Motorhome Travel in Spain: Sun, Siestas, and the Open Road

Spain has been drawing British motorhomers south for decades, and for good reason. Reliable sunshine, outstanding food, affordable campsites, and a driving culture that is far more relaxed than you might expect. If you have been considering a Spain motorhome holiday, the practicalities are more straightforward than they appear - especially if you take the ferry and skip the long drive through France entirely.

Getting There: Ferry vs Driving Through France

You have two main options for reaching Spain from the UK. The first is to drive through France - crossing the Channel to Calais or Dunkirk, then heading south through France to cross the Pyrenees at either the eastern (Mediterranean) or western (Atlantic) end. This route covers roughly 1,000 miles from Calais to Barcelona or 700 miles to San Sebastian, typically requiring two or three overnight stops. French autoroutes are excellent but expensive: tolls for a motorhome from Calais to the Spanish border can easily reach 150 euros.

The alternative - and the one most experienced Spain-bound motorhomers prefer - is the Brittany Ferries service from Portsmouth or Plymouth to Santander or Bilbao. The crossing takes between 24 and 32 hours depending on the route, and you wake up in northern Spain having avoided two days of motorway driving. Prices vary by season, but booking well in advance for an off-peak crossing can be surprisingly reasonable. The onboard cabins are comfortable, the food is decent, and watching the Bay of Biscay from the deck is part of the experience. For advice on taking a motorhome to Europe, our guide covers documentation and insurance requirements.

Driving in Spain

Spanish roads are generally excellent. The autopistas (motorways) are well maintained and much quieter than their British or French equivalents, though toll costs add up - budget around 10-15 euros per 100 kilometres on toll roads. Many motorhomers avoid them entirely, using the free autovias and secondary roads instead. The autovia network is extensive and connects all major cities, so the toll roads are often unnecessary unless you are in a hurry.

Speed limits for motorhomes on motorways are typically 100 km/h (about 62 mph), and 80 km/h on secondary roads. The police are visible and enforcement is strict, particularly around toll plazas. Fuel is cheaper than the UK - diesel typically runs about 15-20% less - and the Area de Servicio system along major roads provides fuel, food, toilets, and parking areas at regular intervals. Many of these service areas have dedicated motorhome spaces, and some even offer free overnight parking, though the quality varies enormously.

Where to Stay: Campsites and the Wild Camping Question

Spain has hundreds of well-equipped campsites, particularly along the Mediterranean coast and in popular touring areas like Andalucia. Spanish campsites tend to be larger and better-facilitated than their UK counterparts, with swimming pools, restaurants, and proper supermarkets on site. Prices in winter are often remarkably low - 15 to 25 euros per night for a full-service pitch is common outside peak season.

A word on wild camping: Spain has cracked down significantly on free camping in recent years. The rules vary by autonomous region, but in general, overnight parking in a motorhome is tolerated in some areas while actively prohibited in others, particularly along the coast. Fines can be steep - 100 euros or more - and the police do enforce them, especially in the southern coastal areas. The safest approach is to use official campsites or designated motorhome areas (areas de autocaravanas), which are becoming increasingly common and often cost between 5 and 15 euros per night for basic facilities including water and waste disposal.

Best Regions for a Spain Motorhome Holiday

When motorhome touring Spain, northern Spain is where the ferry drops you, and it deserves more than just a drive-through. The Basque Country - San Sebastian, Bilbao, the Rioja wine region - is green, mountainous, and culturally distinct. The Picos de Europa mountains are spectacularly rugged, with narrow roads winding through gorges and past mountain villages. The Cantabrian coast is often compared to Cornwall, with dramatic cliffs and surf beaches, minus the crowds.

The Costa Brava in Catalonia is the classic Mediterranean destination: rocky coves, pine-backed beaches, and pretty fishing villages like Cadaques and Tossa de Mar. Campsites here are plentiful but busy in summer. Spring and autumn are the sweet spot - warm enough to swim, quiet enough to get a decent pitch.

Andalucia is where most long-stay motorhomers end up. The combination of winter sunshine, cheap campsites, and extraordinary cultural attractions - Granada's Alhambra, Seville's Alcazar, Cordoba's Mezquita, the white villages of the Alpujarras - makes it one of the finest regions for a Spain motorhome holiday. Many British motorhomers spend entire winters here, moving between campsites every week or two. The expat community is well established, and you will find English-speaking services, social groups, and even motorhome-specific mechanics.

If time allows, consider a detour into Portugal. The Algarve is only a few hours from Andalucia, and while Portugal has also tightened its wild camping rules, the official campsites are excellent value and the coastline is stunning. The N2 road through central Portugal - sometimes called the Portuguese Route 66 - makes a magnificent touring route.

A Suggested 10-14 Day Route

For a first motorhome trip Spain offers plenty of highlights, and this route covers the best without trying to see everything. Ferry to Santander. Two nights on the Cantabrian coast - Camping Oyambre near Comillas is a good choice. South to Burgos for a night (visit the cathedral - it is extraordinary). East to Barcelona for two or three nights - Camping Tres Estrellas at Gava Mar puts you on the beach with easy metro access to the city. South down the Costa Brava or inland through Aragon. Two nights in Valencia - Camping Coll Vert on the Albufera lagoon. Continue south to Granada for two nights - Camping Reina Isabel at the foot of the Sierra Nevada. West to Seville for two nights - Camping Villsom is basic but well-located. Then north to Santander for the return ferry, or continue exploring.

This route covers roughly 2,500 kilometres of driving, which sounds a lot but breaks down to manageable daily distances of 200-300 kilometres between stops. For longer hire periods, we offer discounted rates that make an extended Spanish trip very cost-effective.

You can browse our full fleet to find the right motorhome for your trip.

Practical Essentials

ETIAS: From 2026, UK travellers need an ETIAS travel authorisation (approximately seven euros, valid three years) to enter Spain and other Schengen countries. Apply online before travel. Check the launch date as it has been delayed several times.

Documentation: you need your driving licence, vehicle registration document (V5C), and proof of insurance that covers European travel. A green card is no longer legally required for EU countries but carrying one avoids potential confusion at borders. GB stickers are not needed if your number plate shows the GB or UK identifier. From 1 January 2026, Spain requires a V16 emergency light with geolocation as the only legal hazard pre-signalling device, replacing the old warning triangle requirement. You can buy one online or at Spanish service stations for around 20-30 euros. You must also carry a reflective jacket for each person and wear it whenever you are on the roadside or hard shoulder.

Shopping: Spanish supermarkets - Mercadona, Lidl, Aldi, Carrefour - are well-stocked and significantly cheaper than UK equivalents. Mercadona in particular is outstanding for fresh produce, cheese, and local specialities. Markets in every town sell seasonal fruit and vegetables at rock-bottom prices. Eating out is affordable too - a menu del dia (three-course set lunch with wine) rarely costs more than 12-15 euros.

A Spain motorhome holiday is a rewarding experience, and Spain is a motorhome destination that rewards slow travel. Resist the temptation to cover too many kilometres, allow time for siestas, and let the rhythm of Spanish life set your pace. You will come back planning your next trip before you have unpacked. For more, see our France guide.