plan provides a comprehensive roadmap for land classification, sustainable growth, infrastructure, green spaces, and connected development. It will allow for urgent new building of homes and bring more employment to the Costa del Sol.

Decision cancels old judgment against Marbella

Such a long delay originates in a turbulent history of urban planning challenges. After irregularities during the 1990s under previous administrations, a 2010 revision was annulled by Spain’s Supreme Court in 2015, forcing a reversion to the 1986 rules. This created prolonged regulatory limbo, stalling thousands of projects, complicating property classifications, and generating legal uncertainty for owners and developers with evolving environmental standards, population growth, and infrastructure demands.

Mayor Ángeles Muñoz has called the progress “magnificent news” for the entire city, saying it was achieved in “record time” through strong collaboration between local and regional authorities. The new PGOM promises greater legal certainty for property owners, reduced bureaucracy, faster permit processing, and a balanced, inclusive approach to future challenges.

Good news for expat developers

For Marbella’s expat community, comprising around one-third of residents, this is particularly welcome. International buyers and investors gain improved confidence from clearer rules, minimising risks in the real estate market. It unlocks stalled development potential, supports controlled expansion of amenities, and preserves the high quality of life that draws retirees, families, and higher-net-worth individuals.

As one local real estate expert put it: “Clarity equals confidence, and confidence drives growth.” With this step, Marbella enters a new era of stability and sustainable prosperity on the Costa del Sol. As well, Marbella can finally leave its dark political history behind and move forward.

MILLIONS of Brits are gearing up for the arrival of Easter week – which comes about at the end of March and beginning of April – and there are few places they prefer travelling to more than Spain. However, along with the arrival of much-needed holidays and thrilling trips comes the risk of fines, especially for little-known rules and requirements … and the Foreign Office has warned Brits of a rule that could cost holidaymakers up to €600 if it is ignored.

Taxi trouble: A hefty fine if this rule goes unchecked

As it turns out, UK holidaymakers could face hundreds of euros in fines if they use unofficial, or unlicensed, taxis.

“Only use official registered or licensed taxis, or reputable transport companies you recognise. Licensing regulations differ across Spain and in certain cities pre-booking is required,” states the Foreign Office’s official website page for Spain.

“Passengers caught using unlicensed taxi services are liable for fines of up to 600 euros. Make sure you book your taxi or airport transfer through a licensed firm.”

Holidaymakers should be made aware of the rule, as it could not only result in a hefty fine, but could also pose a significant risk. Legitimate and licensed taxis will have a clearly-visible meter running.

Here are some other tips to avoid travelling with or getting scammed by an unlicensed taxi:

• Be wary, particularly in big cities like Madrid, Barcelona and Sevilla, and particularly around the airport and other hotspot areas. Legitimate taxis will have a designated drop-off and pickup point.
• Use an official app or service for taxis. Popular apps include Bolt, Cabify and Uber.
• Taxis in Spain will have distinct colourings and markings. Avoid getting into unmarked cars and, if riding through an app, always verify the driver’s identity and the licence plate.
• Make sure the meter is on and running. If the taxi driver claims “fixed price” or that the “meter is broken,” avoid travelling in that car.
• When paying with a card through a TPV, make sure the taxi driver is transparent about the price of the ride and that the price was correctly entered into the TPV before paying.
• Watch out for longer routes; have a map app open on your phone and ensure the driver is taking an acceptable route.

The FCDO: An essential resource for holidaymaking Brits

The Foreign Office, or FCDO, is a UK government department that provides travel advice for more than 220 countries and territories, including Spain. The FCDO offers advice about possible fines, terrorist attacks, crime, demonstrations and protests, extreme weather and natural disasters, cultural differences, and even driving in foreign countries. 

It is an essential resource for travellers to get informed about new rules, regulations … and yes, fines, at their holiday destinations.

A couple has spent the past four years living full-time in a camper van while travelling across different parts of Spain, reporting that they use only two gas bottles per year to meet their energy needs. Their experience highlights an extreme example of minimalist mobile living amid rising housing and energy costs in Europe.

Life on the Road Across Spain

The couple reside in a camper van measuring roughly five square metres, which they have adapted as a permanent home. Rather than living in a fixed location, they travel across Spain, choosing different regions and stopping points depending on weather, local regulations and personal preference.

They have lived continuously in the vehicle since making the lifestyle change, opting for public spaces and natural environments rather than a conventional home. This approach has allowed them to avoid ongoing expenses such as rent and domestic utility bills.

Minimal Energy Consumption

One of the most striking aspects of their lifestyle is their extremely low energy use. The couple say they typically consume only two butane gas bottles a year. The gas is primarily used for cooking, while other energy demands are minimised through careful resource management.

Their low consumption reflects deliberate choices to limit reliance on conventional energy sources. They avoid appliances that require electricity or significant power, and make use of natural light, outdoor cooking and other low-energy practices wherever possible.

Motivation and Daily Experience

In interviews, the couple have described their choice to live in a camper van as motivated by a desire for simplicity and freedom, rather than purely by financial necessity. By reducing fixed costs such as rent and utility bills, they have managed to sustain themselves with significantly lower monthly outgoings.

Their daily life is shaped by travel and flexibility rather than fixed routines. They said they often lose track of the days of the week, attributing this to the absence of a conventional weekday structure.

Legal and Practical Considerations

Living full-time in a camper van in Spain exists in a legal grey area that varies by municipality. While overnight parking is generally permitted in many locations provided no camping equipment is deployed, extended habitation in a vehicle can be restricted under some local ordinances.

The couple said they aim to respect local rules by moving regularly and selecting parking places that do not draw attention or conflict with municipal regulations. They avoid deploying outdoor furniture or other items that would classify a stop as “camping” under local laws.

Access to water, waste disposal and sanitation requires planning. The couple make use of public facilities, campsites and service points where available, adapting their stops to suit these practical needs.

A Visible Trend

Living in a camper van has become more visible in Spain and parts of Europe in recent years. Some adopt mobile living temporarily, for example during travel or seasonal work, while others, like this couple, embrace it as a long-term lifestyle.

The phenomenon has different drivers, including remote work opportunities, the desire for flexibility, concerns about housing costs and personal priorities around consumption and space.

Living in a small, mobile space presents challenges. The couple must organise their belongings efficiently and plan for basic services such as filling water tanks or disposing of waste. However, they say these challenges are outweighed by the freedom and reduced financial pressure that the lifestyle offers.

Public and Media Reaction

Their story has been widely shared on social media and news channels, has elicited mixed reactions. Supporters have praised the couple for their low environmental footprint and their rejection of consumer-oriented living arrangements. Critics have questioned whether the arrangement could be considered sustainable or desirable in the long term.

The couple have emphasised that their lifestyle is a personal choice rather than a prescriptive model for others. They note that such a life requires adaptability, careful planning and comfort with living with fewer material possessions than in a conventional home.

Broader Social Context

Their experience comes against a backdrop of pressing public debates in Spain and across Europe over housing affordability, energy use and lifestyle choices. While mobile living in a camper van is not a solution for everyone, particularly for families or individuals with fixed employment, it illustrates how alternative living arrangements can significantly reduce resource consumption.

Their reported use of just two gas bottles per year is striking when compared with average household energy consumption, underscoring how minimal living conditions and simplified daily routines can drastically lower energy demand.

Continuing the Journey

After nearly four years on the road, the couple say they have no immediate plans to return to conventional accommodation. They continue to travel across Spain, adjusting their movements to seasonal conditions and local regulations.

Their camper van remains both their home and means of travel, representing a lifestyle defined by mobility, minimalism and a conscious departure from traditional housing norms. For now, their journey continues, reflecting a form of living that, while unconventional, resonates with people exploring alternatives to standard residential life.