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. We loved Tarifa with its laid-back surfer dude feel and abundant opportunities for activity. If you find this post useful, you can also treat us to a coffee at the bottom of this page- we promise to enjoy it while creating more useful content like this- we might even indulge in a biscuit (or two!). From the green north side to the rugged south side and back again, ending at the foot of the Pyrenees. Main roads (mostly modern single carriageway roads) are in green. If the weather is reasonable we can recommend a few nights stop for some cycling or beachcombing. When we travel, we kind of end up with a happy medium of both. The mighty SierraNevada is home to the highest point of continental Spain and the third highest in Europeafter theCaucasus Mountainsand theAlps; Mulhacnpeaks at 3,479m above sea level. With one of the best winter climates in Europe and friendly locals, Spain is a perfect country for a motorhome road trip. If not, 1p Mobile SIM cards are widely available and a cheap option for phone calls. Make sure you check them in advance! The white dots are the stops we describe and the moons are our campsite suggestions. del Corregidor). 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). Exchange your details with the other involved parties. The route mainly leads through the (northern) French Pyrenees, but also visits the Spanish part and Andorra. This is an ideal crossing if time is of the essence, or youre travelling with a dog (some boats have pet-friendly cabins and some have kennels) but cabins and kennel places do book up quickly. Motorhome aires in Spain are not as plentiful as in France but they are out there! Use an app likePark4Nightto locate motorhome and campervan services. With this in mind, we've asked our campsite assessors to come up with their suggested route through France to the Catalan border. Most hire companies allow their motorhome rentals to be taken overseas, including our recommended hirer, Spaceship Rentals. Spanish campsites range from very basic camping spots in fewer tourist areas to full-on touring stops where people pitch up for six months and want entertainment every night, direct access to a sandy beach, three different bars to choose from and a covered, heated pool. Wild camping for motorhomes in Spain (sometimes called free camping or wild parking) is generally tolerated away from busy beaches town and city beaches, and outside of national parks. We stopped atCamping Osunain the east of the city, close to the airport. On roads where there is no pavement so that vehicles and pedestrians share the road: 20 km/h. The author is giving their chosen route from the ferry port. Rent the perfect van, campervan or motorhome for a family trip, with your four-legged or two-legged friend. *We work hard to make this the best motorhome blog and road trip website possible, full of helpful content for you. Had however been in France and Spain in the January/February. Whether you like it or not, bullfighting is a huge part of Spanish life and culture. If you are driving in the mountains, you MUST sound your horn before a blind bend, but its illegal to use a horn in built-up areas. The slip road ends in traffic lights where you need to be in the centre lane to turn left across a dual carriageway. Our ready-made Spanish road trips are here to help, guide to motorhoming in Europe after Brexit, Tips for Campervan Rental and Motorhome Hire in Spain (and the rest of Europe!). Peaje or AP is a toll road. If you are stopping for over 30 nights it is possible to stay at a good quality site for 10 a night including electricity. Read on to find out all you need to know. Check in advance with the company what kit they will provide with the vehicle and what you will need to bring. 29 of the Best Motorhome Apps Free & Downloadable Now! Mealtimes are revered in Spain, as much about the time spent socialising at the table, as the food. If you decide that you want to drive your motorhome or camper down to Spain, you first need to decide if youre going to take the ferry or tunnel from UK to France (there are pros and cons to both). 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. In the southeast of the country, water is in very short supply. A very efficient drive all the French motorways despite getting caught up in a se. As in France, sometimes there is a fee per night but often there is no charge and basic services are provided. 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. An editorial review of Tyddyn Llwyn Camping, Caravan & Touring Park Editor's picks - ideal campsites for city breaks. such products do not require refrigeration before opening. If you have refillable gas bottles in your motorhome, you can find LPG pretty easily while touring around Spain. When planning a motorhome tour of Spain, the first thing you need to do is to figure out where youre going (and how long you have for your road trip!). In a short while, the Seine appears to the right and you are clear of the city. I dont like the Bay of Biscay in winter, nor paying to use expensive motorways. Portugal is a perfect motorhome and campervan destination. Country information - all the info for your trip, Developed by: NKC - travel guides (the NKC is the Dutch parent company of Campercontact), Total length of the route: 910 kilometres. The long road south - a motorhome route through France to Spain You may be surprised at how many motorhomes from northern Europe travel to campsites in Spain for the winter. A reader review of Plassey Holiday Park An editorial review of Exe Valley Caravan Site Editor's Pick - The best campsites in Ireland. There is limited motorhome parking in Valencia, especially during the festival; we would suggest stayinghere. Itsprobablybest visited in Spring or September/October on your way to sunnier climes. Discover incredible deals for motorhome/ camper rentals, 10 essential questions to ask before you rent a motorhome, aires and approved free overnight motorhome stopovers across Europe, step-by-step guide for motorhome wild camping. First, you'll take one of the ferries from Dover to Calais. Do you want to wild camp in your motorhome? Our route starts at Calais, but it can easily be joined from Dieppe or Cherbourg. In this post, youll find all you need to know about touring Italy by motorhome. ferry or tunnel from UK to France (there are pros and cons to both). "LongRoadSouth. What Is the True Cost of Touring Europe in a Motorhome? RELATED POST: Motorhome Aires in Spain All You Need to Know. Between 1st November and 31st March every year, the mix changes to 35/65 to account for the colder weather. ive been looking through some discussions about driving down but none that fit my criteria; Is there any other city throughout the whole of Europe that offers visitors a more diverse range of things to do than Barcelona? ), visit the Start Here page to find out how we can help you! Cabins are not mandatory, but the alternative reclining seats are uncomfortable and noisy. Follow this for 2.5miles to the D938 which you follow southwards past Belleme and then as the D301 past Bonnetable towards Le Mans. The Best European Campsites For Camper, By Campers. Motorhome services are generally widely available, especially along the coast. Ratings and Reviews Powered by TripAdvisor. Thanks. Spain has a number of different languages. Search my posts about motorhoming, wild parking, taking a van to Europe, tips for new owners and much more. Approved motorhome overnight parking places/ aires, Free approved overnight parking spots/ schemes, Dont try and wild camp on the coast unless youre somewhere REALLY remote (more likely to be allowed in the North and centre of Spain). Many shops close on Sundays. If youre going later and youre in a popular town or city, expect to wait for a table or book. For a grown-ups-only holiday, check out our recommended sites just for adults Editor's Pick - The best campsites for dogs. The Gap Decaders are participants in a number of affiliate programmes. Speak to a Canada & Alaska Tours Expert. These are the things you MUST have with you when youre motorhome or campervan touring in Spain. In practicality, youll find that the further than civilisation and the beach you are, the better your chances of finding a quiet, free overnight parking spot will be. DISCLAIMER: This post was last updated in October 2021. For Spain motorhome rental best if youre 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. Over many years we have not found a sensible alternative to bypass Rouen, they either add too many miles or progress is frustratingly slow. If you prefer to stay on campsites, few are open in winter, so your route and driving time will be dictated by those that are. Motorhome Route France, Spain and Andorra - Straight through the Pyrenees Developed by: NKC - travel guides (the NKC is the Dutch parent company of Campercontact) Described route: 15 travel days The Pyrenees form the natural border between France and Spain and are richly blessed with natural beauty. You will fall in love with this captivating and romantic city. Of course, the downside with any book is that it goes out of date, but dont worry if its only a year or two out- most information about aires wont change too much. Free time to explore Banff, Jasper, Vancouver & Victoria. Singular places in the Perigord and the Dordogne 7. Complete Europe Motorhome Travel Toolkit, CHECKLIST: Dont forget to grab your FREE Europe motorhome travel checklist HERE. Your UK licence allows you to drive in all EU countries. Starting at the English Channel and continuing to the Bay of Biscay, you're sure to make the memories of a lifetime along the way. Spain surprised us with their attitude towards dogs. The area has hardly any mass tourism. If youre not sure, read, Spare bulbs for all lights in the vehicle, be yellow in the centre with a red outline, Vehicle V5 logbook (which must show your correct address), Green card (get from your vehicle insurer), a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man, Solar panel- perfect if you want to wild camp in Spain with your motorhome, 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). ( Fastest route if no delays round Paris) W1 Fastest - all motorway or dual carriageway except through Rouen. which could distract you when driving should be positioned where you cant see it. 20 routes and trips in France by motorhome or camper to inspire you 1. 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. Lidl carries a good basic range and has by far the best value wine in Spain. In both Pampaneira andTrevlez, we were the only motorhome in their car park,hereandhererespectively. Visit the very modern science museum with contemporary architecture and wander the old river bed which runs right around the city. We stayed several nights at thisgreat spot,perfect for getting the bus to the start of the hike and then walking back from the end, via the bar of course! Stayhereon the north of the lEncanyissada lagoon and if youre lucky youll spot flamingoes migrating. If not, the light will remain on red to slow you down! Always observe the speed limits whencampervanning in Europe. Our award-winning customer service team . The readers of the specialised German magazine Promobil have named Fiat Professional Ducato What food can I take in my motorhome to Spain? Petrol and diesel are widely available. If youre an active and adventure seeking van lifer, then Tarifa, Spain is for you! Continue to the arid and wild Cabo de Gata national park, 71,500 acres of protected land since 1987. Can you wild camp with a motorhome in the Spanish National Parks? Headlight beam converters (unless you can adjust yours automatically). In the height of summer it can be blisteringly hot and wild camping can be a challenge without air conditioning. Across France to the Spanish border Stage 1: Calais to Rouen Leave the ferry terminal and follow the A16 free motorway for 24 miles to Boulogne. If you love adventure and raw nature, then Norway is for you! With over 3,500 top campsites to choose from, we can help you find the Youll often see the typical pictogram sign by the side of the road pointing you to a service point, this may be a dedicated area, within an aire or another facility. Mountain roads are also very slow and if your destination is Valencia or further south there is little saving in overall mileage compared to the much safer and faster route along the Atlantic coast near Biarritz. Some go for up to six months from October onwards, we prefer to spend Christmas at home and travel out in January. Go straight on and then bear right onto the D6015 still signed for Vernon. perfect campsite for your next trip away. If you are staying longer, then it is likely that the sites own rate will be better value the longer you stay the cheaper it becomes. A one-way trip takes about 24 hours and booking a cabin is recommended. For more details, read our step-by-step guide on dealing with a road traffic accident in Europe. 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. The letters pages suggest some of you are not convinced about using them, I simply suggest, give them a fair trial. You cannot touch a screen while driving (television, video, DVD etc.) Home Motorhome Advice Travel to Europe Motorhoming & Campervanning in Spain Complete Guide. 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. 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. First is the ferry crossing options from Plymouth and Portsmouth to Santander and Bilbao - both of these ports are in Northern . It is not a fight breaking out or a lovers tiff, its just everyday conversation! 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. In over twelve years we've had no problems, if it doesnt feel right move on. Very few, if any, shops are open on Sundays so make sure youve stocked up! But, I promise you, there is much more to Spain than the Costa del Sol, especially if youre travelling and touring in a motorhome or camper. So how do we all get there, to enjoy the warmer weather, and cheaper drinks, all subsidised by huge savings on winter energy bills. Campervan Castaways Vanlife 44 | Expert Adventure Motorhome Travel Writing. The (pass) roads in the Pyrenees are sometimes not too wide, but are easy to drive with some mountain experience. theatre and Casa de la Fortuna, a villa with murals and mosaics. These are surprisingly effective! This doesnt apply to a sat nav but you must not touch or program your sat nav unless parked in a safe place. Motorhomes < 3,500 kg (also relevant for those touring Spain by car or campervan). The website is supported by our readers, so if you buy through links on this site we may earn a commission- at no extra cost to you. ), Driving in Spain- what to do in the event of a road traffic accident, Other essential tips for campervanning in Spain, More useful things to know when motorhoming in Spain, FREE Europe motorhome travel checklist HERE, best & warmest places to enjoy winter in Spain, heres what we recommend and where to find it. 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. To enjoy your motorhome or campervan tour, planning and preparation is critical. Just like motorhoming in France, there are certain things you MUST carry with you in your motorhome or campervan whilst touring in Spain. John, we did that trip last year, although we had longer and set off earlier. READ MORE: Learn how we find and use aires and approved free overnight motorhome stopovers across Europe. Route 1 is via Tours, Bordeaux and down the Atlantic coast on the N10 until you cross the border between Biarritz and San Sebastien. Planning to tour Spain with a motorhome or campervan? 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.). We'd love to cross some mountains but just need to be advised by people who have already done it. Whether you're in Frauenfeld for business or pleasure, the Auto Europe team can help you save big on Switzerland car rentals! Firstly, routes and route maps for France and 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. 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). Motorhome routes through France France is the perfect place to plan a motorhome route, for example along the country's southern coast . Inland and in the Spanish mountains, nights can be chilly and in the north, you may well see snow. Yes, you can take dogs, cats and ferrets to Spain. Or check out our motorhome beginners e-book and find all our resources and guides in one place! You can find out all the detail you need in our guide to motorhoming in Europe after Brexit. Destination. Enjoy holidays year-round with this selection of sites that are open all year Editor's Pick - The best campsites in Devon. Our route only involves one major junction so, outside rush hour, traffic should be reasonably light. 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. Read more. Continue straight on to seamlessly join the D323 southern bypass and in 7.5 miles turn south, still the D323, to La Fleche and on to Bauge and Saumur. 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. Look out for Ainsa, a beautiful medieval hilltop town inAragn, with incredible mountainviews. 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. Many shops and businesses also shut for a long lunch (between 12-2pm) and some will not open on Wednesday afternoons. Andalucia epitomises southern Spain for most visitors; vibrant, colourful and passionate. See Through France without tolls. If you wait until youre at the ferry/ tunnel, you could spend THREE times as much! The bullfighting season runs from March to October with fights usually taking place on Sunday afternoons. Hi we plan to take a trip to Spain and Portugal for two months starting the third week in March. NOTE: Gas bottles can be tough to get- and its forbidden to fill foreign gas cylinders. All opinions remain our own. They will probably be smaller than other pitches and perhaps not as favourably placed. Wander here for a day and see the cathedral, Plazas Mayorand Santa Domingo andtheBasilica de San Isidoro. Spain celebrates fourteen public holidays a year, many religious in origin; you can check out the dates. This site has more information about tolls in Spain and what you might expect to pay on the various Autopistas. Traditionally it was followed by a nap, the famous. head to that area to get some winter sunshine. TOP TIP: If you are travelling outside of peak season, definitely get an ACSI CampingCard youll save a fortune on campsites all over Europe, including Spain. Visit to Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield Skywalk. This is designated motorhome parking, well-lit and manned with CCTV and services but no EHU. At some campsites, you will need to pay extra for shower or electric usage. If you only see one thing, it must be the Cathedral, where all roads seemingly lead, includingthe famous Camino. The pros and cons of these options would take an entire article and there are many who have good reason for their choice. Variable landscapes, impressive mountains and picturesque villages. Driving your motorhome through France into Spain Your journey through France to Irun in a motorhome will be close to ten hours. Heres everything you need to know about campervanning or motorhoming in Spain. There are lots of failed projects around and many, many half built houses and buildings. Read our blog post about hiking in the Ordesa Valley here. Full details of the cost or routing via Reims is available on the French Autoroutes website. This route is by far the fastest, and it ensures that you can make the entire journey through France without needing to stop at any point if more than one person can take to the steering wheel. Total length of the route: 910 kilometres. Motorhoming through France means that you are totally flexible as you road trip France, and you can either have a fixed plan and route all mapped out or you can travel along and decide where to go as your whim decides. Highlights of 20 days travelling through south-west France. You might get parmesan cheese in a vegetarian dish for example, or prawns in a vegetarian salad. Motorhome aires in France are so well located - we've stayed in inner cities, within castle walls, at the bottom of ski pistes and steps away from a lake's shore. Park outside and use public transport to get in. Taking a motorhome to Italy is an experience not to be missed. 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. 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 its a spectacular drive and worth the fuel to get there this is what motorhoming in southern Spain is all about! This final stretch towards Bayonne now has toll points which are difficult to avoid unless you go out to the coast. Take your caravan or motorhome on the slow route to North-East Spain Spain France Travel Advice We're often asked for suggested routes, and the way to Spain is one which crops up regularly. Leave Calais on the A 16 following signs for Abbeville. From here to Bayonne is 256 miles but its a fast dual carriageway virtually all the way with only Bordeaux having heavy traffic. Are you desperate for some Spanish sun but dont want to fly? Also campsites are often in remote rural areas and may not have hard standing. You join the bottom of the A10 motorway for the free section towards the city. These are usually exceptionally good value and will give you a taste of the local and seasonal flavour and cooking style. It's almost Toll free (more on that a little later . Two days from Dunkerque to Biarritz. In our opinion, southern Spain is the perfect European winter destination. Top Tip: Even if you book a standard class cabin, its possible to book into the Commodore C-Club lounge, where free hot drinks, water and wine are served, along with generous snacks, meaning you dont need to pay for expensive food on board. We fancied maybe staying at camping oyambre the other side of Santander and doing a car trip into the Picos and surroundings then down to Haro to taste some Rioja. Rent a motorhome between individuals. For some reason, driving from the UK to Spain seems to confuse people. The medieval centre of Santiago de Compostela is almost entirely pedestrianised, in keeping with its UNESCO World Heritage status. If youre coming from the south, make sure to stop at thewetlands of La Albufera and try the traditional paella which originated here. The magical French Brittany 2. September and October offer warm sunshine, with the earth and sea still warm from the heat of August. If you want to learn a few works, Castilian is the one to pick as it is the most widely spoken. Personal travel and medical insurance along with an EHIC or, Two warning triangles for the front and rear. Check out our guides to travelling in France where you'll be sure to find lots of ideas and inspiration, get our 2 week motorhome itinerary France complete with a motorhome route map of France, or check out our French destination ideas.