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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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.
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.
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)
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: