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A Guide to Travelling in Spain in a Motorhome

Spain is a slow-moving and late-running country. It’s the country of the siesta, a haven for foodies and night owls, history aficionados, religious pilgrims, and anyone who isn’t in a hurry.

It’s a large country with a wide range of attractions.

Madrid and Barcelona are vibrant and cosmopolitan cities, whereas Granada has a Moorish flavour, Valencia has its own mood, Catalonia has its own language and culture, and the Basque region in the north feels like it belongs to another country.

It’s a foodie’s dream, with a wide variety of delectable cuisine, live music and dancing, a plethora of art (classical and modern to suit all tastes), and stunning architecture, landscapes, and weather. There’s also a lot of history here, with the Celts and the Roman Empire both having left their mark.

As far as camping abroad is concerned Spain is a must on your bucket list, today we are going to tell you why!

General Information

  • We’re sure that most people do know the currency of Spain to be the Euro. The current exchange rate at the time of writing is £1 = €1.20
  • In the UK there is nothing worse than crossing a toll bridge that you didn’t even know about and being faced with a bill a few days later. That’s why it’s something to keep in mind. Click here to find a list of all toll roads, tunnels and bridges in Spain.
  • In Spain, there are now five low-emission zones. Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia, and Valladolid are among them. Only the Barcelona zone is indefinitely valid. The other zones are weather-related air protection zones that are only triggered when severe pollution is present. Which cars are then prohibited is not clearly stated. The government selects which vehicles can continue to enter based on the level of air pollution. For further information, click here

How to get there

The age-old debate regarding the best way to get to Spain in a campervan or motorhome from the UK is whether to pay for a long ferry ride or spend on petrol and taxes driving vast distances. If you decide on the latter, the best can be found here.

The only option to escape the long drive through France is to set sail from Portsmouth or Plymouth to the northern Spanish ports of Santander or Bilbao (depending on which day of the week you wish to leave).

It’s a lengthy 24-hour journey, but if you reserve a cabin, you’ll be able to get a good night’s sleep. Cabins are not required, but the reclining seats that are available are uncomfortable and noisy.

If you’re short on time or travelling with a dog (some boats include pet-friendly cabins and kennels), this is a great option, although cabins and kennel spaces fill up quickly.

The Bay of Biscay is traversed on this trip, which can be choppy in the autumn and winter.

Now that the general info is out of the way, let’s get straight into what you came here for, where to go and what to do!

Catalonia

Catalonia is a region of northeastern Spain that includes the city of Barcelona as its capital. While tens of thousands of visitors go to Catalunya for its beaches, modern architecture, art, and closeness to the Pyrenees Mountains, the region offers much more. It is also home to some of Spain’s best-located campgrounds.

You can stay at campsites that are just steps from beautiful sand beaches, with some even providing parking and caravan maintenance. There are also villas for rent, large plots for complete campervan freedom, and a plethora of local tourist activities.

There’s no reason why you couldn’t arrange a campervan site near a beach and then go mountain biking or trekking afterwards. There is something for everyone in Catalunya.

Asturias

A vacation to Asturias in northwest Spain may be in order if your group is interested in religious culture and mediaeval buildings. Due to its jagged coasts and spectacular mountains, this location is well-known for its historical significance as well as being a beautiful place to camp.

Although wild camping is not permitted in Asturias, you will not be without options if you decide to stay for a few days. Many motorhome-friendly campgrounds can be found across Asturias, many of which are within walking distance of beaches and natural areas.

Those who choose to spend the night in the little mountain hamlet of Pola de Somiedo, for example, will be near to the Somiedo Natural Park, which offers a variety of thrilling outdoor activities. They’ll be able to go fishing and eat at neighbouring restaurants as well.

Direct access to the beach and the option to park your motorhome at the campsite and explore the town on foot is available in Candás, Asturias. This may be worthwhile considering that in Asturias, you can only park your RV in a designated place and for a maximum of 48 hours.

Local campsites can be found here.

Galicia

Galicia, an autonomous community on the Atlantic coast of Spain, is located in the northwest corner of the country. It borders both the Cantabrian Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, making it one of Spain’s best seafood regions.

Most campsites in Galicia are located near the coast to take advantage of the most stunning landscape. You’ll always be close to big sea coves, with stunning scenery and closeness to noteworthy cafes where you can enjoy some of the region’s best cuisine.

Many of Galicia’s nicest campsites are nestled in wooded and shaded regions with panoramic views of the Bay of Biscay. They usually have pubs, restaurants, and huge RV sites to rent for long periods of time.

Galicia campsites can be found here.

Andalusia

Andalusia is a picturesque location on Spain’s southern coast, featuring farms, rivers, and hills. Andalusia is famous for its architecture, cathedrals, and palaces, as well as its diverse landscapes.

You can explore historic cities and deserts on one leg of your travel through this region. You’ll be feeling the sand between your toes at one of the many sun-drenched coastline beaches before you know it. As a result, planning a trip to this popular tourist site is a no-brainer.

Despite the fact that the majority of Spain has severe restrictions around wild camping, Andalusia takes a more relaxed approach. You may camp for up to three days on private land with the permission of the proprietor, but not within 650 feet of a beach’s high tide mark, near military facilities, or in protected areas.

In the vast majority of cases, staying at a campground is a viable alternative. You can camp on the outside of the Sierra Nevada National Park, for example, on your route through Monachil. You may go horseback riding, biking, hiking, or even participate in winter sports within a 30-minute drive.

You may be able to set up a tent at a campground with contemporary facilities while navigating through Cartama, which is only 30 minutes from the beaches of the Costa del Sol. You’ll never be far from a beach, a bar, a restaurant, or a museum.

Valencia

Motorhome tourists seeking a mix of indoor and outdoor activities should consider staying in Valencia. The Mediterranean Sea joins the Turia River in this port city on Spain’s southeast coast.

You can stroll along the beaches, see the wetlands reserve, or visit the planetarium, interactive museum, or oceanarium. Camping is also plentiful, with a large number of campgrounds primarily located along the coast and within close proximity to important tourist attractions.

Valencia does not allow wild camping, but most people won’t mind until they see how many excellent campgrounds accept RVs and tent campers. You can pitch a tent under a leafy tree in a little community or be within walking distance of sandy beaches.

There are also campgrounds high in the hills that offer breathtaking views while still being close to stores and beaches. Even if the laws for camping in Valencia are more stringent than in other parts of Spain, you’ll never be without options.

Those looking for a change of scenery from their RV or tent might take advantage of some of the more unusual camping options. From cabins and yurts to barrel houses and rustic cottages, there’s something for everyone.

You’ll have lots of options to explore if you stay a bit. Visit Valencia’s Central Market, which has over 1,000 stalls, or take a winning shot in La Lonja de la Seda, a 15th-century Gothic mercantile market. The Valencia Cathedral and the Valencia Bioparc are two other notable locations that are close to campgrounds for easy parking.

Speed Limits and Documentation

When taking a trip in Europe, you still have to stick to the speed limits. The limits are a bit different so be careful to keep your concentration.

Motorhomes weighing less than 3,500 kg 

  • On roads where there is no pavement and automobiles and pedestrians share the road, the speed limit is 20 km/h 
  • 30 km/h in urban areas 
  • 80 km/h outside of metropolitan regions
  • 90 km/h on major routes
  • 100 km/h on motorways

Motorhomes weighing more than 3,500 kilogrammes

  • On roads where there is no pavement and automobiles and pedestrians share the road, the speed limit is 20 km/h 
  • 30 km/h in urban areas 80 km/h outside of metropolitan regions
  • 80 km/h on major routes
  • 90 km/h on motorways
  • When overtaking on roads with single carriageways, the speed limit set must not be exceeded by more than 20 km/h 

Document requirements

  • At the time of your intended departure from Spain, your passport (issued within the last ten years) must have at least three months left on it.
  • Your car must have at least third-party motorhome insurance coverage. 
  • When travelling in Europe, you no longer need a green card to confirm you have motor insurance coverage.
  • You can drive in any EU country with your UK driver’s license. An International Driving Permit is required if you only have a paper driving license or a license issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man.
  • Cover documentation with a breakdown (not compulsory).
  • Logbook for Vehicle V5 (which must show your correct address).
  • If you’re towing, you’ll need trailer certification.
  • EHIC or GHIC card, personal travel and medical insurance (we recommend True Traveller) (not compulsory).
  • If you’re travelling with a pet, you’ll need an Animal Health Certificate.

That wraps up our guide to travelling in your motorhome or campervan in Spain, and hopefully, we cleared a thing or two up for you.

Want to upgrade your motorhome, so you can travel Spain in style? We have a large panel of lenders so that we can help you secure the best rate possible for your future home away from home, on wheels. Contact us today to find out more. 

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