Granada | © Granada | Maddie Leopardo - Unsplash

8 Motorhome routes in Spain in Winter

Spain is one of the most visited destinations by travelers from all over the world and any time of the year is perfect for it. A country where the footprint of history and the mixture of cultures is still present with a large number of places and monuments of great cultural and architectural richness to visit such as the Alhambra in Granada. On the other hand, it has also been able to adapt to the times, turning some of its cities such as Barcelona into a focus of avant-gardism.

Spain is the richest country in Europe in biodiversity thanks to its richness in species, natural habitats and its climate. We can find from wild white sandy beaches like Carnota in Galicia to mountain ranges over 3,000 meters high like Mount Teide.

And if we talk about its best qualities, we cannot forget its gastronomy. Spanish cuisine is currently one of the best valued in the world. The variety of typical dishes, creative and healthy, make it a perfect example of Mediterranean diet to discover accompanied by a good wine.

Camper Van with Winter Mountains | © Camper Van with Winter Mountains | MemoryCatcher - Pixabay
  • Camper Van with Winter Mountains | MemoryCatcher - Pixabay

Why take a winter tour in Spain?

Doing a motorhome tour in Spain in winter is to enjoy the comfort of your motorhome and many other advantages that this season gives us. The villages shed their skin, take out their best decorations, coats, fireplaces and we can not forget the snow, it will make real magic in our photos.

It is a unique moment in the year to take advantage of the typical winter dishes in many places of our country and of great rewards to the cold outside with relaxing baths in spas with beautiful views.

Camper Van with Winter Mountains | © Camper Van with Winter Mountains | Luke Porter - Unsplash
  • Camper Van with Winter Mountains | Luke Porter - Unsplash

Motorhome Tours in Spain

Spain is full of wonderful places and the routes in motorhome are one of the best ways to know closely its corners.

That is why we have compiled the best motorhome routes throughout Spain, along with recommendations on what to see, what activities you can do and where to spend the night.

Pyrenese Mountains in Winter | © Pyrenese Mountains in Winter | mertxegranena - Pixabay
Motorhome Routes in Spain: the North
FIRST MOTORHOME ROUTE IN SPAIN IN WINTER

Route through the Pyrenees

The southern slope of the Pyrenees extends from Cap de Creus in Catalonia, through Aragon and Navarra to Jaizkibel, in the Basque Country. There is no better way to get to know it than on a route in a motorhome or camper and enjoy its landscapes and charming villages such as Ansó. Peaks over 3000 m, glaciers, lakes, forests and valleys where you can fall in love with the whiter side of the mountains. Take the opportunity to practice outdoor activities such as snowshoeing or skiing and then regain strength tasting typical dishes of the area such as Boliches de Embún, Recao de Binéfar or farinetas de Aragón.

There are many places to spend the night in this area. We have selected three that you cannot miss.

  1. Camping Los Vives Our recommendation for Seniors. Located in the Bal de Chistau, between the Ordesa National Park and the Posets Maladeta Natural Park, it is the perfect place to enjoy a stay in full contact with nature and with all the amenities offered by its facilities.
  2. Camping Borda Bisaltico Our recommendation to enjoy with the family. This is a campsite with an excellent grill restaurant, with good facilities and located in the Echo Valley, in the heart of the Natural Park of the Western Valleys. Nearby is the Selva de Oza, the Agua Tuerta Valley and the village of Ansó, one of the most beautiful in Spain.
  3. Ordesa Pyrenees Motorhome Area Our recommendation for couples. This motorhome area is located in the heart of the Aragonese Pyrenees, in the village of Fiscal, just 20km from Ordesa and Monte Perdido. An area with very close treatment with the responsible of the area that will inform you of a myriad of activities that you can enjoy during your stay.
Valle Aguas Tuertas Pirineos | © Valle Aguas Tuertas Pirineos | Viajando Nuestra Vida
  • Valle Aguas Tuertas Pirineos | Viajando Nuestra Vida
SECOND MOTORHOME ROUTE THROUGH SPAIN IN WINTER

Route through the Cantabrian area

From the beach of Hondarribia in the Basque Country, passing through Cantabria, Asturias and reaching Cape Ortegal in Galicia we can make one of the most spectacular motorhome routes in Spain. Following the coast of the Cantabrian Sea we can enjoy fishing villages like Cudillero in Asturias, hidden beaches like Berellín in Cantabria, vertiginous cliffs like those of Arnuero, beautiful landscapes, lighthouses with a lot of mystery and a contrast of colors from the purest green to the most intense blue. An area that besides enjoying it by sight you will enjoy it by taste, because its gastronomy of sea and land with dishes such as cocido lebaniego or bocartes a la cazuela, will make your route in motorhome a real enjoyment.

In this route the places to spend the night are located mostly on the coast. Take note and enjoy this selection:

  1. Camping Cabuérniga Our recommendation for seniors. Located in a protected natural environment, it is the ideal place to relax and enjoy nature in its purest form with the possibility of seeing a great diversity of birds, fauna and contemplate the native vegetation. In addition, from the campsite you can visit the beautiful Cabuérniga Valley on different routes on foot or by bike.
  2. Motorhome area of Camping Villaviciosa Our recommendation for families. A motorhome area with a capacity of 57 places, 24 of which have electrical connection and with all the necessary services. In addition with the possibility of access to all the services of the campsite with very economic prices. A welcome initiative by this campsite and with services that are difficult to find in other motorhome areas.
  3. Motorhome area of Liérganes Our recommendation for couples. Located 2 minutes from the old town of Liérganes, one of the most beautiful villages in Spain, it is ideal for getting to know this village and as an entry point to the Pasiegos Valleys. A quiet place, with services of emptying and filling of water and in a town with a lot of charm and history.
Landscape Playa de Prellezo | © Landscape Playa de Prellezo
  • Landscape Playa de Prellezo
Camping at Berellin Cantabria | © Camping at Berellin Cantabria | Viajando Nuestra Vida
  • Camping at Berellin Cantabria | Viajando Nuestra Vida
Ebro Delta | © Ebro Delta | Santiago Lacarta - Unsplash
Motorhome Routes in Spain: the East
THIRD ROUTE IN MOTORHOME BY SPAIN IN WINTER

Route through the lands of the Ebro

The third route that we propose you is by the zone of the lands of the Ebro, located in the south of Catalonia and that goes from the regions of the Montsia, Bajo Ebro, Tierra Alta and the Ribera de Ebro. This area, which stretches from the coast to the interior, bordering Aragon, is of great scenic and cultural richness. Land of calçots, vermouth, rice and quality fish.

It offers an incomparable setting when traveling by motorhome as nature, sunsets and traditions such as rice festivals, become the protagonists of this route. We cannot forget to mention that it has one of the largest wetlands in Europe, the Ebro Delta Natural Park.

The places to spend the night in this area are varied. From spots close to bird watching to places under a medieval castle. Here is our selection:

  1. Camping Ampolla Our recommendation for seniors. A cozy and familiar campsite with all the comforts located on the beach with more than 2km of sand in the fishing village of L'Ampolla and at the gates of the Natural Park of the Ebro Delta. An exceptional place to enjoy the spectacular sunsets of this area and ideal for relaxing with the pleasant walks along the coast.
  2. Casa de Fusta motorhome area Our recommendation for families. Right on the shore of the l'Encanyissada lagoon and surrounded by rice fields, you will find this private motorhome area with all services. In addition to its exceptional location in the heart of the Ebro Delta, it is right next to one of the most emblematic buildings of the delta, the Casa de Fusta museum.
  3. El Masroig motorhome area Our recommendation for couples. A fantastic area with filling and emptying services and with privileged views in the middle of the village. Besides being a good place to stop and visit the village, it is highly recommended to visit the wineries for a wine tasting next door.
Miravet Priorat Flujo  | © Miravet Priorat Flujo | susnpics - Pixabay
  • Miravet Priorat Flujo | susnpics - Pixabay
FOURTH ROUTE IN MOTORHOME BY SPAIN IN WINTER

Route along the Valencian Coast

For lovers of mild temperatures throughout the year and those who want to walk along the beach with the sun on the face in winter, we recommend a motorhome route along the Costa Valenciana.

From Peñíscola in Castellón to Torrevieja in Alicante there are about 400 kilometers of good weather to walk along beaches such as Playa de Tamarit in Santa Pola (Alicante) or Terranova in Oliva (Valencia).

It is also an area with a lot of history and we can see it reflected in towns like Peñiscola or Morella, medieval towns that preserve an old town with a lot of charm.

For those who are looking for amazing places in nature, the Costa Valenciana holds truly amazing secrets such as El Chorro in Montanejos (Castellón) or the Natural Park of l'Albufera in Valencia.

Our recommendation for overnight stays on the Costa Valenciana is the following:

  1. Camping Ribamar It is our selection for families. This campsite located in Alcossebre is 100 meters from the beach, has spacious pitches, restaurant, library, multisport area, children's playground and many other services. They are also committed to the environment through a series of measures, trying to conserve the natural, landscape and cultural resources of the area (plant care; light saving; water saving; recycling of paper, glass, plastic, organic; battery collection; collection of used light bulbs; collection of used cooking oil).
  2. Camping Las Palmeras This is our selection for seniors. A camping resort with all kinds of services for your stay. Restaurant, relaxation area and gardens among others. This resort obtained in 2010 the Q quality certificate for its efforts to make everything perfect.
  3. Free AC area in Castellón de la Plana This is our selection for couples who want to be close to the beach. An area with all the free services located in the Paseo Marítimo with a maximum parking time of 48 hours in a row.
Valencia Albufera Atardecer | © Valencia Albufera Atardecer | Xalapi - Pixabay
  • Valencia Albufera Atardecer | Xalapi - Pixabay
Valencia Desfiladero Chillapajaros | © Valencia Desfiladero Chillapajaros | Viajando Nuestra Vida
  • Valencia Desfiladero Chillapajaros | Viajando Nuestra Vida
Segovia Catedral Plaza Mayor | © Segovia Catedral Plaza Mayor | Lopez_Grande - Pixabay
Motorhome Routes in Spain: The Center
FIFTH ROUTE IN MOTORHOME THROUGH SPAIN IN WINTER

Route through the Ribera del Duero

This is the route for wine lovers and runs between vineyards, monasteries, plains and beautiful villages full of heritage, gastronomy and aromas. From the province of Burgos this route extends towards Soria, Segovia and ending in Valladolid, where you can enjoy wine tourism on board our motorhome and without forgetting to have heating and a good coat.

Drive through towns such as Peñafiel (the heart of the region), Peñaranda del Duero, Curiel del Duero, Quintanilla de Onésimo, Padilla de Duero or Castrillo de la Vega. Stop at one of the wineries in the area such as Pago de Carraovejas in Peñafiel to taste their wines and take the opportunity to enjoy unique experiences on this route.

For this route we have compiled some bucolic places to spend the night for those who want to make a relaxing getaway:

  1. Camping Refugio de Pescadores in Covaleda Our choice for young couples looking for a place in the middle of nature. The plots are under pine trees, are spacious and with affordable prices and services of electricity, emptying, drinking water, bakery among others.
  2. Camping Astral is our recommendation for seniors visiting this area. It is located in the town of Tordesillas, in the center of the community of Castilla y León, next to the Duero River. Flat, plotted and with abundant shade where you can breathe a familiar and quiet atmosphere. Its restaurant offers high quality products.
  3. Camping Hoces del Duratón This campsite is our recommendation for families looking for activities in the area. It is located at the gates of the Hoces del Río Duratón Natural Park in a beautiful wooded area, with lawns, fountains, a children's playground with a zip line and wooden houses. Here you can enjoy nature, practice sports and adventure activities.
Amanecer Ribera del Duero Rio Riaza | © Amanecer Ribera del Duero Rio Riaza | helenaespinosa - Pixabay
  • Amanecer Ribera del Duero Rio Riaza | helenaespinosa - Pixabay
SIXTH ROUTE IN MOTORHOME BY SPAIN IN WINTER

Route through La Mancha

Castilla y la Mancha is located in the heart of the peninsula. You will be able to make a route in motorhome that takes you to know monumental cities like Toledo, beautiful landscapes like those in the Tablas de Daimiel or monuments of legend like the windmills, in Campos de Criptana.

If there is one thing about this extensive province, it is that you will be able to choose the route that best suits your tastes. If these are gastronomic, you can delight yourself with its austere and simple cuisine where home-made products such as cheeses, wines, honey, and typical dishes such as gazpacho manchego, roasts, atascaburras, Castilian soup or stews will be the protagonists and will warm up your winter route.

If you want to follow the literary or historical steps like a knight-errant, the route through medieval villages such as Guadalajara, Tembleque, Alcalá del Júcar or Almagro, among others, will make you feel like you are in a novel.

The places to spend the night that we have selected for this route are the following:

  1. Camping La Veguilla Our recommendation for seniors. In the Alcarria de Cuenca, on the outskirts of a village in a quiet natural environment among pines and other species, is the modern camping "La Veguilla". An ideal place for rest and relaxation with all the comforts but also with many hiking options and places of interest nearby.
  2. Camping Los Bonales Our recommendation for families. Integrated in the Sierra Norte de Guadalajara Natural Park, very close to the village of Cantalojas, you will find this campsite with a quiet and cozy atmosphere. Precisely its location is perfect for endless activities such as excursions and routes in the Serranía de Guadalajara, Soria and Segovia or the obligatory visit to the Natural Park Hayedo de Tejera Negra, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2017 just 1km from the campsite.
  3. Free motorhome area of Puerto Lápice Our recommendation for couples. Perfect area with all services very close to the village and with excellent views both at sunrise and sunset to the typical windmills of La Mancha.
Spanish windmills | © Spanish windmills | Donations_are_appreciated - Pixabay
  • Spanish windmills | Donations_are_appreciated - Pixabay
Playa de Zahora | © Playa de Zahora | Wirestock - stock.adobe.com
Motorhome Routes in Spain: the South
SEVENTH ROUTE IN MOTORHOME IN SPAIN IN WINTER

Route along the Gaditana Coast

This is one of the motorhome routes in Spain in winter that we recommend you to forget about maps and slow travels. To enjoy the Costa de la Luz, on the coast of Cadiz, you have to let yourself be carried away by its more than 250 kilometers that go from Sanlucar de Barrameda to Sotogrande. Delve into its white villages such as Vejer de la Frontera, the long beaches of Tarifa or the beach of La Barrosa and other renowned beaches such as Zahara de los Atunes or Barbate.

The Gaditana Coast consists of natural sites such as the Natural Park of Cabo de Trafalgar and places as emblematic as Caños de Meca. Also known for being a place of reference in the hippie movement and for being located next to Cape Trafalgar, where the naval battle that pitted Britain against France and Spain took place on October 21, 1805.

To finish the route we recommend you to go to Jerez de la Frontera, visit one of its wineries and taste its wines of denomination of origin. These visits usually end with a tasting and are highly recommended.

There are many places to spend the night in this area but we wanted to leave you a selection of three of them:

  1. Camping La Rosaleda Our recommendation for seniors. This campsite located in Conil enjoys mild temperatures and tranquility in winter. Its facilities have everything you need to enjoy your days on the coast of Cadiz.
  2. Camping playa las Dunas de San Anton Our recommendation for those traveling with children is this fantastic campsite located in the coastal pine forest fully integrated into nature. In addition this campsite has very good facilities and a Mini club called the Chameleon designed for the little ones to enjoy activities, workshops, games and more.
  3. Camping El Palmar It is our recommendation for couples. It is located in one of the most beautiful places on the Costa de la Luz. Ideal for those who want to relax and enjoy the mild climate and good beach bars in the area. El Palmar is an enclave near the Natural Park of La Breña and the Marshes of Barbate. Great starting point for excursions such as "La Ruta del Toro", "La Ruta del Vino".
EIGHTH ROUTE IN MOTORHOME BY SPAIN IN WINTER

Route by the Alpujarra of Granada

The region of the Alpujarra, located in the heart of the Penibetic mountain range and at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, is a region full of history and culture. Just an hour and a half from the paradisiacal beaches of Cabo de Gata, one of the most beautiful coastal areas of the country, extends this region of whitewashed houses that mimic the snow-capped peaks over a thousand meters.

With a wild and high mountain landscape, it is an ecosystem that has an enormous value. Different cultures have passed through this mountain range and left their traces, such as the Iberian, Celtic, Roman, Muslim and Christian. Undoubtedly this makes it an area full of contrasts. A cultural richness that is noticeable both in the architecture of the Alpujarra and in its people. For here the roots and traditions of their ancestors have been preserved and this is noticeable in its streets and in their kitchens, where they prepare really delicious dishes such as the rich Alpujarreño dish.

If you visit the Alpujarra you can not forget to visit villages like Trevélez, Pampaneira, Soportújar, Capileira or Bubión. But above all, if you like hiking, in this area you can enjoy excellent routes such as the Siete Lagunas with snowshoes or skiing in the ski slopes of Sierra Nevada. Of course, always consulting meteorology and respecting the environment above all. Undoubtedly the Alpujarra is one of the routes in motorhome in Spain in winter that you should not miss.

In case you do this route, we have prepared some places to spend the night that will not leave you indifferent:

  1. Camping Órgiva Our recommendation for seniors. This small campsite enjoys great tranquility and is located in the heart of the Alpujarra of Granada, at the foot of the Veleta. You can enjoy all year round in its grassy plots and surrounded by trees such as black and white poplars, catalpas, elms and ancient olive trees.
  2. Free motorhome area of Ugíjar Our recommendation if you travel with your family and want to visit the area. It is located at the entrance of the town, 10 minutes walking from the center. The area has electricity, drinking water point, emptying of gray and black water.
  3. Camping Trevélez Our recommendation for couples who want to spend an evening enjoying the stars. They say that in this campsite you can enjoy the clearest and starry nights, as it is the highest campsite in Spain. Located in the natural park of Sierra Nevada, it is an ideal place for the ascent to Mulhacén, Alcazaba, Siete Lagunas, and many other peaks.
Granada | © Granada | Maddie Leopardo - Unsplash
  • Granada | Maddie Leopardo - Unsplash

FAQ

What are the speed limits for motorhomes in Spain?

The speed limits for motorhomes and campers in Spain are applied as follows:

You will have to differentiate by the type of homologation of the vehicle:

If it is homologated as Motorhome/Touring:

If the MMA is equal to or less than 3,500Kg on Motorway/Highway the limit is 120km/h and 90km/h in case of driving on conventional roads.

If the MMA is higher than 3.500Kg on Motorway/Highway the limit will be 90km/h and 80 km/h on conventional roads.

If the vehicle is homologated as an adaptable mixed vehicle, the limit will be 100km/h on Motorways/Highways and 90km/h on conventional roads.

If the vehicle is homologated as a van, the limit will be 90km/h on motorways/highways and 80km/h on conventional roads.

 

Parking, Overnight stay, Camping in a Motorhome or Camper in Spain?

In Spain there are no specific regulations regarding motorhome parking. Therefore, it is necessary to differentiate these 3 concepts:

 

Parking: As it is stated in the General Traffic Regulations, the parking of a Motorhome or Camper is the same as any other motor vehicle.

In any case, it must be taken into account that, in general, parking in urban areas may be regulated by each municipality, since they are responsible for their public roads. That is to say, we can find municipalities with places where parking is allowed and places where it is prohibited.

But this municipal ordinance must not oppose, alter, distort or lead to confusion with the precepts of the General Traffic Regulations, and the distribution of these parking spaces must be equitable among all users, without depriving them of this right to park on public roads as long as the stop or parking is not dangerous, is carried out in the form and manner indicated, does not constitute a danger or an obstacle to traffic, the vehicle is placed in the manner indicated, and is also located in an authorized place.

In short: the regulations or ordinance of each locality must be taken into account, and parking in those places authorized for this purpose and in the manner indicated. Even so, parking must be permitted provided that:

- The vehicle contacts the ground only with its wheels (except on slopes where chocks are allowed).

- The vehicle does not occupy more space than the closed motorhome or camper, without opening windows, or invading the space with chairs, tables, awnings, etc.

- No emission of fluids or uncivic behavior and annoying noises are produced.

 

Overnight stay: Overnight stay inside a vehicle is totally allowed, provided that the vehicle is properly parked and it is not relevant the fact that its occupants are inside the vehicle, and the motorhome is not an exception, provided that the activity that may take place inside does not transcend to the outside by means of the deployment of elements that overflow the perimeter of the vehicle such as stalls, awnings, leveling devices, stabilization supports, etc.

There are two exceptions where overnight stays are not allowed.

In coasts: Where the Law of coasts will be applied and that the same one delimits in the majority of the cases by means of some white cairns, which part is coast and which is not and that you will not be able to surpass this delimitation with your vehicle.

In protected natural areas: In natural parks, biosphere reserves, etc., being areas of special conservation, in most of them there is a specific regulation regarding camping and parking. In general, parking is allowed in these areas, but only during the day, thus restricting overnight stays.

 

Camping: Free camping is forbidden in Spain, except in places authorized for this purpose (campgrounds, private or public motorhome areas with camping permits). Therefore if you want to perform any of these actions:

- Take chairs or tables out of The vehicle and eat outside your vehicle.

- Shower outside The vehicle.

- Open windows.

- Extend awnings or awnings.

- Put chocks

- Put stabilizer legs.

- Discharge fluids (clean, grey or black water) except those from the engine through the exhaust pipe.

- To Put an electric generator in operation.

- Make annoying noises (music, radio, etc...).

 

Tips to spend the night in a motorhome or camper:

Pay attention to the signs: When you arrive at a new place, check if there are any signs regarding motorhomes or camper vans. This will allow you to find the right place.

Ask questions or other users: If you arrive at a site where there are already other campers, ask them about overnight stays. You can also find out about many overnight sites in forums such as Furgovw and AC Passion.

Remember the parking rules: Remember to abide by the aforementioned rules governing parking. For you, for respect to the place and for the rest of the group.

Go with your instinct: If you think that the place you have chosen to spend the night is not the right one, the best thing to do is to follow your instinct and look for another place.

Talk to the authorities: If they knock on your door on any occasion, it is best to talk to them in a calm and correct manner. Many times they are not aware of the different regulations.

Use overnight stay APPs: use apps such as Park4night to find places to stay overnight. Campgrounds, parking, motorhome areas, services and much more. In these apps the spots are uploaded by users and you can find photos and comments about the place.

Respect the environment: Motorhomers and camper users are a group that is very aware of the care of the environment they visit. We recommend you to do the same. Dump your dirty water in the appropriate place, do not make annoying noises and respect the natural spaces.

 

What should I check in my motorhome or camper when it snows?

Due to the weather conditions that occur in winter, there are a number of considerations and checks that are highly recommended to take into account so that you can enjoy this time of year in your motorhome or camper. Here we have summarized for you the most interesting ones. (link to article about 10 tips in winter)

Conclusion

Camping in Spain in winter means enjoying the contrast of sun and snow, sea and mountains, from the Mulhacen to the Cantabrian coast, vineyards and windmills, from the Ribera del Duero to La Mancha. From an incomparable gastronomic offer with typical dishes and desserts that will give you a smile with every bite and every kilometer. Camping in Spain in winter will captivate you: from the imposing Pyrenees to the sunny coast of Cadiz.

Whatever your preference, whether as a family, couple or senior, the choice is endless and the possibilities are endless. You just have to get going and enjoy.

All the camping sites presented can be found on this map: