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 theyre a cocker spaniel who doesnt understand the meaning of the word chill! Free motorhome parking in Spain is easy and safe as long as you follow a few basic guidelines. The Pyrenees is best visited between May and October, unless you want to ski, as outside these times you will definitely encounter snow. 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. Breakdown cover documentation (not compulsory). Some of our favourite places for motorhome trips in Northern France include: The Normandy beaches. Mileages where quoted are approximate, road signs in kilometres can seem very high, just remember 50km is 30 miles, 100km is 60 miles, etc. 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.) This doesnt apply to a sat nav but you must not touch or program your sat nav unless parked in a safe place. Dont forget to grab your free wild camping checklist here. If you like to hike, head for the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, to hike the famousCircodeSoaso. Each route takes about a day to drive, so take this into account when planning your Spanish road trip itinerary. 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. 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. Spain has a number of different languages. You could also look at Auto Europe who act as an aggregator site and may be able to get you a better deal. If you do find any discrepancies, please do let us know. But let's get down to practicalities. ), you might find things a little quieter, certainly with British vans. Ronda is surrounded by mountains and is split in half by the gaping gorge of the river Tajo. Immerse yourself in nature and explore places that are difficult to reach with a motorhome, such as narrow gravel paths to the mountain peak or off-road bike routes through the pine trees. This is a long drive so to break it up we suggest stopping off at Eighty Mile Beach to stretch your legs. The weight of your motorhome no longer matters- all motorhomes are charged the same. Aires are just approved motorhome overnight parking places- often provided and maintained by the local commune. This can vary a little from town to town but fundamentally the afternoon is for relaxing and spending time together as a family; if you cant beat em, join em! ive been looking through some discussions about driving down but none that fit my criteria; The motorhome route is shown in the map below. Spains fabulous climate will seduce you and its people charm you. Planning a driving route from UK to Spain, Hiring a motorhome or camper to tour Spain. The slip road ends in traffic lights where you need to be in the centre lane to turn left across a dual carriageway. Then you have two main routes through France to Spain. If you're on an extended motorhome tour and time is no object, of course pottering south along the west coast of France and crossing the Pyrenees is a wonderful introduction to Spain. Spanish roads are typically well-maintained, and the drivers are considerate and relaxed. Morocco is the perfect post-Brexit escape if youre looking to spend three months out of the Schengen area. Nestled down a leafy street, in the heart of Brisbane, is Gerard's Bistro. 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. This route lends itself well to ferries which arrive from the UK into Caen or Cherbourg. Bullfightingis seen as heroic, atest of wills involving courage, intelligence, and elegance; matadors are national heroes. Valencia is a green and vibrant city, with great nightlife. Out of season, you can get over 60% discount on ACSI sites. 020 7084 6500. You can find out more information here. New to motorhome or camper travel in Europe? The bullfighting season runs from March to October with fights usually taking place on Sunday afternoons. 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. All opinions remain our own. Highlights of 20 days travelling through south-west France. Spain celebrates fourteen public holidays a year, many religious in origin; you can check out the dates. The huge highlight from this route is crossing the Millau Viaduct in your motorhome or camper- its well worth the experience. Is this your first time visiting Spain? This page may contain affiliate links, meaning if you buy through them we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Order a Cerveza pequea (small beer) for 1 and get a free tapa, you can do this in all the bars in Len and literally have your dinner for nothing! From here either turn towards Ainhoa to cross the border, or continue on to St-Jean-Pied-de-Port where you enter Spain and climb to a 1,000m over the Ibaneta Pass. Before motorhome overnight parking, do your usual checks and add an extra one look forPine Processionary Caterpillars in Spain, which make their nests in those lovely shady pine trees we all like to park under. The Pyrenees form the natural border between France and Spain and are richly blessed with natural beauty. Ratings and Reviews Powered by TripAdvisor. Be sure to get: Name and address of all the people involved in the accident, Vehicle registration numbers of all parties, Take photos of damage using a camera, GoPro or phone. Are you feeling a bit nervous about wild camping for the first time? All across Spain, you will find a network ofVia Verdes literally translated as the green ways. Are you new to motorhoming? Can you wild camp with a motorhome in the Spanish National Parks? The other popular option for groups of 4 or larger, or for those seeking a few more luxuries within their campervan, is the motorhome style of camper. Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when motorhoming Spain. As you leave the ferry terminal stay on the main road, dont turn into town unless you intend staying on the aire near the harbour. A one-way trip takes about 24 hours and booking a cabin is recommended. 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. . 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. Regardless of who accompanies you on your next trip or destination, the vehicle you need is on Yescapa. Motorhoming in Spain in winter offers many benefits but be prepared as you may need to use your heating and will find it cools down as soon as the sun sets. Search my posts about motorhoming, wild parking, taking a van to Europe, tips for new owners and much more. 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. In 15miles you can either turn onto the A660 towards Arcachon and the coastal beaches or continue for another 13 miles when the free A63 suddenly changes back to the N10. 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). For a more authentic Spain, head to inland rural areas away from the Costas and enjoy everything the mountains and gorgeous interior cities have to offer. Incredible mountain views from Banff Gondola. From here to Bayonne is 256 miles but its a fast dual carriageway virtually all the way with only Bordeaux having heavy traffic. When visitingCrdobain a motorhome, this is the only designated parking allowing overnight stays; we found it to be great value for money, with security being important. Bigger supermarkets may be open, but will close at lunchtime. DISCLAIMER: This post was last updated in October 2021. Make sure you check them in advance! Menu Skip to . For more details, read our step-by-step guide on dealing with a road traffic accident in Europe. Journey along the loneliest road in America. Camping Los Escullosis a great site, which is situated in the national park, close to Los Escullos beach ( a good spot for wild camping on the beach in Spain) and a couple of really good hikes. But of course there is much more to see along the way! If youd like to connect with Kat, send her an email or follow her adventures on social media. Essential if your car, caravan or motorhome has a GB plate. 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. What food can I take in my motorhome to Spain? These warning triangles are now being phased out and from 1st July 2021 a new law requires that a. Reflective jacket (for the driver and all passengers). However, with a little common sense and staying within the restrictions, its often possible to stay off-grid with your motorhome or campervan. 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. Gas bottles are also widely available, with butane generally being more popular because of the warmer climate (butaneis more suited to milderweather conditions but propane is better for cold weather as it burns at lower temperatures). We found some ofthebest 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. 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. Youll probably also want some form of air conditioning or at least a fan in your camper- temperatures can get up to 40+c. Find motorhome and campervan sites at Pitchup that are bound to get the bark of approval Main roads (mostly modern single carriageway roads) are in green. These are surprisingly effective! Planning to take your motorhome to Europe? Head for the romantic city of Granada, and the whitewashed villages of the High Alpujarras, Pampaneira and Trevlez, the highest village in Spain. They are old, disused railways lines that have been converted to cycling and walking tracks, often through stunning scenery with few other users. But dont enter the town, which is busy and narrow. Yep. Eastern route Paris - Clermont-Ferrand - Bziers - Perpignan - La Jonquera The eastern route through France is the obvious choice for travelling to eastern Spain. You will be crossing the notorious Bay of Biscay- and it can get ROUGH. You might get parmesan cheese in a vegetarian dish for example, or prawns in a vegetarian salad. 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. Weve been touring Europe in our motorhome for several years. Free motorways are shown in blue, Spanish toll motorways are shown in red. This gorgeous country, full of beautiful light, fabulous food and landscapes straight from a film set, will not disappoint. If you are travelling at or below the speed limit, the red traffic light will change in your favour. An unusual bit of good news for motorists ! From here, drive south towards Ronda and the Parque Natural de la Sierra Grazalema. An editorial review of South Lytchett Manor Caravan & Camping Park Sandy Lane, Weybourne, Holt, Norfolk, East of England, NR25 7HW. Each four-weekly issue is packed with the best motorhome travel features, genuine reader reviews of campsites, in-depth motorhome reviews, plus the latest technical advice, buying tips and much more. See below for best route avoiding Spanish tolls. All that walking demands you sample the tapas scene, arguably the best in Spain, with regular live music and tapasthat are a bit more inventive than the normal tourist offering. Follow the N11 towards Girona and Barcelona. The pace of life is simple and unhurried. Packed with great museums and atmospheric squares and quarters, Madrid is a great city in which to spend a day or so. Stop your vehicle immediately but safely- out of the flow of traffic if possible. Legally, youre only allowed to stay on approved overnight motorhome spaces or campsites. If you choose to use the Autopista toll roads while motorhoming in Spain, here are some tips for you: Bizarrely, some toll roads in Spain are being demoted to free routes, but are still marked as AP on the map. However this is a busy slow trucking route and takes you right through Tours, where believe me, you dont want to be. 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. Spanish cooking is very regional, with fish, shellfish and pork featuring heavily on most menus. From Lyon, you will drive through France's breathtaking landscape to the Atlantic coast. Dont forget you will need to bring a different nozzle to connect the Spanish gas bottle fitting to your UK system. 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). Some go for up to six months from October onwards, we prefer to spend Christmas at home and travel out in January. TOP TIP: If youre planning to stay in one area for a long time (30+ days), negotiate a special rate with the campsite directly. If youre new to our website (welcome! Look out for Ainsa, a beautiful medieval hilltop town inAragn, with incredible mountainviews. - Travelling down the coast is one of the best France motorhome routes If you've got the staying power, then get yourself down to the south west of France where this cool coastal town, not too far from the Spanish border, can offer you a few days of sun, sea and surf. Two days from Dunkerque to Biarritz. Cross the Loire and follow the fast D347 past Montreuil-Bellay and Loudun all the way to Poitiers. Youll need to book a pet-friendly cabin or kennels on the ferry or travel via the tunnel. Use an app likePark4Nightto locate motorhome and campervan services. If you dont have your own vehicle, you can easily fly into Spain and hire one. 9 Motorhome Ferry Routes to and From France Dover - Calais Dover - Dunkirk Newhaven - Dieppe Plymouth - Rostoff Poole - Cherbourg Portsmouth - Caen Portsmouth - Cherbourg Portsmouth - Le Harve Portsmouth - St. Malo Motorhome Ferry Routes to and From Spain Plymouth - Santander Portsmouth - Bilbao Portsmouth - Santander Sometimes we take three, but in the winter there is not much point stopping, we prefer to get to home quicker. 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. Remember if youre driving across France, youll need to observe the French driving laws and road rules, which do differ from the rules in Spain. The Gap Decaders are participants in a number of affiliate programmes. 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. 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. You will also be within easy walking distance of the Casco Antiguo, the old town. Click here to see our Privacy and Disclosure Policy. 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. This has not changed since Brexit as the information-sharing agreement with the DVLA continues. Its one of the warmest places in Europe in February average temperatures in Malaga are 17c (but only 12c in Madrid- that extra bit south does make a big difference). Caravan & Motorhome Holidays Abroad ; Trip along Spanish Pyrenees to . 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. 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. This is one of the quickest motorhome routes through France to Spain and is the cheapest from a toll perspective. Many Northern Europeans (like us Brits!) 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?) Buy the guide online and get full access to 24-hour stays. Heading further north, the beautiful cities of La Rochelle and Nantes are already waiting for you. b) Short crossing to northern France, motorways to Perpignan, then the Spanish AP7 coastal motorway to your destination. Nor is getting out the awning and putting up your TV aerial. If you're planning a UK campsite stay then visit our Campsite Finder, with over 5,000 campsites to search you'll be sure to find the perfect place to pitchup to in your Motorhome. In over twelve years we've had no problems, if it doesnt feel right move on. There are two low emission zones in Madrid planned, and other Spanish cities with a population of more than 50,000 are required to implement an LEZ by 2023. 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). Follow this for 2.5miles to the D938 which you follow southwards past Belleme and then as the D301 past Bonnetable towards Le Mans. Its warm for one thing, and theres nothing like a little sunshine to chase away those winter blues. 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! 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. 6 awesome Campervan Storage Ideas youll regret not using! 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. If you need any kit or essentials for motorhoming in Europe, heres what we recommend and where to find it, You can travel with Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth or Plymouth and go to either Santander or Bilbao (both on the north coast of Spain). 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. I am a pretty competent driver and not nervous of driving in mountains provided the roads are sensible and not too narrow. Digital e-guides FAQ UK Car Sticker. There are many aires along the coast south of Bordeaux and many motorhomes only come this far for the winter. LPG for refillable systems is available in many garages, use the myLPG app to search near where you are. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Garmin Camper 760LM 7" - Lifetime Europe Maps Sat Nav - Camper/Motorhome/Caravan at the best online prices at eBay! If in doubt, double check with the chef or waiting staff. Three-day friendly festival in West Sussex. Itsprobablybest visited in Spring or September/October on your way to sunnier climes. Motorhome touring in the beautiful and varied country of France is a pleasure. We are Phil and Izzy. What documents do you need to drive in Spain? which could distract you when driving should be positioned where you cant see it. This dramatic and wild space is iconic Andalusia; it seems like everyhillside cradles a pueblo blanco. 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. From tips about driving, where to stay overnight and wild camping, to motorhome services and a round-up of the best motorhome destinations, youll find all the information you need for an amazing motorhome road trip in Spain. This tranquil and beautiful nature wetland nature reserve is known for its birdlife and encompasses rivers, dunes & beaches. As with most countries in Europe, you have four options when it comes to where to park your motorhome or camper overnight: Sadly, Spain is getting tougher about free overnight motorhome parking spots and many places now ban them completely. Some spots are even right on the beach! Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a0d3bb0083595b6364da5d620cb66011" );document.getElementById("fe07b4a206").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Read our blog post about hiking in the Ordesa Valley here. On roads with single carriageways,the speed limit establishedmay not be exceeded by more 20km/h when overtaking. However, now that BREXIT has happened and rules have changed (more on that later too! Book your perfect motorhome easily, safely and affordably. 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. Park outside and use public transport to get in. Theyre not often allowed on public transport, even with a muzzle, which made visiting places difficult. Lunch, which is the main meal of the day, is eaten between 2 and 3pm. From the green north and the mountainous interior to the gorgeous coasts, youll find all the best road trips in Spain here. We love helping motorhome & campervan owners make the most of their time on the road, whether youre a complete motorhome newbie or planning a long tour of Europe. A similar scheme to France Passion, Espana Discoveryprovides motorhomers with stopovers at over 206 off-the-beaten-path farms, bodegas (vineyards) and producers. 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. del Corregidor). Calais-Alicante via Paris Clermont Ferrand then Perpignan and the coastal AP7. *We work hard to make this the best motorhome blog and road trip website possible, full of helpful content for you. Road surfaces are generally pretty good and, unlike France, they try to avoid 10,0000000 road works on a bank holiday weekend. Motorhoming in Spain- motorhome at Mesa Roldan tower Cabo de Gata Nijar Natural Park in Almeria, Andalusia Spain Road tripping Spain in Spring and Autumn The best times to visit are probably the shoulder seasons of Spring and Autumn. 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. Whether you like it or not, bullfighting is a huge part of Spanish life and culture. Don't . 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. Planning to tour Spain with a motorhome or campervan? Always observe the speed limits whencampervanning in Europe. Shops Food prices are pretty inexpensive. Taking a motorhome to Italy is an experience not to be missed. Although this was in late February, wefound all the bars and restaurants open and welcoming. Lidl carries a good basic range and has by far the best value wine in Spain. Make sure your wild camping spot is not on private property and that you have parked respectfully of residents and other wild campers nearby. We have an 8m motorhome and are travelling down to Barcelona but wanted to take a detour through the mountains. If youre coming from the south, make sure to stop at thewetlands of La Albufera and try the traditional paella which originated here. Between 1st November and 31st March every year, the mix changes to 35/65 to account for the colder weather. Portugal is a perfect motorhome and campervan destination. This final stretch towards Bayonne now has toll points which are difficult to avoid unless you go out to the coast. 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. They will probably be smaller than other pitches and perhaps not as favourably placed. Many people seem to think they can turn up and park wherever they want, but this is not the case. Just like other tolls in Europe, youll 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. Why? Also, many campsites put ACSI users on lesser pitches (either bad view or no electric or drainage). Want to get exclusive tips and tricks? From the Cote dAzur to the deserted and tranquil interior, France is the perfect place to spend a summer in your motorhome. Sin Plomo 95 is Regular Unleaded, Sin Plomo 98 is Premium Unleaded and Gasoleo (sometimes called Gasoil A)is Diesel and sometimes its also called diesel in Spain! Or check out our motorhome beginners e-book and find all our resources and guides in one place! If you wear glasses you must carry a spare pair. That's what awaits you during your trip through the French and Spanish Pyrenees. If youre 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. Service is usually included in the fixed price, which can range from 10 to 18 or possibly more if youre in a big tourist city. Firstly, routes and route maps for France and Spain. Our hand-selected campsites for a super staycation Holiday park profile: Rockbridge Country Holiday Park (Discover Parks). Motorhoming in Spain- what gear do you need to carry? c) Short crossing but drive across country through France and Spain. Motorhome camping in and around Barcelona is challenging. It looks horrible, smells disgusting and its a real bummer when you tread in it.
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