Yacht Captain Lives in Van Amid Ibiza Housing Crisis

José, a captain of a €6 million luxury yacht that operates in Ibiza during the summer season, spends six months a year commanding the vessel, which can be rented for about €5,000 per day. Despite earning a solid income, the high cost of housing on the island forces him to live in a €4,000 van that he has used for the past six years. He explains that a rent of roughly €2,500 per month would consume half of his earnings, making the season financially unviable. The van serves as a low‑cost sleeping arrangement, with a mattress covering the trunk and storage for his belongings. José’s situation reflects a broader housing affordability problem for many workers on Ibiza, where the image of luxury and exclusive megayachts masks the difficulty low‑ and middle‑income staff face in finding affordable accommodation.