Spain

Spain is one of Europe's premier motorhome destinations, offering a climate, landscape, and culture that draw touring vehicles from across the continent. From the green mountains of the Picos de Europa in the north to the sun-baked plains of Andalucia in the south, from the dramatic coastline of Galicia to the Mediterranean beaches of the Costa Brava, Spain is a country of extraordinary variety. For motorhome travellers from our Pontefract depot, Spain is a genuine adventure — a journey of around 1,200 miles to the Spanish border that rewards every hour on the road.

The most practical route from Yorkshire to Spain begins with the Channel crossing. The Hull to Rotterdam or Zeebrugge overnight ferries are ideal for Yorkshire-based travellers, allowing you to drive south through France the following day. From Calais or the Belgian ports, the drive through France to the Spanish border takes approximately twelve hours, so most motorhome travellers break the journey with one or two overnight stops at French aires along the way. An alternative is the direct ferry from Portsmouth or Plymouth to Santander or Bilbao, operated by Brittany Ferries, which takes 20 to 24 hours but delivers you directly to the north coast of Spain without the drive through France. From Pontefract, Portsmouth is around four and a half hours via the M1.

Northern Spain is dramatically different from the popular image of sun-drenched costas. The Picos de Europa, straddling Asturias, Cantabria, and Leon, offer some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in southern Europe. The Cares Gorge walk — a twelve-kilometre trail carved into the cliff face above the River Cares — is one of Spain's most famous hikes. The fishing port of Llanes, the medieval town of Santillana del Mar, and the prehistoric cave art at Altamira (viewed in an outstanding replica cave) are all within easy reach of the Cantabrian coast.

Galicia, in the far north-west corner of Spain, is the country's best-kept secret for motorhome travellers. Its coastline of rias — deep, fjord-like inlets — is among the most beautiful in Europe. The Rias Baixas produce exceptional Albarino wine, and the seafood — particularly the octopus, mussels, and percebes (goose barnacles) — is outstanding. Santiago de Compostela, the end point of the famous Camino pilgrimage route, has a stunning cathedral and an old town that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The climate in Galicia is greener and cooler than the south, making it ideal for motorhome touring in spring and autumn.

The Mediterranean coast offers the sunshine and beaches that many motorhome travellers seek. The Costa Brava, north of Barcelona, combines rocky coves, pine-backed beaches, and the surreal legacy of Salvador Dali, whose museum in Figueres and house at Port Lligat are essential visits. Barcelona itself is a city of incomparable energy, with Gaudi's Sagrada Familia, the Ramblas, and the Gothic Quarter all demanding attention. Motorhome parking around Barcelona requires planning, but campsites on the outskirts provide easy access via public transport.

Andalucia, in the south, is the Spain of the popular imagination — white-walled villages, olive groves, flamenco, and the great Moorish monuments of Granada, Cordoba, and Seville. The Alhambra in Granada, a medieval palace and fortress complex of almost unbearable beauty, is Spain's most visited monument and one of the finest achievements of Islamic architecture anywhere in the world. Cordoba's Mezquita, a vast mosque converted to a cathedral, is equally remarkable. Seville's Alcazar, with its intricate tilework and cool courtyards, completes the triumvirate.

The Cabo de Gata in eastern Andalucia is a natural park protecting one of the most unspoilt stretches of coastline in the Mediterranean. Volcanic cliffs, deserted beaches, and crystal-clear water make it a paradise for motorhome travellers willing to venture off the beaten track. The towns of Mojacar and Carboneras are low-key and authentic, and wild camping — while technically restricted — is tolerated in some areas outside the summer peak.

Spain's network of campsites (campings) and motorhome-specific aires (areas de autocaravanas) has grown enormously in recent years. Many Spanish towns now provide dedicated motorhome parking areas with basic facilities, and the camping infrastructure along the coast and in the major tourist regions is excellent. Prices are generally lower than in France or the UK, and the facilities — particularly the larger coastal campsites — often include swimming pools, restaurants, and entertainment.

Spanish food culture is central to the motorhome experience. The tapas tradition — small plates of food shared in bars and restaurants — is perfect for travellers. Every region has its specialities, from Basque pintxos in San Sebastian to Valencian paella, from Galician empanadas to Andalucian gazpacho. Spanish markets, held weekly in most towns, offer fresh produce, cured meats, cheese, and olive oil at prices that put British supermarkets to shame. A glass of local wine rarely costs more than two euros, and the quality is consistently excellent.

Practical considerations for taking a motorhome to Spain include ensuring your vehicle insurance provides European cover, carrying a reflective vest and warning triangle as required by Spanish law, and being aware that speed cameras and traffic enforcement are increasingly common. The toll motorway (autopista) network is extensive but can be expensive over long distances — the free national roads (carreteras nacionales) are often a better choice for motorhomes, offering more scenic driving and easier access to towns and villages along the way.