The Gap Decaders

Motorhoming in Spain: Your Complete Guide for 2024

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Motorhoming & Campervanning in Spain

With one of the best winter climates in Europe, beautiful natural landscapes and friendly locals, Spain is a perfect country for a motorhome road trip. With the colourful traditions, good food and wine and fabulous architecture, you have all the ingredients for an amazing tour.

We’ve spent over 18 months travelling in a motorhome in Spain, and in this campervanning and motorhoming guide you’ll find lots of practical and helpful information. From tips about driving, where to stay overnight and wild camping, to motorhome services and a round-up of the best motorhome destinations, you’ll find all the information you need for an amazing motorhome road trip in Spain.

motorhoming in Spain

Spain Motorhome Routes

What’s the cheapest way to get to Spain in a motorhome? Do you pay for a long ferry crossing or pay for fuel and tolls doing long miles through expensive France? Your options for driving to Spain from the UK in a motorhome are these;

Sail to Spain from the UK

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. This sailing does navigate the Bay of Biscay and can be choppy in autumn and winter, but in our experience, it’s more cost-effective than driving through France. 

It’s a long crossing of 32 hours, but does give you the chance to have a proper night’s sleep if you book a cabin. Cabins are not mandatory, but the alternative reclining seats are uncomfortable and noisy.

This is an ideal crossing if time is of the essence, or you’re travelling with a dog (some boats have pet-friendly cabins and some have kennels) but cabins and kennel places do book up quickly. 

We recommend you make your booking for the ferry to Spain with Direct Ferries , where you can compare routes and prices to ensure you get the best deal.

Top Tip: Even if you book a standard class cabin, it’s possible to book into the Commodore C-Club lounge, where free hot drinks, water and wine are served, along with generous snacks, meaning you don’t need to pay for expensive food on board.

Is this your first time visiting Spain? Get all our road trip tips in our Spain Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there and practical tips to help you have the best campervan road trip!

line of motorhomes waiting to board a ferry

Drive Through France to Spain

Take a road trip to Spain from UK by driving through France. Once in France, head down the west side of the country, via Le Mans, Tours, Poitiers, Bordeaux and Bayonne, crossing the Spanish border at Irun.

This is one of the quickest motorhome routes through France to Spain and is the cheapest from a toll perspective. This route lends itself well to ferries which arrive from the UK in to Caen or Cherbourg.

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.

Or, get to France any way you like and take a slow meander south using non-toll roads and spend some time exploring France as you travel. This is an ideal option if you have plenty of time and are planning a few months or more for your motorhoming in France and Spain trip. Check out our post about driving from the UK to Spain  for scenic routes and destination ideas.

Remember if you’re driving across France, you’ll need to observe the French driving laws and road rules, which do differ from the rules in Spain. You can find out more information here .

motorhoming in France

Motorhoming in France: Your Complete Touring Guide for 2024

driving from UK to Spain

Driving to Spain from UK: Best Routes & Driving Tips

Fly & hire a motorhome, campervan & motorhome rentals spain.

Flying and hiring a motorhome is the best way to tour Spain if you don’t own one. Our recommended Spain campervan hire company is Indie Campers and they have depots in various places including Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Seville and Bilbao – perfect starting points to see all the best bits as you road trip Spain .

Another great campervan rental firm to check out is  Activans , who specialize in campervan rental near Barcelona with sports equipment, such as surfboards, kitesurfing gear, windsurfing equipment, bicycles & e-bikes.

For Spain motorhome rental – best if you’re travelling with a family or need more room – check out Motorhome Republic , who have over 40 pick-up and drop-off locations in Spain, meaning you can plan a one-way drop-off, or access the bit of Spain you want to see really easily.

An aggregate motohome and campervan booking site, Motorhome Republic pull together all the best deals from a number of renters, to offer you a wide choice of options alongside an excellent English speaking expert motorhome Concierge Team.

You can also hire a motorhome in the UK and drive it across to Spain. Most hire companies allow their motorhome rentals to be taken overseas, including our recommended hirer, Spaceship Rentals . With a depot in London, top-notch customer service and all the equipment you need for an easy holiday, Spaceship offers the best deals for Europe.

Motorhome Spain & Brexit

Although the UK left the EU at the beginning of 2020, because the pandemic came swiftly on its heels, many of us are still realising the repercussions and getting used to how it affects travelling in a motorhome. You can find out all the details you need in our guide to motorhoming in Europe after Brexit . In the meantime, here are a few frequently asked questions and answers;

Do I need a visa for Europe?

Nothing changes with your passport, but from 2025, the EU will introduce the  ETIAS  (European Travel Information and Authorisation System), which will be an additional entry requirement for visa-exempt travellers and will involve the traveller registering their details online before travelling, mainly for security purposes.

How long can I stay in Europe?

UK citizens can only stay in the Schengen Area (a zone in Europe where countries have no internal borders and allow the free and unrestricted movement of people) for  90 days in every 180 days  in the Schengen Area. 

The 90 in 180 day rule works on a rolling basis and it can be difficult to work out whether you are within the rules or not, especially if you have visited the Schengen area on several occasions in the preceding 180 days. Use a  Schengen calculator  to ensure that you stick to the right number of days and stay within the rules.

What food can I take to Spain in my motorhome?

The European Commission says the following;

  • Travellers are not allowed to bring in  meat ,  milk or their products .
  • There is an exemption for  powdered infant milk, infant food, and special foods or special pet feed  required for medical reasons if weighing less than 2kg and provided that: such products do not require refrigeration before opening, that they are packaged proprietary brand products for direct sale to the final consumer, and the packaging is unbroken unless in current use.
  • For  fishery products  (including fish and certain shellfish such as prawns, lobsters, dead mussels and dead oysters), travellers are allowed to bring in up to 20kg or the weight of one fish if this is higher.
  • For  other animal products , such as honey, live oysters, live mussels and snails, travellers are allowed to bring in up to 2kg.

Can I use my mobile data in Spain?

It very much depends on who your mobile phone contract is with and when you started the contract. All UK providers now limit data usage in the EU in some way or another, and it’s best to check with your provider to make sure you don’t run up a big bill. You can find lots of information in our guide to the best SIM cards in Europe , especially if you’re planning to be away for more than a few weeks.

We have been using and recommend ConnectPls for cloud SIM connectivity in the UK and Europe. You can choose from unlimited data packs to just single days, depending on your needs. The device is no larger than a slimline smartphone, connects with up to ten devices, is charged easily with a USB and can be delivered within a few days of ordering. Use the code ‘thegapdecaders’ at checkout to get 50% off in the first month!

motorhoming in Europe

The Ultimate Guide to Motorhoming in Europe

If you’re planning a motorhome trip to Europe for the first time, our guide has tips, advice and info to help you plan your tour.

Don’t struggle trying to plan your European trip, find out everything you need to know before you go + loads of motorhoming tips for when you arrive.

Can I take a pet to Spain in my motorhome?

Yes, you can take dogs, cats and ferrets to Spain. You’ll need to book a pet-friendly cabin or kennels on the ferry or travel via the tunnel. Your pet will need a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination and an animal health certificate (AHC).

It can take some time to get all the documents together and the vaccines organised, so make sure you start the process well in advance. You can find out more about travelling with pets on the Gov.UK website .

More motorhoming in Spain travel advice and guides;

  • Tips for Campervan Rental and Motorhome Hire in Spain (and the rest of Europe!)
  • What Is the True Cost of Touring Europe in a Motorhome?
  • How to Tour Europe in a  Motorhome – Your Complete Guide
  • Wintering in Spain: Best Winter Destinations in Spain
  • The Best European Campsites – For Camper, By Campers
  • How to Live the Van Life in Tarifa, Spain
  • 29 of the Best Motorhome Apps – Free & Downloadable Now!

When to Visit Spain in a Motorhome

Spring and autumn are wonderful times for a Spanish road trip – from March until June will get you wildflowers and near-perfect temperatures, warm enough to swim in the sea from May onwards from the Costa Blanca south, and only a light top needed in the evenings.

In the high season of summer it can be blisteringly hot and wild camping can be a challenge without air conditioning.

September and October offer warm sunshine, with the earth and sea still warm from the heat of August. 

Motorhoming in Spain in the winter months 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. Inland and in the Spanish mountains, nights can be chilly and in the north, you may well see snow. 

The Spanish Costas can feel crowded with  touring motorhomes over winter , as Northern Europeans seek a milder climate. For a more authentic Spain, head to inland rural areas away from the Costas and enjoy everything the mountains and gorgeous interior cities and small towns have to offer. 

motorhoming in Spain

Driving a Motorhome in Spain

Spanish roads are typically well-maintained, and the drivers are considerate and relaxed.

In the interior of Spain in your motorhome, you may well have long stretches of sweeping Autopista  (motorway) and autovía (dual carriageway) to yourself. The trade-off is the Costas where traffic ramps up and tailbacks are frequent.

Driving around Spain in a campervan is generally safe and easy, but be mindful of smaller towns without by-passes if you’re in a longer vehicle.

You may want to consider a  sat nav  or  satellite navigation app  which can be configured to your motorhome camper size and weight.

Spanish Speed Limits for Motorhomes

Always observe the speed limits when  campervanning in Europe . 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. This has not changed since Brexit as the information-sharing agreement with the DVLA continues.

Motorhomes < 3,500 kg (also relevant for those touring Spain by car or campervan)

  • On roads where there is no pavement so that vehicles and pedestrians share the road: 20 km/h
  • On roads with single carriageways, the speed limit established may not be exceeded by more 20km/h when overtaking.
  • In urban areas: 30 km/h
  • Outside urban areas: 80 km/h
  • Main roads: 90 km/h
  • Motorways and autopistas: 100 km/h

Motorhomes > 3,500 kg

  • Main roads: 80 km/h
  • Motorways and autopistas: 90 km/h

Documents You Need to Travel & Drive in Spain

  • You must have at least three months remaining on your passport (issued in the past ten years) at your intended date of departure from Spain.
  • You must have at least 3rd party motorhome insurance cover for your vehicle. Update August 2021 – you no longer require a green card to prove you have vehicle insurance cover when travelling in Europe.
  • The minimum driver age for campervan and motorhome hire in Spain is 21.
  • Your UK licence allows you to drive in all EU countries. If you only have a paper driving licence or a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man then you will need an  International Driving Permit .
  • Breakdown cover documentation (not compulsory).
  • Vehicle V5 logbook or vehicle registration document (which must show your correct address).
  • Trailer certification if you are towing.
  • Personal travel and medical insurance along with an EHIC or  GHIC  card (not compulsory).
  • Animal Health Certificate  if you’re travelling with a pet.

Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when motorhoming Spain . We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices and excellent service.

Vehicle Safety Equipment in Spain

  • Two warning triangles for the front and rear. These warning triangles are now being phased out and from 1st July 2021 a new law requires that a V16 flashing emergency light is used, although both means of advising other traffic will be legal until the end of 2024.
  • Reflective jacket (for the driver and all passengers).
  • Spare wheel and the tools to change a wheel or a tyre repair kit.
  • If you wear glasses you must carry a spare pair.
  • First aid kit (not compulsory).
  • Spare bulbs and fuses (not compulsory).
  • Fire extinguisher (not compulsory).
  • Headlight beam converters (unless you can adjust yours automatically).
  • From 28th September 2021, you will have to display a UK sticker on the rear of your vehicle when travelling in Spain, even if you have a new style UK numberplate which displays the Union Jack flag.
  • If you are driving a motorhome or campervan in Spain and towing, and the overall length is more than 12m (which would be one large motorhome and trailer!), you must have one (130cm x 25cm) or two (50cm x 25cm) yellow reflectors at the rear.
  • You may carry a load, such as bikes on a rack, extending by up to 10% of the length of the vehicle to the rear. The load must be indicated by an aluminium panel with diagonal red and white stripes, manufactured to ECE70 standard.
  • The use of winter tyres in Spain is regional. Look out for traffic signs indicating that winter tyres or snow chains are compulsory where you are.

Motorhome on a road in Spain with blue skies and mountains

Are you new to motorhoming? Our motorhome beginners resources have everything you need from helpful printable motorhome checklists and easy guides to taking your first motorhome trip . Or check out our motorhome beginners e-book and find all our resources and guides in one place!

Driving a Motorhome in Spain Tips

  • The Spanish drive on the right.
  • The UK Department for Transport advises that A-frames are not legal for use by UK motorhomers abroad. In practice, this could mean towing your car while it’s fixed to a trailer, although there is ambiguity around this and differing advice can be found on the internet.
  • Campervans or motorhomes and cars with caravans or trailers are not allowed to exceed 18.75m in total length, 4m in height and 2.55m in width.
  • Anything with a screen (television, video, DVD etc.) which could distract you when driving should be positioned where you can’t see it. This doesn’t apply to a sat nav but you must not touch or program your sat nav unless parked in a safe place.
  • Using radar detection equipment is prohibited under Spanish law and new regulations from January 2021 mean that it will also be illegal to be in possession of such equipment .
  • Parking spaces may be used by motorhomes during the day anywhere that parking is allowed (as long as there are no signs specifically banning motorhome parking, which will say something like “ no hay estacionamiento para autocaravanas “) and as long as you aren’t overhanging a space or blocking the road.
  • If you have an accident you’ll need to complete the EU Accident Statement , which you can find here to download if your insurer hasn’t provided one. Stop safely and use your hazard lights and warning triangle to alert other drivers. Exchange details (a translate app comes in handy here) and take lots of photos to add to your form when you submit it to the insurers. If the other party won’t give details or there has been an injury, you should call the police on 112.

Toll Roads in Spain

Spanish toll roads are pay-as-you-go and are very reasonably priced. You can pay with cash or credit card, or with an electronic tag system like  Emovis , which also covers you in France and Portugal.

Due to the huge swathes of nothingness in the interior, tolls are definitely worth taking if you are trekking from one side of Spain to the other in your motorhome.

In January 2020 and September 2021, many tolls were removed, even for large motorhomes. The AP7 on the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol retains some charges, but they are minimal and are no longer decided by the weight of your vehicle, making them even better value for motorhomes.

map of tolls in Spain

Low Emission Zones in Spain

At the end of 2023, there are 16 low emission zones in Spain.

Due to the  Climate Change and Energy Transition Law , Spanish municipalities with over 50,000 residents have to implement such zones by the end of 2023. However, the definition of a Zona de Bajas Emisiones or Low Emission Zone, in the Spanish legislation is quite vague.

Cities may also undertake access regulations that are not defined by motor vehicle emissions standard, but instead reduce traffic and therefore emissions. They can also implement policies to have that same goal, without any access restriction zone.

Spanish plated vehicles will be registered and receive an LEZ sticker, but currently, foreign vehicles can’t buy stickers although they have to meet the required standards.

If you are stopped, you may be able to evidence you meet the standards with your V5C, Certificate of Conformity or LEZ sticker from another country.

The only exception is in Barcelona, where you will need to register your vehicle in order to drive within the LEZ  here .

Recommended Reading

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Motorhome & campervan services in spain.

Motorhome services are generally widely available, especially along the coast. Some garages and supermarkets will have fresh water and a place for grey water. 

You’ll 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.

The types of built-in Flot Blu services like you find in France are few and far between. Use an app like  Park4Night  to locate motorhome and campervan services.

Motorhome LPG & Gas Bottles in Spain

LPG for refillable systems is available in many garages, use the myLPG app to search near where you are. In Spain, as in most of Europe, LPG is known as GPL, and both are a mix of butane and propane. 

In Spain, LPG is grade C, which means the percentage mix of propane to butane is approximately 30/70. Between 1st November and 31st March every year, the mix changes to 35/65 to account for the colder weather. 

You may find that if you’re in the mountains in winter, this mix causes your boiler to sound like a freight train unless you have a specific altitude setting which some models of Alde boiler have as an extra. You can find out more information  here . 

Gas bottles are also widely available, with butane generally being more popular because of the warmer climate (butane is more suited to milder weather conditions but propane is better for cold weather as it burns at lower temperatures).

The Spanish government caps the price of gas, and you should expect to pay around €15-18 for a replacement bottle. For Spanish gas bottles, you will need a different regulator, available from most DIY or camping shops.

Gas in bottles and at the pump is much cheaper in Spain than in France or Portugal (in fact, people often drive their  motorhomes from Portugal  to fill up!).

Motorhome Fuel in Spain

Most petrol stations will require you to pay electronically for fuel at the pump. Usually, you can adjust the instructions to English. The pump colours are green for petrol and black for diesel.

Sin Plomo 95 is Regular Unleaded, Sin Plomo 98 is Premium Unleaded and Gasoleo (sometimes called Gasoil A ) is Diesel – and sometimes it’s also called diesel in Spain.

Gasoleo B or Gasoil B is the equivalent of red diesel for agricultural vehicles – do not put this in your motorhome!  

Diesel in Spain is some of the cheapest in Europe, especially if you fill up at the supermarket, with Cepsa and Repsol garages being the most expensive.

Motorhoming in Spain FAQs

Can you park a motorhome anywhere in spain.

You can park a motorhome or campervan on the street or in a car park provided there is no sign prohibiting this. Remember that ‘parking’ is different to ‘camping’ though, and if you’re free camping in Spain where signage forbids it, you are likely to be fined and moved on, especially if you’re on the coast.

Is Spain campervan friendly?

Yes, Spain is very campervan friendly. The country is well used to snowbirds flocking there in winter in search of the sun, and many facilities for motorhomes and campervans remain open year-round. We have seen an increase in recent years of signage forbidding vans camping and parking, especially along the coasts, but there are still plenty of places to choose from.

What is the best route to Spain in a motorhome?

For us, the best motorhome route to Spain from UK is by boat from Portsmouth to Santander because French toll roads are expensive. But, if you have time, taking a slow meander through France on toll-free roads and making the route a part of your holiday is a better way to get to Spain.

What do I need to drive motorhome in Spain?

You must have a valid driving license in your home country and your motorhome must be legal in the country of registration. If you’re motorhoming in Spain from UK, this means your van must be insured (minimum 3rd party), taxed and have a valid MOT.

Are there campsites in Spain?

Yes! All across the country you’ll find great motorhome campsites. From large campsites with pools, modern sanitary facilities and beachside locations to small rural sites in the interior, Spain has a campsite to suit every type of motorhomer !

Motorhome Stopovers in Spain

Motorhome aires.

Motorhome aires in Spain are not as plentiful as in France but they are out there! As in France, sometimes there is a fee per night but often there is no charge and basic services are provided.

Bear in mind that you are more likely to find Spanish camping aires inland than on the coast. You can read more about aires, how to find them and road trip planning  here .

You cannot book aires for camping in Spain, it is advisable in the holidays and in popular places to try and get there early in the morning or just after lunchtime.  

If you arrive at 6pm expecting a place, then you will probably be disappointed. Always have a second choice in reserve, one of the best resources to use is  All the Aires Spain and Portugal.

RELATED POST: Motorhome Aires in Spain – All You Need to Know

Spanish motorhome aire by the sea with palm trees

Campsites in Spain for Motorhomes

Spanish campsites range from very basic camping spots in off the beaten path tourist areas to full-on touring stops where people book motorhome pitches up for six months and enjoy entertainment every night, direct access to a sandy beach, three different bars and a covered and heated pool.

Whichever is your bag (and there is a lot of choice), if you’re heading south in your camper in Spain for several months of the winter and a long site stay, make sure you book in advance! Book with Eurocampings for the best deals on over 520 campsites in Spain.

For more information about over-wintering, check out our post about  whether you should take your motorhome to Spain for winter .

In the southeast of the country, water is in very short supply. Many camping sites will provide desalinated water instead of potable water.  

In the short term, this is fine but you may want to clean out your fresh water tank with a high-pressure hose once you have moved away from this part of Spain due to the sediment found in desalinated water. 

campervan Spain in Almeria

Do I need an ACSI card?

In Spain, your  ACSI CampingCard will come into its own if you’re planning on touring and stopping for less than seven nights at sites. Out of season, you can get over 60% discount on ACSI sites.

If you are staying longer, then it is likely that the site’s own rate will be better value – the longer you stay the cheaper it becomes. If you are stopping for over 30 nights it is possible to stay at a good quality site for €10 a night including electricity.

Some larger sites or those run by corporates will have a fixed number of ACSI pitches which will have EHU but no water or drainage.

They will probably be smaller than other pitches and perhaps not as favourably placed. 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.

Wild Camping in Spain for Motorhomes

Wild camping for motorhomes in Spain (sometimes called free camping or wild parking) is generally tolerated away from busy beaches, towns and cities, and outside of national parks and and coastal regions.

Free motorhome parking in Spain is easy and safe as long as you follow a few basic guidelines. Make sure your wild camping spot is not on private property and that you have parked respectfully of residents and other wild campers nearby.

The main thing to know about wild camping in Spain is that you must not display any signs of ‘camping’, such as leaving chairs out or having your step out when you go to bed. Thus you are ‘parking’ not ‘camping’ which is allowed and considered a legal activity, even if you intend on sleeping in your van. The infographic below explains the difference.

infographic explaining the difference between motorhome camping and free motorhome parking Spain

Before motorhome overnight parking, do your usual checks and add an extra one. Look for  Pine Processionary Caterpillars when in Spain, which make their nests in those lovely shady pine trees we all like to park under. These caterpillars can kill dogs and small children, and will most definitely spoil your motorhome trip if you bump into one! 

Use Camper Contact and Park4Night to find the best wild camping spots for motorhomes and campervans in Spain.

Motorhome wild camping in the Valencia Community is no longer permitted. The Valencia region passed a new law which came into effect on 8th May 2021, which prohibits motorhomes from parking or camping, unless in designated areas. The new decree aims to level the rules whether you’re in a motorhome or tent but there is some acknowledged ambiguity around the wording, you can find out more in  this article .

small cover with people on the beach and a motorhome parked next to the beach

España Discovery

A similar scheme to France Passion, Espana Discovery  provides motorhomers with stopovers at over 206 off-the-beaten-path farms, bodegas (vineyards) and producers. 

Buy the guide online and get full access to 24-hour stays. There is no obligation to buy any produce, but our experience when we have bought has been really positive. 

wild camping in Spain by the sea

Spain Travel Books

DK Road Trips Spain

Top Motorhome Destinations in Spain

The pyrenees.

The Spanish Pyrenees are absolutely stunning. Look out for Ainsa, a beautiful medieval hilltop town in Aragón, with incredible mountain views.

If you like to hike, head for the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, to hike the famous  Circo de Soaso . This is one of our favourite Spanish national parks, for its dramatic landscape and fantastic hiking.

The Pyrenees is best visited between May and October, unless you want to ski, as outside these times you will definitely encounter snow.

RELATED POST: A Seven Day Pyrenees Hiking Tour

The Gap Decaders hiking in the Monte y Perdido national park

Picos de Europa

Halfway between San Sebastian and Santiago de Compostela, the Picos are a miniature masterpiece. 40km across and wedged between three great river gorges, the Picos’ snowy mountains are a natural paradise.

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. There is a lot of diverse hiking here but the weather can be unstable and the terrain unforgiving.  

sweeping road through mountains and past a mirror lake in Spain

A prosperous and cosmopolitan city with a great vibe. The aire here is on the banks of the river Bernesga, which affords some good running routes along level paths. You will also be within easy walking distance of the Casco Antiguo , the old town.  

Wander here for a day and see the cathedral, Plaza’s Mayor and Santa Domingo and the Basilica de San Isidoro. All that walking demands you sample the tapas scene, arguably the best in Spain, with regular live music and tapas that are a bit more inventive than the normal tourist offering. 

Order a Cerveza pequeña (small beer) for €1 and get a free tapa, you can do this in all the bars in León and literally have your dinner for nothing!

Silver motorhome on an ashphalt road lined with fields, and mountains in the distance

Santiago de Compostela

This corner of Spain, including Galicia, is known as Green Spain because it rains so much! It’s probably best visited in Spring or September/October on your way to sunnier climes. Stay at Camping As Cancelas for easy access by bike or foot into the historic centre.

Santiago de Compostela is a stunningly beautiful city full of twisting alleys, elegant squares and historic religious buildings, with interesting nooks and crannies everywhere. 

The medieval centre of Santiago de Compostela is almost entirely pedestrianised, in keeping with its UNESCO World Heritage status. If you only see one thing, it must be the Cathedral, where all roads seemingly lead, including the famous Camino.

Northern Spain road trip

North Spain Road Trip: Itinerary, Route & Tips

The beautiful capital city of Spain has to be visited. Packed with great museums and atmospheric squares and quarters, Madrid is a great city in which to spend a day or so.

We stopped at  Camping Osuna  in the east of the city, close to the airport. At €35 a night, this is without doubt, the poorest value-for-money motorhome campsite site we have ever stayed on, although our research suggests it’s the best motorhome site in Madrid!

However, in common with most cities, the choice of where to stay in a motorhome is not great. The roads within the site are deteriorating badly and the showers and sanitary facilities are poorly designed (although clean and with plentiful hot water) but this is all surmountable if you want to see Madrid!

What this site does have though, is great access to the Metro. The nearest metro station is Canillejas, about a ten minute walk and on the same line as all the major tourist destination stops, so no changes are required.

Reception at the campsite will give you more information about the Metro and explain the different types of tickets.  

Madrid in one day

Madrid in One Day – Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide

Visit La Rábida to see the amazing full-scale models of the three ships in which Columbus and his crew sailed across the Atlantic to discover the New World. We stood looking at these tiny vessels in awe of the courage and belief it must have taken to start that famous voyage. 

We  parked our motorhome for the night in one of the parking areas in La Rábida, where you can see life-sized replicas of the ships Christopher Columbus sailed across the Atlantic for the New World (and they are tiny ) from Huelva and the Monasterio de Santa María de la Rábida, where the explorer met Queen Isabella of Spain to persuade her to fund the venture and stayed as he prepared for the trip.

grand avenue with palm trees and statue

Costa de la Luz

The sea city of Cadiz, between the Donana National Park and Tarifa, makes a wonderful base and enjoys the most hours of sunshine in Spain. Make sure to explore the local area aptly named the  Costa de la Luz , or Coast of Light, which extends south to Tarifa, right in the south of Spain.

Off the beaten path on the Costa de la Luz are the beautiful beaches of the Atlantic Ocean which are dotted with  chiringuitos  serving locally caught fish and pretty white villages like Vejer de la Frontera, quietly unassuming yet packed with history and architectural gems.

The fabulous Cape Trafalgar, the site of the 1805 naval Battle of Trafalgar, in which the British Royal Navy commanded by Admiral Horatio Nelson decisively defeated Napoleon’s combined Spanish and French fleet, is well worth a visit.

To the north is the curious village of El Rocío, famous for it’s dusty car-free streets where horses reign and the Romería de El Rocío, a procession and pilgrimage that takes place on the second day of Pentecost in honor of the Virgin of El Rocío.

Cadiz is also a good base for wine lovers to explore the fabled sherry triangle, which has the cities of Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, and El Puerto de Santa María at the points of the triangle. The bodegas where sherry the wine is blended and stored are all located within these cities. We found El Puerto de Santa María a good option as there is a good motorhome site there by the beach, easy access to the bodegas of the town and a convenient ferry to Cadiz.

sandy dunes and a white lighthouse backed by the sea

The most southern point of mainland Europe, we loved Tarifa with its laid-back surfer dude feel, sandy beaches and abundant opportunities for activity. So much so that we spent a month there in  Camping Valdevaqueros , beating the ACSI price with a long stay deal.

We found some of the best hiking in Spain here and were able to kite-surf, cycle and run, all in the balmy winter temperatures that southern Spain is known for, and hop on the ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar for an overnight trip to Tangier .

Tarifa

Tarifa Guide: Best Things to Do + Top Visitor Tips

Your next stop should be Seville – you will fall in love with this captivating and romantic city. Spend a few days wandering the old town and narrow streets of Barrio Santa Cruz; admire the architecture and enjoy the typical Spanish ambience.

There are a number of must-sees in the city centre including the Plaza de España, the Real Alcázar, the Giralda Tower and the Cathedral. We stayed at the  Port of Gelves  just outside the city but accessible by scooter or public transport.

one day in Seville

One Day in Seville – Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide

All across Spain, you will find a network of  Vias Verdes  – literally translated as ‘greenways’. They are old, disused railway lines that have been converted to cycling and walking tracks, often through stunning scenery with few other users. You’ll often find a Via Verde in close proximity to an aire or off-grid parking spot, like the free camping in the parking lot at  Coripe  for the Via Verde de la Sierra, a really stunning ride.

motorhome tour northern spain

Another beautiful city to fall in love with! Córdoba is full of Moorish treasures. The most famous of these is the Mezquita; the grandest and most beautiful mosque ever built by the Moors which is now a stunning Cathedral. The whole of the historic centre of Cordoba is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s the perfect spot to spend a day meandering and admiring.

We parked and stayed at the Municipal Camping Car Parking (1 Av. del Corregidor). This is designated motorhome parking, well-lit and manned with CCTV and services but no EHU.  Not all spaces are level and the majority were originally designed for cars so have kerbs in what is now the middle of the space!  

When visiting Córdoba in a motorhome, this is the only designated parking allowing overnight stays; we found it to be great value for money, with security being important.

You are literally over the road from the old town and within 5 minutes, you will be at the Mezquita.

Cordoba in one day

Cordoba in One Day – Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide

Ronda & grazalema.

From here, drive south towards Ronda and the Parque Natural de la Sierra Grazalema. This dramatic and wild space is iconic Andalusia; it seems like every hillside cradles a Pueblo Blanco .

Ronda is surrounded by mountains and is split in half by the gaping gorge of the river Tajo. This gorge is spanned spectacularly by an 18th century arched bridge and tall houses perch precariously along its edges. 

Head to Zahara de la Sierra and follow the spectacular CA-9104 road to Grazalema, which climbs to the Puerto de Las Palomas (Pass of the Pigeons), at 1180m it’s a spectacular drive and worth the fuel to get there – this is what motorhoming in southern Spain is all about!

A parked motorhome overlooking a blue lake and mountains in Spain

Caminito del Rey

Further to the east, you’ll find El Chorro and the famous Caminito del Rey, one of the most dangerous hikes in the world until the H&S experts got hold of it!  

Further to the east, you’ll find El Chorro and the famous Caminito del Rey, one of the most dangerous hikes in the world until the H&S experts got hold of it!  

Not only is this a noteworthy hike along the route of the river Guadalhorce it is also an area of outstanding natural beauty worth exploring further. Book this hike well in advance, even outside of peak season, and go with a guide. For an extra few euros, you will learn so much.

We stayed several nights at this  great riverside spot , perfect for getting the bus to the start of the hike and then walking back from the end, via the bar of course!

Person wearing a hard white hat on a suspended wooden boardwalk against a cliff

Sierra Nevada

The mighty Sierra Nevada mountain range is home to the highest point of continental Spain and the third highest in Europe after the Caucasus Mountains and the Alps; Mulhacén peaks at 3,479m above sea level.

Take the mountain roads to the romantic city of Granada the romantic city of Granada, and the whitewashed villages of the High Alpujarras, Pampaneira and Trevélez, the highest village in Spain. 

In both Pampaneira and Trevélez, we were the only motorhome in their car park,  here  and  here  respectively. Although this was in late February, we found all the bars and restaurants open and welcoming.

Silver motorhome parked on a bridge with mountains in the background

Heading east, stop in the pretty and modern city of Almeria for an afternoon lunch along the promenade. Continue to the arid and wild Cabo de Gata National Park, 71,500 acres of protected land since 1987.

This is a fascinating and ecologically diverse part of Spain with over 80 species of birds living and breeding here.

Go out along the coast in a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard if you can, and marvel at the crystal clear turquoise water, an abundance of sea life, wired rock formations and hidden sea caves.

Camping Los Escullos  is a great site with an outdoor pool and fish and chip suppers in their restaurant on Fridays. 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, its a great spot and just a short walk from the beach and sea.

Blue sky and sandy bay of Playa de los Genoveses in Spain

Cartagena is a city we really enjoy for its eclectic architecture and unexpected cosmopolitan feel. Founded by the Carthaginians around 220 BC, the city boomed during the Roman period.

Among its many Roman ruins are a 1st-century BC theatre and Casa de la Fortuna, a villa with murals and mosaics.

motorhome parked on the beach with a view of the sea and small island

Costa Blanca

The Costa Blanca south of Denia, Javea and Calpe is another beautiful stretch of coast, with built-up areas of urbanizations, holiday villages and amusement parks. This area is popular with expats and motorhomers enjoying all that Spain has to offer, especially during the sunny days of winter.  

The cities here are vibrant and busy even in winter, one of the main reasons for the large groups of motorhomers who gather to have a wonderful time in the winter sun. Alicante is a favourite destination, for its lovely old town and fantastic beaches along with its laid-back atmosphere, whilst neighbouring Benidorm is a real party city, with a lively expat and motorhome scene. 

motorhome tour northern spain

Valencia  is a green and vibrant city, with great nightlife and a beautiful Mediterranean climate. Visit the very modern science museum with contemporary architecture and wander the old river bed which runs right around the city.

If you’re feeling brave, go to Valencia during Las Fallas , the famous fire festival. The festival commemorates San José, the patron saint of carpenters and is held from 15th-20th March every year.

If you’re coming from the south, make sure to stop at the wetlands of La Albufera and try the traditional paella which originated here.

There is limited motorhome parking in Valencia, especially during the festival; we would suggest staying  here .

futuristic buildings surrounded by water

Serra d’Irta

Nestled between Alcossebre and Peniscola the tiny Serra d’Irta Natural Park is just 30 square miles large and is gorgeous for hiking with stunning sea views.

Stay at the lovely  Camping Ribamar  (although be aware that getting there requires a few km of unmade road) and hike into Peniscola along the coastal path.

Motorhome spain

Parc Natural del Delta de l’Ebre

This tranquil and beautiful nature wetland nature reserve in the province of Tarragona is known for its birdlife and encompasses rivers, dunes & beaches. Nature lovers will enjoy find great hiking and bird-watching trails here.

Stay  here  on the north of the l’Encanyissada lagoon and if you’re lucky you’ll spot flamingoes migrating. On the way, stop at  Sant Carles de la Rapita , a charming Spanish town with lots of great seafood restaurants.

Flat rice fields bordering a blue river with the Mediterranen sea in the background in eastern Spain

Continue north from here to the cosmopolitan and must-see city of Barcelona. With the fine beaches of the Costa Brava and a beautiful old town, this makes a great final stop on your motorhome tour of Spain. Barcelona is also a real cycling city, with over 160 miles of cycle paths, making it eay to camp on the outskirts and explore on two wheels.

Barcelona is a real foodie city, with a great central market and lots of fantastic tapas bars and seafood restaurants, check out the  best restaurants in Barcelona  for an authentic gastronomic experience when you visit the city.

Motorhome camping in and around Barcelona is challenging. Try your luck and risk a break-in at the free parking spots or try  this campsite , which provides a reasonably priced shuttle into the city and is just ten minutes from the train station where you can catch a train into Barcelona with your bikes.

one day in Barcelona

One Day in Barcelona – Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide

Roses makes a good place for your first or final stop in Spain. Just 35km to the France-Spain border, Roses is both convenient and beautiful.

This is a great place to stop and gather yourself as you enter or leave Spain, and also offers the opportunity to explore the stunning nearby Cap de Creus, a wild and rugged peninsula and a headland. At certain times of the year vehicles are prohibited and you can only discover the area by hiking or cycling.

Stay at pretty Camping Rodas holiday park (only in summer, winter visito should camp here ) and they’ll be able to let you know about restrictions on the road from Cadaqués and the Cap de Creus lighthouse. The site is also just a kilometre from the town centre and 300m from the beach, making it a great choice.

motorhome tour northern spain

Can’t decide? Our ready-made Spanish road trips are here to help…

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Spanish Life

Spanish life is all about family, religion, food and tradition. Spanish people live a more relaxed life than perhaps any other country in Europe and this is reflected in the organisation of the day. Our useful information and tips about life in Spain will help you navigate the differences between Spain and the UK.

  • Spain has a number of different languages. Castilian (or Spanish) is the main language, with Catalan being spoken in Catalonia, Valenciano being spoken in Valencia (both being more like the French language), Galician belonging to the northern region and Basque belonging to the Basque Country. If you want to learn a few words, Castilian is the one to pick as it is the most widely spoken.
  • Many businesses close between 12.30 or 1pm until 5pm and then open again until 8pm. 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 can’t beat ’em, join ’em!
  • Spain celebrates fourteen public holidays a year, many religious in origin; you can check out the dates here.  There are a whopping 32 regional holidays, and every town and village has its own annual fiesta, religious in origin, but really all about the music, dancing and sometimes bullfighting. Some of these fiestas have become internationally recognised, such as La Tomatina in Bunol (yep, chucking tomatoes at each other) and Pamplona’s Festival of San Fermin (Running of the Bulls), and are incredibly popular with tourists. This  guide has all the information you need.
  • Sundays are truly sacred days in Spain. 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. Very few, if any, shops are open on Sundays so it’s a good idea to make sure you’re stocked up!
  • Following on from Sundays, many shops and restaurants will also close on Mondays with a sign on the door stating ‘ cerrado por descanso del personal ‘ (closed for the rest of the personnel). So make sure you stock up for Mondays too!
  • Dog poo is a real issue across Spain.  It looks horrible, smells disgusting and it’s a real bummer when you tread in it. Some towns are making real efforts to combat this issue (one traces the poo and posts it back….how??) but in others it seems to be accepted as the norm. You may find that that if you campervan Spain with a dog, the people are not as pet friendly as you are used to, and you’ll often see dogs tied up or confined within rural properties. 
  • Spanish people talk LOUDLY and over each other constantly.  It is not a fight breaking out or a lover’s tiff, it’s just everyday conversation!  How four people together all talking at the same time can ever take in what the other is saying is a mystery to me, but they seem to manage it!
  • Spanish supermarkets are generally okay, all offering the basics and some a bit more upmarket, such as Carrefour. Mercadona, SuperCor and Eroski are similar in price and quality but do not carry the range of goods you would expect in a UK supermarket. Fruit and vegetables are seasonal; if you want something exotic you will have to search it out and it will be expensive. Lidl carries a good basic range and has by far the best-value wine in Spain. Lidl and Carrefour have great parking facilities for motorhomes, the others less so as they are often more centrally situated in towns.
  • Spain is not as ‘finished’ as you might be used to. There are lots of failed projects around and many, many half-built houses and buildings. This is because of the financial crash in 2008 and the subsequent bursting of Spain’s property bubble.
  • Whether you like it or not, bullfighting is a huge part of Spanish life and culture. Bullfighting is seen as heroic, a test of wills involving courage, intelligence, and elegance; matadors are national heroes. The bullfighting season runs from March to October with fights usually taking place on Sunday afternoons.

Nerja a popular place for vanlife Spain

Food & Eating Out in Spain

Mealtimes are revered in Spain, as much about the time spent socialising at the table, as the food.

  • Mealtimes in Spain are noticeably different to the rest of Europe. Lunch, which is the main meal of the day, is eaten between 2 and 3pm. Traditionally it was followed by a nap, the famous  siesta , a sacred art in rural Spain. Walk around any Spanish village or town in the early afternoon and you will clearly hear the sounds of cutlery on crockery, amid laughter and loud chatter as families lunch together.
  • Spain is one of the cheapest countries to visit in Europe and it’s possible to eat out on a budget. Many restaurants will serve a menu del dia or menu of the day. These are usually exceptionally good value and will give you a taste of the local and seasonal flavour and cooking style. Try a dish like berenjenas rellenas (stuffed aubergine) when this Mediterranean vegetable is in season and you’ll be blown away. Service is usually included in the fixed price, which can range from €10 to €18 or possibly more if you’re in a big tourist city.
  • La cena  (dinner or supper), a lighter meal, is also taken late, between 9 and 10pm, or even later during the hot summer months.  Often restaurants will not open their doors until 8pm, this is considered early!
  • Tapas is famous in Spain; traditionally it was an appetiser and a small portion of anything on the menu. Like all good things, tapas has evolved and can now be combined to make a whole meal. In some bars, you will get a bowl of pattatas bravas  or tortilla with your drink; these portions can be large and we have been known not to finish our meal because of too much beer and  tortilla!
  • Desayuno (breakfast) is simple and usually sweet.  Hot chocolate with churros is a favourite, the chocolate thick gloop and the churros freshly cooked. The Spanish have even invented a takeaway cone with a cup holder for chocolate y churros!
  • Spanish cooking is very regional, with fish, shellfish and pork featuring heavily on most menus. Vegetarian or vegan food can be hard to find outside of bigger towns and cities. Often ‘vegetarian’ means made from vegetables, not vegetarian in the true sense of the word.  You might get parmesan cheese in a ‘vegetarian’ dish for example, or prawns in a ‘vegetarian’ salad. If in doubt, double check with the chef or waiting staff.
  • If you’re planning on dinner, expect the restaurant to be quiet and soulless before 9pm. If you’re going later and you’re in a popular town or city,  expect to wait for a table or book.
  • Unless you are in an absolute dive or the service is dreadful, it is expected that you will leave a tip, usually around 5%.
  • If you are ordering a chicken dish in Spain, be very careful with your pronunciation of poll o .  If you ask for  poll a , it is unlikely to be served to you as   it’s the Spanish word for penis!

market stall full of tapas in Spain

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Motorhoming & Campervanning in Spain- The Ultimate Guide

Motorhoming in Spain- tips for touring Spain in a Motorhome

Planning to tour Spain with a motorhome or campervan? There are some essential things you need to know before your trip, including important paperwork and kit to bring with you. Here’s everything you need to know about campervanning or motorhoming in Spain.

Don’t forget to grab your FREE motorhoming in Europe checklist below to help you stay organised and remember everything you need.

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Motorhoming in Spain- why you should go!

When you think of Spain, many people think of overcrowded beaches in Benidorm, drunken teenagers and possibly Sangria. But, I promise you, there is much more to Spain than the Costa del Sol, especially if you’re travelling and touring in a motorhome or camper.

The landscape changes from the rugged north, with mountains and scenic views to rival anywhere else in Europe, to the desert and arid areas, to the sparkling azure blue of the Mediterranean. There is history and culture everywhere you look, as well as friendly and welcoming people, delicious food and SUNSHINE- even in winter.

Planning to take your motorhome to Europe?

Europe Motorhome travel checklist- FREE

GUIDE: Stop the overwhelm with our step-by-step guide. Contains eBook, checklists and more. Complete Europe Motorhome Travel Toolkit

CHECKLIST: Don’t forget to grab your FREE Europe motorhome travel checklist HERE

GEAR – If you need any motorhome gear for touring Europe, here’s what we recommend.

Campervanning in Spain- Where to go

When planning a motorhome tour of Spain, the first thing you need to do is to figure out where you’re going (and how long you have for your road trip!)

If you’re driving from the UK to Spain (we’ll cover that shortly), you need to allow the time it will take to drive through France to Spain (and back again!) 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.

On the other hand, if you have 10-14 days or longer, you can get a lot further south, certainly as far as Costa Blanca or Andalucia and possibly even get to enjoy motorhoming in Portugal if you’re happy to drive every day.

When to go motorhome touring in Spain

Touring spain in winter.

In our opinion, southern Spain is the perfect European winter destination. It’s warm for one thing, and there’s nothing like a little sunshine to chase away those winter blues. It’s one of the warmest places in Europe in February – average temperatures in Malaga are 18°c (but only 12°c in Madrid- that extra bit south does make a big difference)

In the past, Spain has been VERY crowded during the winter months, especially in the south. Many Northern Europeans (like us Brits!) head to that area to get some winter sunshine.

However, now that BREXIT has happened and rules have changed (more on that later too!), you might find things a little quieter, certainly with British vans.

READ MORE: Discover the best & warmest places to enjoy winter in Spain

Northern Spain is mountainous and you can expect snow during winter- and it will be cold, even on a sunny day (just like in the Alps or any other mountain range.) If you’re planning to stay to the north, you’ll need to bring warm clothing.

Spain Motorhome Touring in Summer

Of course, Spain is a classic summer destination, and it can be CROWDED, especially at the UNESCO world heritage sites in Spain and on the beaches. For us, we find it too hot during high summer, especially as we travel with a dog and keeping a dog cool on a road trip is never easy (especially when they’re a cocker spaniel who doesn’t understand the meaning of the word ‘chill’…!)

If you are going to be travelling to Spain during summer, we highly recommend you have an awning- you’ll definitely need the shade and protection from the sun. You’ll probably also want some form of air conditioning or at least a fan in your camper- temperatures can get up to 40+°c

Motorhoming in Spain motorhome at Mesa Roldan tower Cabo de Gata Nijar Natural Park in Almeria province Andalusia Spain

Road tripping Spain in Spring and Autumn

The best times to visit are probably the shoulder seasons of Spring and Autumn. Temperatures are still warm enough to enjoy the beaches and swimming in the sea, but there are much fewer tourists and you will be able to find motorhome parking without booking in advance.

TOP TIP: If you are travelling outside of peak season, definitely get an ACSI CampingCard – you’ll save a fortune on campsites all over Europe, including Spain

Planning a driving route from UK to Spain

For some reason, driving from the UK to Spain seems to confuse people.

Perhaps it’s because there are several options, or perhaps because there’s a mountain range in the way, but it’s something which gets asked over and over again in Facebook groups and forums (feel free to join our motorhoming Facebook group here)

Ferry or driving from UK to Spain?

The first question to ask yourself if whether you want to drive from the UK through France and down to Spain, or whether you want to take a ferry direct from the UK and sail around the coast and down to northern Spain.

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).

New to motorhome or camper travel in Europe? You might find these posts helpful:

Tour Europe in a Motorhome; Motorhome Europe Travel

See all our Europe motorhoming posts here

NEED GEAR? If you need any kit or essentials for motorhoming in Europe, here’s what we recommend and where to find it

Ferry with a motorhome direct to Spain

You can travel with Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth or Plymouth and go to either Santander or Bilbao (both on the north coast of Spain)

A one-way trip takes about 24 hours and booking a cabin is recommended. They also have dog kennels onboard but you CANNOT keep your dog in the ferry cabin with you (like you can from Portsmouth to Caen).

The biggest consideration to this ferry (apart from the cost), is the weather. You will be crossing the notorious Bay of Biscay- and it can get ROUGH. Even in the middle of summer. As someone who gets seasick (hilarious considering I’m 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 it’s entirely up to you.

Driving through France to Spain

If you decide that you want to drive your motorhome or camper down to Spain, you first need to decide if you’re going to take the ferry or tunnel from UK to France (there are pros and cons to both).

Then you have two main routes through France to Spain. Each route takes about a day to drive, so take this into account when planning your Spanish road trip itinerary.

Route 1 is via Tours, Bordeaux and down the Atlantic coast on the N10 until you cross the border between Biarritz and San Sebastian. You can join this route easily if you decide to come over on a ferry to Caen, Le Havre, Dieppe or Cherbourg.

This is our favourite route for a France road trip as you pass some incredible places (including some of the most historic places in France! )

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 huge highlight from this route is crossing the Millau Viaduct in your motorhome or camper- it’s well worth the experience.

Of course, you can always drive down one route and back up another!

Motorhome touring in Spain in the Sierra Alhamilla mountains

Can I drive to Spain in the Winter?

Yep. I know there are those HUGE mountains called the Pyrenees, but the routes are all open, unless you happen to be really unlucky and hit it in the middle of a snowstorm (do check the weather forecast before travelling.)

If this happens, then we recommend stopping for the night somewhere safe (the beauty of travelling in a motorhome) and then continuing on when the snow has stopped and the roads have been cleared. Don’t forget you will need snow chains and make sure you have fitted all-weather tyres.

Hiring a motorhome or camper to tour Spain

If you don’t have your own vehicle, you can easily fly into Spain and hire one. Just make sure to ask how to get from the airport to the rental agency- not all of them are at the airport itself and you might need to book a taxi.

Don’t forget, it is YOUR responsibility to make sure the vehicle has the required safety equipment. The on-the-spot fines apply to you as the driver, not the company. Check in advance with the company what kit they will provide with the vehicle and what you will need to bring.

Take a list of what is legally required with you and check it off one by one as you are given the handover. Do not drive until you are happy you comply with the local laws.

Make sure you have proof that you can take the vehicle across a border into another country if that’s what you’re planning to do. Read the article below for other things to check as well before you agree to hire.

Want to rent a vehicle for your road trip?

These might help:

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READ: 10 essential questions to ask before you rent a motorhome

Daytime Motorhome Parking in Spain

You can park a motorhome during the day anywhere parking is allowed (as long as there are no signs banning motorhome parking) and as long as you aren’t overhanging a space or blocking the road.

Many places have a sign saying NO motorhome overnight parking, but you are fine to park during the day. You can pull over into a rest stop and eat and drink within your vehicle, but setting up a table and chairs next to the road is not allowed.

Nor is getting out the awning and putting up your TV aerial. (Yes, you will see other people do it- some areas are stricter than others. If everyone else is, feel free to join them but remember you may be asked to move on.) Remember, this is for daytime parking for motorhomes- let’s move on to overnight parking…

Campervanning in Spain- motorhome overnight parking

As with most countries in Europe, you have four options when it comes to where to park your motorhome or camper overnight:

  • Motorhome campsites
  • Approved motorhome overnight parking places/ aires
  • Free approved overnight parking spots/ schemes
  • Motorhome wild camping spots

Sadly, Spain is getting tougher about free overnight motorhome parking spots and many places now ban them completely. Legally, you’re only allowed to stay on approved overnight motorhome spaces or campsites. Wild camping is not allowed in any of the Spanish National Parks.

Campervanning in Spain- Catalonia

Motorhome campsites in Spain

It’s easy to find motorhome campsites in Spain and they’re much like campsites anywhere else in Europe. Some are rustic and have basic facilities, while others are designed for long-term visitors and have entertainment, clubs, pools and bars! Expect to show your passport or identification on arrival and many places require you to leave one passport behind the reception.

If you’re travelling out of high season and are planning to use campsites, we highly recommend buying an ACSI CampingCard membership , but be aware that many campsites either shut during the winter or are booked up entirely months in advance, so you may wish to book one too. Also, many campsites put ACSI users on ‘lesser’ pitches (either bad view or no electric or drainage). You can ask for a different pitch, but will usually need to pay a supplement which wipes out the ACSI discount!

At some campsites, you will need to pay extra for shower or electric usage. Be warned- the hot water in the shower is on a timer- usually between 3-5 minutes per token. Water is regulated in much of the country, especially in the south, and many sites provide de-salinated water instead of potable.

We recommend you don’t drink this water and also clean out your motorhome freshwater tank thoroughly before refilling it to get rid of the particles found in de-salinated water.

TOP TIP : If you’re planning to stay in one area for a long time (30+ days), negotiate a special rate with the campsite directly. Most of them have some sort of discount- some are as little as £10/ day, including electric.

Motorhome Aires in Spain

Aires are just approved motorhome overnight parking places- often provided and maintained by the local commune. If you’ve been motorhoming in Italy , you might surprised to learn that aires are called Aires in Spain, just like in France (they’re called Sostas in Italy).

There aren’t quite as many aires in Spain as in France and they’re often a little more out of the way, but the network is still very useful and easy to use.

READ MORE: Learn how we find and use aires and approved free overnight motorhome stopovers across Europe

You cannot book motorhome aires in advance- it’s first-come, first-served, so if you’re visiting at peak times you might feel happier booking a campsite so you’re assured of somewhere to stay.

A good tip is to try and arrive AT your destination just before lunchtime. Many people move on after. a lazy morning, and stop en-route, so you have the best chance of finding a spot around this time, but that’s when the day is at its hottest, so be careful.

It’s always worth investing in a book of aires, as well as an online app- just in case you find yourself without internet in your motorhome (or without a wifi signal). Of course, the downside with any book is that it goes out of date, but don’t worry if it’s only a year or two out- most information about aires won’t change too much.

Motorhome guide Camperstop Europe 30 countr. 2022 GPS (2022)

Wild camping in a motorhome in Spain

Like much of Europe, wild camping in Spain for motorhomes and campers is ‘tolerated’ in many places but not strictly legal and it’s certainly not a right. Many people seem to think they can turn up and park wherever they want, but this is not the case.

Motorhome wild camping guides for the UK & Europe

Motorhome wild parking guide

For information on how to find good wild camping places, WHAT to do when you’re there and how to stay safe, check out our step-by-step guide for motorhome wild camping in the UK and Europe, complete with database of 250+ overnight spots we’ve stayed with our motorhome.

Don’t forget to grab your free wild camping checklist here

In practicality, you’ll find that the further from civilisation and the beach you are, the better your chances of finding a quiet, free overnight parking spot will be. 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.

However, with a little common sense and staying within the restrictions, it’s often possible to stay off-grid with your motorhome or campervan.

  • Don’t try and wild camp on the coast unless you’re somewhere REALLY remote (more likely to be allowed in the North and centre of Spain)
  • Don’t try and wild camp in busy/ popular areas- like the Costa del Sol- unless you’re visiting in the lowest of low season. Anywhere near the beach will be tough all year.
  • Get the permission of the landowner if possible

READ MORE: There are some basic rules to follow whilst motorhome wild camping – here’s everything you need to know to stay safe and find free spots.

Can you wild camp with a motorhome in the Spanish National Parks?

No- wild camping is not permitted in any of Spain’s National Parks.

Other Motorhome stopovers in Spain

If you’d like to avoid campsites and aires, but don’t want to risk staying off-grid, there is a scheme which connects business owners to people motorhoming or campervanning in Spain, called Espana Discovery .

You can buy an annual guide for just 27€ (in 2023) and it 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. Some spots are even right on the beach!

Motorhoming in Spain- what gear do you need to carry?

Just like motorhoming in France , there are certain things you MUST carry with you in your motorhome or campervan whilst touring in Spain.

Don’t 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.

Grab your FREE France travel checklist so you remember it all!

Planning a trip to France with your motorhome or camper?

Motorhoming in France free Checklist

GUIDE – For a step-by-step guide, with video walkthroughs of aires, motorhome set up, checklists and more, grab our France Road Trip & Motorhome Travel Planner

CHECKLIST – Don’t forget to grab your FREE France motorhome travel checklist HERE

GEAR – And if you need any motorhome gear for touring France or Europe, here’s what we recommend.

Things you need to drive in Spain- safety gear

These are the things you MUST have with you when you’re motorhome or campervan touring in Spain.

  • Hi-vis reflective jackets – not as strict as in France, but you must wear them on the side of the road or hard shoulder or risk being fined.
  • Warning triangle
  • Headlight beam converters – must be fitted before you drive in Europe. Some vehicle allow you to adjust the beam automatically so you won’t need these.
  • UK sticker attached to the back of vehicle or reg plates (and trailer if you have one)
  • A spare wheel (and tools to change it!), or a tyre repair kit.
  • If you wear glasses you MUST carry a spare pair!
  • If you’re 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).
  • Red/ white warning board sign – for bike racks or anything overhanging the end of the motorhome or campervan. Lines must point into the middle of the road.

TOP TIP: Buy these essentials for driving in Spain in advance. One of the cheapest places is on Amazon . If you wait until you’re at the ferry/ tunnel, you could spend THREE times as much!

AA High Visibility Vest for safety and emergencies - Yellow

Road trip accessories you MIGHT need when campervanning in Spain

The following kit are things you might need to carry in your car, motorhome, caravan or campervan, depending on when you are planning your road trip in Spain.

  • If you are travelling between 15 October and 15 April and driving near the mountains, you will need to have winter/ all- season tyres and carry snow chains. Make sure you check them in advance! If you’re not sure, read  THIS
  • First aid kit – not compulsory in Spain (unlike many countries in Europe) but worth carrying. Find out what we carry in our European first aid kit here
  • Spare bulbs for all lights in the vehicle
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Road Trip snacks and water- just in case!

AA Standard First Aid Kit - AA0095 - Family Essential For Car...

Motorhomes or campers with a total train length of over 12m

If you’re travelling in Spain and your outfit exceeds 12m, you need to have marker boards fitted to the back of your vehicle. You can either have two small boards or one large board but they must be placed at the back of the outfit between 50cm and 150cm off the ground.

Your marker board must:

  • be yellow in the centre with a red outline
  • be made out of aluminium
  • be manufactured to ECE70 standard

What documents do you need to drive in Spain?

If you’re driving in Spain, you need to carry the following documents:

  • Passport (or identity card)
  • Driving licence (check it is in date!)
  • Motorhome Insurance documents- check you are covered for driving in Europe
  • Breakdown cover
  • Vehicle V5 logbook (which must show your correct address)
  • Vehicle must be legally taxed and MOT’d
  • Trailer certification
  • International Driving Permit if required
  • Personal travel insurance

Do I need a green card to drive in Spain?

Most UK vehicles do not need a green card to drive in Spain. You may need one if you are towing a trailer- please check with your insurer to be safe.

Do I need an international driving permit to drive in Spain?

Most UK citizens do not need an IDP to drive in Spain, as long as you have a card driving licence issued in the UK (in date, of course!)

You might need one if you have:

  • a paper driving licence only
  • a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man

(If you do need an IDP, here’s an  in-depth guide on how to get an International Driving Permit  and which one(s) you need from a UK post office.

Motorhoming in Spain- tips for touring Spain in a Motorhome

Motorhome touring in Spain- Other useful things you might need

We’ve been touring Europe in our motorhome for several years. We’ve tried all sorts of kit- some useful, some not so much.

Here is a list of things we highly recommend when motorhoming in Spain, but which are NOT essential:

  • Motorhome WiFi – learn our favourite way to get internet on the road
  • Toll pass (see below)
  • TV- If you’d like TV in your motorhome or camper , here’s how to get it.
  • Motorhome sat-nav – get one you can enter your motorhome dimensions into, like these
  • Motorhome security camera – this thing is GOLD for allowing us to go exploring and leave the van for a short time.
  • Solar panel- perfect if you want to wild camp in Spain with your motorhome
  • Inverter- a motorhome wild camping essential
  • An awesome motorhoming logbook to record and remember your adventures!

road trip journal logbook

Driving tips for Spain

Ok, let’s deal with the basic rules and some tips for motorhoming and road tripping in Spain:

  • Spain drives on the right
  • Seatbelts are compulsory
  • Driving in flip-flops or open-backed shoes is illegal
  • Speeds are in km/h, not mph (you might want to change the setting on your sat-nav)
  • You cannot touch a screen while driving (television, video, DVD etc.) This also includes a motorhome sat-nav- program it before you leave and don’t touch it unless you’re parked up safely.
  • You need lights on in the tunnels (there are signs to remind you)
  • Road surfaces are generally pretty good and, unlike France, they try to avoid 10,0000000 road works on a bank holiday weekend.
  • On hills, use the crawler lanes to get out of the way of faster-moving traffic.
  • Avoid cities if you’re driving in a motorhome- many of them are too crowded and the streets are just not cut out for large vehicles. Park outside and use public transport to get in.
  • Yellow diamond signs mean you have priority. Diamonds with a black line through mean you no longer have priority ( this is usually on roundabouts.)
  • Trams always have priority everywhere- keep eyes in the back of your head if you’re driving near a tram network.
  • If you are driving in the mountains, you MUST sound your horn before a blind bend, but it’s illegal to use a horn in built-up areas.
  • You may carry a load, such as bikes on a rack, extending by up to 10% of the length of the vehicle to the rear. The load must be indicated by a board/ panel with diagonal red and white stripes
  • The use of winter tyres in Spain is regional. Look out for traffic signs indicating that winter tyres or snow chains are compulsory where you are.
  • IMPORTANT: Drivers do NOT have to stop at a zebra crossing for pedestrians IF there are no lights. So don’t walk out into the road thinking traffic will stop for you.
  • Some places have flashing amber lights before a normal traffic light. If you are travelling at or below the speed limit, the red traffic light will change in your favour. If not, the light will remain on red to slow you down!
  • In some places, to turn left across a dual carriageway you need to pull-in on the right and wait until it is clear in both directions.
  • If you are overtaking a cyclist or a group of cyclists, you must leave at least 1.5m of clearance, and also reduce speed by 20kmh (WHY Spain, WHY?) You are allowed to cross a white line to overtake a cyclist AS LONG AS nothing (not even another cyclist) is coming the other way.

Roads in Spain

The Spanish road network is pretty good and has a mixture of paid and free roads.

  • ‘Peaje’ or ‘AP’ is a toll road. Autopistas are marked red on the map and they will have the letter ‘P’ next to the number
  • Toll-free motorways are marked with the letter ‘A’ and are marked blue on the map
  • Main routes /dual carriageways (green on the map)
  • An “autovía” is like a motorway, except that bicycles and agricultural vehicles can use it.

Restricted driving days in Spain

Spain has certain days when driving is restricted. You can find out more about them here

Restricted Zones in Spain

Some of the bigger cities in Spain have environmental zones which only residents are allowed to drive in. These zones are indicated with ‘Area de prioridad residencial‘ and are banned to anyone without a permit (or special exemption.)

Toll roads in Spain

If you choose to use the Autopista toll roads while motorhoming in Spain, here are some tips for you:

  • The weight of your motorhome no longer matters- all motorhomes are charged the same.
  • Just like other tolls in Europe, you’ll usually get a ticket when you enter the toll route, then have to pay when you exit at either a manned or automatic toll booth. Occasionally, some sections of road have a fixed fee, so you pay when you enter.
  • Tolls can be paid for in cash (Euros) or cards at selected booths. American Express is rarely accepted but UK credit or debit cards should work (but not always, so carry cash to be safe!)
  • Alternatively, get a toll pass/ payment tag so you can use the ‘Telepeaje’, ‘VIA-T’ or ‘T’ lanes. We use e-Movis and it’s well worth it- especially on busy days where you can drive right on by the queues.

Bizarrely, some toll roads in Spain are being ‘demoted’ to free routes, but are still marked as AP on the map. This site has more information about tolls in Spain and what you might expect to pay on the various Autopistas.

Speed Limits in Spain (unless otherwise signed!)

Cars and vehicles under 3.5 tonnes:

  • 120 km/h (74mph) on motorways/ autovias and many dual carriageways
  • 90 km/h (56 mph) on secondary roads (out of town)- can increase to 110km/h to overtake
  • 50km/h (31 mph)- on roads with two or more lanes in the same direction
  • 30 km/h (19 mph) on roads with one lane in each direction
  • 20km/h on small lanes where road & pavement are the same level

Motorhomes and Campervans weighing over 3.5 tonnes:

  • motorways 90 km/h (55 mph)
  • major out-of-town roads 80 km/h (50 mph)
  • minor out-of-town roads 70 km/h (43 mph)
  • urban areas- 50 km/h (31 mph)
  • 25km/h in signposted residential zones

Motorhomes with trailers or caravans (over 750kg)

  • motorways 80 km/h (50 mph)
  • minor out-of-town roads 70 km/h (44 mph)
  • built-up areas- 50 km/h (31 mph)

Speed Cameras in Spain

Many roads have automatic speed cameras on in Spain and they’re quite happy to send tourists a fine through the mail.

You might also find random traffic lights, which turn to red in the middle of nowhere if you’re speeding and make you wait for a couple of minutes before turning to green so you can move off again. These are surprisingly effective!

Motorhome touring in Spain- Cabezo Negro

Driving in Spain- what to do in the event of a road traffic accident

You should have a European Claim Form provided by your insurer before you leave. 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.

What to do at the scene:

  • Stop your vehicle immediately but safely- out of the flow of traffic if possible.
  • If a vehicle is blocking the road, use hazard lights and put the red warning triangle 30 metres from the scene to warn approaching traffic
  • Name and address of all the people involved in the accident
  • Vehicle registration numbers of all parties
  • Insurance company details of all parties
  • Take photos of damage using a camera, GoPro or phone

For more details, read our step-by-step guide on dealing with a road traffic accident in Europe

Other essential tips for campervanning in Spain

Petrol and diesel.

Petrol and diesel are widely available. Many fuel stations are 24h on the main roads and are self-service with card machines.

If you have refillable gas bottles in your motorhome, you can find LPG pretty easily while touring around Spain. Spain uses the Euroconnector adapter.

NOTE: Gas bottles can be tough to get- and it’s forbidden to fill foreign gas cylinders. Don’t forget you will need to bring a different nozzle to connect the Spanish gas bottle fitting to your UK system. If you’re not sure what we mean, read more about getting gas in Europe:

READ MORE: How we find motorhome LPG or bottles while touring Europe

Motorhome Service Points in Spain

You will find some petrol stations with additional facilities for motorhomes, like waste disposal, water (NOT always drinkable!) and washdown areas.

Campervanning in Spain- security

We highly recommend paying extra attention to your motorhome security when travelling in Spain.

You might even wish to fit an extra camper habitation door lock and never leave your vehicle unattended in an unsecure area.

Touring Spain with a dog

Spain surprised us with their attitude towards dogs. They’re not often allowed on public transport, even with a muzzle, which made visiting places difficult. (PLEASE do not leave a pet in a van or car while you go sightseeing, especially on a hot day.)

Now that BREXIT has happened and the UK pet passport scheme is no longer valid, you will need to get an Animal Health Certificate before you leave the UK.

READ MORE: How to get a UK Animal Health Certificate after BREXIT

You will need to get a worming treatment done by a registered vet before you leave Spain, or between 24 hours and 5 days before re-entering the UK. Sandflies, fleas and ticks are common in Spain, so get a collar or treatment which protects against these.

More tips for travelling with a dog:

  • The most useful dog road trip accessories
  • How to keep a dog cool while travelling

See all our dog travel and road trip tips

More useful things to know when motorhoming in Spain

Emergency Numbers: 112 will get you everything

Language – There are several local variations of Spanish. Castilian is most common, but there is also Basque, Catalan and some smaller dialects. English usually spoken in campsites and in tourist areas, but not often elsewhere

Currency – Euro

Cards – most major credit and debit cards are accepted. 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)

Mobile Phone and Internet – It’s usually possible to use your UK phone and data in Spain, but do check with your provider about any charges you might incur. Alternatively, 1p Mobile SIM cards are widely available and a cheap option for phone calls.

Tipping – Service is usually included in a restaurant, but do check. It’s common to tip other services, like taxi drivers

Shops – Food prices are pretty inexpensive. Many shops close on Sundays. Bigger supermarkets may be open, but will close at lunchtime. If bakeries open on Sundays, they are often closed on Mondays instead. Many shops and businesses also shut for a long lunch (between 12-2pm) and some will not open on Wednesday afternoons.

Other posts you might find useful:

  • Campervanning in Portugal- everything you need to know
  • The best road trips in France
  • Unmissable road trip ideas for Europe
  • Essential motorhome checks to do before you travel

See all our Europe travel tips and ideas

DISCLAIMER: This post was last updated in October 2021. We try to keep it as up to date as possible, but cannot be held responsible for any changes made to the law since the last update. If you do find any discrepancies, please do let us know. Thanks.

Planning to tour Spain with a motorhome or campervan? There are some essential things you need to know before your trip, including important paperwork and kit to bring with you. Here's everything you need to know about campervanning or motorhoming in Spain.

Kat never planned to buy a motorhome. She also never planned to quit her job as an air traffic controller, go touring around Europe in said motorhome, start one of the UK’s largest motorhome travel websites… or get a cocker spaniel.

Find out how she went from stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here.

If you’d like to connect with Kat, send her an email or follow her adventures on social media.

Last update on 2024-03-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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The best motorhome and camper routes in Northern Spain

motorhome holiday in the Pyrenees in Spain

OVIEDO – One of the best ways to travel around Spain is by motorhome. The combination of adventure, freedom and comfort appeals to more and more people. The varied Spanish landscape offers these tourists endless possibilities.  

More and more people are deciding to rent or buy a motorhome and go on an adventure through Spain. This way of travelling is especially popular in the spring and autumn. In the summer, it allows you to move to the cooler areas that can also be found in the country.  

See also: The increasing popularity of campervan or motorhome holidays in Spain  

Choosing one or the other depends on what the traveller is looking for: something more adventurous, a tour of rural and quiet areas or something more urban. When temperatures are still high, it is best to avoid routes where it can be very hot, such as inland areas, flat areas and regions such as Andalucia and Extremadura.  

Then it is better to choose routes that lead through the green north of Spain through Asturias, Cantabria, Galicia and the Pyrenees. The advantage of the first three is that you can also stop along the coast to visit a beautiful beach.  

Route along the Cantabrian coast  

The journey can start in the beautiful old Cantabrian town of Castro Urdiales. From there you can explore the region further via Comillas and San Vicente de la Barquera and the somewhat rugged beaches such as that of Oyambre.  

See also: What do you need to know before travelling through Spain with your campervan?  

You then cross the adjacent area and make a stop in the beautiful Asturian coastal town of Llanes. Take a walk along Paseo de San Pedro or enjoy Sablón Beach.  

Continue your journey to beautiful Ribadesella and the nature characterized by the River Sella. Before you leave Asturias, you can visit the idyllic city of Lastres. And while you’re here, visit the impressive Cabo Vidio.  

After this, you will drive into Galicia and arrive first in the town of Ribadeo where you can treat yourself to delicious seafood dishes. If you want to visit the famous beach of Las Catedrales , make a reservation in time and check what time the low tide is, so that you can enjoy the special rocks. Then your route ends in Foz and the natural paradise formed by the Golfo de Masma.  

Route through Asturias  

If you want to get to know the natural beauty of Asturias better, make sure to visit both the coast and inland. Asturias has it all: beach and Rue mountains. The region is the perfect getaway in summer and early autumn when the sun can make temperatures unbearable in other parts of Spain. This route starts in eastern Asturias, where some of the best beaches, such as Gulpiyuri, are located.  

The journey continues to beautiful towns such as Ribadesella or Arriondas, known for the famous descent by canoe of the Sella. We continue into the interior of Asturias to Cangas de Onís. The starting point is to explore the Picos de Europa and to visit the beautiful glacial lakes and the imposing Basilica of Covadonga.  

The next destinations are the cities of Gijón, Oviedo and Avilés. There are many good motorhome pitches here, and you can also visit interesting museums where you can learn more about the mining history in the region.  

We end this wonderful journey in the west of Asturias, the most authentic and wild area. If you dare to drive on small mountain roads with your motorhome, pay a visit to Pola de Somiedo in the remote mountain area of ​​Somiedo where you can go hiking and spot bears. One of the prettiest towns here on the coast is Cudillero. Park your camper on the edge of the village to avoid navigation problems.  

Route through the Aragonese Pyrenees  

More and more people are discovering that the Aragonese Pyrenees are ideal for exploring by motorhome. A good option is to start at the town of Benasque in Huesca, nestled in the heart of the mountain range. From here you can visit the Posets-Maladet Natural Park and discover the incredible nature formed by lakes and no fewer than thirteen glaciers.  

See also: What documents do you need to travel with your motorhome or caravan through Spain?  

The next stop is the medieval town of Aínsa. Then you will continue to the Añisclo Gorge in the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park. Continue your journey to Panticosa, where you can walk on the famous walkways that run along the Caldarés River at an altitude of 80 metres. Finally, your route ends in Ansó, which is home to one of the best-preserved urban centres in the Aragonese Pyrenees.  

Major differences between Spanish regions in terms of energy production

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Motorhome route through northern Spain

18 May, 2023 por Camping Villamar Leave a Comment

If you’re looking for an exciting motorhome adventure, there’s no better way to enjoy the stunning scenery and rich culture of northern Spain. With a well-planned route, you can experience the beauty of Catalonia as you travel to the charm of Galicia. In this post, we’ll introduce you to the best motorhome route through Northern Spain that connects these two regions – get ready for an unforgettable experience!

Ruta en autocaravana por el norte.

Motorhome route from Catalonia to Galicia

Starting in barcelona.

Our route starts in Catalonia, a region rich in history and culture. Begin your journey in the beautiful city of Barcelona , famous for its unique architecture and lively nightlife. Explore the wonders of the Sagrada Familia, stroll along the lively Ramblas and enjoy authentic Catalan cuisine in the local tapas bars.

From Barcelona, head north to the beautiful Costa Brava . Here you’ll find stunning beaches with crystal clear waters and charming seaside towns such as Cadaqués and Tossa de Mar. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea, sample delicious fresh seafood and explore the picturesque cobbled streets of these charming places.

Reaching the Basque Country, Cantabria and Asturias

Continuing our route, we reach the Basque Country region. San Sebastian is an obligatory stop on your trip. Let yourself be seduced by its La Concha beach and enjoy an exquisite meal in one of its famous pintxo bars. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Bilbao, where you can admire the famous Guggenheim Museum and explore the charming old town.

Continuing westwards, we reach Cantabria, a region full of stunning natural landscapes. Don’t miss the Picos de Europa National Park , where you’ll find majestic mountains, deep gorges and beautiful lakes. Stop in Santander, known for its beautiful beaches and elegant palaces. Enjoy a stroll along the Paseo Pereda and discover the beauty of this coastal city.

Continuing our journey, we arrive in Asturias, a region full of character and natural beauty. Explore the city of Oviedo and visit the impressive Cathedral of San Salvador. Don’t forget to try the famous Asturian cider and delight in its delicious gastronomy. If you are a nature lover, don’t miss the Picos de Europa, where you can go hiking and enjoy breathtaking landscapes.

Finally reaching Galicia

Our motorhome route finally takes us to Galicia, a region full of traditions and breathtaking landscapes. Visit the city of Santiago de Compostela , where you can admire the majesty of its cathedral and immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere of the Camino de Santiago. Don’t miss the opportunity to try the famous Galician seafood in one of the local restaurants.

Continue your motorhome adventure exploring the Galician coast. Enjoy the beautiful beaches of the Rias Baixas , such as the beach of Las Catedrales, famous for its impressive rock formations. Stroll through picturesque fishing villages such as Combarro and discover its seafaring charm.

For wine lovers, a visit to the Rías Baixas wine region is a must. Visit the wineries and taste the Albariño wines, internationally renowned for their quality and unique flavour.

Continuing north, we reach the region of A Coruña . Explore the city of A Coruña and admire its iconic Hercules lighthouse, the oldest working lighthouse in the world. Enjoy a stroll along its beautiful promenade and sample the region’s gastronomic delights, such as the famous Galician empanada.

Our motorhome tour of northern Spain culminates in the spectacular city of Vigo, located in the province of Pontevedra. Explore the old town, visit O Berbés market for fresh seafood and climb O Castro hill for stunning panoramic views of the city and its estuary.

Ruta en autocaravana por el norte.

In short, the motorhome route through northern Spain from Catalonia to Galicia is an unforgettable experience full of natural beauty, rich culture and delicious gastronomy. One of those motorhome tours that takes you to the most beautiful places . From the vibrant streets of Barcelona to the beautiful beaches of Galicia, each stop along the way gives you a unique opportunity to discover the diversity and charm of this region. Don’t forget to plan your trip in advance, making sure you have everything you need to make the most of your motorhome adventure – get ready for unforgettable moments as you immerse yourself in the best of northern Spain!

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motorhome tour northern spain

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Kucavana- Travel by motorhome

The transpyrenean motorhome route through 14 great destinations!

  • Author of the entry: Kucavanera family
  • Post publication: 01/06/2020
  • Entry Category: Aragon / Catalonia / With children / Spain / Trips
  • Post Comments: 6 comments

Table of Contents

On a motorhome route through northern Spain, the Pyrenees from valley to valley with 14 destinations you don't know

Would you like to make a motorhome route through northern Spain? What if it's a nature and mountain trip? How about a roadtrip through the Pyrenees?

Next, we invite you to read about our experience on a trip with our 15-day camper van through the Pyrenees. 

We travel in  Family with our camper, with two children of 1 and 4 years old for 15 from the Catalan Pyrenees of Lérida to the Navarrese Pyrenees, passing through the beautiful Aragonese Pyrenees.

Here you will find the chronicle of a trip that for us was very exciting and endearing, full of adventure and nature.

A motorhome route through Spain of nature and mountains. We will see the Pyrenees with young children, a new look. The Pyrenees with children in summer, which will make it a trip where the mountains and water will be the main protagonists. It was also a trip  low cost within what is in itself this super route and the prices of the tourist places of the Pyrenees.

Come on let's go to the Spanish Pyrenees, to discover it!

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We help you to set up your motorhome trip

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From mid-July to early August.

Route of the motorhome trip through the Pyrenees

Route through the Pyrenees by motorhome, starting the route through the Catalan Pyrenees of Lérida (Lleida), crossing the Aragonese Pyrenees and ending up playing in the Navarrese Pyrenees. 

Kilometers of the motorhome route through northern Spain in the Pyrenees

About 2.000 km traveled

Autonomous Communities visited during the trip to the Pyrenees

  • Pyrenees of Catalonia 
  • Aragon Pyrenees 

Expenses of the  motorhome route through northern Spain in the Pyrenees

Total: € 1.029 (2 adults + 2 children)

·         It is absolutely all inclusive: gasoline, campsites, restaurants, supermarkets, visits m a use us, souvenirs ...

The phases of the motorhome trip through northern Spain

  • 1: Catalan Pyrenees
  • 2: Aragonese Pyrenees

The best of the motorhome route in northern Spain: The Pyrenees

  • Nature in all its splendor. Make beautiful routes with waterfalls, bridges, caves ...
  • Discover incredible water pools like those of Puyarruego
  • Sleep in places in the middle of nature away from the crowds. The Zuriza Valley was a great discovery!
  • Good food from any good Aragonese bar
  • The security that is breathed in the Pyrenees and in the mountains.
  • Families we have met along the way. In the mountains solidarity multiplies

The worst of the trip to the Pyrenees

  • Incidents we have had, such as the transformer of the van burning in the middle of the siesta (it is what you have a California of more than 25 years of second hand)
  • Roads such as Benasque or Valle de Vió hyper narrow and with truck traffic
  • The summer storms that caught us in a small California with no bathroom and a girl whose diaper was just removed
  • In places like the Ordesa Valley, they don't let you stay anywhere with your camper or motorhome. It is only allowed to go to a camping
  • That it's over so fast! 😛

Travel guide: Pyrenees by motorhome, the route and 14 great destinations

Below, you will find 14 great destinations in the Catalan and Aragonese Pyrenees with the description of each of the stops made on our route through the Pyrenees by camper. You will find places to park your motorhome, overnight places, essential visits and more.

If you don't have a motorhome or camper and you have to rent, a little gift before continuing:

 Roadsurfer, camper rental professionals, has given us a gift for you! We do not charge any commission if you reserve a Roadsurfer camper, but in this case the discount they give you I think is very worth it for you, so we leave it here in case it helps you:

Road surfers  you are going to  deduct 100 euros  in your camper or motorhome rental if you reserve it through this link for 5 or more days and enter the CODE:  KUCAVANAEUR

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THE ROUTE THROUGH THE PYRENEES BY MOTORHOME IN PHOTOS

Stage 1: catalan pyrenees by motorhome, congost de collegats, gerri de la sal and sort.

Collegats Congost. Motorhome route in northern Spain

Rialp, Espot and the Aiguestortes National Park and the llac de Sant Maurici

Rialp motorhome parking. Catalan Pyrenees by motorhome

The Port de la Bonaigua and the forest of Gerdar

Bosc del Gerdar. Port de la Bonaigua Catalan Pyrenees

Baqueira- Beret by motorhome

Baqueira- Beret. Catalan Pyrenees by motorhome

The Aran Valley: Salardú and Vielha

Vall d'Aran. Viella. Catalan Pyrenees

La Vall de Boí: Taüll, Barruera, the Cavallers reservoir and Aiguestortes

Vall de Boí, Taüll. Catalan Pyrenees route

STAGE 2: Aragonese Pyrenees by motorhome

The benasque valley: senarta camping area, llanos de hospital and the road to aigualluts.

Benasque Valley. Route through the pyrenees huesca

The Pineta Valley, magical forests and waterfalls

Pineta Valley by motorhome. Huesca Pyrenees Route

Aínsa in motorhome, camper friendly people 100%

Ainsa in a motorhome. Aragonese Pyrenees by motorhome

Puyarruego in a motorhome, from a water well to a water well

On a route through the Pyrenees in summer by motorhome: Pools of emerald waters in Puyarruego. Huesca Pyrenees with children 100%

The Vió Valley and the Añisclo Canyon

Añisclo Canyon and Valle de Vió. Huesca Pyrenees Route

Ordesa Valley: Broto, Torla and the route of the waterfalls of the Strait, the Cave and Cola de Caballo

Tena valley: panticosa, pueyo de jaca, lacuniacha, sallent de gallego, la sarra and formigal.

Tena Valley. Huesca pyrenees route

Ansó, Hecho and Zuriza Valley with its Linza refuge

Zuriza Valley. Linza's refuge. Navarre pyrenees route

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motorhome tour northern spain

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This entry has 6 comments.

motorhome tour northern spain

It is an excellent idea for this strange summer. I'm from Barcelona and I don't rule out doing such a route

motorhome tour northern spain

I certainly think it will be a great plan for many families this summer. The Pyrenees is a guarantee of freshness and tranquility without overcrowding. A hug Raquel!

motorhome tour northern spain

Come on, how complete. I think it is a fabulous idea for this summer. We are still planning and thinking about this vacation so pecualires. There is very valuable information. Thank you!!!!

Thank you! That we hope will help you plan your routes. A big hug and enjoy the summer!

motorhome tour northern spain

Travel pieces you mark! The only long trips I have made by road have been Girona-Germany We have always wanted a caravan but we are more and more and the budget is smaller

Jennifer, without a doubt is the best thing we have done in life. We not only recommend it, I think it should be compulsory for families 😛 hehehe A hug!

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A Northern Spain road trip in a campervan: Santander to Barcelona

Posted on Last updated: 24 January 2024

A Northern Spain road trip in a campervan: Santander to Barcelona

A winter road trip from Santander to Barcelona and back, mostly camping in our Mazda Bongo camper and a stay at an aparthotel in the Pyrenees. Includes beaches, cities, desert, amazing food, and skiing, all crammed into 2.5 weeks. Read on for details of our Northern Spain road trip…

Disclaimer: Eurocamp Independent provided us with a complimentary one week stay at Camping Vilanova Park in return for this honest review and social media coverage. We paid for all other accommodation, travel and activities on this Northern Spain road trip ourselves. Also, this post contains affiliate links; should you click to purchase it is at no extra cost to you, but I receive a small commission.

We love to be able to camp in our Mazda Bongo year round. But in all honesty, camping in the UK winter months for more than the a couple of nights doesn’t really appeal to us. But camping in Spain over the winter when the sun is shining and day temperatures are hitting 20 degrees! Well yes, that sounds much more like a holiday. And then add in some skiing (although staying in an aparthotel), and it really does make for the perfect winter road trip.

This Northern Spain road trip from Santander to Barcelona and the Pyrenees took us almost 3 weeks over the school Christmas holidays 2021/2022 (a time when travel restrictions were constantly changing). We sailed with Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth to Santander (a 30 hour crossing), then after a couple of nights camping in Santander and then San Sebastian, we continued to Vilanova Park Campsite , just south of Barcelona, where we camped for a week. We then drove up to the Spanish Pyrenees to the small ski resort of La Molina , which is perfect for families and absolute beginners (we stayed in a self-catering aparthotel here, rather than camping in the Bongo), before returning to Santander and boarding Brittany Ferries back to Portsmouth.

skiing in La Molina, Spain

Tips to share from our Northern Spain road trip

  • Many businesses (including supermarkets) close for a siesta every day, commonly between 2pm and 5pm.
  • Even though many restaurants don’t open for dinner until 8pm (or later!), you can generally find somewhere serving tapas in tourist areas.
  • Daytime temperatures were warm enough around Barcelona to be walking around in shorts and T-shirts. However, the temperature drops as soon as the sun goes and you will need a jumper and/or light jacket.
  • Vegetarians may struggle, and there’s only so much patatas bravas and cheese a person can have. Have some ideas of easy veggie meals to cook whilst travelling. Vegans will definitely find it tricky.
  • As with everywhere we go, knowing a little bit of the language goes a long way. Basque, Spanish, and Catalan are the prime languages in the regions covered on this Northern Spain road trip. We scrubbed up our very basic Spanish, and a ‘ gracias ‘ here and there from the kids was always rewarded with a smile.
  • At smaller campsites, most of the facilities will be closed (bars, restaurants, swimming pools). But at larger sites, you can expect many of these to be open.
  • Cars from the UK now have to display a UK sticker on the rear of the car; since Brexit, the GB sticker is no longer allowed. Check out this RAC guide for up-to-date information on driving in Spain.

READ: 24 road trip essentials with kids – what to pack on a family road trip

The itinerary

The timescales of the below Northern Spain road trip itinerary worked pretty perfectly for us. The only thing I would perhaps change is rather than returning to Santander for the ferry back to Portsmouth, we would drive back through France ( click here to read about our ferry crossing experience from England to Spain). Although at the time of writing, British travellers were not allowed to enter France due to COVID travel restrictions and our only option was to return direct to England via the ferry.

DAY 1: Ferry to Santander

READ: Essential tips for taking the ferry to Spain from the UK

We sailed with Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth to Santander. The ferry departed at 9am, so we stayed in this Premier Inn the night before.

At the time of year we were travelling (Dec/Jan) this was the only ferry crossing from England to Spain, and running only once per week. In busier months, ferries are much more frequent. You can also sail Portsmouth to Bilbao with P&O Ferries; so it’s worth looking around for the best times/prices.

The ferry crossing from Portsmouth to Santander is 30 hours. We had a 4 berth cabin, and 1 dinner and 1 breakfast per person was provided with our booking.

Brittany Ferries Galacia Tapas Bar

It was a wonderfully relaxing crossing on the way over to Spain, and we found it to be the perfect decompression after a hectic end to the Autumn term. There are interactive play areas for the kids, but I also came prepared with some craft activities which the boys enjoyed whilst we ate tapas and us parents drank wine in the Tapas Bar. If you’re lucky, you may even spot whales or dolphins from the deck!

However, the experience of the return ferry was very different. More on that further down this northern Spain road trip itinerary.

DAY 2: Arrive in Santander

Camping at: Camping Virgen del Mar

Our ferry arrived into Santander at 2:30pm. We drove straight from the ferry to a supermarket ( this one ) to stock up on food (remember that you can no longer bring in meat and dairy products from the UK into Spain) and then on to our campsite, Camping Virgen del Mar .

Like many Spanish campsites, the pitches are rather small and cramped. But as a base for two nights, it’s absolutely fine. The wash block is good and there’s a small play area for little ones. During the high season there is an onsite bar/restaurant and a swimming pool, though these were both closed as we were visiting in December.

Camping Virgen del Mar - Santander campsite

Once we’d pitched up and enjoyed a routine arrival beer, we took the short walk down to the beach (turn left out of the campsite and walk 250 metres down the road). It’s a small sandy cove surrounded by rocks, and a little further on is a church. There’s a small taverna here too, though we took our own wine down to the beach with us to enjoy whilst the kids played. It’s a lovely spot.

DAY 3: Santander

The number 17 bus to the centre of Santander runs hourly from the stop outside the church (not the church on the coast, but the church in the village), which is a 10 minute walk from the campsite. At the time of our visit it was €1.30 per person (and we also had to pay for our kids).

When you alight at the central bus station, make your way to Centro Botin , a striking modern building that overlooks the harbour. You can walk up the steps (for free) to check out the views of the city.

In the Jardines de Pereda , just behind Centro Botin , is a fantastic playground for kids with outdoor seating next to a bar. Yes parents, order yourself a Mahou and tapas whilst your little darlings release their energy in the playground.

Centro Botin Santander

Follow the footpath along the waters edge, leading away from the city centre. This section is actually really good for scooters (wish we’d brought ours). This leads you past a marina, and then further onwards to Playa Los Peligros (a lovely sandy beach with the stunning backdrop across the waters of jagged mountains).

Further round the coast is vast swath of sandy beach known as Playa Del Camello . From here, we took the number 2 bus back towards the campsite.

DAY 4: Drive to San Sebastian

Camping at: Camping Bungalows Igueldo San Sebastian

It’s only a two hour drive to San Sebastian (one of the best beach towns in Spain ). After a lazy morning packing up the Bongo, it was easy enough to fit in a detour to Monte Igueldo before heading to the next campsite.

Monte Igueldo is a superb viewpoint overlooking the perfect arc of city coastline that is San Sebastian. You can either take the short funicular ride to the top, or drive up (the price for parking is pretty much the same as the very short funicular).

San Sebastian

There is also a small fairground at the top. It’s a little tired in places, but this adds to its rustic charm. Check their website ahead of visiting for opening times. Unfortunately it was closed for our visit on Christmas Eve, but we were able to pre-warn the kids.

Camping Bungalows Igueldo San Sebastian is a ten minute drive out of the city, along the coast. The mountain views from the pitches are lovely, and kids will appreciate the playground. There’s a restaurant and small swimming pool on site, but these were closed for our winter visit.

Camping Bungalows Igueldo San Sebastian

Day 5: San Sebastian

The best thing about Camping Bungalows Igueldo San Sebastian is the direct bus from right outside the entrance that takes you into the heart of the city. The Number 16 bus runs every half hour or hourly depending on the day of the week (pick up a timetable from the campsite reception). The journey is 20 minutes, €1.30 per person (free for 5s and under).

Our visit to San Sebastian coincided with a Christmas Day abroad . We hadn’t expected anything to be open, but not only was the bus running, but bars were open and even a ferris wheel.

We enjoyed pintxos and beers in stunning Casco Viejo de San Sebastian , the festive vocals in this 15th century cathedral gave us goosebumps, we hiked to the fantastic viewpoint of Motako gaztelua looking back over the city ( click here for location), rode a Ferris wheel, and built a snowman on the beach.

San Sebastian door

It really was a very special Christmas Day that we will remember forever. And don’t worry, Father Christmas managed to find us in the Bongo!

DAY 6: Drive towards Barcelona

Camping at: Vilanova Park Campsite

It’s a 5.5 hour drive to Vilanova Park Campsite . The latter half of the drive is through a desert landscape with medieval villages hugging hill tops. It’s absolutely beautiful.

Vilanova Park Campsite is just 50km south of Barcelona, so it’s a good base for exploring the city. The campsite itself is huge and extremely busy in the summer months. But in the winter months, when we were visiting, it was very quiet indeed; although the restaurant, supermarket, and indoor pool were still open. Pitches are also much larger than we’ve experienced elsewhere in Spain, and tall hedges on three sides provide privacy (more common with what we have previously experienced with French campsites ).

Vilanova Park camping pitch

After the long drive from San Sebastian, the delicious wood fired pizza and €9 bottle of house red from the campsite restaurant was much appreciated.

DAY 7-12: Vilanova Park Campsite (including Barcelona and Sitges)

We had a superb week camping at Vilanova Park Campsite ( click here to read our full review). Basking in glorious sunshine with day time temperatures hitting 20°C in late December, and with a direct bus to the heart of Barcelona, we felt we had hit the jackpot for a winter sun destination.

As it’s such a lovely campsite, allow for a couple of downtime days for the kids to play and for everyone to relax. However, absolute must dos are a day trip to Barcelona, the walk from Vilanova to Sitges along the coast, a day trip to Tarragona, and watching the sunset over the Mediterranean from the beach at Vilanova i la Geltrú. More details in this post .

Barcelona Sagrada Familia

DAY 13: Drive to La Molina in the Pyrenees

Staying at: Guitart La Molina Aparthotel & Spa

It’s only a two hour drive to the ski resort of La Molina , and most of the drive is through a arid landscapes, making you wonder if there will actually be snow when you get there. Don’t worry, snow will appear just before you reach the resort, and even if there hasn’t been much snowfall, there are snow machines at La Molina.

Make sure you visit a supermarket before you arrive at La Molina. There is only one small supermarket at the resort, which is fine for the staples of bread, milk, cheese, and frozen pizza.

A full review of our accommodation is coming soon. In summary, it’s a basic apartment for a family of four with a small kitchenette and dining table, an ensuite bathroom (with shower, no bath), a double bedroom, and a lounge area with TV (the sofa separates into two single beds). The mountain view from the balcony that spans the lounge and bedroom were very special to wake up to. There’s a restaurant serving a buffet breakfast and dinner on site, although we just cooked for ourselves. There’s also an indoor pool (which at €10 per adult and €5 per child we didn’t really think was worth it).

the lounge in our apartment at Guitart La Molina

Once you’re checked into the apartment, visit Club Elements Molina , which is a two minute walk from Guitart Hotel , to arrange your ski equipment hire and lessons. Residents of Guitart receive a 10% discount at Club Elements Molina . We were told that you don’t need to pre-book equipment hire or lessons. However, it’s worth emailing ahead to arrange lessons; we booked a 10 hour lesson pack for our boys for a total of €400.

DAY 14-17: Skiing at La Molina

Click here to read our blog post detailing everything you need to know about skiing at La Molina! This was a first family ski trip for us, booked independently without the use a of ski travel agent. In fact, La Molina isn’t even on the books for UK Travel Agents.

La Molina is a small-scale ski resort in the Spanish Pyrenees, and especially good for families with its range of gentle green and blue runs that are manicured daily by snow machines and snow groomers. There’s very little in the way of après ski here, aside from a low-key bowling alley and a couple of café style restaurants.

But for a first time ski experience, it was perfect for us, and under the fantastic tuition of Feran from Club Elements Molina our boys (age 6 and 8) went from not even knowing how to put skis on, to giving their parents a tour of the mountain and whizzing confidentially past them in four days.

family skiing in Spain

Even though the boys seemed keen to do more, four full days felt like the right amount of time for our first family ski trip . It was an absolutely brilliant introduction to skiing for our boys and we really couldn’t have asked for anything more. We’re now officially a ski-obsessed family!

DAY 18: Drive back towards Santander

Camping at: Camping Fuenmayor

It’s a 7 hour drive back to Santander. In all honesty, this isn’t the most efficient way to get back to the UK; if driving north through France, in 7 hours you would be as far as Bourges. However, we had planned this trip to only travel through one country at a time, as crossing borders during the pandemic gets very complicated. Indeed, at the time of our visit, British travellers were not allowed to enter France.

To break up the drive back to Santander, we camped at Camping Fuenmayor , just outside Logroño (5.5 hours from La Molina). From their website, the campsite looks quite nice. However, on a grey January evening, with no one around and lots of permanent, empty caravans on site, we didn’t get the best vibe. However, it was the only campsite open enroute that worked with our timings, and it was absolutely fine for a night.

Camping Fuenmayor

If you have time and would like to extend this Northern Spain road trip into France, have a look at one of our France road trips for inspiration, or check out our top family campsites in France .

  • Calais to the Pyrenees road trip 2019
  • 6 week summer road trip in France 2021

DAY 19: Ferry back to the UK

Allow a good few hours to get to the ferry port in Santander, including time to stop at a supermarket to stock up on wine.

After such a fantastic ferry crossing over to Spain, we were really looking forward to the return crossing. However, little did we realise what was in store.

The ferry route between Portsmouth and Santander goes through the Bay of Biscay, which is notoriously rough and we experienced the worst ferry crossing of our lives returning back to England.

As the waters were so choppy, everyone was forbidden to go out on deck and ordered to stay in their cabins for half of the 30 hour crossing. We were sliding from one end of our cabin beds to the other as the ferry tipped from extreme side to side. It was impossible to stand and made for a miserable and sickly crossing. And as things flew off the shelves, I couldn’t help but worry if our beloved Bongo camper had been knocked over (it somehow managed to stay upright).

Whilst the boys were fine (our youngest thought it was the most exciting rollercoaster ever!) we have vowed never to do the ferry to Spain from the UK again. It really is pot luck how the seas will be, and at £1400 for the return experience, we’d rather not risk it. Next time, we’ll drive through France.

Leaving Santander on Brittany Ferries

Final thoughts on this Northern Spain road trip

Aside from the very choppy return ferry, this really was the perfect winter road trip. So much so, that we’ve been saying that we should try and do something very similar next Christmas holidays.

Being able to experience winter sun and skiing in the same holiday was absolutely wonderful, and we couldn’t help but feel rather smug eating our breakfasts and lunches outside our Mazda Bongo in the middle of winter.

TraveLynn Family on Vilanova beach for New Years Eve 2021

You may also like to read: All about our Mazda Bongo camper Calais to Pyrenes road trip 24 road trip essentials with kids – what to pack on a family road trip

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Escorted Motorhome Tour SPECTACULAR SPANISH NORTHERN COAST

motorhome tour northern spain

Impressions “Spectacular Spanish Northern Coast” tour 2019

Touring information.

Start : Donostia/San Sebastian

End : Santiago de Compostela

Tour days : 14

Non-Driving days : 3

Max. daily mileage : 131 miles

Total mileage : 698 miles

Santander-Donostia/San Sebastian : 129 miles

Pets allowed

Minimum number of units: 6 motorhomes

  • Cable Car Ride to the top of the Picos de Europa, the first sight of Europe for ships arriving from the Americas
  • Wine tasting with a guided tour of a wine cellar in the Rioja wine region
  • Hidden beaches surrounded by cliffs and the end of the world: Finisterre
  • Visits of the cities of San Sebastian, Bilbao, Burgos, La Coruna and the sacred city Santiago de Compostella

The Escorted Motorhome Tour

Spain’s northern coast and its hinterland are home to some of the most dramatic scenery in the country and its cities are full of history and culture. Our tour starts in San Sebastian, Spain’s culinary capital on the Bay of Biscay and continues through the coastal regions of the Basque country, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia, passing great cities like Bilbao, Vitoria/Gasteiz and Burgos ending in Santiago de Compostela, probably the most famous destination in Northern Spain. We also travel inland and drive through the famous Rioja wine region, where we will enjoy a wine tasting with typical local appetizers in a traditional Spanish wine cellar and will visit the spectacular Picos de Europa mountains and take a cable car to the top where you will see landscapes that take your breath away.

Tour Map Spectacular Spanish Northern Coast 2020

Day 1 & Day2: Donostia/San Sebastian

We start our tour in the city of San Sebastian close to the French border. Donostia, as it is called in the Basque language, is one of the most charming cities along the northern Spanish coast. In the evening of the first day we will have a group dinner with typical regional food in order for everyone to get to know each other. Use the second day to relax at the campsite, venture into the city’s old town centre or stroll along the shell-shaped beach.

Day 3: Donostia/San Sebastian – La Rioja

Now we will leave the coast and drive south into the famous Rioja wine region, where in the afternoon the group will have a wine tasting and a visit of the wine cellar. On the way you can stop in Bilbao, which has changed drastically from an industrial city to a centre of arts ignited through the inauguration of the Guggenheim museum in 1997. On your way south visit Vitoria-Gasteiz, the capital of the Basque country, a lovely city with a delightful old quarter and great pintxo bars!

Day 4: La Rioja – Burgos

Today you can explore the Rioja region. For example enjoy the historic medieval fortress town of Laguardia, or visit the cathedral in Santo Domingo de la Calzada where there is always a rooster and hen living in a cage to commemorate one of Santo Domingo’s miracles. In the afternoon visit Burgos and the World Heritage-listed cathedral and see the tomb of El Cid, the Spanish national hero.

Day 5: Burgos – Cantabria

We now head back towards the North and will stay at a campsite west of Santander. Visit the medieval town of Santillana del Mar with its bright cobbled streets, flower-filled balconies and tanned stone buildings, go for a “Safari” in a large open-air zoo or visit the replica of the cave of Altamira, renowned for its paintings.

Day 6: Cantabria

After yesterday’s longer drive, today you can relax at the campsite, go to the beach or visit some of the places, you did not have time yet to visit. If you would like to see a real cave, do not miss the Cueva El Pindal which in addition to the Stone Age paintings also has a spectacular entrance in a cliff above the sea.

Day 7: Cantabria – Picos de Europa

Now we drive further south into the mountains of Los Picos de Europa. Here the group will go on a cable car ride to a height of 1,823m above sea level into the heart of the Picos de Europa. At the top you can go hiking, or just sit in the restaurant, which seems to be “hanging in the sky”, have lunch and enjoy the incredible views.

Day 8: Picos de Europa – Ribadesella

Now we return to the coast, driving either directly north or through the mountains. When taking the coastal roads, you can sometimes see “Los Bufones”. These are holes in the cliffs and when a wave crashes hard into the hole, the water rises up under pressure and forms a type of geyser. This route has also several beaches ideal for a short break. If you choose to take the mountain roads, you can stop at viewpoints along the route, or visit a picturesque pilgrim basilica and a chapel built inside a cave.

Day 9: Ribadesella – Luarca

Today we drive along the coast with its sheer cliffs and fine beaches, and through “cider country”, the region east of Gijón, Asturias’ largest city. Before arriving at the campsite, stop in Cudillero the most picturesque fishing village on the Asturian coast, or visit the Cabo Busto lighthouse.

Day 10: Laura – Ribadeo

Today we leave Asturias and drive into Galicia. On our journey we will pass several beaches; the most famous one is Praia das Catedrais, where the sea has created cathedral like formations in the rocks, which can be explored by walking along the beach during low tide. Our campsite is directly located on the beach ideal for relaxing or going for a swim.

Day 11: Ribadeo – A Coruña

Today you have the possibility to either visit A Coruña, a bustling port city filled with history, interesting museums and a renowned aquarium, or to take a drive along the most northerly stretch of our route passing the beaches of las Rias Altas stopping in Ferrol to visit the naval museum.

Day 12: A Coruña – Santiago de Compostela Region

During the last two days of the tour you can visit Santiago de Compostela, the spiritual, cultural and official capital of Galicia and the destination of thousands of pilgrims who set out every year on the famous Camino de Santiago. Wander through the arcaded streets, eat a few tapas and of course visit the Cathedral.

Day 13 Santiago de Compostela Region

During the last two days of the tour you also have the possibility to visit Finisterre, the beautiful windswept cape with the prominent lighthouse, which in Roman times was believed to be the end of the world. Leave some time though to relax at the campsite or at the beach before your long journey home.

Day 14: Departure and end of tour

Tour currently not available, what is included:.

All services are for a motorhome with 2 people

  • Welcome Dinner
  • Cable Car Ride to the top of the Picos de Europa
  • 13 nights at campsites / motorhome parks with electricity (where available)
  • Assistance of a multi-lingual motorhome guide during the whole tour
  • Travel pack containing maps, a detailed road book with directions to the campsites, suggestions for sightseeing and general advice on motorhoming in Europe
  • Secured Payment Certificate

Price for tour only:   EURO

Optional Extra Calais pick-up service:   EURO

Earlybird discount (for bookings made by 31.12.20XX):  EURO

In addition to the Earlybird discount, we offer to all customers booking more than one tour during one touring year a  EURO discount on the second tour booked!

All prices are for 2 people travelling in their own motorhome (motorhome rental optional)

– Other prices upon request –

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Photo First Page Tourflyer Spectacular Spanish Northern Coast 2020

Customer reviews on this tour

Margaret, mel & tilly: spectacular spanish northern coast 2019.

We really enjoy travelling with Michael & Audrey. The tours are always well organized and give us plenty of opportunity to explore on our own. The highlights of this tour for us were the Picos d’Europa area (the roads and views were spectacular), the beaches (particularly for Tilly), Santiago de Compostela and the tapas bars in San Sebastian.

Margaret, Mel & Tilly: Spectacular Spanish Northern Coast 2019

Tricia & Alan: Spectacular Spanish Northern Coast 2019

Once again, another great taster tour. We really appreciate now the variety on offer along the Northern Spanish Coastal area: magnificent ancient buildings, picturesque old towns, stunning mountains and national parks…. and beautiful beaches! We would certainly like to return sometime to spend more time exploring this area. We particularly enjoyed the towns / cities of San Sebastian, Burgos, Santillana des Mar and Santiago de Compostela. We also loved the Picos and mountain visit (having successfully negotiated the cable car), the beaches at the western end and Praia des Catedrais!

Tricia & Alan: Spectacular Spanish Northern Coast 2019

Jacqui & Richard: Spectacular Spanish Northern Coast 2019

This is our third tour with MandA tours and as usual the holiday was excellent. We particularly enjoyed the town of San Sebastian and the Rioja wine-tasting. Another highlight of the tour for us was the Picos de Europa and driving through the mountains was wonderful.

Jacqui & Richard: Spectacular Spanish Northern Coast 2019

Gill & Dave: Spectacular Spanish Northern Coast 2019

This was our second tour with MandA Tours. We particularly enjoyed the Wine-tasting in the Rioja and the cable car ride in the Picos d’Europa.

Gill & Dave: Spectacular Spanish Northern Coast 2019

Kath & Bob: Spectacular Spanish Northern Coast 2019

This was our first tour with MandA Tours and we would certainly consider travelling with them again. It was an unexpectedly beautiful area to tour which was complemented by the personal kindness and attentiveness of Michael and Audrey. We also enjoyed the friendly and relaxed group atmosphere. For us the highlights of the tour were the Picos d’Europa , San Sebastian and the visit to the vineyard and wine-tasting in the Rioja.

Kath & Bob: Spectacular Spanish Northern Coast 2019

Heulwen & Jeff: Spectacular Spanish Northern Coast 2019

Another excellent tour by Michael and Audrey to the Spanish Northern Coast. We had a lovely time with friends from past tours and made new friends on this tour. The organized visit to the vineyard in the Rioja and the winetasting was brilliant and we really enjoyed the cable car ride in the Picos de Europa. The drive through the mountains was breathtaking with views to die for.

Heulwen & Jeff: Spectacular Spanish Northern Coast 2019

Yvonne & Martyn: Spectacular Spanish Northern Coast 2019

This was our third tour with Michael and Audrey – and once again a delightful tour! We really enjoyed the company of the lovely, friendly and supportive group of like-minded motorhome travellers. The campsites were ideally situated for the many suggested points of interest along the route. Our favorite area was Galicia located in the north-west of the Iberian Peninsula where we visited Cape Finisterre, A Coruna and Santiago de Compostela, although we also loved the vast beaches in Asturias and the gorgeous city of San Sebastian. A high point (literally) of the tour was driving through the Picos de Europa snow-capped mountains. The road book was very detailed which meant that we did and saw things on the tour that we would not have known about had we been left to our own resources.

Yvonne & Martyn: Spectacular Spanish Northern Coast 2019

Any Questions on the Motorhome Tour?

Please let us know!

We are glad to give you any further information. Just send us a short message and we will get back to you.

motorhome tour northern spain

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Home › Travel Guides › Mainland Europe

Basque Circuit Spain

Northern Spain has so much to offer, and on this route, you can experience the choicest scenery, food, nature and culture

By Practical Motorhome Published: December 22, 2020

motorhome tour northern spain

The Basque Circuit is one of the most scenic drives you can experience on the European continent. The route may begin at the busy Spanish port city of Bilbao, but it very soon takes you cruising towards the beautiful and rugged geography of northern Spain, through forested hills and open plains and eventually back along the wild Atlantic Ocean coast to Bilbao – if you decide to complete the full circle, that is!

The Basque Circuit also allows you to explore not only Spain, but also a small section of France in beautiful Biarritz.

Being a circular route, you might imagine you could drive in either direction and it wouldn’t matter. However, it’s advisable to drive south first, through Basque Country, Pamplona and the gorgeous Pyrenees, so that you can finish your journey with a stunning coastal road.

You could, technically, drive the Basque Circuit in a day if you pushed it, but allowing yourself at least a long weekend will enable you to enjoy the diverse culture, wines and landscapes that the route has to offer. Given a leisurely pace and plenty of stops for sightseeing along the way, your trip could happily last much longer!

Before you hop into your vehicle, the starting point of Bilbao is home to many attractions in itself, most notably the Guggenheim Museum, a fascinating building that houses a spectacular collection of contemporary art. The Guggenheim was built on industrial wasteland in 1997, and it helped to propel Bilbao into the 21st century. If you’re keen to soak up some of its artistic atmosphere, be aware that it’s shut to visitors on Mondays between September and June.

motorhome tour northern spain

Bilbao is a city roughly divided into two areas, the new and the old town. Casco Viejo is the city’s old quarter, and here you’ll find street performers, eateries and plenty of independent shops. Other noteworthy attractions include the Zubizuri and Deusto bridges, the Basilica de Santa Maria, and the Catedral de Santiago.

Before leaving Bilbao, why not visit one of the local markets and pick up some fare for the road? Better still, enjoy some pintxo (a small snack, typically eaten in bars). And remember, you could return to Bilbao at the end of your trip to see anything you might have missed.

Into the mountains

motorhome tour northern spain

To begin the drive, leave Bilbao and head south on the B1-623 via the spectacular mountain pass to Vitoria-Gasteiz, a journey that should take you around an hour to complete.

Vitoria-Gasteiz is the capital city of the Basque Country, and features a fine medieval quarter, a 17th-century plaza and the Catedral de Santa Maria. In good weather, there’s enough to keep you entertained for at least an afternoon, but if you wanted longer without driving, outdoor diversions are close at hand.

The Green belt is a perimeter around the city, with six large parks that you can explore on foot or by bike. One park, Salburna, is home to several lakes, visited by myriad wildlife, including deer and migrating birds.

Take the scenic route

Once you’ve strolled around Vitoria-Gasteiz and are back on the road, turn east to make your way to Pamplona. There’s a speedy route via the N1 if you’re in a hurry, but it would be a shame to miss the smaller scenic mountain roads through the Urbasa Range to the south, along the A-132.

Depending on your route to Pamplona. you might pass Estella-Lizarra – a sensible place to stop off and try the local specialities: milk-fed pig and Romanesque art!

Head along the A-12 next, until you reach the idyllic city of Pamplona, where you’ll be roughly halfway through the journey.

The fortress and medieval walls of Pamplona are a must-see at any time of year, but if you are here during July, time your trip to coincide with the San Fermin Festival and the Running of the Bulls. Many visitors – Ernest Hemingway among them – have fallen under Pamplona’s spell, and with such a vibrant range of eating and drinking spots, it’s easy to see why. Try the Michelin-starred Alma restaurant for fine dining, or perhaps Bar Monasterio for a more modest meal.

From Pamplona, the N-135 leads you through the Pyrenees and into France, via the historic Roncesvalles Pass. At this point of your journey, prepare for the views to become more distracting and the driving more demanding!

Technical drivers will enjoy the hairpin turns and corners. If you’re more cautious, take care and keep your eyes on the road. You’ll likely want to stop and admire the views at many points on your journey, and while it’s worth taking every opportunity to do so, it goes without saying that you shouldn’t park on any blind spots!

Following on, the D-918 leads you to Biarritz, but not before another breathtaking series of panoramas. Once you’ve made it through the Pyrenees into France, you could spend a couple of days exploring Biarritz – an elegant seaside town that’s become a favourite destination among surfers and beach lovers.

Along the Corniche

Some drivers decide to end their Basque journey in Biarritz, but they would arguably be missing the best part of the whole journey. Head back to Bilbao along the Cantabrian Corniche, and you’ll have a fine view of mountains on your left and the Bay of Biscay below on your right, not to mention more stops to explore along the way.

One major attractions on this road is the beach town of San Sebastian – a hotspot for foodies. The city is renowned for its delicious Basque cuisine, and has one of the highest numbers of Michelin stars (per square metre) in the world.

To work off some of that fine food, you could join a free walking tour of San Sebastian. These are hosted every day by local guides in the Old Quarter. Although they are described as ‘free’, you will be encouraged to decide on a price to pay at the end of the tour!

On from San Sebastián – 25km (15.5 miles) further on to be precise – you have the chance to turn off the N-634 and explore the picturesque villages of Getaria and Zumaia. Getaria’s fishing port explains the profusion of top-quality fish served in its restaurants, and the working boats make a colourful addition to the harbour. Getaria is also the birthplace of iconic fashion designer Balenciaga, and has a museum devoted to him.

motorhome tour northern spain

Zumaia is more of a hidden gem. At first glance, it might seem unsurprising, but its stunning cliffs features in the TV series Game of Thrones . If you have time, explore the Basque Coast Geopark, a geological wonder spanning 60 million years.

To complete your trip around the Basque Country, yo need to join the slightly less scenic AP-8 back to Bilbao. Now is the time to experience anything you missed in the city first time around, or simply find  bar, kick back and review your photos!

A bimble in Biarritz

motorhome tour northern spain

Biarritz is likely to be your first official stop when you cross the border into France. It’s a small town, but a very picturesque one, not only boasting expansive beach views, but offering an array of boutique shops, galleries and eateries.

The transformation of this former fishing village into an elegant seaside resort began back in the 1800s, when Empress Eugénie, the wife of Napoleon III, had a palace built on the beach there.

Today, Biarritz is also a very popular destination with surfers – yet it retains a definite air of French style.

There’s a lovely stroll that starts from the Rocher de la Vierge – a statue-topped rock in the sea – then follows a seaside path to the Phare de Biarritz, a lighthouse on the town’s northern edge. Head there at sunset for a truly scenic (and romantic) photo opportunity.

If sports suit you better, Biarritz is well known for its surf scene. It also has a golf course and a campsite close to the centre, and along the seafront, you’ll find the Cité de l’Océan museum and art deco Musée de la mer aquarium. Whether you prefer glitz or a hippy vibe, you will find it in Biarritz.

TOUR ESSENTIALS

  • Duration Three to seven days
  • When May to September (for the least rainfall)
  • Distance 300 miles

motorhome tour northern spain

WHERE TO STAY

Camping Solepana

  • Avenida Atxabinbil Etorbidea, 30 Camping De, 48600 Sopela, Bizkaia, Spain
  • Web www.campingsopelana.com

Camping Playa Arenillas

  • Barrio Arenillas 43, 39798 Islares, Cantabria, Spain

motorhome tour northern spain

Área de Autocaravanas de Kobetamendi

  • Kobeta 31, 48002 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
  • GPS N 43.25962, W 2.96353 N 43º15’35”, W 2º57’49”

Camping El Roble Verde

  • Carretera A3322, Neville Entitatea, Km24 01428, Álava, Spain
  • Web campingelrobleverde.com

Camping Angosto

  • Ctra, Angosto Errepidea, 2 bis, 01426 Villanañe, Álava, Spain
  • Web www.camping-angosto.com

Camping de Haro

  • Avenida Miranda, 1, 26200 Haro-La-Rioja, Spain
  • Web www.campingdeharo.com

Camping Lizard Navarra

  • Paraje de Ordoiz, s/n, 31200, Estella, Navarra, Spain
  • Web www.campinglizarra.com

Camping Iratxe Ciudad de Vacaciones

  • Avenida Prado de Irache, 14, 31240 Ayegui-Estella, Spain
  • Web www.campingiratxe.com

Camping Ezcaba

  • Carretera N-121A, Km 7, Carretera Pamplona-Irun, Km 7, 31194 Orikain, Navarra, Spain
  • Web www.campingezcaba.com

Camping Urrobi

  • Pamplona-Roncesvalles Road, Km 42, 31694 Valcarlos, Navarra, Spain
  • Web www.campingurrobi.com

Camping Izarpe

  • KM 12, 8 Ctra Gulina, 31867 Aroztegi, Navarra, Spain
  • Web campingizarpe.com

Biarritz Camping

  • 28 Rue de Harcet, 64200 Biarritz, france

motorhome tour northern spain

Camping Ilbarritz Yellow! Village Bidart

  • Avenue de Biarritz, 64210 Bidart, France
  • Web www.camping-ilbarritz.com/fr

Camping Le Pavillon Royal

  • Avenue Prince de Galles, 64210 Bidart, France
  • Web www.pavillon-royal.com

Le Ruisseau des Pyrénées Camping Biarritz

  • 900 Rue Burruntz, 64210 Bidart, France
  • Web www camping-le-ruisseau.fr

Camping Orio Kanpina

  • Hondartza Bidea, s/n 20810 Orio, Gipuzkoa, Spain
  • Web oriokanpina.com

Gran Camping Zarautz

  • Calle Monte Talai Mendi, s/n, 2080 Zarautz, SS, Spain
  • Web www.grancampingzarautz.com

Camping Zingira

  • 38, Olaskoegia, 20810 Orio, Gipuzkoa, Spain
  • Web zingiracamping.com/en

Camping Talai Mendi

  • N-634, 5, 20800 Zarautz, SS, Spain
  • Web www.campingseuskadi.com

Camping & Bungalows Itxaspe

  • Barrio Itxaspe, s/n, 20829 Deba-Itziar, SS, Spain
  • Web www.campingitxaspe.com

Camping Etxarri

  • 31820 Etxarri Aranatz, Spain
  • Web www.campingetxarri.com

Overnight parking

  • Beach car parks in Solepana at Atxabiribil and La Salvage are popular for free camping

Vitoria-Gasteiz

  • Portal de Foronda, 01001 Vitoria-Gasteix, La Rioja (26) – Pais Vasco (01-20-48)
  • GPS N 42.86532, W 2.68535 N 42º51.55″, W 2º41’07”

Área de Ayegui

  • Estella-Lizarra, Navarra (31), Spain
  • GPS N 42.65428, W 2.04517 N 42º39’15”, W 2º02’43”
  • €4 for up to 72 hours (coins only)

Área Camper Pamplona

  • Calle Biurdana, 1417, 31011 Pamplona, Navarra (31), Spain
  • GPS N 42.82114, W 1.65690 N 42º49’16”, W 1º39’25”

Aire Municipale

  • Avenue de la Milady/Rue de Madrid, 64200 Biarritz, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
  • GPS N 43.46577, W 1.57166 N 43 º27’57”, W 1º34’18”
  • Spaces for 8m motorhomes, only a couple for larger ‘vans

Autokarabanak Paseo de Berio

  • Donostia-San Sebastian, La Rioja (26) – Pais Vasco (01-20-48), Spain

Parking lot day/night

  • N-634, 20808 Getaria, Spain
  • GPS N 43º18’32.0436″ W -2º13’56.8776″ 43.308901, -2.232466

Área di sosta Zumaia

  • Trenbide Pasealekua Hiribidea 6, 20750 Zumaia, La Rioja (26) – Pais Vasco (01-20-48), Spain
  • GPS N 43.29221, W 2.24755 N43º17’32”, W 2º14’51”

Campezo Area

  • El Wgido Kalea, 2, 01110 Santa Cruz de Campezo, Alava
  • GPS 42.67278/ -2.34417 N 42º40’22’/W 02º 20’39”

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There's a speedy route via the N1 if you're in a hurry, but it would be a shame to miss the smaller scenic mountain roads through the Urbasa Range

A Motorhome Trip Through Northern Spain: Route, Budget & Tips

Just back from a month-long motorhome trip throughout northern Spain , I’m beyond excited to share all the juicy details of this epic adventure and insider tips for you to make it happen.

Picture this: cruising down charming country roads, discovering hidden gems, and soaking in the awe-inspiring beauty of dozens of stunning destinations. From picturesque towns to jaw-dropping natural wonders, this guide has got it all.

Let’s dive right in and unlock the secrets of RV travel and road-tripping this remarkable region together, shall we? Adventure awaits!

A bit of context to get started

motorhome tour northern spain

Koala, our Ford Transit motorhome

For those of you who are new here, I bought a vintage motorhome when Asia was three months old. The main motivation behind this bold move was to enjoy as much time with our little bundle of joy when she was little, without breaking the bank. But the truth is we’d wanted to do so for a long time and it felt like it finally was the right time.

motorhome tour northern spain

Jose, our baby daughter Asia, and myself on board Koala

Koala – a trusty Ford Transit, model Koala – was not cheap (van life bubble is underway y’all!), considering it’s an RV in its mid-30s but it did not feel like money wasted. On the contrary, a year and a half later I can say it was the best thing I did in 2022 after having a child.

motorhome tour northern spain

Endless choice of backyard is one of the main perks of traveling by motorhome

Since then, lots of short trips and a few longer ones followed. Today, I want to tell you about the last semi-long one. It began right after Autumn officially started in the Northern Hemisphere and ended 29 days later.

The road trip route: Our experience

motorhome tour northern spain

Stunning vistas of Picos de Europa and Palentina mountains as we continued our trip East towards the Pyrenees

Where did the road take us this time?

Starting on the Western Galician coast, we pretty much hopped our way to the Catalonian Pyrenees from natural park to natural park during the first 3 weeks.

motorhome tour northern spain

The exact itinerary we followed on this four-week journey across Northern Spain in our trusty vintage motorhome

The weather forecast was simply exceptional (nothing to be very happy about, as I believe climate change has lots to do with the high temperatures and drought South West Europe experienced in early Fall this year) and so we abandoned our Mediterranean plans and headed to the Pyrenees instead.

motorhome tour northern spain

Waking up next to awesome spots like this one is possible when you get to choose where to park your motorhome every night

The last week came with heavy rain and strong winds. It was spent heading back with a few detours here and there to visit friends and family, some more nature parks and preserved spots, stopping in some cities we’d usually skip to favor greener areas, and overall following a newer route.

4 Weeks road trip itinerary through Spain’s Northern half

Traversing castille and leon: bierzo, riaño and montaña palentina.

Embarked on an unforgettable road trip, we started our adventure in the charming town of Noia, our base.

motorhome tour northern spain

Mother and daughter in a Villafranca del Bierzo street spot

From there, we drove to Villafranca del Bierzo and immersed ourselves in its medieval architecture and enchanting cobblestone streets before our first night on the road.

motorhome tour northern spain

Our baby coming out of the Faedo de Ciñera forest

Continuing our journey, we headed to the mighty Faedo de Ciñera .

motorhome tour northern spain

A tiny birdhouse hangs from a Faedo de Ciñera tree

Next, we made our way to the serene Porma reservoir (embalse del Porma, Boñar), where we enjoyed the traditional early Autumn deer bellowing and overall basked in the tranquility of the beautiful lake at night without any other company.

motorhome tour northern spain

The Porma reservoir at night

What a time to be alive!

motorhome tour northern spain

Admiring embalse del Porma from one of the lookout points, next to where we spent the night

The road led us to the picturesque village of Riaño , nestled amidst the breathtaking Picos de Europa mountains.

motorhome tour northern spain

Mountains of Leon with the Picos de Europa in the background as seen from the Riaño reservoir

We marveled at the awe-inspiring alpine landscapes and indulged in an Instagram-worthy photoshoot.

motorhome tour northern spain

Asia exploring Riaño on foot

Driving through the stunning countryside, we reached Camporredondo de Alba , where we embraced the beauty of the natural surroundings and stayed overnight.

Continuing onwards, we arrived at the charming town of Cervera de Pisuerga , surrounded by rugged mountains.

Exploring Las Tuerces , we were captivated by the surreal limestone formations that left a lasting impression. Our journey then took us to Las Loras geopark near Aguilar de Campoo, where we ventured into the magnificent Cueva De Los Franceses , marveling at its stalactites and stalagmites.

We enjoyed panoramic views from the Mirador de Valdecabado and explored Espacio Natural Covalagua , with its fascinating rock formations, diverse flora and fauna, and – sadly dry – waterfall.

motorhome tour northern spain

Sunset views from Covalagua parking lot

The village of La Población was our base that night.

motorhome tour northern spain

Wandering around Rioseco Abbey ruins

Continuing on, we wandered around Rioseco Abbey ruins before heading to the majestic Cascada el Peñón .

motorhome tour northern spain

Peñon waterfall was an unmissable stop!

After a dip under its stunning waterfall, we entered the Montes Obarenes-San Zadornil nature reserve, which has incredible landscapes and hiking trails.

motorhome tour northern spain

Frias and its impressive castle at dusk

Frías , a medieval village perched on a hill, fascinated us with its castle and winding streets. Its riverside was the perfect backyard for that night.

motorhome tour northern spain

The Medieval bridge of Frias over the Ebro river at sunrise

Dwelling in the Basque Country: Gorbeia, Garaio, and Aizkorri-Aratz Natural Parks

Continuing our journey, we explored the Monte Santiago Karst route to the massive Salto del Río Nervión  and Gorbeia Natural Park .

motorhome tour northern spain

Salto del Nervion is a 222m plunging waterfall – the highest in the Iberian Peninsula – reached by a flat 2 or 3km walk to this lookout point

Afterward, we arrived in Vitoria-Gasteiz. The city greeted us with its vibrant atmosphere, beautiful parks, historic buildings, and a funky Middle Ages-themed feast across the old town.

motorhome tour northern spain

Oh hello Vitoria Gasteiz!

After a quiet night next to Garaio , we went for an al fresco lunch at Saldropo before checking out Otzarreta forest .

motorhome tour northern spain

Otzarreta Forest has a few interesting trails through a landscape of marshes, meadows & rugged hills, with centuries-old beech & oak trees. A must

Salvatierra/ Agurain welcomed us with music in the streets but we skipped a good night’s party for our beauty sleep at La Leze .

motorhome tour northern spain

Can you spot us? Welcome to La Leze cave!

The next day, after checking its stunning cave, we indulged in a barbecue before heading to the Millenary oak forest ( SL-NA 137 – Sendero de los Robles Milenarios ) and spending the night in Etxarri Aranatz .

motorhome tour northern spain

The Path of the Ancient Oaks in Etxarri Aranatz is an easy stroll through a forest of ancient and majestic common and white oak trees

Both offered a picturesque and peaceful ambiance, perfect for relaxation.

motorhome tour northern spain

Navarre’s Beriain mountain at sunset

Slow traveling through Navarre and the Irati Forest

We then set off on our road trip to Parque Natural Urbasa y Andía , a beautiful park full of nature trails.

motorhome tour northern spain

Scenic lookout point near Ubaba, in Urbasa.

We enjoyed stunning views from Balcón de Pilatos/Mirador de Ubaba and stopped at Artavia/ Artabia ’s bridge for a refreshing dip.

motorhome tour northern spain

Swimming spot in the Urederra River as it passes through Artavia, Navarre, Spain.

In Estella- Lizarra , we marveled at its rich history and architectural beauty.

motorhome tour northern spain

Our one-year-old baby daughter having fun at the cloister of the Monastery of Iranzu in Navarre, Spain.

Iranzu Monastery and Santa María de Eunate Chapel captivated us with their intriguing stories and unique structures.

motorhome tour northern spain

Saint Mary of Eunate is a 12th-century Romanesque church along the Way of Saint James in Navarre, Spain.

motorhome tour northern spain

The Gothic Pamplona cathedral replaced a Romanesque church.

Before heading to wilder destinations, the city of Pamplona embraced us with its vibrant energy and renowned pintxos scene.

motorhome tour northern spain

Ochagavía is a town in the Salazar Valley, near the Irati Forest and the French border.

Driving through Ochagavía , we admired its picturesque setting and quaint streets.

motorhome tour northern spain

Cubo waterfall in Irati forest in Navarra, Spain

Casas De Irati resulted to be the perfect spot to start exploring the majestic Selva de Irati . We went on two forest hikes – one to Cubo waterfall and a 2km circular path.

motorhome tour northern spain

The Virgen de las Nieves chapel in the forest of Irati in Navarra

Spending a couple of days in the scenic French Pyrenees doorstep

Continuing our journey, we reached the Larrau pass .

motorhome tour northern spain

Larrau Pass is an unbelievable spot to spend one night, agree?

There, right between the border between France and Spain, we spent a tranquil night along with a few other vans and motorhomes.

motorhome tour northern spain

Wild horses and the sun over The Pyrenees mountains at sunrise, as seen from Larrau Pass

After stepping into France, the surroundings of Passerelle d’Holzarte, the village of Tardets -Sorholus, and the fantastic ski resort and mountain area of La Pierre Saint Martin fascinated us with their natural beauty and unique attractions.

motorhome tour northern spain

Spending one night in La Pierre San Martin was also a great idea

Falling for Aragon and Ordesa National Park

The lookout points and refuge of the picturesque Larra-Belagua valley was the last stop before Arrako Bidea, a trek we never got to take because one of our front windows suddenly crashed. That incident, and a couple of other issues, hindered our progress. We thus spent three days in mechanic and repair shops in Huesca and Sabiñanigo .

Mallos de Riglos was a very quick stop on our way there, as we were really trying to get there before Friday evening.

motorhome tour northern spain

Jaca is full of picturesque spots

Anyway, we explored Sabiñanigo’s surroundings with friends over the weekend, including the lively Jaca , beautiful Balneario de Panticosa , quaint Biescas , and awe-inspiring Orós Bajo waterfall.

motorhome tour northern spain

Once everything was fixed and our motorway was ready to keep going, we reached Torla-Ordesa .

motorhome tour northern spain

From there, we visited the stunning Parque Nacional de Ordesa y Monte Perdido on a hike from La Pradera to the Estrecho waterfalls.

motorhome tour northern spain

We stopped briefly in the charming Valle de Bujaruelo on our way to Bielsa and Valle de Pineta, only to be impressed enough to make plans to return and explore further. The cascading waterfalls and sprawling meadows of La Larri , albeit a challenging steep trek – if you happen to babywear a 15kg toddler even better – were absolutely stunning and worth the effort.

Admiring the Catalonian Pyrenees, Aiguestortes National Park, and Lleida surroundings

motorhome tour northern spain

Taull as seen from afar

Aínsa showcased its medieval charm and in Boí , we marveled at the renowned Romanesque churches that make up the UNESCO World Heritage site. Caldes de Boí and Taüll provided a peaceful escape with their mountainous surroundings and ancient architecture.

For skiers, El Pla de la Ermita was the perfect spot to spend a night, with a motorhome parking lot at the doorstep of Boi-Taull!

The day after, we embarked on one of the most famous Aigüestortes and Estany de San Maurici hikes to Estany Llong and the tranquil Refugi d’Estany Llong, where we had lunch.

Continuing our journey, and after an unremarkable night in Tremp , we spent a full day in the climber’s paradise that is Sant Llorenç de Montgai with a couple of friends who happened to be in the area.

motorhome tour northern spain

L’Albi and Sant Jordi d’Alfama seaside castle were two other stops we enjoyed before reaching Ebro’s Delt.

Reaching Delta del Ebro and the Mediterranean Sea

At Bassa de les Olles in L’Ampolla, Catalonia, we learned about the local biodiversity and enjoyed the natural beauty of the area. We enjoyed a boat ride to the unique confluence of the Ebro River and the Mediterranean Sea and later visited Platja del Trabucador , renowned for its breathtaking sunsets. A pristine beach, a captivating sunset, and a trillion mosquitos were waiting for us there.

motorhome tour northern spain

Asia running at Trabucador Beach, Delta del Ebre

Exploring the coastline from Delta del Ebro to Valencia

Driving through Vinaròs and Benicarló, we reached the historical town of Peníscola , where we wandered through the picturesque streets of its famous walled old town after spending some time on the beach.

motorhome tour northern spain

Peñíscola landscape panorama from the old city walls at sunset

Overnighting in La Vall d’Uixó , we then enjoyed the beauty of Parque Nacional Las Tablas de Daimiel already on our way back.

Admiring Castile–La Mancha’s Unesco-listed cities and preserved nature areas

The view of the iconic windmills near Puerto Lápice and Molinos de Consuegra (where we spent one night) was awe-inspiring, but storm alerts made it too dangerous to explore.

Instead, we continued on to Toledo , a city steeped in thousands of years of history. Despite the heavy rain, we explored the ancient streets and admired some of its architectural wonders before reluctantly returning home, drenched from head to toe.

Back to Castile and León

Ávila welcomed us with its traditional walls and captivating atmosphere. We stopped in the only paid parking lot of the whole trip due to the inclement weather, and the day after we enjoyed lunch in Medina del Campo .

motorhome tour northern spain

We then visited my family in Valladolid before driving on to Simancas. Renowned for its impressive archive building, we stayed one night by the riverside stone bridge.

Last, but not least, we stopped in Benavente , where Jose was able to catch up with an old friend from his years studying in Salamanca.

A final stop in Galicia before reaching home

Allariz , already in Galicia, enchanted us with its well-preserved stone medieval streets and picturesque setting.

As our road trip drew to a close, we returned to Noia, reminiscing about the incredible memories and picturesque landscapes that filled our month-long trip through Northern Spain on our trusty vintage motorhome.

Detailed route map: Interactive Northern Spain road trip

How many km did we drive daily.

The pace of this road trip was not slow but definitely wasn’t fast either. We drove an average of 120-130km per day.

A few things contributed to this: Koala isn’t the newest kid on the block and the typical speed is around 80km per hour (legally, it can drive up to 90), our baby can only be so much time tied to her seat, gas prices are currently a joke, the carbon footprint of our trips is something we also take very much into consideration and, in the end, we particularly enjoy slow travel so there you have it.

motorhome tour northern spain

And, although we drove way more km per day on our way back (it took us three weeks to reach the farthest point and just one to go back to where we started), for the record we determined that ideally 2 hours and 100-150km is the maximum we want to travel each day.

How much did we spend?

motorhome tour northern spain

We spent approx. €2500 for two people and one one-year-old baby, or €43/day/person (not including baby). This is the expense breakdown :

  • 425€ in groceries
  • 6.4€ in tolls
  • 1250€ in bars and restaurants (the largest amount indeed!)
  • 640€ in diesel
  • 520€ in auto repair shops (we had a couple of issues two weeks in)
  • 6.45€ in parking lots
  • 12€ in a paid overnight trailer park (in Ávila)
  • 26.75€ in taxis (4-wheelers in Aigüestortes National Park)
  • 7€ in laundry (after a couple of weeks, it was much needed!)
  • 12€ in entry tickets (to caves and something else I can’t remember right now)
  • 7.4€ in pools (a great way to get some cheap entertainment, baby time water fun, a nice full body stretch, and a shower!)

motorhome tour northern spain

A few things to consider:

We eat out frequently , sometimes twice a day. It’s not that we don’t want to cook, but cooking and cleaning the dishes after takes precious time, and involves more time and resources dealing with water refills and grey water emptying. Plus having a baby and moving at a pace where you get to stay overnight in new places every day calls for exploring the culinary scene.

That said, we tend to avoid overspending (just a few times during our trip) and try to stay within budget by opting for the daily menu (menu del dia) when offered. This set menu typically includes a starter, main, bread, drink, and either dessert or coffee for 12-25€.

motorhome tour northern spain

On the other hand, as much as we like to eat outside and spend our money on food, we minimize spending in some other ways. For starters, we avoid paid overnight parking , camping, and motorhome-ready areas unless there’s no other option, as we prefer to stay close to nature and go with the flow.

Planning your North of Spain getaway

Now it’s your turn to embark on this incredible adventure! Making your dream road trip through Northern Spain a reality is easier than you think. Here’s how you can make it happen:

  • Plan your itinerary: Take some time to research and decide which destinations you want to include in your road trip. Consider factors such as travel time, attractions, and accommodation options in each location.
  • Use the interactive route map: Our interactive route map will be your trusty companion throughout the journey. Take advantage of its features, such as customizable stops, suggested routes, and points of interest, to tailor your road trip to your preferences.
  • Prepare your vehicle: Ensure that your vehicle is in good condition before hitting the road. Perform necessary maintenance checks, pack essential supplies, and familiarize yourself with driving regulations in Spain.
  • Pack wisely: Remember to pack essentials such as clothing suitable for different weather conditions, comfortable footwear, biodegradable toiletries , and any necessary travel documents. Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes along the way!
  • Embrace flexibility: While it’s essential to have a plan, be open to spontaneity and unexpected detours. Sometimes the most memorable experiences happen when you deviate from the original course.
  • Immerse yourself in the local culture: Engage with locals, try regional cuisine, and immerse yourself in the unique traditions of each place you visit. This will enrich your road trip experience and create lasting memories.
  • Stay safe: Always prioritize safety during your journey. Observe traffic rules, avoid distracted driving, and be cautious while exploring natural areas. Stay informed about local regulations and any potential travel advisories.

Now it’s time to hit the road and embark on your own adventure through Northern Spain.

Here are two quick ways to save LOTS of money

motorhome tour northern spain

Fall foliage at Selva de Irati

Remember our detailed budget breakdown? Well, here you have the best two ways to do pretty much the same for cheaper :

  • Slowing down : Both driving in a steady, smooth, and slower way but also taking a slower approach to the whole adventure with shorter driving times involved each day. Both will cut your gas costs.
  • Ramping up the motorhome-based meals : Ditching so many restaurants, the eventual bar drinks , and street delicacies and opting for cooking instead is also guaranteed to take care of your finances. And, at the same time, do wonders for your health !

Low-budget motorhome travel offers countless advantages, the greatest of all being the ability to journey for extended periods of time.

motorhome tour northern spain

Useful apps, info hubs, and planning resources

During these four weeks, a few tools made our life easier. These were the ones we couldn’t have done without:

  • Google Maps : Self-explanatory. From saved lists (that we’ve been curating for years) to the satellite view (great to see where motorhomes and vans gather among many other things), this is hands down the best resource for road trips there is right now!
  • Park4Night : When everything else fails, this one usually points out some good options – with recent reviews – to spend the night. Life-saving tool!
  • Gas Stations Spain : Color codes gas stations according to price, distance from route, and savings.
  • Facebook motorhome and van life private groups : No matter where you go within Spain (there are many other groups for other countries), someone from ‘Camper adictos’ or ‘Adictos a la autocaravana’ has probably been there before and knows a thing or two about how to get around and where to park at night. Highly recommended.
  • Splitwise : Great expenses tracking tool, a must to bring you detailed reports afterward!
  • Google Podcasts : (Soon-to-be YouTube music I heard) Screen-free entertainment and endless travel inspiration while on the go. A great travel guide if you need it to be too.
  • Wikiloc : Jose swears by this one. The most comprehensive hiking trails library available out there.
  • Weather forecast: When you are based out of a vehicle for quite a while, priorities change. And knowing what’s the weather like where you are headed might help you ensure you have a memorable experience. Changing your destination last minute is also possible as no reservations or pre-bookings occur.

Here are the remaining travel apps that occupy a significant amount of storage space on our smartphones.

Taking care of daily tasks and responsibilities

motorhome tour northern spain

If hygiene and safety are key concerns to you (spoiler alert: they should be!), keep in mind that traveling this way has its own set of unavoidable issues.

Basic tasks such as showering, doing laundry, emptying and refilling wastewater tanks, grocery shopping, carrying safe drinking water, sweeping the floors, and filling vehicle gas tanks must be accomplished daily or every few days.

motorhome tour northern spain

Planning can avoid wasting time researching where to perform the required tasks, particularly the disposal of wastewater which must be done at specific facilities only.

In Spain, finding a free or low-cost motorhome area or campsite is typically just a short drive away (not everywhere though, touristy spots like Mallorca can be tricky to navigate by campervan . However, remember to allow time in your vacation for tasks like running errands.

Getting around

motorhome tour northern spain

Planning a road trip through Northern Spain (or any other part)? Here are four main transportation options:

Getting your motorhome or campervan . If budget isn’t a concern, a new motorhome or campervan is the best option for longer motorhome trips. For those on a tighter budget, used models range from €10,000 (basic, or older) up to a price you’re willing to pay. Here’s a quick guide to the best vans for van life .

motorhome tour northern spain

Renting a vehicle : Either going for a company or a private deal isn’t a bad idea either. Especially if you are short on time. Indie Campers (we tried them on a road trip from Porto to Lisbon ), Roadsurfer (I created content for them before welcoming Asia into our lives), and Van Van Go (we also worked with them in a Galician coastal adventure three years ago) are all companies we can vouch for. On the other hand, we know Yescapa helps individuals rent their vans but we have never used their services so far.

Using public transport : If you’re short on time, public transport may not be the best option. However, buses and trains can get you to most places worth visiting and it’s always a great idea to take advantage of public transportation for an efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly trip. Need to go a bit further? Catch a taxi for an additional cost.

motorhome tour northern spain

Taking part in the shared economy : From old-school hitchhiking to popular and more contemporary resources such as Blablacar (safer, as reviews and references are given to drivers and passengers) the spectrum is as broad as the time you want to dedicate to make this happen. Just a word of caution, use your third sense to avoid dangerous or sketchy situations. I know it’s easier said than done but experience will take you there.

Useful tips

motorhome tour northern spain

Life on the road is unpredictable, and it’s only after you hit the road that you can identify what’s going well and what needs improvement. To make the journey smoother, begin implementing processes.

Keeping up with stuff

Packing must be kept to a minimum if you want to move freely. No matter if your vehicle holds more or less space, if you fill it with items, you won’t be able to enjoy the experience as much. Not to mention y ou’ll need to invest more time to keep your clutter organized and clean.

Storing food and water

Food and drinking water provide freedom. Store a few days’ worth of each for every passenger. Choose semi-ripe produce and good, long-lasting sourdough bread.

Consider the storage conditions when selecting a place to keep your food; the temperature and layout of the cabinets should be taken into account. Large fruits, veggies, and bread can be stored conveniently in hanging net bags.

Cleaning routines

motorhome tour northern spain

Mountains make me happy!

You might be on holiday but there’s no housekeeping to clean after you. Hence frequently sweeping the floor and cleaning the kitchen and bathroom surfaces is a must. A single door typically separates your vehicle from the outside, letting sand, mud, and dust in. Keep them at bay by removing them as soon as possible, preventing other things from becoming dirty.

Finding a good spot to spend the night

motorhome tour northern spain

Waking up to views like these does not get old

Knowing the regulations is key to avoiding fines. Additionally, a good parking spot is necessary for a good night’s rest. Apart from doing some research and trying to arrive before dark, below are five non-negotiable requirements for us:

  • A place that gives off an overall feeling of safety. Even if you can’t explain why, you should trust your instincts. There are no rules here: Sometimes secluded areas might be fine but for others, we will go with spots near well-lit areas or other campers. There’s just one rule: If something doesn’t feel right, keep searching for better vibes elsewhere.
  • As away from man-made noises as possible: The side of highways, factories, party-oriented places, and other loud environments are better avoided. If anything else fails, silicone earplugs can help muffle the sound. But the best is seeking out more peaceful and natural environments such as quieter parks, nature reserves, or campgrounds away from busy roads.
  • An even terrain is not always easy to find, but it pays off. Camping on even ground makes things as basic as cooking way easier or even possible, as opposed to being on an uneven, steep parking lot. But besides making cooking and everyday activities easier, it can also provide stability and comfort for sleeping arrangements that light sleepers will be thankful for. Once again, nature offers superior options with numerous uneven spots, giving more flexibility to design your backyard and choose the best slope for you.
  • Be mindful of water sources, as sudden floods or heavy rainfalls which can affect camping areas near rivers or streams can catch you off-guard.
  • Finally, if wildfire alerts are on, steer clear of dense, fast-burning forests. It’s also important to stay updated with local fire authority advisories and follow their instructions for safety.

One last, crucial tip

motorhome tour northern spain

Everything is a wonder to a one-year-old

When traveling with companions, take into consideration everyone’s preferences and ensure that everyone’s needs are met throughout the trip. That way, you can ensure a fun and memorable experience for all involved!

We created a list of 10 dream experiences per person and tried to make as many of them come true.

Baby Asia’s needs were met with libraries, pools, time in nature and close to wildlife, and frequent playground visits.

motorhome tour northern spain

I feel so privileged to be able to enjoy this with my baby daughter

Jose centered his wants around food experiences mainly, and being able to capture awesome landscapes in the best light possible. He also developed an early morning trekking habit and being able to spend an hour or two before breakfast became essential to him.

As for me (Inma), I worked to keep a balanced routine during this month-long trip. Time for swimming in pools, beaches, lakes, rivers, and showers was essential. I also set aside some time for reading, even if only for five minutes some days, self-care (looking after a one-year-old is like holding two full-time jobs!), and attending the occasional music gig.

Conclusion and next trips

motorhome tour northern spain

Tiny shrooms in Selva de Irati

Going back to the mundane and fast-paced routine of everyday life often causes uneasiness that only intensifies over time.

motorhome tour northern spain

I’m so happy on the motorhome that I’d move there right now!

So every time we come back after a few weeks or months-long trip, we itch to go back to the road as soon as possible.

motorhome tour northern spain

Windy road into France from Larrau Pass

That’s why our Dreams Factory department is already working at full capacity to make the next motorhome adventure happen soon.

Keep reading:

  • Best road trips from Madrid
  • Best of Northern Spain
  • European destinations to enjoy by van
  • What no one tells you about life on the road

motorhome tour northern spain

Tourthinking

A Motorhome Trip Through Northern Spain: Route, Budget & Tips

a month-long motorhome trip throughout northern SpainI’m beyond excited to share all the juicy details of this epic adventure and insider tips for you to make it happen.

Picture this: cruising down charming country roads, discovering hidden gems, and soaking in the awe-inspiring beauty of dozens of stunning destinations. From picturesque towns to jaw-dropping natural wonders, this guide has got it all.

Let’s dive right in and unlock the secrets of RV travel and road-tripping this remarkable region together, shall we? Adventure awaits!

Koala, our Ford Transit motorhome Facebook Twitter Pinterest Jose, our baby daughter Asia, and myself on board Koala Facebook Twitter Pinterest Endless choice of backyard is one of the main perks of traveling by motorhome The road trip route: Our experience

motorhome tour northern spain

Stunning vistas of Picos de Europa and Palentina mountains as we continued our trip East towards the Pyrenees

Where did the road take us this time?

motorhome tour northern spain

The exact itinerary we followed on this four-weeks journey across Northern Spain in our trusty vintage motorhome

we abandoned our Mediterranean plans and headed to the Pyrenees instead.

motorhome tour northern spain

Waking up next to awesome spots like this one is possible when you get to choose where to park your motorhome every night

4 Weeks road trip itinerary through Spain’s Northern half

Facebook twitter pinterest mother and daughter in a villafranca del bierzo street spot facebook twitter pinterest our baby coming out of the faedo de ciñera forest facebook twitter pinterest a tiny birdhouse hangs from a faedo de ciñera tree facebook twitter pinterest the porma reservoir at night facebook twitter pinterest admiring embalse del porma from one of the lookout points, next to where we spent the night facebook twitter pinterest mountains of leon with the picos de europa in the background as seen from the riaño reservoir facebook twitter pinterest asia exploring riaño on foot facebook twitter pinterest sunset views from covalagua parking lot facebook twitter pinterest wandering around rioseco abbey ruins facebook twitter pinterest peñon waterfall was an unmissable stop facebook twitter pinterest frias and its impressive castle at dusk that night. facebook twitter pinterest the medieval bridge of frias over the ebro river at sunrise dwelling in the basque country: gorbeia, garaio, and aizkorri-aratz natural parks.

motorhome tour northern spain

Salto del Nervion is a 222m plunging waterfall – the highest in the Iberian Peninsula – reached by a flat 2 or 3km walk to this lookout point

Afterward, we arrived in Vitoria-Gasteiz. The city greeted us with its vibrant atmosphere, beautiful parks, historic buildings, and a funky Middle Ages-themed feast across the old town.

motorhome tour northern spain

Oh hello Vitoria Gasteiz!

motorhome tour northern spain

Otzarreta Forest has a few interesting trails through a landscape of marshes, meadows & rugged hills, with centuries-old beech & oak trees. A must

motorhome tour northern spain

Can you spot us? Welcome to La Leze cave!

motorhome tour northern spain

The Path of the Ancient Oaks in Etxarri Aranatz is an easy stroll through a forest of ancient and majestic common and white oak trees

motorhome tour northern spain

Navarre’s Beriain mountain at sunset

Slow traveling through Navarre and the Irati Forest

We then set off on our road trip to Parque Natural Urbasa y Andía, a beautiful park full of nature trails.

motorhome tour northern spain

Scenic lookout point near Ubaba, in Urbasa.

We enjoyed stunning views from Balcón de Pilatos/Mirador de Ubaba and stopped at Artavia/Artabia’s bridge for a refreshing dip.

motorhome tour northern spain

Swimming spot in the Urederra River as it passes through Artavia, Navarre, Spain.

motorhome tour northern spain

Our one-year-old baby daughter having fun at the cloister of the Monastery of Iranzu in Navarre, Spain.

motorhome tour northern spain

Saint Mary of Eunate is a 12th-century Romanesque church along the Way of Saint James in Navarre, Spain.

motorhome tour northern spain

The Gothic Pamplona cathedral replaced a Romanesque church.

motorhome tour northern spain

Ochagavía is a town in the Salazar Valley, near the Irati Forest and the French border.

motorhome tour northern spain

Cubo waterfall in Irati forest in Navarra, Spain

We went on two forest hikes – one to Cubo waterfall and a 2km circular path.

motorhome tour northern spain

The Virgen de las Nieves chapel in the forest of Irati in Navarra

Spending a couple of days in the scenic French Pyrenees doorstep

motorhome tour northern spain

Larrau Pass is an unbelievable spot to spend one night, agree?

motorhome tour northern spain

Wild horses and the sun over The Pyrenees mountains at sunrise, as seen from Larrau Pass

motorhome tour northern spain

Spending one night in La Pierre San Martin was also a great idea

. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Jaca is full of picturesque spots Anyway, we explored Sabiñanigo’s surroundings with friends over the weekend, including the lively Jaca, beautiful Balneario de Panticosa, quaint Biescas, and awe-inspiring Orós Bajo waterfall. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Facebook Twitter Pinterest We stopped briefly in the charming Valle de Bujaruelo on our way to Bielsa and Valle de Pineta, only to be impressed enough to make plans to return and explore further. Admiring the Catalonian Pyrenees, Aiguestortes National Park, and Lleida surroundings

motorhome tour northern spain

Taull as seen from afar

For skiers, El Pla de la Ermita was the perfect spot to spend a night, with a motorhome parking lot at the doorstep of Boi-Taull!

motorhome tour northern spain

Reaching Delta del Ebro and the Mediterranean Sea

We enjoyed a boat ride to the unique confluence of the Ebro River and the Mediterranean Sea and later visited Platja del Trabucador, renowned for its breathtaking sunsets. A pristine there.

motorhome tour northern spain

Asia running at Trabucador Beach, Delta del Ebre

Exploring the coastline from Delta del Ebro to Valencia

motorhome tour northern spain

Peñíscola landscape panorama from the old city walls at sunset

Overnighting in La Vall d’Uixó, we then enjoyed the beauty of Parque Nacional Las Tablas de Daimiel already on our way back.

Admiring Castile–La Mancha’s Unesco-listed cities and preserved nature areas

The view of the iconic windmills near Puerto Lápice and Molinos de Consuegra (where we spent one night) was awe-inspiring, but storm alerts made it too dangerous to explore.

Instead, we continued on to Toledo, a city steeped in thousands of years of history. Despite the heavy rain, we explored the ancient streets and admired some of its architectural wonders before reluctantly returning home, drenched from head to toe.

Back to Castile and León

Ávila welcomed us with its traditional walls and captivating atmosphere. We stopped in the only paid parking lot of the whole trip due to the inclement weather, and the day after we enjoyed lunch in Medina del Campo.

motorhome tour northern spain

We then visited my family in Valladolid before driving on to Simancas. Renowned for its impressive archive building, we stayed one night by the riverside stone bridge.

Last, but not least, we stopped in Benavente, where Jose was able to catch up with an old friend from his years studying in Salamanca.

A final stop in Galicia before reaching home

on our trusty vintage motorhome.

Detailed route map: Interactive Northern Spain road trip

How many km did we drive daily.

We drove an average of 120-130km per day.

motorhome tour northern spain

we determined that ideally 2 hours and 100-150km is the maximum we want to travel each day.

Now it’s your turn to embark on this incredible adventure! Making your dream road trip through Northern Spain a reality is easier than you think. Here’s how you can make it happen:

Plan your itinerary: Take some time to research and decide which destinations you want to include in your road trip. Consider factors such as travel time, attractions, and accommodation options in each location.Use the interactive route map: Our interactive route map will be your trusty companion throughout the journey. Take advantage of its features, such as customizable stops, suggested routes, and points of interest, to tailor your road trip to your preferences.Prepare your vehicle: Ensure that your vehicle is in good condition before hitting the road. Perform necessary maintenance checks, pack essential supplies, and familiarize yourself with driving regulations in Spain.Pack wisely: Remember to pack essentials such as clothing suitable for different weather conditions, comfortable footwear, toiletries, and any necessary travel documents. Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes along the way!Embrace flexibility: While it’s essential to have a plan, be open to spontaneity and unexpected detours. Sometimes the most memorable experiences happen when you deviate from the original course.Immerse yourself in the local culture: Engage with locals, try regional cuisine, and immerse yourself in the unique traditions of each place you visit. This will enrich your road trip experience and create lasting memories.Stay safe: Always prioritize safety during your journey. Observe traffic rules, avoid distracted driving, and be cautious while exploring natural areas. Stay informed about local regulations and any potential travel advisories.

Now it’s time to hit the road and embark on your own adventure through Northern Spain.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest : Low-budget motorhome travel offers countless advantages, the greatest of all being the ability to journey for extended periods of time. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Useful apps, info hubs, and planning resources

we couldn’t have done without:

Google Maps: Self-explanatory. From saved lists (that we’ve been curating for years) to the satellite view (great to see where motorhomes and vans gather among many other things), this is hands down the best resource for road trips there is right now!Park4Night: When everything else fails, this one usually points out some good options – with recent reviews – to spend the night. Life-saving tool!Gas Stations Spain: Color codes gas stations according to price, distance from route, and savings.Facebook motorhome and van life private groups: No matter where you go within Spain (there are many other groups for other countries), someone from ‘Camper adictos’ or ‘Adictos a la autocaravana’ has probably been there before and knows a thing or two about how to get around and where to park at night. Highly recommended.Splitwise: Great expenses tracking tool, a must to bring you detailed reports afterward! A great travel guide if you need it to be too.most comprehensive hiking trails library available out there.Weather forecast: When you are based out of a vehicle for quite a while, priorities change. And knowing what’s the weather like where you are headed might help you ensure you have a memorable experience. Changing your destination last minute is also possible as no reservations or pre-bookings occur.

Taking care of daily tasks and responsibilities

motorhome tour northern spain

Basic tasks such as showering, doing laundry, emptying and refilling wastewater tanks, grocery shopping, carrying safe drinking water, sweeping the floors, and filling vehicle gas tanks must be accomplished daily or every few days.

motorhome tour northern spain

Planning can avoid wasting time researching where to perform the required tasks, particularly the disposal of wastewater which must be done at specific facilities only.

In Spain, finding a free or low-cost motorhome area or campsite is typically just a short drive away. However, remember to allow time in your vacation for tasks like running errands.

Getting around

motorhome tour northern spain

Planning a road trip through Northern Spain (or any other part)? Here are four main transportation options:

If budget isn’t a concern, a new motorhome or campervan is the best option for longer motorhome trips. For those on a tighter budget, used models range from €10,000 (basic, or older) up to a price you’re willing to pay.

motorhome tour northern spain

Renting a vehicle:

If you’re short on time, public transport may not be the best option. However, buses and trains can get you to most places worth visiting and it’s always a great idea to take advantage of public transportation for an efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly trip. Need to go a bit further? Catch a taxi for an additional cost.

motorhome tour northern spain

Useful tips

motorhome tour northern spain

Life on the road is unpredictable, and it’s only after you hit the road that you can identify what’s going well and what needs improvement. To make the journey smoother, begin implementing processes.

ou’ll need to invest more time to keep your clutter organized and clean.

Storing food and water

Food and drinking water provide freedom. Store a few days’ worth of each for every passenger. Choose semi-ripe produce and good, long-lasting sourdough bread.

Consider the storage conditions when selecting a place to keep your food; the temperature and layout of the cabinets should be taken into account. Large fruits, veggies, and bread can be stored conveniently in hanging net bags.

Cleaning routines

motorhome tour northern spain

A single door typically separates your vehicle from the outside, letting sand, mud, and dust in. Keep them at bay by removing them as soon as possible, preventing other things from becoming dirty.

Finding a good spot to spend the night

motorhome tour northern spain

Knowing the regulations is key to avoiding fines. Additionally, a good parking spot is necessary for a good night’s rest. Apart from doing some research and trying to arrive before dark, below are five non-negotiable requirements for us:

A place that gives off an overall feeling of safety. Even if you can’t explain why, you should trust your instincts. There are no rules here: Sometimes secluded areas might be fine but for others, we will go with spots near well-lit areas or other campers. There’s just one rule: If something doesn’t feel right, keep searching for better vibes elsewhere.As But the best is seeking out more peaceful and natural environments such as quieter parks, nature reserves, or campgrounds away from busy roads.An even terrain is not always easy to find, but it pays off. Camping on even ground makes things as basic as cooking way easier or even possible, as opposed to being on an uneven, steep parking lot. But besides making cooking and everyday activities easier, it can also provide stability and comfort for sleeping arrangements that light sleepers will be thankful for. Once again, nature offers superior options with numerous uneven spots, giving more flexibility to design your backyard and choose the best slope for you.Be mindful of water sources, as sudden floods or heavy rainfalls which can affect camping areas near rivers or streams can catch you off-guard.Finally, if wildfire alerts are on, steer clear of dense, fast-burning forests. It’s also important to stay updated with local fire authority advisories and follow their instructions for safety.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Facebook Twitter Pinterest Facebook Twitter Pinterest Going back to the mundane and fast-paced routine of everyday life often causes uneasiness that only intensifies over time. Facebook Twitter Pinterest I’m so happy on the motorhome that I’d move there right now! So every time we come back after a few weeks or months-long trip, we itch to go back to the road as soon as possible. Facebook Twitter Pinterest That’s why our Dreams Factory department Facebook Twitter Pinterest Inma is a bilingual travel and lifestyle writer, tour guide, and co-founder at A World to Travel who specializes in sustainability, remote work, culture and architecture, music festivals, digital marketing, and photography. Previous Article A Complete Travel Guide For Madrid, Spain

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motorhome route Spain

Motorhome route along the most beautiful locations in Spain

Spain motorhome route

- The Sagrada Familia is the symbol of Barcelona. 

Barcelona – Tarragona (+- 100 kilometres)

Tarragona – castellón de la plana (+- 190 kilometres), castellón de la plana – valencia (+- 80 kilometres).

For the next stop, Valencia, you don't have to travel far with the campervan. Say Valencia, and you say Ciudad de las Artes y Sciencias. This is a special part of the city, as it consists of ultra-modern buildings! An impressive change from the historical centre of the city. In this part of town you will find an aquarium and a science museum, but even if you do not have a museum visit planned, it is worth a visit because of the special architecture. It is as if you have landed in a science fiction movie. After your visit, you can explore the Jardín del Turia on foot or by bike. This used to be a river, but was drained after a flood. Nowadays, this is the place to relax in the open air in Valencia. Besides, Valencia has a fine beach at a short distance from the city centre where you can take a refreshing dive. Or enjoy freshly caught fish on the boulevard! Another meal you may not skip is paella. Although this is a speciality all over Spain, the dish comes officially from Valencia. Valencia is also known as a real cycling city, so it is highly recommended to bring along your bicycles from the motorhome or rent one! In Valencia, you can spend the night at various campervan parks, including Valencia Camper Park .

Spain motorhome route

- In the Ciudad de las Artes y Sciencias you will find ultramodern buildings!

Valencia – Murcia (+- 230 kilometres)

Murcia – almería (228 kilometres).

Almería is a real Spanish port city, something that is also reflected in the name of the city. The name is derived from Al-Mariya, which means 'mirror of the sea' in Arabic. The city is particularly known for its many hours of sunshine, as this is where you will find the most sunshine hours per year in Europe! In the vicinity of the city are several beaches where you can rest on the towel with a good book or take a refreshing dive in the water. The Alcazaba is a beautiful building to visit during your campervan trip through Spain. This is an Arabic fort dating back to the 10th century. It is the second largest fortress in Andalusia. From the hill on which it stands, you have a great view of the surroundings. And if you want to learn everything about the Spanish Civil War, you can do so at the Museo Refugio de la Guerra Civil. In this museum, you can visit the tunnels that were built so that the inhabitants could flee from bombardments. In Almería you can spend the night at Cabo de Gata Camper Park , among other places..

Almería - Málaga (+- 200 kilometres)

Málaga is a city where you can easily spend a few days. There are many fine beaches, good museums and many other beautiful sights! Among others, you will find a museum in the house where the famous artist Picasso was born. And in the Picasso Museum you can admire several of his works. But that is not all the museums in the city, there is also the Museo de Málaga where you will learn everything about the city and the Flamenco Art Museum where you will learn everything about this dance. Furthermore, the palace of Malaga - the Alcazaba - and the Gibralfaro Castle are a must-see during your visit by campervan to Malaga. The palace was built by the Moors in the 11th century and has been well preserved over the centuries. The castle served to protect the palace. From here you have an impressive view over the city! If you want to make a day trip from Málaga, there are several options. You can visit Ronda, which is particularly known for its special gorge (El Tago). From various locations, you have a beautiful view of this natural beauty. Or visit Granada with its impressive Alhambra. This old fortress is one of the most famous in the world and has a beautiful Moorish architecture. In Málaga, you can stay overnight at Area Malaga Beach .

Spain motorhome route

- From Málaga, you can make several day trips, including to Ronda. 

Málaga – Sevilla (+- 200 kilometres)

Spain motorhome route

- Metropol Parasol is an impressive construction overlooking Seville.   

Sevilla – Cáceres (+- 260 kilometres)

The next stop on this campervan itinerary, Cáceres, may not be on the bucket list of many campervans, but it is time to change that! The city is bursting with sights, the reason why the entire old town is also on the UNESCO World Heritage list. During a walk through the old centre, you will come across one beautiful building after another. The city is bursting with palaces, churches and houses owned by the nobility. The many towers are also regularly home to storks. So don't be surprised if you see several storks pass by during your visit with the motor home! The Museo de Caceres is also worth a visit. In this museum you will find various excavations from the area, but in the basement you can also admire a real Moorish water collection. Because of the many arches, this looks beautiful and reminds more of a palace than a water collection! Another special museum is the Casa Museo Arabe, where you can take a look inside a house that has been furnished in an authentic Arabic way. In Cáceres you can spend the night at camper village Valhondo , among others.

Cáceres – Salamanca (+- 200 kilometres)

The next stop is a real Spanish university town, Salamanca! This city is known for its university, as it is the oldest in all of Europe. Spread throughout the centre you will find several beautiful buildings that belong to the university. The cathedral of Salamanca is also special, because it consists of two separate cathedrals! The old and the new cathedral are connected here. The inside is definitely worth a visit, but don't forget to look for a real astronaut on the outside as well. This funny element was added by the church to show that they want to move with the times. It is only a small statue, so it will take you a while to find it! However, these sights are only a small selection of the many beautiful locations of Salamanca. The Convento de San Estaban has a beautiful façade and the Puente Romano is a remarkably well-preserved bridge that dates back to Roman times. In Salamanca you can stay overnight with your camper at Antiguo Campo de Rugbi .

Spain motorhome route

- Salamanca is a real university town.     

Salamanca – Valladolid (+- 120 kilometres)

Valladolid – burgos (+- 130 kilometres), burgos – santander (+- 180 kilometres).

Santander is the first northern coastal city you will visit on this motorhome tour of Spain. In Santander, you will find it all: wonderful beaches to spend a hot summer day, mountains to hike and the city where you will enjoy the best Spanish food and visit the most beautiful sights. You will admire the cathedral, which has been rebuilt several times over the centuries due to the fires that destroyed it. Close to the cathedral is the Museum of Fine Arts, where you can admire plenty of art from the 17th to the 20th century. The former home of the Spanish poet Ménendez Pelayo is located in the same building. Thanks to his huge collection of books and manuscripts, you can admire a beautiful library here. Pelayo's tomb is located in the cloister next to the cathedral. You can spend the night in the port of Santander at Marina de Santander .

Santander – Bilbao (+- 100 kilometres)

Spain motorhome route

- In Bilbao, you will find the world-famous Guggenheim Museum. 

Bilbao – Pamplona (+- 160 kilometres)

Pamplona is the city known worldwide for the San Fermín festival. If you visit between 6 and 14 July, you will be able to experience some of this. During this festival, several bullfights take place and the animals are chased through the streets of the city. The festival is under pressure because of animal welfare, but because it is a tradition that goes back a long time, it is difficult for the inhabitants to make a decision about it. In addition, Pamplona is on the Camino de Santiago, so who knows, you might meet some pilgrims during your visit! You can also take a walk along the city wall of Pamplona. A large part of the outside of the city walls is a green strip. From the city wall you also have a beautiful view of the city. In Pamplona you can spend the night at the camper village Pamplona .

Pamplona – Zaragoza (+- 180 kilometres)

Spain motorhome route

- In Zagagoza you will find the largest church in Spain.

Route des camping-cars au Royaume-Uni : découvrez le sud de l'Angleterre !

Route des camping-cars au Royaume-Uni : découvrez le sud de l'Angleterre !

Des villages anglais pittoresques, des plages de sable blanc, des falaises sauvages et une nature magnifique ; votre prochain voyage en camping-car dans le sud de l'Angleterre devrait être une évidence. Le sud de ce pays est incroyablement beau et vous surprendra à coup sûr. Avec cet route des camping-cars, vous découvrirez des destinations touristiques telles que la Cornouailles et Brighton, mais aussi des endroits méconnus de la région. Alors, qu'attendez-vous encore ? Préparez-vous et voyagez avec nous en Angleterre !

Jour 1: Douvres

Le premier jour de ce voyage en camping-car, vous avez le temps de découvrir la magnifique ville de Douvres. Cette ville est située sur la côte est de l'Angleterre et est surtout connue pour ses phénoménales falaises de craie blanche. Ces falaises de craie ont une hauteur impressionnante de 110 mètres ! Il est vrai que vous verrez les falaises le mieux depuis le ferry en provenance de France. Mais une promenade sur les falaises lorsque vous êtes à Douvres est tout aussi extraordinaire.

N'oubliez pas de faire un tour à Dover Castle en chemin. Ce magnifique château domine les falaises blanches. Il existe plusieurs visites intéressantes du château où vous en apprendrez davantage sur le château et l'histoire de la région ! Après une belle première journée, garez votre camping-car à Dover . Vous pourrez vous reposer tranquillement et vous préparer pour le lendemain.

falaises blanches dover

- Les falaises de craie blanche de Douvres sont l'attraction la plus populaire de la région ! 

Jour 2: Douvres – Brighton (84 miles/135 km)

Le deuxième jour, vous conduirez pendant environ 3 heures le long de la côte sud de l'Angleterre, de Douvres à Brighton. Vous voulez vous arrêter quelque part en chemin ? Faites un tour à Hastings ! Cette ville typiquement anglaise dispose d'une belle plage de sable, d'un port animé et d'un centre historique. Que demander de plus ?

Brighton est une destination un peu plus populaire (c'est-à-dire plus fréquentée) en Angleterre, mais cela vaut vraiment le détour. Cette station balnéaire branchée est restée relativement méconnue aux Pays-Bas, mais pour les Anglais, et plus particulièrement les Londoniens, Brighton est LA destination de vacances nationale. Promenez-vous dans les rues pittoresques, visitez la célèbre jetée de Brighton et dégustez le meilleur café dans l'un des nombreux cafés ! Passez la nuit à Newhaven, à West Side Promenade . Cette aire de camping-car est située à quelques minutes en voiture de Brighton, mais vous évitez ainsi agréablement l'agitation de la ville.

brighton

- Une promenade agréable sur les plages de Brighton !

Jour 3: Brighton – Bournemouth (96 miles/154 km)

De Brighton, nous nous dirigeons tranquillement vers la prochaine station balnéaire : Bournemouth. Promenez-vous sur les vastes plages ou admirez la vue d'en haut depuis la grande roue sur la jetée ! De Bournemouth, vous pouvez également facilement visiter la Jurassic Coast, peut-être la plus belle portion de littoral de tout le pays ! Dans cette magnifique région, vous pouvez faire de nombreuses belles promenades. Par exemple, marchez de Lulworth Cove à Durdle Door. La destination finale de cette randonnée est Durdle Door, un pont naturel en calcaire qui est fantastique sur les photos. Cette randonnée fait 6,5 kilomètres, mais prévoyez du temps supplémentaire pour profiter de la vue en chemin.

Vous pouvez passer la nuit à Orchard Lakes , près de Bournemouth.

durdle door

- Vous pouvez prendre les plus belles photos à Durdle Door !

Jour 4: Bournemouth – Dartmoor & Plymouth (127 miles/204 km)

Le quatrième jour de ce voyage, vous avez le choix : souhaitez-vous découvrir une autre station balnéaire ou préférez-vous vous aventurer dans la nature ?

De Bournemouth, vous vous dirigerez vers Plymouth, ce qui prend environ 3 heures. Plymouth est une ville portuaire historique avec un centre animé et une belle ligne côtière. Vous y trouverez en fait tout ce que vous attendez d'une station balnéaire anglaise. Vous pouvez passer la nuit à Lee Mill Services , situé à seulement quelques kilomètres de Plymouth.

Depuis l'aire de camping-car mentionnée ci-dessus, vous pouvez également vous rendre facilement à une autre destination de choix : Dartmoor National Park ! Dans ce parc national, vous trouverez de magnifiques paysages et quelques belles cascades. Vous pouvez y faire de magnifiques randonnées !

Jour 5: Plymouth – Cornouailles (54 miles/87 km)

Lorsque vous quittez Plymouth, il ne vous faudra qu'un court trajet pour rejoindre les Cornouailles. Cette région populaire regorge de villages de pêcheurs, de petites villes portuaires, de plages cachées et de magnifiques paysages. Visitez la plage cachée de Pedn Vounder, avec son eau d'un bleu clair et ses rochers tourmentés. Ou profitez du calme de la baie isolée de Lantic Bay. Notez cependant que cette baie n'est accessible que par un sentier de randonnée escarpé. 

Les Cornouailles sont un véritable paradis du surf. À la célèbre station balnéaire de Newquay, vous pouvez également vous aventurer dans les fantastiques vagues ! Pas très surf ? Alors, depuis Newquay, vous pouvez aussi faire une partie du South West Coastal Path. Ce sentier de randonnée longe la côte accidentée du sud de l'Angleterre sur 1000 kilomètres. Vous serez sûrement émerveillé par la vue magnifique le long de ce parcours ! Faites également un tour à Mevagissey. Cette charmante petite ville portuaire est typiquement cornouaillaise ! Mevagissey est parfois décrite comme la ville la plus pittoresque de toute l'Angleterre. Vous pouvez séjourner avec votre camping-car au Willow Car & Coach Park , situé au centre de cette belle ville.

Envie de vous détendre sur la plage ? Faites un tour à Praa Sands. Cette vaste plage est parfaite pour une journée de détente et - vous l'avez deviné - de surf ! Vous pouvez séjourner avec votre camping-car directement sur la plage au Sydney Cove Car Park . Si vous voulez voir plus des Cornouailles, nous vous recommandons de faire une excursion depuis Praa Sands jusqu'à St Ives. Ici, vous trouverez une eau cristalline et du sable blanc. Vous pourrez non seulement nager et bronzer, mais aussi repérer des phoques, des dauphins et des requins-baleines. De plus, St Ives est un lieu important pour les artistes, alors assurez-vous de visiter l'une des nombreuses galeries que St Ives a à offrir.

Cornouailles

- La Cornouailles est typiquement anglaise !

Jour 6: Cornouailles – Westward Ho! (80 miles/128 km)

Le sixième jour du voyage en camping-car, vous partirez des Cornouailles en direction de Westward Ho!. Oui, vous avez bien lu : le point d'exclamation fait vraiment partie du nom Westward Ho!. Cet endroit est l'un des deux endroits dans le monde avec un point d'exclamation dans le nom, ce qui rend cette destination déjà spéciale.

Westward Ho! est situé entre Hartland Devon Heritage Coast et North Devon AONB, deux magnifiques zones naturelles sur la côte anglaise. Découvrez les magnifiques falaises vertes de ces zones naturelles et reposez-vous le soir au aire de camping-car, Main Car Park .

Jour 7: Westward Ho! – Bath (128 miles/206 km)

C'est un peu plus loin le deuxième dernier jour de ce voyage en camping-car, mais la destination de cette journée vaut certainement le détour. Pour vous reposer après un impressionnant voyage en camping-car et tout assimiler, nous ferons une petite escapade urbaine à Bath ! Cette belle et compacte ville est connue pour ses thermes romains, où vous pourrez bien sûr vous détendre. Il est bon de savoir que ces thermes sont une attraction populaire, il est donc judicieux de réserver vos billets à l'avance.

Le dernier jour du voyage en camping-car, vous repartirez de Bath en direction de Douvres, ce tronçon du voyage prendra encore environ 3,5 heures. Après cette portion de route, vous embarquerez à nouveau sur le ferry en direction de la France ou de la Belgique, et vous pourrez vous remémorer un voyage fantastique avec beaucoup de nouveaux souvenirs !

bath

- Bath possède une architecture magnifique ainsi que des thermes romains splendides !

À la recherche de plus de aires de camping-car dans le sud de l'Angleterre ? Avec l'application Camperstop , vous pouvez facilement trouver une aire de camping-car grâce aux options de filtrage pratiques. Dans l'application, vous trouverez toutes sortes d'informations utiles sur des milliers de aires de camping-car contrôlées en Europe ! Téléchargez l'application dès maintenant sur iOS ou Android et essayez-la gratuitement et sans engagement pendant 7 jours.

Camperstop-App

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GB Motohome Tours

Undiscovered Spain & Portugal

motorhome tour northern spain

  • Optional Extra Package

Atlantic Coastline, Mountains, National Parks, Valleys and Vineyards

Let this tour take you on a journey of discovery through Northern Spain and Portugal as we show you some of the best of the lesser-known gems. Be prepared for amazing scenery, an abundance of wildlife, unspoilt Atlantic coastline and Spain’s stunning ‘Picos de Europas’ mountains.

Our journey starts in Haro northern Spain, home to many of the great Bodegas of the Rioja region. We tour one of the best, have dinner in their cellar and drink some of the famous wines. We visit Salamanca, Spain’s Cambridge with its old Universities and famous ‘two Cathedrals’ and Plaza Mayor. Explore Monfrague National Park with the park rangers in their 4X4’s. Stop in Evora, Portugal’s best preserved medieval town and head west to reach Portugal’s Atlantic Coast.

Our first base on the coast is the lovely resort of Cascais from where Lisbon and Sintra are within easy reach. Along the Atlantic coast, we visit Porto one of the oldest European centres and a UNESCO “World Heritage Site” since 1996. Capture the magic of the Douro Valley and its amazing scenery as we head north to Santiago de Compostela and the end of the St James route of pilgrimage. Then for the ultimate ‘high’, we spend the final night of our tour in the ‘Picos de Europas’ with a celebratory evening in the Parador Fuente De.

Spain & Portugal Tour Map

Day One – Wednesday 26 th April

Arrive today at our campsite situated at Haro in the Rioja wine region of northern Spain. Later this afternoon we meet at the Tour Director’s motorhome as they host welcome drinks, introductions and give a tour briefing.

Day Two – Thursday 27 th April

This morning it’s a short walk to one of the most prestigious Bodegas of the Rioja Region. We have a guided tour in the cellars including, of course a tasting. Following our tour, we will be served a traditional Spanish lunch in the Cellar’s own Dining Room. There will be free time in the afternoon for staying in town for sightseeing.

Day Three – Friday 28 th April

Our drive today takes us to Salamanca, famous for its culture and student atmosphere. Our campsite is part of the 4 Star Regio Hotel. 220 miles

Day Four – Saturday 29 th April

This morning we use local transport from outside our campsite to arrive in the historical city centre where we take a walking tour with our English speaking guide. Following this why not treat yourself to a Tapas lunch in one of Salamanca’s many bars and restaurants. Return to the campsite is in your own time again making use of the local transport.

Day Five – Sunday 30 th April

Today is a free day, it’s Sunday so take it easy and no cooking as we have a group meal arranged in the Campsites Hotel restaurant.

Day Six – Monday 1 st May

Today we make the short journey to our next campsite located on the edge of the Monfrague National Park. 90 miles

Day Seven – Tuesday 2 nd May

This morning is time for our excursion into the Monfrague National Park. We travel in small groups by 4×4 vehicles accompanied by Park Guides who are able to help explain the history of the area, its wildlife and its biodiversity. Some species to look out for are the Griffin Vultures, Black Vultures and the Short-toed Eagles. Back at the campsite this evening we have a simple group dinner in their own restaurant and an opportunity to recall events of the day.

Day Eight – Wednesday 3 rd May

Moving on we leave Spain for our first Portuguese location, Evora. It is one of Portugal’s most beautifully preserved medieval towns and inside its 14 th century city walls numerous narrow lanes await you leading to its many historical monuments. 180 miles

Day Nine – Thursday 4 th May

This morning we meet our English speaking guide for a tour of ancient Evora. After our tour there will be free time in the city for further sightseeing, shopping or maybe just sitting and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day Ten – Friday 5 th May

Today we travel west to our campsite located on the outskirts of coastal Cascais, around 1 hour west of Lisbon. Cascais is a favourite with the Lisboans for its beaches, small coves and beachside walkway linking it with neighbouring Estoril. Our campsite is within walking distance of the beach and is ideally located with a regular bus service into the town centre. This evening we have a Group Dinner in the campsite’s own restaurant. 95 miles

Day Eleven – Saturday 6 th May & Day Twelve – Sunday 7 th May

During these two days you will have the opportunity to visit the stunning city of Lisbon as well as Cascais, both easily reached by public transport. On one of the days the Tour Directors will escort those interested (at their own cost) into Lisbon and outline the many options available throughout the day. The journey to Lisbon itself is worthwhile; a 30-minute bus ride along the coast passing through some of the splendid resorts of the area before switching to the train for the second half, again hugging the coast along the way. In Lisbon you may choose to walk along the banks of the Tagus into Praca do Comercio (Commercial Square), take a tram, a yellow bus or join the Hills Tramcar tour for an exciting and informative 90-minute journey through historic Lisbon – the choice is yours.

Day Thirteen – Monday 8 th May

Today we have a guided coach excursion to Sintra. Set among the pine covered hills of the ‘Sierra de Sintra’ we visit the town centre with its many monuments, cobbled streets & traditional shops. Lunch is included in a traditional restaurant.

Day Fourteen – Tuesday 9 th May

Our journey today takes us along the coast to our next campsite in the small seaside town of Sao Pedro de Moel. Our campsite is located within easy walking distance of both the town and the beach. No cooking this evening as we meet in the campsite’s own restaurant for a group dinner. 105 miles

Day Fifteen – Wednesday 10 th May

This morning we’re collected by coach for an excursion to Fatima; one of the most important catholic shrines in the world. Before reaching Fatima we take time to stop off at Nazarre, one of Portugal’s most famous fishing villages and Obidos, one of its most picturesque small towns. Lunch is included in a local restaurant.

Day Sixteen – Thursday 11 th May

A free day enabling you to catch up on a few chores, relax or explore the local village and beaches either on foot or by bicycle.

Day Seventeen – Friday 12 th May

Travel to our next campsite just to the north of the Douro river’s mouth at Lavra near Porto. We stay here for the next 3 nights. 135 miles

Day Eighteen – Saturday 13 th May

It is in to Porto today, our coach will collect us from the campsite for a mornings coach and walking tour of this historic city. We have lunch in a city centre restaurant and free time for shopping/further sightseeing before our coach returns us back to the campsite.

Day Nineteen – Sunday 14 th May

Today is a free day. There is a regular bus service into Porto from the campsite entrance for those who would like to see more of this fascinating city or simply relax on site ready for tonight when we have a group dinner in the campsite restaurant.

Day Twenty – Monday 15 th May

Move on today into the Douro Valley and to our campsite situated 500m above the river at Lamego. You have the opportunity to take the picturesque route closely following the river or for the less adventurous, the motorway will take you direct. Whichever route you take be prepared for some amazing views. 90 miles

Day Twenty-One – Tuesday 16 th May

A guided tour today of the most picturesque parts of the Douro Valley. We are collected by coach to travel along the river’s edge, through the vineyards that cling to the valley sides, to arrive at a prestigious Quinta high above the river, where we have a guided tour of the cellar and Port Wine tastings arranged. This is followed by a picnic lunch on the Quinta’s terrace overlooking the valley and affording amazing views all around, and the day is not yet finished, as this afternoon we board a traditional “Rabelo” boat for a cruise on the river Douro.

Day Twenty-Two – Wednesday 17 th May

Transport is arranged from the campsite into town, allowing you free time to visit the Cathedral, Museum and Castle at your own pace.

Day Twenty-Three – Thursday 18 th May

Travelling north through the scenic Douro Valley we return to Spain and our destination at Santiago de Compostela, acknowledged as the traditional end of the Pilgrim route from Europe, and the burial place of the Apostle James. The amazing Cathedral built here in his honour today attracts pilgrims from all over the world. Tonight we have a traditional Spanish tapas evening where you will be served a selection of dishes accompanied by sangria, wine and beer. 185 miles

Day Twenty-Four – Friday 19 th May

A free day and the opportunity for a lazy start. Later in the day, take the regular bus service from the campsite into town and the Cathedral. This evening the Cathedral will hold a Pilgrim’s Mass at the end of which its huge incense burner will be swung over the congregation and those finishing their pilgrimage – a very unique experience.

Day Twenty-Five – Saturday 20 th May

Travel to Cudillero and our campsite located close to the beach in the heart of the Asturias region. During your journey why not stop off at one of the coastal villages for lunch. 155 miles

Day Twenty-Six – Sunday 21 st May

An excursion today by coach around this picturesque area of northern Spain, with plenty of stops for photos, sightseeing and lunch in a traditional restaurant.

Day Twenty-Seven – Monday 22 nd May

A free day and an opportunity to independently visit the local beach and Cudillero town with its beautiful harbour area.

Day Twenty-Eight – Tuesday 23 nd May

We arrive today in the ‘Picos de Europas’ and our destination is Fuente De located at over 1,000 m above sea level. From our parking spot you have the opportunity to take the cable car up a further 750m, to arrive at the mountain top which at 1,823m affords unforgettable views. We overnight in the parking area of the Parador (State run hotel), with no traditional camping facilities. You will need to use your on-board facilities although toilets will be available for our use within the Parador. Tonight we have our Farewell Dinner in the Parador’s dining room and at the end of the evening it is no more than just a few steps back to our motorhomes. 136 miles

Day Twenty-Nine – Wednesday 24 th May

The tour ends this morning but before commencing our homeward journeys we are all treated to breakfast in the Parador.

PRICE                                                  TOUR DEPOSIT £250

Motorhome with 2 people     = £000 per person

Motorhome with 1 person     = £000

INCLUDED IN PRICE

  • 27 Campsite nights with electric hook-up
  • 1 Night at Parador Car Park – No facilities
  • Transport for Excursions/Events as detailed and included in itinerary
  • Entrance fees on Excursions/Events as per the itinerary
  • Tour Information Pack with suggested routes, GPS coordinates and local maps
  • Services of Tour Directors throughout the tour travelling in their own motorhome

Excursions, Events & Meals

  • Welcome Drinks Reception
  • Cellar Visit and Tasting in Haro, lunch included
  • Guided Walking Tour in Salamanca, with Guide
  • Dinner in the Campsite restaurant
  • 4 X 4 Excursion into Monfrague National Park with park rangers
  • Campsite restaurant for a light dinner
  • Guided Walking Tour of Evora, with Guide
  • Dinner in our Cascais campsite restaurant
  • Guided Coach Excursion to Sintra, lunch included
  • Dinner in the Sao Pedro de Moel campsite restaurant
  • Guided Coach Excursion to Nazare, Obidos & Fatima, lunch included
  • Guided Coach Excursion to Porto, lunch included
  • Dinner in the Lavra campsite restaurant
  • Guided Coach Excursion in Douro Valley including visit to local Quinta for wine tasting and picnic lunch followed by river boat trip
  • Guided Tour of Lamego by ‘Tourist Train’
  • Tapas evening accompanied by sangria, wine & beer
  • Guided Coach Excursion from Cudillero, lunch included
  • Breakfast & Farewell Dinner in Parador

This tour will start and finishes in Northern Spain, if you would like to travel at the same time as the Tour Directors on the outward journey, please book the optional tour package so that everything can be arranged on your behalf 

OPTIONAL PACKAGE

  • Return Dover/Calais Ferry with 60 day Flexible Ticket + Club Class Lounge
  • Five additional campsite with electric hook-up at Kent, three in France & Northern Spain
  • Tour information pack with suggested routes and GPS coordinates
  • Services of Tour Directors travelling in their own motorhome

OPTIONAL PACKAGE PRICE

Motorhome with 2 people = £225.00 per person Motorhome with 1 person = £375.00

At the end of the tour, our Tour Directors will return home using the overnight Bilbao/Santander to UK ferry. If you would like to include this ferry to your optional package in place of returning via Calais/Dover, the additional cost is £000 per motorhome (up to 6.5mtr, + £00 per meter/part meter thereafter), including 2 people and onboard cabin. This price may be subject to change for bookings made after 31/12/2016

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Traveller Interrupted

motorhome tour northern spain

Picos De Europa By Motorhome

Last Updated: October 16, 2019 by Gilda

32 Comments

Driving our large motorhome through the scenic, but rather winding, narrow roads of the Picos de Europa mountain range was a little challenging in places, but it turned out to be one of the best and most beautiful road trips we have done during our recently four months touring France, Spain and Portugal by motorhome.

Bordering Asturias, Cantabria and Castilla y León, the Picos de Europa (Europe Peaks) National Park is an absolute gem in Northern Spain. Being a lot less popular than other regions of Spain it is mercifully a lot less touristic and busy than the coastal regions, although during the summer months it will be a lot busier than when we visited.

There is about 300 square miles/482 km square of natural beauty, dramatic high limestone peaks covered with snow in the winter, but now (May/19) thankfully just dusted with snow on some of the higher ground or North-facing sheltered spots.

Leaving Santiago de Compostela behind, we stayed overnight off-grid at Ribadeo (GPS N43.53704 W7.03529), just next to the town port with lovely river views.

motorhome tour northern spain

The view from our motorhome windows at Ribadeo

Continuing our journey North we stayed two nights at Cudillero, a charming small fishing village in Northern Spain. The weather was bad with a lot of rain, prompting us to stay put there for two nights at the excellent new campsite with great facilities (Camping L’Amuravela GPS N43.55513 W6.14355) and within walking distance, albeit uphill from the pretty Cudillero Harbour.

motorhome tour northern spain

Cudillero is a small fishing village that feels like frozen in time

Worried about the rain and foggy weather forecasted for the Picos de Europa we decided to stay again for two nights at our next stop of Oviedo at the town’s free motorhome Aire (GPS N43.3830 W5.8237). There was a cancer charity race going on over the weekend and therefore there were lively with music bands and entertainment. Oviedo is an interesting city with a lovely historic centre, cafes and restaurants, two nights was enough to explore.

motorhome tour northern spain

Guess who is a big fan of Oviedo? This controversial life-size statue of Woody Allen is a landmark in Oviedo’s town centre.

With sunshine now forecasted for the Picos de Europa, we drove towards the Covadonga Lakes and the start of five wonderful days of exploring this mountainous landscape.

Our route : From Oviedo, we drove to Covadonga for the Santa Cueva (Holy Cave) and Covadonga Lakes > Cangas de Onis >Arenas de Cabrales (for exploring Bulnes and Cares Gorge) >  Fuente De > Potes > Comillas > Bilbao (for our ferry home to England).

Covadonga Lakes

The road from Covadonga village up to the Covadonga Lakes is closed for private vehicles during the summer months , but there is a bus service that can be taken from Covadonga and will take tourists up to the Lakes. Some people will choose to trek from the Covadonga Santa Cueva up to the Lakes, but it is quite a steep and long hike.

We were visiting in May/19 and therefore the road was still open for cars and motorhomes (there are no bus services from Covadonga at this time of the year). The road is narrow in places and there are sheer drops at one side, but it is a very good road surface and not too narrow, so even with our 7 metres motorhome it was not a particularly difficult drive (according to Brian).

We gained about a thousand metres of altitude as we climbed our way up the 12 Km road to the Lakes. There are places to stop along the road with gorgeous viewpoints and sweeping views over the Picos, the green Cantabrian countryside and even the Atlantic Ocean in the distance. The main hazards here are the cows and goats wandering on the road.

motorhome tour northern spain

Sheep, cows and goats are the biggest hazards on these roads

motorhome tour northern spain

These lucky cows have a great lake view at the Covadonga Lakes

Arriving at the top we parked at the site car park and chose to do a circular hike from Lake Enol to Lake Ercina. The idyllic mountain scene is complete with cows and goats carrying the heavy but melodic bells around their necks, the bell sounds echoing throughout the mountains, you can hear them from everywhere, a very reassuring sound. The lake waters are still as a mirror, surrounded by the grey jagged mountain peaks. Our short hike was just over one hour and packed full of great scenery.

motorhome tour northern spain

The fog was rolling in as we arrived at lake Ercina adding an air of mystery

There are various hike routes in this area, including one to visit the mines of Buferrera, which used to produce iron and magnesium in abundance between 1893 and 1932.

Cangas De Onis

Just as we were heading back from Lake Ercina to our home on wheels, the fog was rolling in. Therefore we decided to head straight down the mountain to our free overnight stay in Cangas de Onis (N43.35225 W5.12549) about 27 Km drive from the Lakes. The motorhome Aire there was conveniently located in the town centre, giving us a chance to explore the town before night time.

motorhome tour northern spain

Ancient bridge at Cangas de Onis with a replica of the Victory Cross

As history will have it, around the year 722, Don Pelayo established his court here. A replica of the famous Spanish Victory Cross can be seen hanging from the ancient bridge straddling the Sella River in the town centre. The Victory Cross represents the legendary victory over the Moors that is reported to have happened at Covadonga.

We left Cangas de Onis early next morning retracing our steps back to Covadonga, since we were keen to visit the Santa Cueva/Holy Cave (unfortunately we missed visiting it during our visit to the Covadonga Lakes the day before, it would have made more sense to visit both sites in the same day and avoid having to backtrack).

Santa Cueva and the Basílica de Santa María la Real de Covadonga

We parked at the main car park in front of the Basilica, arriving early and so managing to secure a good parking spot. The Basilica has striking pinkish limestone walls with the tower spires looking regal against the rugged mountain scenery.

motorhome tour northern spain

Arriving early we got this great parking spot in front of the Basilica, for our exploring of this area

In front of the Basilica, there is a proud statue of Don Pelayo.

motorhome tour northern spain

Don Pelayo Statue

After exploring the Basilica we walked towards the tunnel that leads into the Santa Cueva (Holy Cave), to the simple church built inside the cave, holding the statue of the Virgen of Covadonga, patron saint of Asturias. The name Covadonga means “Cave of Our Lady” and it refers to the sanctuary dedicated to the virgin.

The cave is also reported to contain the remains of Don Pelayo, his wife and also King Alfonso I.

motorhome tour northern spain

This tunnel leads into the Holy Cave

motorhome tour northern spain

Holy Cave/ Santa Cueva with the chapel.

Many believe the great Christian reconquest began here since when the Christians defeated the Moors around the year 722 the Holy Cave was the site of refuge before the legendary battle. Legend has it that the Virgin Mary appeared to the Christian army before the battle, therefore aiding their victory. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and although it is a very touristic site, we managed to explore it before the many tour buses arrived.

motorhome tour northern spain

The remains of Don Pelayo are reported to be buried here, he died in 737. The tomb is found inside the Santa Cueva, to the right of the little chapel’s altar.

From here we drove towards Arenas de Cabrales, where our home on wheels stayed parked at a really nice and friendly campsite for the following three nights (Naranjo de Bulnes Campsite GPS N43.29928 W4.80258). Our reason for staying here was its close proximity to the hidden mountain village of Bulnes and the incredible Cares Gorge hiking trail.

Bulnes Funicular

We did drive the motorhome to the Bulnes Funicular, managing to get a parking spot for our motorhome by the funicular’s entrance located near the tiny village of Poncebos. Not always possible, since parking here is very limited. The funicular is an easy 8 minutes ride that sets off every 30 minutes, via a tunnel carved through the mountain. Quite a feat of engineering.

motorhome tour northern spain

Can you spot Brian?

The village of Bulnes standing at about 2,400 feet, it is one of the most remote in Europe. Before the funicular construction, it was only reachable via trails up the Mountain ranges of Naranjo de Bulnes, which could take 2 to 3 hours. Hikers can still hike the trails instead of coughing up the 22 Euros per person to ride the funicular.

The funicular has made the Bulnes village, which has a population of about 34 people, a lot easier to reach and it is now a popular tourist destination. Although there were only another 3 couples boarding the funicular with us when we visited, it can get very busy during the summer months.

motorhome tour northern spain

Coffee with an amazing view, at the hidden village of Bulnes. This viewpoint is in Upper Bulnes, see the trail heading down to Poncebos on the right.

It is a beautiful setting for this tiny village, we loved exploring and walking up some of the trails through the village which is divided into lower Bulnes and higher Bulnes. We ate a delicious homely meal at one of the little restaurants in lower Bulnes and then walked up to a viewpoint at higher Bulnes.

Some people choose to go up with the funicular and then walk down to Poncebos via the trail, but we were feeling lazy and so decided to return using the funicular again.

Poncebos has another great attraction, the amazing Cares Gorge hiking trail. We were to tackle it the next day, so we drove the motorhome back to the campsite where it would stay safe for the next two days, whilst we walked the Cares Gorge trail.

Cares Gorge/Garganta Del Cares

Also called the “Divine Gorge”, this deep gorge is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful one-day hiking trails in Europe. The 12 km path is in places carved at the side of the mountains with the Cares River raging at the bottom of the Gorge. A linear path surrounded by awesome scenery at every turn.

motorhome tour northern spain

Awesome scenery at every turn

The original 1916 precarious path was not as good as it is today; at the time it was used as a maintenance track for a hydro-electric station so workers of the electricity company could monitor a water canal, which carried some of the Cares River water that supplied power to the hydroelectric. In the 1940s and ’50s, a better path was built to improve access for canal maintenance, and that is the path used by tourists today.

motorhome tour northern spain

See part of the water canal here

It is now a well-maintained path, easy to walk albeit narrow in places, but wide enough for a comfortable journey. There are vast rock walls on both sides of the river, with jagged limestone mountains towering above at almost 2,000 metres. The depth of the gorge is impressive and it can be about a 1,000m deep in places.

motorhome tour northern spain

Only goats live here now

The most beautiful part of the trail is towards the Cain end, here the walls of the gorge almost converge. It feels like if you stretch your arms far enough you can touch the mountain wall on the other side of the Cares River.

motorhome tour northern spain

The path is carved at the side of a mountain.

motorhome tour northern spain

Brian is on the bridge, but can you also spot a girl wearing a bikini(on the tunnel)?

motorhome tour northern spain

These caves have been carved into the mountain

There are caves, bridges, waterfalls, ruined huts, a water canal, a river dam and plenty of wild flora and fauna along the way. Just before reaching the Caín Dam, there is a tunnel-like stretch with large windows cut into the rock.

motorhome tour northern spain

Bring a torch to go through these caves and tunnels, it is dark and there are large puddles.

We arrived in Caín quite tired, after the 12 km long walk and we were glad to have a bed for the night here at the local hostel. Staying overnight for us was all part of a great experience and well worth the expense.

motorhome tour northern spain

We were glad to have a very comfortable bed here at this Albergue for the night.

Most people just have a meal and a rest in Caín village before walking back the same route of 12 km back to Poncebos. It is not a difficult walk, most people can easily accomplish it (unless you suffer from vertigo or particularly scared of heights) and hence the beauty of this hike. Maximum enjoyment for not a huge effort.

Tips for Hiking the Cares Gorge

  • The linear, 12 km walk can be started from either the Poncebos end (like we did) or Cain end. Many do the trek from one end and back again in one steady, but long day, altogether it will be a 24 km walk if done in its entirety.
  • If walking from the Poncebos end, there are hotels/campsites to stay at nearby Arenas de Cabrales or at Poncebos itself.
  • If walking from the Cain end, there are also some lovely hotels/hostels/Albergues here, the little village of Cain is gorgeous.
  • There is a bus that operates during the summer season only, from Cain, the journey is about 2 hours to Cangas de Onis and then change bus to Arenas de Cabrales. By taxi, I have heard that it would cost about 120 Euros to get back to your hotel/campsite at Arenas de Cabrales or Poncebos. It is a long way around via the normal roads.
  • My suggestion, if you don’t want to do the whole day round trek, just walk half of the way and then turn around and head back, knowing that it will take you the same time to return to the starting point. If just doing half of the trek I would suggest starting from the Cain end, since it is an easier and even more beautiful hike.
  • The hardest part of the hike for us (we started from Poncebos end) was the first few km uphill. Once we reached the top, it was an easy downhill hike all the way to Cain.

Parking Options : There is very limited parking for cars at the Poncebos end. For motorhomes it is even harder, your best bet is to park at the small car park by the Bulnes Funicular and walk from there. Get there early to find a space.

motorhome tour northern spain

Parking here (at the Poncebos end) is limited, the road is too narrow for larger motorhomes. My suggestion for motorhomes is to try your luck with parking at he nearby Bulnes Funicular car park.

We left our motorhome overnight at the Campsite in Arenas de Cabrales and got a taxi to take us to the start of the walk-in Poncebos. This option cost us 16 Euros return. We stayed overnight in Cain at some lovely lodgings and walked back to Poncebos next day and our taxi picked us up again at the chosen location. It worked very well for us. The lovely Hostel cost us 39 Euros + 32 Euros for dinner and breakfast.

It is free to trek the Cares Gorge Path, make sure to wear sturdy walking shoes, trekking poles can be helpful, sun hat/sun cream, dress appropriately for the weather (maybe a bikini is not a good idea…see if you can spot bikini girl in one of my above photos), take plenty of water and snacks.

It took us about 3 hours to complete the 12 km walk, with lots of breaks for photos and eating/drinking. If you are in the area and enjoy hiking, don’t miss this incredible place, it is a must.

Fuente Dé cable car

Our last day in the Picos de Europa was spent taking the Fuente Dé cable car into the heart of the Picos de Europa Mountain Range. The cable car ride takes just a few minutes to whisk you up to a viewing platform at the top of the mountain, with extraordinary views all around. There is a visitor centre, a restaurant and toilet facilities there.

motorhome tour northern spain

The cable car whisks you up into this viewing platform. It is undergoing some renovations at the moment.

From here there are many fantastic hiking trails, unfortunately, we did not have time for a long hike. Although we did walk along one of the trails for a short stroll into the snowy mountains. Later on, we decided to have our meal at the restaurant, the food was good, reasonably priced for such a place and the views incredible.

motorhome tour northern spain

Stunning views from the viewing platform.

motorhome tour northern spain

Brian feeling on top of the world.

motorhome tour northern spain

It was a bit fresh up here, I was glad for warm clothes.

The large car park is free and it is possible to stay overnight with a motorhome there, but we had already decided to move on to Potes and stay overnight at the free parking area there.

Our first motorhome tour of Europe was fast coming to an end, we had a ferry from Bilbao in Northern Spain to Portsmouth in England, booked for the 29th of May/19. Therefore we did not linger for long in Potes since I had my heart set at visiting a very special house in the town of Comillas.

Situated in the region of Cantabria, Northern Spain. Comillas was a summer destination for the Spanish Royal family and nobility in the 19th Century. This little unassuming town has a lot to offer (it was even the capital of Spain…for one day, 6th of August 1881).

There are Royal Palaces such as the Palacio de Sobrellano, a very charming historic centre, the University Neo-Gothic buildings, the eerily beautiful town cemetery with an Angel looking over it.

motorhome tour northern spain

Believe it or not this amazing cemetery is also a tourist attraction in Comillas

And my favourite of all and main reason for visiting: the flamboyant Art Nouveau “El Capricho” house. Designed by none other than the wonderful Catalan Architect Antoni Gaudí. One of his earliest works, built between 1983 and1885 (he was just 31 years old) as a summer house for Máximo Díaz de Quijano, brother-in-law of the Marquis of Comillas. It is one of the very few buildings of Gaudí that can be seen outside Catalonia.

motorhome tour northern spain

There are Moorish influences seen here with the tower, which has been compared to a Persian Minaret

motorhome tour northern spain

A house that is thought to have been at the forefront of the Modernist Movement.

Inside the house is airy and spacious with lots of wood, wrought iron balconies and beautiful tiles. A work of fantasy and originality, showcasing the work of a genius who was well ahead of his time (remember this is 1883). There are lots of strong colours and the sunflower motifs are seen everywhere. In the centre of the house, there is a glass greenhouse where beautiful plants thrive with light and warmth.

We loved having a nose around the house and the small outside gardens.  Apparently poor Mr Quijano only enjoyed 7 days in his new home before dying of some sort of liver disease in his master bedroom, he was just 44 years old.

motorhome tour northern spain

Just like a fairy tale house.

Gaudí is of course most famous for the amazing Sagrada Familia Cathedral in Barcelona, which he started in 1983 and continued to work on it until his tragic death in 1926. The still not completed Cathedral is the most visited monument in Spain. Comillas played a huge part in Gaudi’s life, giving him mentors and connections that influenced his later work in Barcelona.

The Architect Joan Martorell who designed the Sobrellano Palace in Comillas was instrumental in Gaudi’s life since he got him the job of designing the Sagrada Familia.

We stayed two nights at the free car park by the seafront (GPS N43.38976 W4.28928) in Comillas, before moving on to our final stop at Bilbao.

With mixed feelings and torrential rain, we arrived in Bilbao, staying at a lovely Aire up on the hills overlooking the city (GPS N43.2593 W2.96338). There was a good bus service from there into the city centre.  We stayed only two nights, which is not nearly enough to see the many sites and experiences this great city has to offer.

The main attraction here is, of course, the Guggenheim Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art,  designed by Canadian – American architect Frank Gehry. Its construction has turned Bilbao’s fortune around, this once gritty and industrial looking port city has since become a centre for culture, art and innovation.

motorhome tour northern spain

The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is one of the most important buildings of the 20th Century

The Guggenheim Museum has been hailed a masterpiece of the 20th Century and called by many the greatest building of our time. It draws millions of tourists every year into Bilbao bringing wealth and prosperity.

We spent ages looking at its shining titanium armour, admiring every curve. It is stunning and well worth a visit, even if just for gawping the outside as we did. The exhibition inside the museum has had mixed reviews, the huge queue outside persuaded us to skip it this time.

motorhome tour northern spain

Puppy by Jeff Koons, sitting pretty in front of the museum

We also loved the Puppy by Jeff Koons sitting in front of the museum, the giant West Highland white terrier was blooming with colourful flowers. The flowers are replaced twice per year with seasonal varieties. The huge structure has a network of pipes that water and feed the plants every 24 hours.

Feeling very hungry we headed towards a restaurant that was well recommended. One of the oldest in the city, it is like an institution offering typical Basque country fare. We ordered the 7-course sampling menu and loved every little morsel that appeared at our table. The perfect finale to our almost 4 months travelling around Spain and Portugal by motorhome.

motorhome tour northern spain

Traditional Basque country food

It was time to go home, catch up with friends and family and get ready for our second motorhome tour due to start at the end of June/19 to Scandinavia. We caught our ferry home from Bilbao to Portsmouth. A comfortable 28 hours crossing with an en-suite cabin, thankfully the notorious Bay of Biscay behaved itself giving us a pleasant crossing.

Sometime in the near future, I will publish our costs for this motorhome tour of Spain and Portugal, but for now, it is “hasta la vista” from us.

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Category: Featured , Motorhome travels , Spain , Tours 2019 Tags: Bilbao , Bulnes Funicular , Cares Gorge , Comillas , Cudillero , Fuente De , Oviedo , Picos de Europa , Ribadeo

32 Comments on “ Picos De Europa By Motorhome ”

Wow wow wow. I am in love with this place. What a gift to find this breathtaking place just after Santiago de la Compostela. Beautiful photos too.

Val, the Picos de Europa are indeed breathtakingly beautiful. I think you and Paul would love hiking the Cares Gorge, it is a fantastic one day hike. Although I would recommend doing like we did and stay overnight in the lovely village of Cain. From the UK there are flights into Bilbao or Santander, probably the nearest airports. Or if driving, the ferry services are also very good 🙂

We loved Oviedo and the Picos Europa when we visited. I was most impressed by the wild horses we saw driving through the mountains. Hubby returned the next year with his motorcycle and had a great ride.

Darlene, Northern Spain is so beautiful. We were impressed with the Picos de Europa, there are lots of great outdoor activities and I am sure your husband must have loved riding his motorbike through those stunning mountain roads. My husband is also a motorbiker, but he sold both his bikes just before we got the motorhome, maybe he will get back to it in the future. I also loved the wild horses and the mountain dogs, it is lovely to see them as you drive along 🙂

Gilda as you know we loved following you along this area. It was like reliving our cycling tour without all of the gasping. This is an excellent guide to the area and will be most helpful for anyone exploring the Picos.

Sue, I am in awe of you and Dave touring the Picos by bicycle…wow. I really enjoyed this area, it is just perfect for touring by car or motorhome (or by bike) and there are so many great activities to do. Hiking the Cares Gorge was a highlight for us. I hope this little route and guide will be helpful to others who are wishing to travel here.

Such gorgeous photos. I love the one of the cows and the bridge in particular, but all of them are just beautiful. Looks as though it was a terrific trip and the tips you gave will non doubt be helpful to anyone attempting the same. A motorhome seems like a great idea for this kind of trip. Not having to look for lodging each night and being able to keep all your stuff with you and not pack and unpack must make it all so much easier. I can imagine though that navigating the roads could be tough with such a big vehicle.

Great post.

Peta, sorry about misbehaved comment inbox…I have recued your comments. Really appreciated your persevering 🙂 I hope my tips will help others who wish to explore this beautiful area. I particularly loved hiking the Cares Gorge, it really is spectacular and an easy hike to do. We are loving travelling with the motorhome, we are currently on our second tour already. So glad that you have settled so well in Vietnam, a place a long to visit. I will be looking forward to all your wonderful posts from Asia 🙂

Oops I just lost my comment, sigh.

Magnificent photos. Especially love the ones of the cows and the bridge and the lookout. But honestly all the photos are just breathtaking. What a wonderful trip and your tips will be helpful no doubt to anyone going to this region. i love the idea of the motorhome so one doesn’t have to find lodging each night and no need to pack and unpack. I can see where it might be tough on narrow and windy roads though.

Terrific post Gilda

Peta, I managed to rescue your comment, somehow it went on my spam inbox…very sorry. Visiting this area by motorhome was great, even with narrow roads to navigate it was worth it. We settled well with motorhome life and as you have pointed out, not having to pack and unpack all the time or having to book lodgings upfront has given us a lot of flexibility. I am glad you enjoyed the photos and the post, thank you for persevering with the comment inbox 🙂

Lots here but Wow, I’m really impressed by those mountains. It’s made my “must see” list. I’ve mentioned that we’ll be looking at settling in Spain next year. No idea where yet, but I’m thinking we have to look at Northern Spain which seems a lot less busy (and much more green) than other parts of the country. Just fabulous, incredible scenery! (22 Euros for that 8 min funicular? Ouch).

Frank, sorry for the long post. It would probably have been better to have done it in two parts 🙁 These mountain range is impressive, particularly considering how underrated this area is compared to the more popular Pyrenees. We loved it, being a hiker I think you would really enjoy the Cares Gorge. Definitely look at Northern Spain for a possible home base, I think it is such a great area. The funicular was pricey for sure, but worth it 🙂

I bet the days of rain that slowed you down were the same days of rain pouring over us as we walked the Camino Portuguese! Yes? It was great the ordeal.

Beautiful photos of what must be some magnificent countryside. I especially love the photo of the fishing village (2nd photo from the top), as it looks so serene.

Could NEVER walk that bridge!

Ugh…. should read “quite” the ordeal.

Patti, I often thought of you and Abi doing the Camino Portuguese during all that wet weather…you guys are tough. I also love that photo of the little fishing village of Cudillero, it was a charming little place. The Cares Gorge would probably not be for you Patti or for anyone with a fear of heights, there were some very high cliffs and the glass bridge was a little nerve wracking 🙂 But the Picos are stunning and there are so many great hikes in this area. I think you and Abi would like it.

Wow, some of these photos look almost unreal.

Thank you, that is very kind of you. It is a beautiful area of Spain, hard to take a bad photo here. In fact I just wanted to photograph everything, wanting to keep all the memories.

Cuddlier looks absolutely gorgeous and l would like to spend a bit of time there. Bilbao is another place we have been itching to visit. It’s a super long train ride if we don’t fly and we hope to make it happen as we want to experience the food culture that they are so famous for. Beautiful pictures and boy, you guys covered a lot of ground. Wonderful!

Kemkem, Cudillero is such a pretty little fishing village, we had a delicious meal there in one of the harbour restaurants. Bilbao is the place to visit for the incredible Basque food, it is truly amazing. Unfortunately we only managed two full days there, not nearly enough. I think you and Frederico will love it there.

Such a lovely area, Gilda! Subject always to the weather, of course, but if you’re not on a tight schedule you can afford to hang about for it. Some lovely photos here, and I’d be very tempted to let Brian drive me up there. 🙂 🙂

Jo, the Picos are perfect for a road trip. I think you would love this area, so many amazing hikes, particularly the Cares Gorge is breathtakingly gorgeous and so accessible. But there are many other great hikes and activities in this area 🙂

Great post, really interesting, the mountains look stunning

Thank you, these mountain range is so gorgeous and very accessible from the UK.

So weird to read your post on the Picos we loved the north of Spain and the Picos in particular. It is so odd to see the same places and similar pictures (better composed than mine) wishing you the very best on your Thai adventure.

David and Karen

David, thank you so much for your generous comment. I am so glad that this post has brought back some nice memories from the Picos de Europa. You are too kind about my pictures. I think I probably took far too many pictures there, difficult not to overdo it, since it is such a photogenic region. We are really enjoying SE Asia, but unfortunately I am well behind with my blogging. Best wishes to you and Karen.

In these times when travelling is banned, I keep returning to your virtual travels. It’s fun to read about your adventures and dream about one day be on the road again. After having read this post, I definitely want to visit the Cares Gorge one day. Take care, my travelling friend.

Otto, I wake up every day full of hope for good news and wishing traveling would be allowed again. Thank you for your comment here and giving me another opportunity to look back on at this road trip. Virtual travelling is all we can do at the moment. I really think you would enjoy hiking and photographing your way through the Cares Gorge, I hope that you will make it there in a near future. Likewise look after yourself Otto. We will be travelling again in a not too distant future ( I hope), but we just need to be patient for now. Meanwhile I am enjoying your photos from near your home.

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Thanks for another enjoyable post.

I am glad you have enjoyed this post. It is a beautiful region, there are so many interesting things to do, history and great food and wine.

Hi this is a really useful article. Wondering where the photo at the top of the page is taken ? Did you park your van there overnight? Thanks jo

Hi Jo, Apologies for this late reply, December has been a very hectic month for us. The photo was taken at Fuente De car park, we stopped here to take a cable car ride up into the mountains. The mountain rage is beautiful and there are many amazing hiking trails up there. The car park was free when we visited (2019), it was possible to stay overnight. But we did not stay here overnight, since we decided to move onto Potes. We loved this region of Spain, best wishes.

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An unforgettable road trip across northern Spain

Heidi Fuller-Love is no stranger to touring in Spain but discovers that the north of the country, which is often overlooked by holidaymakers, has so much to offer.

motorhome tour northern spain

Heidi Fuller-Love is no stranger to touring in Spain but discovers that the north of the country, which is often overlooked by holidaymakers, has so much to offer. During her road trip from Santander to Zaragoza she enjoys:

  • Sandy beaches in Oyambre National Park
  • A cable car ride up Torre de los Horacados Rojos
  • Visiting the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao
  • Hiking in the beautiful Benasque Valley
  • Exploring the historic city of Zaragoza

Beaches and architecture in Oyambre

motorhome tour northern spain

Caravaning Oyambre – our base for most of this trip – is near the sweeping sandy beaches of the Oyambre National Park, less than an hour’s drive from Santander’s ferry terminal. Having friends with mobility issues, I was pleased to see that the site’s facilities for disabled people are excellent. 

Go to Caravaning Oyambre

Nearby, the pretty little fishing port of San Vicente de la Barquera is a great place to unwind, but we spent quite a lot of our time exploring the rugged and beautiful countryside surrounding the campsite, stopping off to visit Comillas, which is home to architect Antoni Gaudí’s fabulously ornate green-and red-tiled villa, El Capricho.

We also followed the watery marshes of the Santander Estuary inland to the Picos de Europa (Peaks of Europe) where we took t he Fuente Dé cable car high into the massif before hiking to the top of the Torre de los Horacados Rojo to admire breathtaking views over the Cantabrian Sea and the surrounding snow-tipped sierras. 

Swimming on air in Bilbao!

motorhome tour northern spain

Next stop was Bilbao, the Basque Country’s largest city and a heady blend of cultural and culinary delights. The gleaming, Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum is a must-see for most tourists while I ticked off a personal bucket list ambition by swimming in the Philippe Starck-designed glass bottom pool at multi-purpose cultural centre Azkuna Zentroa. When you stare down through its transparent floor panels you really feel like you’re floating in thin air!

Historic Ainsa and beautiful Benasque

motorhome tour northern spain

We took the winding mountain road via Jaca to Aínsa which was recently designated a Historic-Artistic site by Spain’s Ministry of Culture. Wandering through the cobbled streets of this ancient town, with its narrow alleys and old stone houses clustered around the Romanesque church of Santa Maria, is like stepping back in time.

An hour further on, the same sinuous road led us to the rugged, beautiful, lake-studded Benasque Valley in the Pyrenees foothills. Surrounded by dramatic ice-clad peaks – some of them more than 3,000m high – we hiked along rutted tracks with not a soul in sight except for big-horned cattle who serenaded us with their tinkling collar bells. 

Discovering the hidden gem of Zaragoza

motorhome tour northern spain

Our first glimpse of Zaragoza was stunning, with the sun shining on the Ebro River as it lapped at the base of the beautifully ornate Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar – a Moorish cathedral with spectacular towers and domes.

It’s surprising that Zaragoza, shaped over a period of 2,000 years, isn’t on Spain’s typical tourist trail. To find out more about its history we started at the Caesaraugusta Forum Museum, which tells the story of the original Roman city,  took a guided tour of the 11th-century Islamic Aljafería Palace while a happy morning was idled away in the Museo de Zaragoza. After visiting the wonderful Cathedral de la Seo it was time to move on but the little-known Aragon region had captured our hearts and we will definitely be returning soon.

About the author

motorhome tour northern spain

Heidi Fuller-love

Travel and food writer/photographer Heidi Fuller-Love tours for four or five months of the year in her motorcaravan and contributes features, and photos to 68+ publications around the globe - including the Caravan and Motorhome Club magazine.

She also produces and presents her award-winning Meet The Locals travel podcast for British Airways in flight radio, and she contributes to the BBC's iconic From Our Own Correspondent. 

motorhome tour northern spain

Our Tour Motorhome Blog

Touring Spain by Motorhome

Want to tour Spain by motorhome or campervan? This hands-on guide includes all the practical information you’ll need to know before you go!

motorhome tour northern spain

Spain in a Nutshell

Key facts for touring spain by motorhome.

Spain Motorhome Map Small Icon

  • Weather – Spain is an all-season destination, with the best winter weather being in the far south in Andalusia. Temperatures in summer can get uncomfortably hot, and many mountainous areas can see snow in winter.
  • Currency – Spain uses the Euro (€). £1 is worth around €1.2.
  • Insurance – most motorhome insurance policies will cover Spain – check your policy.
  • Language – Spain has a number of official languages. Castilian is spoken across the whole country, but you’ll also come across Basque, Catalan and others on a country-wide tour.
  • Place to Stay – Camping’s big in Spain, although many sites away from the Med close over winter. You’ll also find motorhome aires and, at quieter times and in less tourist-oriented areas, free (wild) camping is easily possible.
  • Mobile Phone and Internet – you can usually use your UK phone and Internet allowance in Spain, check with your provider. We use Three and Vodafone pay-as-you-go SIM cards for Internet ( more information here ), and 1p Mobile SIM cards for phone calls.
  • Getting there from the UK – there are ferry routes direct from the UK to northern Spain, or you can opt to take a ferry/the Chunnel to France and drive down to the Pyrenees.
  • Renting a Van – if you don’t have the time to drive your own motorhome, there are several companies renting vans in Spain. Expect prices of roughly £700 to £1000 a week for a two berth C Class coachbuilt.
  • Customs – you can cross borders between EU countries with large amounts of alcohol and tobacco, as long as it’s for personal use. There are customs posts at the land border with France but they are normally unmanned and you can drive across without stopping or showing passports.
  • Pet Dogs – you can take your pet dogs and cats (or ferrets) to Spain and return to the UK with them without quarantine. You’ll need a valid Pet Passport for this (talk to your vet), and will need to visit a vet for a worming treatment on your way back to the UK.
  • Roads – generally very well-maintained and with little traffic compared with the UK.  Spain drives on the right.
  • Low Emission Zones – Spain has introduced LEZs in Madrid and Barcelona, and has restrictions in other cities.
  • Headlights – some countries mandate the use of dipped headlights even during bright daylight. Spain doesn’t have this law.
  • Compulsory Equipment – download the AA’s latest requirements PDF to see what you need to carry. Note that if you have anything extending the back of your van, like a bike rack, you legally need a warning sign attached to it, like this one .
  • Tyres – check the AA’s page for the latest details . If you plan to drive mountainous areas in winter, you may need M+S or full winter tyres and snow chains.
  • LPG (Gas) – Autogas (GPL) refill stations are available fairly widely across Spain, especially at Repsol garages. Spain uses the Euroconnector LPG adapter . If you don’t have a self-refillable system, note that you can’t usually get Calor Gas bottles in Spain.
  • Tolls – Spain has a good network of free motorways. Some sections of motorway are toll though, and you can pay tolls in cash or card.

Great Places to Motorhome to in Spain

On our first motorhome trip to Spain we were amazed to find the beautiful Picos de Europa mountains in the north, having just come from the bay and pintxos bars in the proud sea-side city of San Sebastian (Donastia in Basque). Since then we’ve been wowed by the architectural wonders of Seville, Barcelona, Córdoba and Grenada, been welcomed into the white hill towns of Andalucia, put our feet up on the beaches of the costas and squeezed down the mountain roads of the Pyrenees. Still, we’ve barely scratched the surface of sunny Espagne.

Here are just a few of the places we’ve visited. Click on the links below to get the full blog post, with the GPS co-ordinates of where we stayed overnight.

  • San Sebastian – Donastia ( blog post here )
  • Salamanca ( blog post here )
  • Benarrabá, a hill town in Andalusia ( blog post here )
  • Sierra Nevada ( blog post here )
  • Ronda ( blog post here )
  • Granada ( blog post here )
  • Seville ( blog post here )
  • Mojácar ( blog post here )
  • Benidorm ( blog post here )
  • Morella ( blog post here )
  • Barcelona ( blog post here )
  • Picos de Europa Mountains ( blog post here )

Spain Map Motorhome Places to Visit

San Sebastian – Donastia

Sierra Nevada

Picos de Europa Mountains

A Quick Look at Spain – Some Short Videos

The low-cost motorhome aire in San Sebastian (Donastia)

The Andalusian Pueblo Blanco of Casares

Driving a motorhome to the Lakes of Covadonga, Picos de Europa

Looking out from the castle in Morella

Walking the Caminito del Rey

Driving a motorhome down the Foz de Binies Gorge, Pyrenees

How Much Does it Cost to Tour Spain?

Like many countries in Europe, once you’re there, Spain can be toured in a motorhome without breaking the bank. While there are toll motorways, there’s also a good network of fast free roads. Diesel and petrol prices are relatively low ( rough prices here ). Free (wild) camping is possible outside of heavily visited areas in summer (have a look at ourbumble.com’s wild camping map ). There’s a network of low cost motorhome aires, and over 200 campsites are listed in the out-of-season discounted camping ACSI CampingCard scheme ( park4night.com lists over 10,000 places to stay in Spain). Supermarket prices are relatively low, easpecially for wine! By eating the incredible value menú del dia at lunchtime, you can also eat out for as little as €10 a head for 3 courses, often including wine.

One of the major costs for a tour of Spain is getting there and back from the UK. The obvious choices are to either take a ferry across the Bay of Biscay, or drive across France. As a general rule, it’ll be cheaper to drive across France, especially if you have the time to avoid toll roads, and you use aires to overnight (avoid aires directly on autoroutes, which have a poor security reputation). That’s a decent drive though! In 2019 we drove from San Sebastian to Calais using a mainly toll-free route, adding 1000km to our motorhome’s mileage (kilometerage?) and costing us €270 (£230) for the one-way trip. This was made up of fuel of €209, tolls of €42 and €20 for the paid aire at Capbreton . It took us around 20 hours of driving.

To get an idea of ferry crossing costs, have a look at a comparison site like  www.aferry.co.uk . Using this for our motorhome, crossings for two adults from Portsmouth to Santander in our 6m long Hymer B544 allowing 0.5m for the bike rack come in at roughly £800 return (£400 each way), depending on what cabin option we have, the time of year, the time of the crossing and so on. Note that Brittany Ferries have a ‘no frills’ economy sailing at weekends, which can bring the ferry cost down if you’re not looking for the cruising experience.

If you have a pet, there are pet-friendly cabins but word is they sell out quickly, so book early.

We keep a track of all of our costs on each tour we do. Our latest tour was mainly in Spain in the spring of 2019, and cost us £45.77 per night, which included repairs following a couple of break-downs (the cost was £37.58 a night excluding repairs). This was for two adults and included a fair few nights on campsites and some tolls. For more detail, have a look at this tour summary .

Click for more information on this tour.

Motorhome Tour Cost Breakdown 2019

Spain by Motorhome – In Depth

When to go to spain.

The coastal Mediterranean area of Andalusia, in the south-west of Spain, is a popular over-wintering area due to the mild out-of-season climate . Even in the coldest months average lows on the coast are around 10°C, with average daily highs of roughly 16°C. The Costa del Sol between Málaga and Gibraltar sees around 5 hours of sunshine on average in January.

Andalusia in Spain. Source: WikiPedia

The winter weather stays reasonable further north along the coast too, with many motorhome travellers enjoying the region around Benidorm, south of Valencia. Be aware that mountainous areas of Spain can be snow-bound at times during the winter. The Picos de Europa in the north, the Sierra Nevada around Granada and the Pyrenees are all obvious examples.

If you’re looking to head south for the winter and locate yourself in one spot, it’s worth doing some research into medium and long term reduced rates. While the ACSI Camping Card scheme is great for getting costs down for short out-of-season stays, some sites will offer even lower nightly rates for stays of a month or more. Consider booking in advance if you plan to do this, as the best sites are often reported to be full during the winter.

It’s also worth knowing that southern and central Spain can get seriously hot in summer. We once unwittingly stayed too long into spring at a house sit in Andalusia , planning to head across the centre of the country. By the time we set off, temperatures were knocking on 40°C in the cities we wanted to visit. Our pooch wouldn’t cope with that kind of heat, so we found ourselves sticking to the coast and higher altitudes looking for cooler air and shade.

Sunset Bay of Roses Spain

Driving Your Own Motorhome to Spain

To take your motorhome from the UK to Spain you have a basic choice:

  • either take a ferry across the Bay of Biscay to Northern Spain,
  • or take the Channel Tunnel or a ferry to Northern France, and drive across France to the Pyrenees. On our 2019 tour we drove to the eastern end of the Pyrenees, using the free A75 motorway south of Clermont-Ferrond. We returned from the western end of the Pyrenees mainly using the free N10. Click here for more advice here on driving routes .

This interactive Department for Transport map shows the various ferry routes available: click on any of the ports to see crossing times, which ferry companies service that route and any current disruption to travel. Our personal preference is to drive across France, for these reasons:

  • Ju suffers sea sickness, and the Bay of Biscay routes are long old crossings, with a reputation for rough seas in winter.
  • We used to travel with our pet dog, and wanted to avoid the cost and inconvenience of a long ferry crossing with him.
  • We like France, and enjoy the drive across it.
  • We had the time to spend several days (or more likely weeks) driving across France.

Clearly everyone has their own preferences for the drive to Spain, and the map below only shows a few examples of the possible routes. Both general routes across France head for the east and west edges of the Pyrenees, where they dip down towards the sea. The hills are relatively low here, and passable in winter.

Motorhome Routes to Spain Ferry Driving France

Renting a Motorhome in Spain

McRent Motorhome Hire Europe France Germany Spain Croatia

Motorhome rental companies like mc-rent.es offer motorhomes for rent for pick-up either in Spain, France or another European country, depending on your touring or holiday plans. The rental companies websites usually let you get a quick idea of costs, which tend to vary with motorhome type/size, and season.

For a rough idea of costs, McRent shows the following quotes:

  • A 2 week rental of a 2 berth panel van mid January, picked up in Alicante on the Costa Blanca: €1100 (around £1000).
  • A 2 week rental of a 4 berth C class coachbuilt in mid June, picked up in Barcelona: €1500 (around £1400).
  • A 2 week rental of a 6 berth C class coachbuilt in mid August, picked up in Madrid: £2500 (around £2300).

If you’ve not toured in a motorhome before, have a look at our book, The Motorhome Touring Handbook , for tons of first-hand tips and ideas.

Finding Places to Overnight in Spain

Finding places to overnight in your motorhome in Spain is easy. There’s a good network of aires and campsites – but be aware than many campsites close in winter. Here are some of our favourite resources for finding places to stay:

  • Other blogger’s maps ( see more info )
  • The Camperstop book of aires ( see more info )
  • The campercontact.com database and app of motorhome aires ( see more info )
  • The park4night.com database and app listing aires, campsites, free camps and businesses who allow overnight stays ( see more info )
  • The ACSI CampingCard out-of-season camping discount books ( see more info)
  • Websites like camping.info are great for finding campsites ( see more info )
  • All the Aires Spain & Portugal  book ( see more info )

Note that free (wild) camping in Spain is entirely possible ( ourbumble.com has a good database of free camping spots they’ve used), but the legality of it’s not entirely clear to us, and seems to vary with location and time of year, with some places being OK one year but actively policed the next. It also seems to be fine to be parked in some spots with nothing outside the van, but if you use ramps to get level that’s not OK.

If in doubt, ask the local police or tourist information office if it’s OK to stay. We’ve done this in some more remote areas and being made very welcome by the police, while being politely asked to move by the police while free parked (with nothing outside the van) in Benidorm and Mojacar.

The motorhome aire in San Sebastian, packed out in December!

Driving in Spain

Deer on road sign, Spain

Other than the busy roads around cities and along the Mediterranean coast, our experience of driving in Spain was very good. The road surfaces are generally in good condition, there are lots of free fast roads and traffic is usually light compared with the UK. That said, there are some challenges to be aware of:

  • Speed limits away from motorways can feel very low and more than once we’ve found our speed creeping up on long cross-country routes. Motorhomes under 3500Kg can do 100kph on motorways, while those over 3500Kg are limited to 90kph ( from the Caravan Club ).
  • There are speed cameras in Spain, and they will happily send you a fine through the post. Keep an eye on the actual limits posted on the road rather than relying 100% on your satnav, as limits do change from time to time and for specific sections of road.
  • Cities can be interesting to drive through and we try to avoid them where we can. We drove through Valencia, for example, finding ourselves trying to get around huge roundabouts with no lanes marked and requiring more bravery than we’d brought with us!
  • In hilly areas crawler lanes are sometimes provided and are great for getting out of the way of faster traffic. Sometimes these continue at the end of the hill, so faster traffic has to get back into the right hand lane. Sometimes you have to merge back across to the left – keep an eye out for signs and arrows.
  • You need your lights on for tunnels. There are signs to remind you as you enter and leave each tunnel.
  • There are plenty of mountainous areas in Spain where the roads can be fairly steep, narrow, twisting and snow-bound in winter. Our experience (out of winter) has been most roads are passable in a motorhome, but check your map and perhaps look at Google Streetview first if you’re concerned.

For a general overview of driving in Spain, have a read of this website .

Road Rules in Spain

Right – some stuff to know about driving in Spain before you arrive! Here we go…

  • You’ll need some mandatory bits and bobs like headlamp deflectors and spare glasses if you wear them – check out the AA PDF of equipment .
  • Speed limits and and distance signs are in km , not miles. We switch the units on our satnav to kilometers when we’re waiting for the ferry.
  • You can’t drive in open-backed shoes.
  • Motorway signs are in blue , like the UK. If a sign says ‘peaje’ on it, it means it’s a toll road so you’ll have to pay to use it. On a map or sign, toll roads have the letter P in the number.
  • You can get up to date information on road conditions at this official website .
  • You’ll see yellow diamond shaped signs , these mean that you have priority. If you see one with a black line through it, you no longer have priority, traffic from the right does – this is usually on approaches to roundabouts. Sometimes drivers entering the roundabout have priority, if we’re not entirely sure we just take our time and give way to anyone who looks like they aren’t stopping.
  • Trams always have priority and if you are driving in the mountains you must use your horn on the approach to blind corners.

Driving in Spain Motorhome

Toll Roads in Spain

Route Map of Spain

Spain has a mixture of ‘fast’ roads across the country:

  • Free motorways (autovias), typically ‘A’ roads (blue on the map)
  • Free national routes which are sometimes dual carriageways (green on the map)
  • Paid (toll or peaje) autopistas usually called ‘AP’ roads except around Madrid (red on the map)
  • Some toll roads are being made free (the AP-1 is now free, the AP-4 and AP-7 are due to be free from 1 Jan 2020 – see this link )

Spain has a good network of toll-free, fast roads, making it relatively easy to cross at speed without incurring tolls. There are good guides here on how to do just that.

Assuming you do opt for the toll roads, a few tips:

  • You can work out the amount you’ll pay using this Spanish website:  www.autopistas.com (click here for the Google Translate English version ) or you may find www.viamichelin.co.uk easier to use.
  • You can pay for them in cash (Euros) or cards at selected booths. We carry cash as not all cards are accepted at the payment booths.
  • On toll roads, you generally get a ticket from a machine when you enter the road, and then present it to the toll booth when you leave. The payment amount will then be displayed to you. Some sections of toll road have a fixed fee, so you don’t get a ticket for these roads.
  • If you’re in a right hand drive vehicle with no passenger, be prepared to undo your seat belt and cross over to the passenger side to get tickets and pay tolls.
  • You can get an auto payment tag allowing you to use the non-stop  ‘Telepeaje’, ‘VIA-T’ or ‘T’ lanes, which works in Portugal and France too:  more information at this official website .
  • All motorhomes pay the same rate, regardless of whether you’re over 3.5 tonnes or not.

Low Emission Zones in Spain

A handful of Spanish cities have ‘clean air’ restrictions over which vehicles can enter their centres, including Barcelona, Valencia and Madrid. You can find up-to-date information on the areas affected, when the LEZs are enforced (some are permanent, some only apply when air pollution is high) and which vehicles are affected at this website:  urbanaccessregulations.eu .

If you do plan to head into these zones (personally, we avoid them), you’ll need an ‘environment badge’ sticker for your windscreen. You can obtain these from Spanish post offices, as outlined here .

Spain Barcelona emergency low emission zone sign

Petrol, Diesel and LPG in Spain

Diesel, petrol and LPG are widely available in Spain. A few hints and tips for finding and buying these fuels:

  • Diesel is called gas-oil in Spain, petrol is gasolina sin plomo , LPG is called GPL or autogas . Diesel pump handles are black or yellow, unleaded are green.
  • For a rough idea of fuel prices, have a look at fuel-prices-europe.info .
  • LPG is often available at Repsol garages. For a database of LPG locations in Spain and across Europe, go to mylpg.eu . When filling with LPG, you may have to walk over to the cashier and ask them to enable the pump for you. On occasion they have come and filled the van for us.
  • Spain uses the Euro LPG adaptor for self-refillable gas bottles.

Motorhome Service Points in Spain

Service points, are areas where you can take on fresh water, and empty your grey water tank and toilet cassette (black water). They’re normally a drive-over drain, with an installation off to one side with two taps: one for taking on fresh water and one for rinsing your cassette out. A few tips for finding and using service points in Spain:

  • Unlike in neighbouring France, service points in Spain are almost all ‘artisan’, meaning they’re not commercial machines.
  • Spain uses three different tap sizes, so it’s worth carrying ½”, ¾” and 1″ thread Hozelock adapters .
  • Almost all campsites have service points. If you pay to stay on a site, the services are included. If you don’t stay, some sites will still let you pop in and use the services for a few Euros.
  • There are thousands of service points outside of campsites in Spain. You can find them using apps like campercontact.com and park4night.com . Many of them are free.
  • In winter water supplies may be turned off at times when the supply might freeze, so plan to visit a few aires or nip into a campsite from time to time.
  • In some areas of the country there are fresh water springs provided away from service points where you can take in water using a carrier.
  • Some folks unwittingly use the fresh water tap for rinsing their toilet cassette: we use anti-bacterial wipes to clean the tap before attaching a hose pipe or using a collapsible water carrier.
  • We drink Spanish tap water and have had no ill effects.

motorhome tour northern spain

Using Internet, Phone and Post in Spain

Huawei E5577 Personal WiFi Hotspot 4G

This is how we stay in touch when we’re touring Spain in our motorhome:

  • For the Internet we have an unlocked 4G personal WiFi device . This has a Vodafone 30-day 4G SIM card which connects to Spanish networks automatically and proved fast and reliable. We also have a Three Feel at Home PAYG 3G SIM card as a back-up. More info on SIM cards and roaming here .
  • Our system ( described in detail here ) uses a roof-mounted antenna which helps get a better signal, as the metal shell of the van effectively blocks much of the signal.
  • For the phone we use SIM cards from 1pmobile.com . We don’t use these for Internet access, although we could turn on mobile data in an emergency, which would cost around £10 per GB
  • For mail we only tend to send postcards from Spain, and you can get stamps for these (sellos – pronounced ‘sell-yoss’) from post offices (correos – read more about the Spanish post office ). You can also buy stamps from a tabac – recognisable by a maroon and yellow sign.

Supermarkets and Eating Out in Spain

Free motorhome aire in Castellar de la Frontera

You can eat lots of delicious food in Spanish restaurants for not much money, and the Grey Gappers made the most of it, tasting food across Spain on a year-long motorhome tour of the country. One top tip for eating out is the  menú del dia , which is generally an early afternoon three course meal (with 2 or 3 choices), sometimes including wine, for very low prices, typically €12 to €18 a head. More about  menú del dia here .

Supermarkets are generally good value too, especially the wine! We tended to use the Alimerka, Lidl, and Super U chains. If paying with your credit card you may need to show your passport as ID (this is the case for any shopping you’re doing). Most places will accept your driving license, but we did have ours refused in one supermarket and we didn’t have our passports with us, fortunately we had just enough cash.

Some larger supermarkets have menú del dia specials at their hot food counters where you can get a three course meal and drink for around €10 per person – there was loads of foods so we split the meal and ate it over several days. Larger stores often have a self-service aisle where you can bag your own dried goods, pasta, rice, cereal etc – but it’s worth double-checking these prices against their discount range as often the discount one is cheaper, but the packet size is large.

Doing Laundry in Spain

lavomatic launderettes spain motorhome

Motorhome travellers in Spain don’t enjoy the same network of self-service launderettes found in France, and we often found ourselves heading into campsites just so we could access their washing machines and hang out laundry to dry.

There are launderettes in Spain though, especially useful if you can plan ahead, including some at Repsol garages. Here are some links to chains, which might help you find one on your route, or just search the Internet for lavandería autoservicio :

  • Primer Lavanderia

Touring Spain with a Pet Dog

As long as you have a valid Pet Passport ( details of the PETS scheme here ), you can travel to Spain with your pet dog, and return into the UK without your pooch having to go into quarantine. We’ve done this many times, and have had no issues. A few hints and tips if you want to tour Spain with your dog or dogs:

  • If you don’t have a pet passport, contact your vet early as it can take some weeks/months to get them arranged.
  • To return into the UK you’ll need a vet on the continent to administer a worming treatment and then allow between 24 hours and 5 days before re-entering the UK.
  • You’ll need to declare your pets when booking the ferry or Channel Tunnel, and pay an additional fee for them.
  • Spain doesn’t generally allow pets onto public transport. This can limit your ability to visit cities and other attractions, particularly in summer, unless you have air conditioning in your van to enable you to leave your pet inside.
  • Although Spanish supermarkets have wide ranges of pet food available, don’t assume your specific brand will be on the shelves. Either take enough for your trip, research ahead to see if it can be bought in Spain, or plan to transition your dog to locally-available food.
  • Leishmaniasis is endemic in Mediterranean Europe, so plan to get either a Scalibor collar or Advantix treatment which protects against sand flies, as well as ticks and fleas.

Note that when the UK leaves the EU, it may be necessary for your pet dog(s) to have a rabies blood test which, depending on how the UK is treated post-Brexit, could delay your departure from the UK by up to four months ( check the official government web page here ). We’d recommend talking to your vet as early as possible so you’re up-t0-speed on what you need to do.

Charlie's bark-a-thon posiion whenever we turn up somewhere new: the poor thing has attempted to use his wee to claim land from the Sahara to Finland!

Are You New to Motorhome Touring?

If you’re new to motorhome touring, then we wrote The Motorhome Touring Handbook just for you. It’s got all the info you need to quickly get up to speed choosing a motorhome and using it to take the biggest adventures of your life!

The Motorhome Touring Handbook is available as a paperback or Kindle eBook. You can read more about the book and buy it from Amazon.co.uk .

The Motorhome Touring Handbook from OurTour

More OurTour Motorhome Country Guides

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Thanks for reading our guide to Spain! If you’ve found it useful, please consider sharing it using the buttons below? This really helps build the blog’s audience, which in turn helps motivate us to keep it alive and kicking. Cheers, Ju and Jay

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Please Comment to Share Suggestions or Feedback for this Guide

Hi, we are loving the new look blog, it makes navigating the website really easy. We are in discussion on where are next abroad trip is so reading the info by country is fab for us. Happy travels, Anne, Andy & Finn

We are a 63 year old couple and seriously considering retiring to southern Spain. We do not really know where to settle as have not visited the country however are attracted by the climate, relative short flight time to and from the UK and popularity with English speaking like minded people. We are hoping to commence our journey in January 2021, subject to the completion of the sale of our UK home.

We want to settle somewhere which is not overly touristy has a decent expat or English speaking community where we would wish to ingratiate ourselves and become part of that community. We do not speak Spanish however would be keen to learn.

Our thoughts were to either:-

sail/drive over in our car and spend 6 months visiting many of the locations that we have seen on the numerous television shows about settling abroad, staying in accommodation a few weeks at each location so as to try to get a feel for the place,

alternatively, travel over, buy/rent a motorhome and do likewise travelling to the various destinations which would give us more freedom but possibly more stress.

Any advice would be really appreciated please?

Hi Robert. To be honest it isn’t something we’ve done personally (looked for somewhere to live in Spain) so I’m not sure how relevant our experience will be to you. I’ll offer what thoughts I can though of course.

I guess you’re aware of the fact the UK has left the EU, so as of Jan 2021 the time we can spend in Spain will be limited unless we obtain residence or a long-stay visa.

We’ve loved travelling Spain in our motorhome, and I think it’s given us a good (superficial) view of the various regions. When we did spend a few weeks at a house sit we saw a different side to life in the town though, and we’ve found places ‘feel’ a lot different in summer when tourists increase and the heat can be oppressive.

Personally I think unless I planned to keep a motorhome after settling down, I wouldn’t buy one. I’d use a car and Airbnb (or similar) to stay in each area I’d researched beforehand to get a better feel for living in them. I’d talk to the Airbnb owner to ask them what life is like there all year round.

Some towns aren’t motorhome-friendly, for example, and with a car you could spend time visiting around the local area without having to drive a MoHo, which isn’t always easy on some rural roads.

Good luck, have fun! Jason

absolutely brilliant information enjoyed reading your experiences and travels the only thing missing from your list is health insurance / health issues what happens if your taken ill on your travels what health insurance covers you and any trips to a hospital as nobody seems to mention any of this in there blogs other than that keep up the good work Happy motor homing regards Dave

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Motorhome Tours

Spain and Portugal (Inland Portugal) 2023

18/09/2023 – 18/10/2023

About our Spain & Portugal Tour

Eurotunnel included.

  Another new tour for 2023 takes you through Northern Spain (Picos Europa Mountains) entering Portugal from the North before travelling through the centre of Portugal visiting some of our favourite places. Then its back into Spain for something a little different at El Rocio! before finishing with a visit to the historical landmark of Seville!

We are really excited with what we have in-store for you during this trip of 30 nights and are sure you will enjoy this stunning tour. A mix of history, driving through stunning countryside, off the beaten track locations and some well known places.

Eat with us at local restaurants and try the chicken ‘frango’ a spicy Portuguese speciality.

We hope your enjoy the balance of this tour with some busy driving, unusual locations, exciting excursions all with some time to chill, relax and have fun!

This tour includes the Eurotunnel return tickets from Folkestone to  Calais or upgradable on certain Ferry routes.

Portugal motorhome tour

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Spain and Portugal

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Spain and Portugal tour

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Spain and Portugal tour

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Spain and Portugal tour

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Spain and Portugal tour

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Spain and Portugal tour

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Spain and Portugal tour

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Spain and Portugal tour

Evora-Portugal

Spain and Portugal tour

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Spain and Portugal tour

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Spain and Portugal tour

Seville-Spain

Spain and Portugal tour

Cordoba-Spain

Spain and Portugal Escorted Motorhome Tour 2024

Alhambra Palace in a Motorhome

Alhambra Palace in Motorhome

ITINERARY / Route

Day 1 – 3.

Arrive at Avin in the Picos Mountains – Welcome drinks 4pm at the campsite. Explore some of the Picos Mountains with us on a 2hr walk from the campsite followed by a traditional meal in the nearby town. An abundance of cycling from the campsite for those looking to see further afield. Welcome Drink & Group Meal Included

Day 3 – 6

Travel to Santiago de Compostela (245 miles) which is a Unesco World Heritage Site and the destination of the ‘Camino de Santiago’ pilgrim route. Explore the Gothic Architecture and cobbled streets where allegedly the Biblical Apostle St James is buried.  Walking tour & Group Meal . Walking Tour & Group Meal Included

Day 6 – 9

Travel to Noalla (50 miles) to a campsite which is 1km from the La Lanzada beach or a smaller beach 250m away. Here we have a couple of days to relax & chill at the beach! Activities nearby are cycling, fishing, watersports, karting and mini golf. There shall be a ‘mini golf’ competition with prizes and drinks after.   Mini Golf Competition, Drinks & Group Meal Included

Day 9 – 12

Travel to Covas (75 miles) to a small family operated campsite which is our first stop in Portugal. This beautiful campsite is situated in rural inland Portugal amongst natural surroundings full of wildlife and natural beauty. The campsite is in a typical small Portuguese village. You will enjoy the Portuguese hospitality  and taste of traditional local food and homemade wine! You will be able to relax and chill on walks, cycling or swimming at this tranquil location. Group Walk and Group Gala Meal Included

Day 12 – 15

Travel to Vila Real (110 miles) with a stunning drive through the Doura Valley with its river and vineyards. Vila Real sits on a headland and the old city is next to the River Corgo and Cabril. Here we have a fabulous Wine Tasting excursion to the 18th Century ‘Casa de Mateus’ winery, including a tour of the House and Garden before wine tasting. ‘Mateus’ Wine Tasting & Group Meal Included

Day 15 – 19

Travel to Coimbra (112 miles) A charming preserved medieval old town and a real surprise. Famous for its ancient University, Coimbra boasts a lively atmosphere and plenty of attractions. This river fronted city in central Portugal is the country’s former capital. Optional Port Tasting, Group Meal and Walking Tour Included

Day 19 – 22

Travel to Marvao (107 miles) Relax at this amazingly beautiful campsite with peaceful and friendly scenery. Our stay is on a small scale rural estate (olive groves) in the middle of the beautiful nature park Serra de Sao Mamede in the Alto Alentejo. The campsite is a perfect starting point for low traffic hiking and biking in all its forms. Explore the many unspoiled (ancient) treasures and the very slow and relaxed lifestyle.  Campsite Meal Included

Day 22 – 26

Day 26 – 27, day 27 – 29, day 29 – 31.

We travel to Seville (55 miles) for our last stop on a Aire with the best access to the city. Seville is rich in history with stunning architecture and authentic culture. The Gothic Catedral is the site of the Tomb of Christopher Columbus. Optional Flamenco Dancing Show, Walking Tour and Group Meal Included

of full price

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Prices are based on a motorhome and up to two people. Supplement of £1000 for each additional person. For more information, please see the brochure for this tour below.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Up to six people travelling in their own motorhome.
  • Accommodation on pre-booked campsites including electric hook-up and showers.
  • Detailed travel pack to include full itinerary, digital maps, campsite directions, routes (toll and non-toll as appropriate) and our driving in Europe Checklist.
  • Help and support in the event of problems while on tour.
  • Full financial protection.
  • Excursions and Meals where stated in the Itinerary.
  • Eurotunnel Return Ticket

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

  • Personal expenditure, for example, fuel, tolls, vignettes, meals, upgrades, laundry, personal excursions, public transport or entrance fees. (Unless stated included)
  • Where there are significant costs such as bridge or tunnel tolls, or extra ferry crossings, we make you aware of these before booking.
  • Personal travel insurance (compulsory).
  • Vehicle breakdown cover (compulsory).

IMPORTANT BOOKING INFORMATION

  • Payment of your deposit secures the booking on the tour.
  • Please note we cannot take vehicles over 8 metres long without prior special arrangement.
  • Dog allowed on this tour (Check if more than one).
  • No towed vehicles. Please check before booking.
  • Please note that the deposit is non-refundable unless Motorhome Tours cancels.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS/COSTS

  • There are toll charges on Spain and Portugal motorways.
  • Supplement for 8m+ motorhomes may apply, please check before booking.

Book your tour to

TOUR DATE: 18/09/2023 – 18/10/2023

Tour price details:

Balance payable 15 weeks before Tour start date

*  Motorhome 8m+ please call before booking

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IMAGES

  1. Motorhoming in Spain: Your Complete Guide for 2023

    motorhome tour northern spain

  2. How to Tour Spain in a Motorhome Route & Tips

    motorhome tour northern spain

  3. ⭐ Motorhome route in northern Spain: La Transpirináica! ⭐

    motorhome tour northern spain

  4. Motorhome route through northern Spain

    motorhome tour northern spain

  5. The Rules for Taking a Campervan or Motorhome Holiday in Spain

    motorhome tour northern spain

  6. How to Tour Spain in a Motorhome

    motorhome tour northern spain

VIDEO

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  3. Motorhome European Grand Tour: An Update from Austria

  4. MOTORHOME STOPOVERS IN SPAIN www.espana-discovery.es

  5. Motorhome tour#viagem #travel #vanlife #vanlifebrasil #motorhome

  6. #travel #motorhome

COMMENTS

  1. Motorhome route: Discover all the highlights of northern Spain

    Los Picos de Europa - Oviedo (80 kilometres) From the rugged Picos de Europa you travel by motorhome to the city of Oviedo. Oviedo's most famous landmark is the Santa María del Naranco, a church that is also on the World Heritage list. King Ramiro I, who ruled Asturias from 842 to 850, stayed here during the summer.

  2. The 10 best motorhome routes in northern Spain

    4 COUNCIL OF CABRALES IN ASTURIAS BY MOTORHOME OR CAMPER. 5 GETAWAY TO THE 2 BEST BEACHES IN CANTABRIA. 6 ROUTE THROUGH ANDORRA BY MOTORHOME. 7 THE VALLEY OF TENA BY MOTORHOME OR CAMPER TO THE LONGEST ZIPLINE IN EUROPE. 8 GALICIA BY MOTORHOME FOR 21 DESTINATIONS.

  3. Motorhoming in Spain: Your Complete Guide for 2024

    Northern Spain offers an exquisite coastline, breathtaking natural and architectural sights, numerous world-class museums, and exceptional Spanish food. ... With the fine beaches of the Costa Brava and a beautiful old town, this makes a great final stop on your motorhome tour of Spain. Barcelona is also a real cycling city, with over 160 miles ...

  4. Motorhoming & Campervanning in Spain- The Ultimate Guide

    If you're 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). Red/ white warning board sign - for bike racks or anything overhanging the end of the motorhome or campervan.

  5. Enjoy these motorhome routes in Northern Spain

    The best motorhome and camper routes in Northern Spain. August 29, 2022. OVIEDO - One of the best ways to travel around Spain is by motorhome. The combination of adventure, freedom and comfort appeals to more and more people. The varied Spanish landscape offers these tourists endless possibilities.

  6. Motorhome route through northern Spain

    In short, the motorhome route through northern Spain from Catalonia to Galicia is an unforgettable experience full of natural beauty, rich culture and delicious gastronomy. One of those motorhome tours that takes you to the most beautiful places. From the vibrant streets of Barcelona to the beautiful beaches of Galicia, each stop along the way ...

  7. ⭐ Motorhome route in northern Spain: La Transpirináica! ⭐

    The best of the motorhome route in northern Spain: The Pyrenees. The worst of the trip to the Pyrenees. Travel guide: Pyrenees by motorhome, the route and 14 great destinations. THE ROUTE THROUGH THE PYRENEES BY MOTORHOME IN PHOTOS. STAGE 1: Catalan Pyrenees by motorhome. STAGE 2: Aragonese Pyrenees by motorhome.

  8. A Northern Spain road trip in a campervan: Santander to Barcelona

    This Northern Spain road trip from Santander to Barcelona and the Pyrenees took us almost 3 weeks over the school Christmas holidays 2021/2022 (a time when travel restrictions were constantly changing). We sailed with Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth to Santander (a 30 hour crossing), then after a couple of nights camping in Santander and then ...

  9. Escorted Motorhome Tour: Spectacular Spanish Northern Coast

    The Escorted Motorhome Tour. Spain's northern coast and its hinterland are home to some of the most dramatic scenery in the country and its cities are full of history and culture. Our tour starts in San Sebastian, Spain's culinary capital on the Bay of Biscay and continues through the coastal regions of the Basque country, Cantabria ...

  10. Basque Circuit Spain

    By Practical Motorhome. Published: December 22, 2020. The Basque Circuit is one of the most scenic drives you can experience on the European continent. The route may begin at the busy Spanish port city of Bilbao, but it very soon takes you cruising towards the beautiful and rugged geography of northern Spain, through forested hills and open ...

  11. A Month-Long Motorhome Trip Through Northern Spain: Route, Budget, And Tips

    Embark on a month-long motorhome trip through northern Spain. Breathtaking landscapes, budget-friendly tips, and practical advice await here.

  12. A Motorhome Trip Through Northern Spain: Route, Budget & Tips

    Skip to content. Tourthinking Home; Flights; Hotels; Tours; Cars; Activities; Taxi; More Menu Toggle. Bikes

  13. Motorhome route along the most beautiful locations in Spain

    A motorhome tour of Spain offers plenty of variety: from sun, sea and sand in the south of the country to green surroundings in the north. This campervan route through Spain will take you to the country's most beautiful locations. You start in the metropolis Barcelona and travel via several coastal towns to the west of the country and from ...

  14. Undiscovered Spain & Portugal

    Atlantic Coastline, Mountains, National Parks, Valleys and Vineyards. Let this tour take you on a journey of discovery through Northern Spain and Portugal as we show you some of the best of the lesser-known gems. Be prepared for amazing scenery, an abundance of wildlife, unspoilt Atlantic coastline and Spain's stunning 'Picos de Europas ...

  15. Picos De Europa By Motorhome

    Continuing our journey North we stayed two nights at Cudillero, a charming small fishing village in Northern Spain. The weather was bad with a lot of rain, prompting us to stay put there for two nights at the excellent new campsite with great facilities (Camping L'Amuravela GPS N43.55513 W6.14355) and within walking distance, albeit uphill from the pretty Cudillero Harbour.

  16. Motorhoming in Spain: Sensational Spanish Road Trip

    Spain is synonymous with Flamenco music, siestas, paella and the iconic but controversial bullfighting. It is a land as diverse as the images conjured up by the very mention of its name. Our quintessential motorhoming in Spain road trip begins in the northern city of Barcelona. We arrived by ferry - after departing Sicily at the end of our ...

  17. Driving our Motorhome along the Northern Spanish Coast Line

    The Road to Bibao along the Northern Spanish Coast Line. The Camino Tour over we drove along the Coast via A Coruna , Foz and Llanes to catch the Brittany Fe...

  18. Unforgettable North Spain Roadtrip

    Our first glimpse of Zaragoza was stunning, with the sun shining on the Ebro River as it lapped at the base of the beautifully ornate Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar - a Moorish cathedral with spectacular towers and domes. It's surprising that Zaragoza, shaped over a period of 2,000 years, isn't on Spain's typical tourist trail.

  19. Motorhome Tour #3

    In July 2019 we took the Ferry to Santander for 3 weeks of action packed adventure. We visited a 6 Sites in two locations (Pico de Europa & Mid Pyrenees). No...

  20. How to Tour Spain by Motorhome

    To take your motorhome from the UK to Spain you have a basic choice: either take a ferry across the Bay of Biscay to Northern Spain, or take the Channel Tunnel or a ferry to Northern France, and drive across France to the Pyrenees. On our 2019 tour we drove to the eastern end of the Pyrenees, using the free A75 motorway south of Clermont ...

  21. Escorted Spain and Portugal Motorhome Tour

    Motorhome with 1 person - £2699. Additional persons - £1000. Number of persons. £ 4,300.00. Deposit Option 10%. Pay Deposit Full Amount. Balance payable 15 weeks before Tour start date. Our escorted motorhome tour to Spain and Portugal in 2024.

  22. Northern Spain Motorhome travel Vlog Part 1

    Motorhome Tour of Spain - easter in the Picos de Europe .A highlight of our Iberian Tour - forget everything you thought you knew about Spain ( unless you ha...

  23. Escorted Motorhome Tour

    Tour price details: Motorhome with 2 people - £2150 p/p. Motorhome with 1 person - £2499. Additional persons - £1000. Number of persons. £ 4,300.00. Deposit Option 10%. Pay Deposit Full Amount. Motorhome Tour to Spain and Portugal 2023 www.motorhometours.co.uk.