In Santa Eulària, Ibiza, an incident has shaken the local community. Manolo Morillas, a 76-year-old who’s been living in a camper van parked on private land, found himself locked in after the property owners completely blocked the exit. Cut off from access to water and groceries, he tried to climb the fence, but fell badly and seriously injured his knee. The pain persisted for several days, eventually forcing him to seek medical help.
The retiree has been living in the camper van for over a year, with only his dog, Manchitas, for company. He can’t drive—the vehicle is broken, and he can’t afford repairs. He doesn’t even have the money for a taxi to the hospital. His situation has worsened after local authorities tightened parking rules for such vehicles, and now he faces possible eviction from the property.
Housing and support struggles
Morillas spent almost half a century working in the island’s hotel industry, but his pension is just one thousand euros—a sum barely enough for food and basic necessities. After retiring, he bought a camper van on credit, hoping for a peaceful retirement, but now finds himself in a very vulnerable situation. When he tried to have the vehicle repaired, things got even worse: he fell victim to fraudsters and lost nearly a thousand euros.
The municipality offered assistance — covering the cost of the motorhome repairs and even providing a ticket to Valencia along with a small sum for housing. However, the pensioner cannot afford to pay any fees upfront, and has still not found suitable accommodation for himself and his dog. As a result, he finds himself trapped: without transportation, unable to move, and constantly at risk of fines and eviction.
Public reaction and pressing questions
Manolo’s story has sparked widespread debate among Ibiza residents. Many are questioning how elderly people with modest pensions survive on an island where housing and food prices are so high. Some see the pensioner’s forced eviction as a sign of indifference towards the most vulnerable. Others are calling for a review of local regulations and urging real solutions for those facing difficult life circumstances.
For now, the fate of the pensioner remains uncertain. He continues to live in his motorhome, fearful of further trouble but hoping to find a way out of the situation. His story has initiated discussions not only about social justice, but also about the treatment of the elderly on Ibiza.
