4. If youre planning on dinner, expect the restaurant to be quiet and soulless before 9pm. Always have a second choice in reserve, one of the best resources to use isAll the Aires Spainand Portugal. Whether you like it or not, bullfighting is a huge part of Spanish life and culture. 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! Search my posts about motorhoming, wild parking, taking a van to Europe, tips for new owners and much more. If you dont have your own vehicle, you can easily fly into Spain and hire one. campsite news, special offers, availability and much more direct to 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. Taking a motorhome to Italy is an experience not to be missed. Once in Spain, leave the Spanish motorway, the A7, at junction 1, "La Junquera". Your pet will need amicrochip, a validrabies vaccination and ananimal health certificate (AHC). You can pull over into a rest stop and eat and drink within your vehicle, but setting up a table and chairs next to the road is not allowed. This is one of our favourite Spanish national parks, for its dramatic landscape and fantastic hiking. In the height of summer it can be blisteringly hot and wild camping can be a challenge without air conditioning. 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. 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. Our essential guide to visiting Norway in a motorhome will provide you with all the information you needwhat are you waiting for? We highly recommend paying extra attention to your motorhome security when travelling in Italy. If you love motorhomes, road trips and a bit of adventure, dive right in! ive been looking through some discussions about driving down but none that fit my criteria; UK citizens can only stay in the Schengen Area (a zone in Europe where countries have no internal borders and allow the free and unrestricted movement of people) for90 days in every 180 daysin the Schengen Area. The Best European Campsites For Camper, By Campers. Unlike other countries in the continent, in the UK there are no Areas enabled for overnight stay for motorhomes or campervans. Variable landscapes, impressive mountains and picturesque villages. Highlights of 20 days travelling through south-west France. Update August 2021 you no longer require a green card to prove you have vehicle insurance cover when travelling in Europe. The Pyrenees form the natural border between France and Spain and are richly blessed with natural beauty. Hiking, cycling, kite surfing, incredible beaches and views, all with the sun shining down on us! Bullfightingis seen as heroic, atest of wills involving courage, intelligence, and elegance; matadors are national heroes. Each of the . PDF versions of our most popular campsite guide books. At the A16 junction turn right towards Boulogne and stay on this free motorway for 24 miles to junction 29 just before the peage. Its common to tip other services, like taxi drivers. Halfway between San Sebastian and Santiago de Compostela, the Picos are a miniature masterpiece, 40km across and wedged between three great river gorges, the Picos are a natural paradise. For Spanish gas bottles, you will need a different regulator, available from most DIY or camping shops. c) Short crossing but drive across country through France and Spain. Number of days: Two to four. Planning a trip to France with your motorhome or camper? Packed with great museums and atmospheric squares and quarters, Madrid is a great city in which to spend a day or so. Motorhoming in Italy: Your Complete Guide for 2023, Planning Your Morocco Motorhome Adventure, Campervanning in Portugal: Complete 2023 Guide, Campervanning in Norway Tips, Routes & Destinations for 2023, Motorhome Germany: 2023 Complete Touring Guide. This dramatic and wild space is iconic Andalusia; it seems like everyhillside cradles a pueblo blanco. Visit La Rbida to see the amazing full-scale models of the three ships in which Columbus and his crew sailed across the Atlantic to discover the New World. The drive west from Great Basin to Reno along Highway 50 takes you across central Nevada and past stunning state parks, only-in-America roadhouses, and wonderfully preserved . So instead turn right on the N12 towards Alencon, leave most of the traffic behind, and enjoy the mainly fast dual carriageway for 34miles to Mortagne-au-Perche where you turn south. Its easy to find motorhome campsites in Spain and theyre much like campsites anywhere else in Europe. Pump colours are green for petrol and black for diesel. Spains capital city is a beautiful and cultured city with stunning architecture, tranquil parks and some of the best art museums in Europe. The use of winter tyres in Spain is regional. Just before Biarritz, take the D932 due south to Cambo-les-Bains. If youre towing with your motorhome or campervan in Spain and the overall train length is 12m or more you must have at least one yellow reflector on the rear, sized 130cm x 25cm (or two sized 50cm x 25cm). Gerard's Bistro, Fortitude Valley. For a grown-ups-only holiday, check out our recommended sites just for adults Editor's Pick - The best campsites for dogs. Either way, travelling through France to Spain could be the perfect European route for you. Yes, you can take dogs, cats and ferrets to Spain. You may be surprised at how many motorhomes from northern Europe travel to campsites in Spain for the winter. Exit at junction 29 and drop down a hill. Brittany- one of our favourite areas in France The Loire Valley. Whether you're in Frauenfeld for business or pleasure, the Auto Europe team can help you save big on Switzerland car rentals! Leaving the motorway you drop down a hill. 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. When you click on an affiliate link in a page or post, at no cost to you, we earn fees by advertising and linking to our affiliate partners. 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. Routes to avoid it go too far inland and are slow, so stick with it. Out of season, you can get over 60% discount on ACSI sites. We loved Tarifa with its laid-back surfer dude feel and abundant opportunities for activity. Documents You Need to Travel & Drive in Spain, Can't decide? Thus you are parking not camping which is allowed and considered a legal activity, even if you intend on sleeping in your van. Lunch, which is the main meal of the day, is eaten between 2 and 3pm. These caterpillars can kill dogs and small children, and will most definitely spoil your motorhome trip if you bump into one! Hi there! We parked and stayed at the Municipal Camping Car Parking (1 Av. As someone who gets seasick (hilarious considering Im ex-Navy and lived on boats for 15 years), I avoid this crossing and prefer to drive from the UK through France to Spain, but its entirely up to you. Where to stay in France during your journey, The Long Road South A Motorhome Route Through France To Spain. New to motorhome or camper travel in Europe? You can find out all the detail you need in our guide to motorhoming in Europe after Brexit. On our 2019 tour we drove to the eastern end of the Pyrenees, using the free A75 motorway south of Clermont . There, we visit some of its brightest jewels: Granada, Malaga, Seville, Cordoba and Ronda. Over the years we've fine tuned our route so that, as far as possible, we avoid toll motorways, heavy trucking routes and roads passing through endless villages with low speed limits, speed bumps and traffic lights. Read the article below for other things to check as well before you agree to hire. your inbox. Turn back under the main road, across the round-a-bout and at the next take the first exit on the D401. Digital e-guides FAQ UK Car Sticker. 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). You can find out more about travelling with pets on the Gov.UK website. Day 4 - Roullet Saint-Estephe to Virollet-Font Paillaud. We are booked on the ferry to Bilbao and have 5-6 weeks. If you are travelling at or below the speed limit, the red traffic light will change in your favour. READ MORE: Discover the best & warmest places to enjoy winter in Spain. a lazy morning, and stop en-route, so you have the best chance of finding a spot around this time, but thats when the day is at its hottest, so be careful. GUIDE: Stop the overwhelm with our step-by-step guide. We try to keep it as up to date as possible, but cannot be held responsible for any changes made to the law since the last update. If youre feeling brave, go to Valencia during Las Fallas, the famous fire festival. You might even wish to fit an extra camper habitation door lock and never leave your vehicle unattended in an unsecure area. Wild camping is not allowed in any of the Spanish National Parks. The device is no larger than a slimline smart phone, connects with up to ten devices, is charged easily with a USB and can be delivered within a few days of ordering. Some places have flashing amber lights before a normal traffic light. There arent quite as many aires in Spain as in France and theyre often a little more out of the way, but the network is still very useful and easy to use. If you intend staying on the city campsite then watch for airport signs to go anticlockwise north, otherwise continue clockwise to the free A63 motorway. Do I need an international driving permit to drive in Spain? 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. Motorhomes and Campervans weighing over 3.5 tonnes: Motorhomes with trailers or caravans (over 750kg). 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). This tranquil and beautiful nature wetland nature reserve is known for its birdlife and encompasses rivers, dunes & beaches. At some campsites, you will need to pay extra for shower or electric usage. Your UK licence allows you to drive in all EU countries. Campervan Castaways Vanlife 44 | Expert Adventure Motorhome Travel Writing. Nestled down a leafy street, in the heart of Brisbane, is Gerard's Bistro. 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. France Start and end dates until Erase dates Search. You can find out more informationhere. Using radar detection equipment is prohibited under Spanish law and new regulations from January 2021 mean that it will also be illegal to be in possession of such equipment, There is one low emission zone in Spain currently, in Barcelona. Use the three-step search above to select your ideal vehicle, or contact our 24/7 customer service team at +1-888-223-5555 for expert assistance. Spanish cooking is very regional, with fish, shellfish and pork featuring heavily on most menus. Yellow diamond signs mean you have priority. 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. So, if you're searching for a cheap car rental in South Africa after landing at Pietermaritzburg Airport, look no further! Home to the famous and breathtaking Mezquita, Cordoba is city rich in history, architecture and Spanish charm and perfect for a one day visit. September and October offer warm sunshine, with the earth and sea still warm from the heat of August. The editorial team's campsites of choice in the north of England Editor's Pick - The best campsites in Dorset. One of the cheapest places is on Amazon. Flying and hiring a motorhome is the best way to tour Spain if you dont own one. Free delivery for many products! 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! You might get parmesan cheese in a vegetarian dish for example, or prawns in a vegetarian salad. 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. A good tip is to try and arrive AT your destination just before lunchtime. Barcelona city boasts a rich cultural heritage, a 4km long sandy beach, fabled UNESCO architectural gems,a culinary scene the envy of the world, and all the attractions ofa modern global city alongside historic districts such as theGothic quarter. Free motorways are shown in blue, Spanish toll motorways are shown in red. You join the Poitiers ring northwest of the city and leave it just four miles later on the N10. Try your luck and risk a break-in at the free parking spots, park underground safely and overheat, or trythis campsite, who provide a reasonably priced shuttle into the city. Your options for driving to Spain from the UK in a motorhome are these; Sailing from Portsmouth or Plymouth to the northern Spain ports of Santander of Bilbao (depending on which day of the week you want to depart) is the only way to avoid France. The roads within the site are deteriorating badly and the showers and sanitary facilities are poorly designed (although clean and with plentiful hot water) but this is all surmountable if you want to see Madrid! Motorhoming in Spain- what gear do you need to carry? Vegetarian or vegan food can be hard to find outside of bigger towns and cities. English usually spoken in campsites and in tourist areas, but not often elsewhere, Cards most major credit and debit cards are accepted. However, in common with most cities, the choice of where to stay in a motorhome is not great. Motorhome wild camping in Valencia is no longer permitted. Of course, Spain is a classic summer destination, and it can be CROWDED, especially at the UNESCO world heritage sites in Spain and on the beaches. Of course, if you only have a week for your holiday, travelling from the UK and back leaves only a few days to explore the country, and the further south you go, the less exploring time you have. 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. Whichever is your bag (and there is a lot of choice), if youre heading south in your camper in Spain for several months of the winter and a long site stay, make sure you book in advance! Head for the romantic city of Granada, and the whitewashed villages of the High Alpujarras, Pampaneira and Trevlez, the highest village in Spain. . Lidl and Carrefour have great parking facilities for motorhomes, the others less so as they are often more centrally situated in towns. Many Northern Europeans (like us Brits!) The best times to visit are probably the shoulder seasons of Spring and Autumn. In the tiny state of Andorra, the campsite in Andorra-city, close to the historic old center, is highly recommended. See below for best route avoiding Spanish tolls. and washdown areas. 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! Get lost wandering the streets and alleys, soaking up the heat and atmosphere whilst stumbling upon gorgeous plazas and cool bars around every corner. If you wear glasses you must carry a spare pair. Many businesses close between 12.30 or 1pm until 5pm and then open again until 8pm. Hi we plan to take a trip to Spain and Portugal for two months starting the third week in March. Total length of the route: 910 kilometres. Yep. If you have refillable gas bottles in your motorhome, you can find LPG pretty easily while touring around Spain. This is a long drive so to break it up we suggest stopping off at Eighty Mile Beach to stretch your legs. She also never planned to quit her job as an air traffic controller, go touring around Europe in said motorhome, start one of the UKs largest motorhome travel websites or get a cocker spaniel. Set a mile from the north Norfolk coast in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Kelling Heath is an environmentally aware 300-acre holiday park offering a wide range of activities for all the Yorkshires largest motorhome and campervan show returns to Harrogate, with indoor and outdoor exhibition areas. 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). If under 3,500kg go straight on, otherwise the inside lane swings right down to a bridge, after which you turn left returning back to the main road. From Lyon, you will drive through France's breathtaking landscape to the Atlantic coast. Hi there, Im Kat. Planning a driving route from UK to Spain, Hiring a motorhome or camper to tour Spain. If you like to hike, head for the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, to hike the famousCircodeSoaso. Is this your first time visiting Spain? Weve spent over 18 months travelling in a motorhome in Spain, and in this campervanning and motorhoming guide youll find lots of practical and helpful information. 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. Check out our post on wild camping for more rules and tips for camper vans and motorhomes in the UK and Europe, and for information on where to find the best camping locations and motorhome stopovers in Spain. Utilise the campsite bar a glass of wine and a beer will typically cost 3, a bargain! 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. Founded by the Carthaginians around 220 B.C., the city boomed during the Roman period. Featured in Experience the ultimate motorhome holiday . If you're planning a trip to Ireland, make sure to check out these great campsites to stay at Our selection of the best campsites for exploring wonderful Wales With two coasts, Devon is the perfect county for a beach lover Editor's Pick - The best campsites for families. Spare wheel and the tools to change a wheel, or a tyre repair kit. Generally, taking a ferry from the UK to Spain is much more expensive than driving through France (depending on time of year and type of cabin). But of course there is much more to see along the way! Day 6 - Bordeaux. You need lights on in the tunnels (there are signs to remind you). Petrol and diesel are widely available. However, now that BREXIT has happened and rules have changed (more on that later too! Get the permission of the landowner if possible. READ: 10 essential questions to ask before you rent a motorhome. Over many years we have not found a sensible alternative to bypass Rouen, they either add too many miles or progress is frustratingly slow. An unusual bit of good news for motorists ! Journey along the loneliest road in America. Lidl carries a good basic range and has by far the best value wine in Spain. ), or a tyre repair kit. Like much of Europe, wild camping in Spain for motorhomes and campers is tolerated in many places but not strictly legal and its certainly not a right. Location: Gerard's Lane, 14 / 15 James St, Fortitude Valley Brisbane. The best campsites for discovering this popular southwest county Editor's pick - The top adults-only campsites. What this site does have though, is great access to the Metro. MOTORHOME ROAD TRIP TO SPAIN DAY 1 Calais 52,125 views Apr 15, 2018 173 Dislike Share Save Mark Davies 17.3K subscribers SPAIN or BUST! Complete Europe Motorhome Travel Toolkit, CHECKLIST: Dont forget to grab your FREE Europe motorhome travel checklist HERE. Book your perfect motorhome easily, safely and affordably. Can you wild camp with a motorhome in the Spanish National Parks? Day 5 - Virollet-Font Paillaud to Bordeaux. The map below shows the main towns and cities of Spain, and the main road network. We stayed at thePort of Gelvesjust outside the city but accessible by scooter or public transport. ), Motorhoming in Germany- everything you need to know, REVIEWED: Best Motorhome or Caravan TVs (How to choose), Reviewed: motorhome Essentials every van needs. Find out about life on the road, destinations, routes and practical motorhome advice on our blog. This also includes a motorhome sat-nav- program it before you leave and dont touch it unless youre parked up safely. Don't . Gas in bottles and at the pump is much cheaper in Spain than in France or Portugal (in fact, people often drive theirmotorhomes from Portugalto fill up!). 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. Motorhoming in France: Your Complete Touring Guide for 2023, Motorhome Wild Camping Your Complete Guide, Madrid in One Day Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide, How to Live the Van Life in Tarifa, Spain, One Day in Seville Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide, Cordoba in One Day Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide, One Day in Barcelona Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide, Best for campervan and motorhome hire UK to Spain >>, The Perfect Andalucia Road Trip: Itinerary, Map & Tips, or menu of the day.