Driving around Spain in a campervan is generally safe and easy, but be mindful of smaller towns without by-passes if youre in a longer vehicle. Spanish people talk LOUDLY and over each other constantly. If you want to learn a few works, Castilian is the one to pick as it is the most widely spoken. American Express is only taken in large stores (not at tolls and often not at fuel stations), Timezone GMT+1 (or one hour ahead in BST). You may find that Spanish people are not as friendly towards dogs as you are used to, and youll often see dogs tied up or confined within rural properties. This sailing does navigate the Bay of Biscay and can be choppy in autumn and winter, but in our experience, its more cost-effective than driving through France. Go straight on and then bear right onto the D6015 still signed for Vernon. Spain & Portugal [2016] Italy, Croatia & Slovenia [2016] All Digital Guides. There are lots of failed projects around and many, many half built houses and buildings. LPG for refillable systems is available in many garages, use the myLPG app to search near where you are. Utilise the campsite bar a glass of wine and a beer will typically cost 3, a bargain! If the weather is good there are two low altitude passes you can take instead. Visit the very modern science museum with contemporary architecture and wander the old river bed which runs right around the city. This dramatic and wild space is iconic Andalusia; it seems like everyhillside cradles a pueblo blanco. If youre going later and youre in a popular town or city, expect to wait for a table or book. Complete Europe Motorhome Travel Toolkit, CHECKLIST: Dont forget to grab your FREE Europe motorhome travel checklist HERE. Just like motorhoming in France, there are certain things you MUST carry with you in your motorhome or campervan whilst touring in Spain. There are a number of must-sees including the Plaza de Espaa, the Real Alczar, the Giralda Tower and the Cathedral. As in France, sometimes there is a fee per night but often there is no charge and basic services are provided. Here's a classic setup on a campsite: shaded by trees, bikes strewn, card games underway! In the interior of Spain in your motorhome, you may well have long stretches of sweeping autopista(motorway) and autova(dual carriageway) to yourself. ), visit the Start Here page to find out how we can help you! The huge highlight from this route is crossing the Millau Viaduct in your motorhome or camper- its well worth the experience. You might even wish to fit an extra camper habitation door lock and never leave your vehicle unattended in an unsecure area. We have been using and recommend ConnectPlus for cloud sim connectivity in the UK and Europe. Dont forget, if you are driving through France to get to Spain, you need all the kit required by France as well as the kit for that country. Some go for up to six months from October onwards, we prefer to spend Christmas at home and travel out in January. Youll probably also want some form of air conditioning or at least a fan in your camper- temperatures can get up to 40+c. Day 5 - Virollet-Font Paillaud to Bordeaux. But dont enter the town, which is busy and narrow. Use the three-step search above to select your ideal vehicle, or contact our 24/7 customer service team at +1-888-223-5555 for expert assistance. Over many years we have not found a sensible alternative to bypass Rouen, they either add too many miles or progress is frustratingly slow. Motorhoming in Spain- what gear do you need to carry? Taking a motorhome to Italy is an experience not to be missed. So, if you're searching for a cheap car rental in South Africa after landing at Pietermaritzburg Airport, look no further! Another beautiful city to fall in love with! There is limited motorhome parking in Valencia, especially during the festival; we would suggest stayinghere. France is a vast country and unless you have months, it's impossible to see all the best bits in one trip. Spanish roads are typically well-maintained, and the drivers are considerate and relaxed. Many camping sites will provide desalinated water instead of potable water. Whether you're in Frauenfeld for business or pleasure, the Auto Europe team can help you save big on Switzerland car rentals! Tolls can be paid for in cash (Euros) or cards at selected booths. Spanish supermarkets are generally ok, all offering the basics and some a bit more upmarket, such a Carrefour. With the fantastic beaches of the Costa Brava and a beautiful old town, this makes a great final stop on your motorhome tour of Spain. Nestled down a leafy street, in the heart of Brisbane, is Gerard's Bistro. Or take a campervan route through the popular region of Normandy and Brittany! As someone who gets seasick (hilarious considering Im ex-Navy and lived on boats for 15 years), I avoid this crossing and prefer to drive from the UK through France to Spain, but its entirely up to you. You may be surprised at how many motorhomes from northern Europe travel to campsites in Spain for the winter. Some of our favourite places for motorhome trips in Northern France include: The Normandy beaches. You can download the app in the App store (iOS) or the Play store (Android). Castilian is most common, but there is also Basque, Catalan and some smaller dialects. The (pass) roads in the Pyrenees are sometimes not too wide, but are easy to drive with some mountain experience. Cabins are not mandatory, but the alternative reclining seats are uncomfortable and noisy. If you wait until youre at the ferry/ tunnel, you could spend THREE times as much! To enjoy your motorhome or campervan tour, planning and preparation is critical. American Express is rarely accepted but UK credit or debit cards should work (but not always, so carry cash to be safe! a lazy morning, and stop en-route, so you have the best chance of finding a spot around this time, but thats when the day is at its hottest, so be careful. For more details, read our step-by-step guide on dealing with a road traffic accident in Europe. Stayhereon the north of the lEncanyissada lagoon and if youre lucky youll spot flamingoes migrating. Wild camping is not allowed in any of the Spanish National Parks. If you've found it useful, please consider buying us a coffee to show your support. If under 3,500kg go straight on, otherwise the inside lane swings right down to a bridge, after which you turn left returning back to the main road. Even in the middle of summer. READ MORE: Discover the best & warmest places to enjoy winter in Spain. Look out for traffic signs indicating that winter tyres or snow chains are compulsory where you are. There are plenty of opportunities for short or longer mountain walks. Regardless of who accompanies you on your next trip or destination, the vehicle you need is on Yescapa. Should I Take My Motorhome to Spain for the Winter? This is a fascinating and ecologically diverse part of Spain withover 80species of birds livingand breeding here. If you do find any discrepancies, please do let us know. a) Ferry to the north coast of Spain and drive south to your chosen Costa. There are speed cameras just as in the UK, and the Spanish (and other EU) authorities have been known to pursue Brits for non-payment of fines. In a short while, the Seine appears to the right and you are clear of the city. Andalucia epitomises southern Spain for most visitors; vibrant, colourful and passionate. Many people seem to think they can turn up and park wherever they want, but this is not the case. stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here. No- wild camping is not permitted in any of Spains National Parks. motorhome wild camping heres everything you need to know to stay safe and find free spots. Top Guide To Buying A Motorhome; First Motorhome Trip Abroad; Winter Motorhome Trip Spain; Campsites For A Ski . This 220km coastline boasts uninterrupted white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. These are usually exceptionally good value and will give you a taste of the local and seasonal flavour and cooking style. 2500 mile round trip in a fortnight. These zones are indicated with Area de prioridad residencial and are banned to anyone without a permit (or special exemption.). Look out for Ainsa, a beautiful medieval hilltop town inAragn, with incredible mountainviews. In the event of an accident, all parties complete and sign the form at the scene and then send a copy to your insurer for assessment. (Yes, you will see other people do it- some areas are stricter than others. The UKs longest running outdoor motorhome & campervan show, four nights camping, with live entertainment and extensive exhibition area. Continue on the N12, for another three miles and take the second exit. the packaging is unbroken unless in current use. Spain's prime minister denounced Friday a plan by construction giant Ferrovial to move its headquarters to the Netherlands as the decision triggers a political storm. Route 2 is straight south from Calais, skirting around Paris and then down to Clermont Ferrard and Perpignan on the A75 (which is largely free from tolls). The UK Department for Transport advises that A-frames are not legal for use by UK motorhomers abroad. Motorhome Aires in Spain All You Need to Know, whether you should take your motorhome to Spain for winter, SIM Cards in Morocco: How & Where to Buy + Best Deals, Driving from Lisbon to Porto: Itinerary, Route & Tips, Route Napoleon: A Historic French Road Trip, Austria Road Trip: The Best Itinerary, Map & Tips, Switzerland Road Trip: The Best Itinerary + Map & Tips. Basically we need to get past the Pyrenees and driving over the inland passes in winter is risky. First is the ferry crossing options from Plymouth and Portsmouth to Santander and Bilbao - both of these ports are in Northern . Not only is this a noteworthy hike along the route of the river Guadalhorce, but it is also in an area of outstanding natural beauty worth exploring further. If under 3,500kg go straight on, otherwise the inside lane swings right down to a bridge, after which you turn left to bring you back, through the commercial area, to the main road. If you want a different pitch, you will be charged a supplement which often wipes out the benefit of the ACSI card, so pick smaller sites for the best experience. Most garages will require you to pay electronically for fuel at the pump, usually you can adjust the instructions to English. Spare wheel and the tools to change a wheel, or a tyre repair kit. ), Driving in Spain- what to do in the event of a road traffic accident, Other essential tips for campervanning in Spain, More useful things to know when motorhoming in Spain, FREE Europe motorhome travel checklist HERE, best & warmest places to enjoy winter in Spain, heres what we recommend and where to find it. Travel by the iconic Rocky Mountaineer. The device is no larger than a slimline smart phone, connects with up to ten devices, is charged easily with a USB and can be delivered within a few days of ordering. Sundays are truly sacred days in Spain. Singular places in the Perigord and the Dordogne 7. Rent the perfect van, campervan or motorhome for a family trip, with your four-legged or two-legged friend. But, I promise you, there is much more to Spain than the Costa del Sol, especially if youre travelling and touring in a motorhome or camper. Personal travel and medical insurance along with an EHIC or, Two warning triangles for the front and rear. We stopped atCamping Osunain the east of the city, close to the airport. This tiny country packs one hell of a punch; wild coastlines, lively buzzing cities and exquisite wines. Motorhome camping in and around Barcelona is challenging. This is because of the financial crash in 2008 and the subsequent bursting of Spains property bubble. There are also sites open at Tours and Bordeaux (two) if you are not making good time. Home to the famous and breathtaking Mezquita, Cordoba is city rich in history, architecture and Spanish charm and perfect for a one day visit. Update August 2021 you no longer require a green card to prove you have vehicle insurance cover when travelling in Europe. MMM is Britain's best-selling motorhome magazine and it has been for over 55 years. Book this hike well in advance and go with a guide, for an extra few euros you will learn so much. However, now that BREXIT has happened and rules have changed (more on that later too! The mighty SierraNevada is home to the highest point of continental Spain and the third highest in Europeafter theCaucasus Mountainsand theAlps; Mulhacnpeaks at 3,479m above sea level. If you like chateaux and history, this is for you! You might also find random traffic lights, which turn to red in the middle of nowhere if youre speeding and make you wait for a couple of minutes before turning to green so you can move off again. Take a list of what is legally required with you and check it off one by one as you are given the handover. We're driving a big vehicle on the wrong side of the road, so avoiding city centres is also preferable. Generally, taking a ferry from the UK to Spain is much more expensive than driving through France (depending on time of year and type of cabin). Mealtimes in Spain are noticeably different to the rest of Europe. Service is usually included in the fixed price, which can range from 10 to 18 or possibly more if youre in a big tourist city. The new decree aims to level the rules whether youre in a motorhome or tent but there is some acknowledged ambiguity around the wording, you can find out more inthis article. For more information about over-wintering, check out our post aboutwhether you should take your motorhome to Spain for winter. Itsprobablybest visited in Spring or September/October on your way to sunnier climes. In Spain you can visit the Spanish National Park Aigestortes. Find it here). Water is regulated in much of the country, especially in the south, and many sites provide de-salinated water instead of potable. Petrol and diesel are widely available. From the stunning Alps, the Black Forest with its gorgeous romantic road, to medieval cities, fairytale castles and magical Christmas markets this surprising and interesting country is a must-see road trip destination for campervans and motorhomes. If you're on an extended motorhome tour and time is no object, of course pottering south along the west coast of France and crossing the Pyrenees is a wonderful introduction to Spain. b) Short crossing to northern France, motorways to Perpignan, then the Spanish AP7 coastal motorway to your destination. Leaving the motorway you drop down a hill. These are the things you MUST have with you when youre motorhome or campervan touring in Spain. Legally, youre only allowed to stay on approved overnight motorhome spaces or campsites. The motorhome route is shown in the map below. The bullfighting season runs from March to October with fights usually taking place on Sunday afternoons. Gerard's Bistro, Fortitude Valley. If youre coming from the south, make sure to stop at thewetlands of La Albufera and try the traditional paella which originated here. This quintessential Andalucian city is perfect for wandering, with cool bars and cafes on every corner, perfect to enjoy tapas and a glass of crisp white wine whilst watching the world go by. Heading east, stop in the pretty and modern city ofAlmeria for an afternoon lunch along the promenade. Our award-winning customer service team . Starting at the English Channel and continuing to the Bay of Biscay, you're sure to make the memories of a lifetime along the way. Paying just a few euro in tolls is a good time saver. Free motorways are shown in blue, Spanish toll motorways are shown in red. Vehicle V5 logbook or vehicle registration document (which must show your correct address). The biggest consideration to this ferry (apart from the cost), is the weather. Motorhome hire from a local owner. Immerse yourself in nature and explore places that are difficult to reach with a motorhome, such as narrow gravel paths to the mountain peak or off-road bike routes through the pine trees. From the Cote dAzur to the deserted and tranquil interior, France is the perfect place to spend a summer in your motorhome. Had however been in France and Spain in the January/February. Campervanning in Spain- motorhome overnight parking, Motorhome wild camping guides for the UK & Europe. The beautiful capital city of Spain has to be visited. There is a lot of diverse hiking here but the weather can be unstable and the terrain unforgiving. We loved Tarifa with its laid-back surfer dude feel and abundant opportunities for activity. Picturesque towns of the Red Coast 3. Youll often see the typical pictogram sign by the side of the road pointing you to a service point, this may be a dedicated area, within an aire or another facility. Everyone should do this at least one Mont St Michel - one of the most historical places in France. Heading further north, the beautiful cities of La Rochelle and Nantes are already waiting for you. Look out for traffic signs indicating that winter tyres or snow chains are compulsory where you are. We'd love to cross some mountains but just need to be advised by people who have already done it. You can buy an annual guide for just 23 (in 2021) and if gives you access to over 200 businesses which allow motorhomes to park up overnight in exchange for buying a meal in their restaurant or a few bottles of wine at the vineyard. c) Short crossing but drive across country through France and Spain. The driving time from Caen to Irun is around nine hours in a motor home, and tolls will cost somewhere in the region of 170 in tolls, although expect more if you weigh over 3,500kgs. READ MORE: How to get a UK Animal Health Certificate after BREXIT. This route is available in the Campercontact app. Yellow diamond signs mean you have priority. Follow the N11 towards Girona and Barcelona. Route 1 is via Tours, Bordeaux and down the Atlantic coast on the N10 until you cross the border between Biarritz and San Sebastien. Leave Calais on the A 16 following signs for Abbeville. From here to Bayonne is 256 miles but its a fast dual carriageway virtually all the way with only Bordeaux having heavy traffic. One of the cheapest places is on Amazon. Once in Spain, leave the Spanish motorway, the A7, at junction 1, "La Junquera". Expenses of the 10-day route through French Brittany by motorhome In total, this trip that we have made in a motorhome has had 1000 uros of cost for the 4 that we are in the family. Lidl carries a good basic range and has by far the best value wine in Spain. READ MORE: There are some basic rules to follow whilst motorhome wild camping heres everything you need to know to stay safe and find free spots. This route lends itself well to ferries which arrive from the UK into Caen or Cherbourg. Planning to take your motorhome to Europe? Featured in Experience the ultimate motorhome holiday . Camping Los Escullosis a great site, which is situated in the national park, close to Los Escullos beach ( a good spot for wild camping on the beach in Spain) and a couple of really good hikes. Spains capital city is a beautiful and cultured city with stunning architecture, tranquil parks and some of the best art museums in Europe. Many people move on after. Is this your first time visiting Spain? A motor home route through France to Spain." I read this on another site, " OutAndAboutlive. Day 2 - Gron to Chteauroux. Youll find great hiking and bird-watching trails here. READ MORE: Learn how we find and use aires and approved free overnight motorhome stopovers across Europe. To find out where to stay during stage 5 - click here. Lunch, which is the main meal of the day, is eaten between 2 and 3pm. This can vary a little from town to town but fundamentally the afternoon is for relaxing and spending time together as a family; if you cant beat em, join em! This also includes a motorhome sat-nav- program it before you leave and dont touch it unless youre parked up safely. If in doubt, you can always ask at the tourist office or town hall- many places are happy to allow you in their car park for the night. 9 Motorhome Ferry Routes to and From France Dover - Calais Dover - Dunkirk Newhaven - Dieppe Plymouth - Rostoff Poole - Cherbourg Portsmouth - Caen Portsmouth - Cherbourg Portsmouth - Le Harve Portsmouth - St. Malo Motorhome Ferry Routes to and From Spain Plymouth - Santander Portsmouth - Bilbao Portsmouth - Santander We highly recommend paying extra attention to your motorhome security when travelling in Italy. Your options for driving to Spain from the UK in a motorhome are these; Sailing from Portsmouth or Plymouth to the northern Spain ports of Santander of Bilbao (depending on which day of the week you want to depart) is the only way to avoid France. A visit to Lourdes is also possible. Day 3 - Chteauroux to Roullet Saint-Estephe. You will also be within easy walking distance of the Casco Antiguo, the old town. Two days from Dunkerque to Biarritz. In under a mile the road forks; if you intend staying on one of the coastal aires follow the D940; otherwise the D901 via Montreuil is faster. If you choose to use the Autopista toll roads while motorhoming in Spain, here are some tips for you: Bizarrely, some toll roads in Spain are being demoted to free routes, but are still marked as AP on the map. As with most countries in Europe, you have four options when it comes to where to park your motorhome or camper overnight: Sadly, Spain is getting tougher about free overnight motorhome parking spots and many places now ban them completely. Also, many campsites put ACSI users on lesser pitches (either bad view or no electric or drainage). Aires are just approved motorhome overnight parking places- often provided and maintained by the local commune. The D810 runs almost parallel with the A63 past Biarritz and St Jean de Luz to the French border town of Hendaye with its Spanish neighbour Irun just across the river. If you love motorhomes, road trips and a bit of adventure, dive right in! The long road south - a motorhome route through France to Spain You may be surprised at how many motorhomes from northern Europe travel to campsites in Spain for the winter. For a grown-ups-only holiday, check out our recommended sites just for adults Editor's Pick - The best campsites for dogs. Its a long crossing of 32 hours, but does give you the chance to have a proper nights sleep if you book a cabin. So instead turn right on the N12 towards Alencon, leave most of the traffic behind, and enjoy the mainly fast dual carriageway for 34miles to Mortagne-au-Perche where you turn south. It has a host of information on best routes to many locations. Motorhoming in Spain- motorhome at Mesa Roldan tower Cabo de Gata Nijar Natural Park in Almeria, Andalusia Spain Road tripping Spain in Spring and Autumn The best times to visit are probably the shoulder seasons of Spring and Autumn. Motorhome services are generally widely available, especially along the coast. These are prettier than the coastal sprawl but the narrower winding roads mean no mileage saving and a longer journey time. The Peaks of Europe, so called because they were the first landmark to be seen by sailors of old on approaching the continent, are well worth a visit. The tolls on this route will cost you an estimated 180; it could be more if you're driving a big motorhome of upwards of 3,500 kgs. The motorhome route costs: 14.99PRO users will pay: 11.99. If you wear glasses you must carry a spare pair. Barcelona is a real foodie city, with a great central market and lots of fantastic tapas bars and seafood restaurants, check out thebest restaurants in Barcelonafor an authentic gastronomic experience when you visit the city. With one of the best winter climates in Europe and friendly locals, Spain is a perfect country for a motorhome road trip. Park your campervan, set up your mountain or road bike, fill up your water bottle, and get exploring! The other popular option for groups of 4 or larger, or for those seeking a few more luxuries within their campervan, is the motorhome style of camper. Order a Cerveza pequea (small beer) for 1 and get a free tapa, you can do this in all the bars in Len and literally have your dinner for nothing! Motorhome touring in the beautiful and varied country of France is a pleasure. Follow this for 2.5miles to the D938 which you follow southwards past Belleme and then as the D301 past Bonnetable towards Le Mans. English usually spoken in campsites and in tourist areas, but not often elsewhere, Cards most major credit and debit cards are accepted. In practicality, youll find that the further than civilisation and the beach you are, the better your chances of finding a quiet, free overnight parking spot will be. Weve spent months touring in France and from tips about driving, budgeting, where to stay overnight and off-grid and wild camping, to motorhome services and a round-up of the best motorhome destinations, youll find all the information you need for an amazing road trip in France. IMPORTANT: Drivers do NOT have to stop at a zebra crossing for pedestrians IF there are no lights. You can read more about aires, how to find them and road trip planninghere. All across Spain, you will find a network ofVia Verdes literally translated as the green ways. Motorhoming in Spain in winter offers many benefits but be prepared as you may need to use your heating and will find it cools down as soon as the sun sets. Theyre not often allowed on public transport, even with a muzzle, which made visiting places difficult. Discover incredible deals for motorhome/ camper rentals, 10 essential questions to ask before you rent a motorhome, aires and approved free overnight motorhome stopovers across Europe, step-by-step guide for motorhome wild camping. that they are packaged proprietary brand products for direct sale to the final consumer, and. A gorgeous city, full of colour and atmosphere. Use an app likePark4Nightto locate motorhome and campervan services. More than 340 kilometres of the A75 (Clermont-Ferrand - Bziers) are toll-free apart from the Millau Bridge. We are off on a long winter stay, so a few extra days driving are insignificant and part of motorhome enjoyment is the journey itself. Weparked for the nightat the top of the hill by theFranciscanmonastery where Columbus met Queen Isabella of Spain to successfully seek funds for his journey to the new world. DISCLAIMER: This post was last updated in October 2021. On roads with single carriageways,the speed limit establishedmay not be exceeded by more 20km/h when overtaking. Dont forget you will need to bring a different nozzle to connect the Spanish gas bottle fitting to your UK system. If everyone else is, feel free to join them but remember you may be asked to move on.) At the bottom of the N10 you can either continue on the A63 toll motorway, or take the D810 towards Bayonne, Biarritz and the Spanish border. Distance 609km - Driving Time 6 hours 20 minutes. Dont forget, it is YOUR responsibility to make sure the vehicle has the required safety equipment. You could also look at Auto Europe who act as an aggregator site and may be able to get you a better deal. Cartagena is a city we really enjoy for its eclectic architecture andunexpected cosmopolitan feel. but in others it seems to be accepted as the norm. The most famous French motorway connects Thonon-les-Bains on Lake Geneva with Menton on the French Riviera. Santiago de Compostela is a stunningly beautiful city full of twisting alleys, elegant squares and historicreligious buildings, with interesting nooks and crannies everywhere. You join the Poitiers ring northwest of the city and leave it just four miles later on the N10. See Motorhome Fall Into River Amid Catastrophic California Storms Man City want 100m Liverpool target at all costs with current star ready to 'pack up and leave' for Spain 'You can't trust . This will be my first time in the van into France,Spain and Portugal. Many people will go to church but it is the extended family lunch, hosted by the matriarch, which is the most important part of the day. John, we did that trip last year, although we had longer and set off earlier. Like much of Europe, wild camping in Spain for motorhomes and campers is tolerated in many places but not strictly legal and its certainly not a right. Read on to find out all you need to know. If youre towing with your motorhome or campervan in Spain and the overall train length is 12m or more you must have at least one yellow reflector on the rear, sized 130cm x 25cm (or two sized 50cm x 25cm). What food can I take in my motorhome to Spain? Of course, if you only have a week for your holiday, travelling from the UK and back leaves only a few days to explore the country, and the further south you go, the less exploring time you have.