This quintessential Andalucian city is perfect for wandering, with cool bars and cafes on every corner, perfect to enjoy tapas and a glass of crisp white wine whilst watching the world go by. Tailor-made motorhome routes to the Spanish costas Breakdown cover documentation (not compulsory). Hi there! English usually spoken in campsites and in tourist areas, but not often elsewhere, Cards most major credit and debit cards are accepted. Visit the very modern science museum with contemporary architecture and wander the old river bed which runs right around the city. This doesnt apply to a sat nav but you must not touch or program your sat nav unless parked in a safe place. That's what awaits you during your trip through the French and Spanish Pyrenees. This tiny country packs one hell of a punch; wild coastlines, lively buzzing cities and exquisite wines. Remember, this is for daytime parking for motorhomes- lets move on to overnight parking. About 600 euros have been spent on gasoline and tolls, the most expensive of the trip without a doubt. If youd like to get FREE motorhome and road trip checklists, you can find them here. This dramatic and wild space is iconic Andalusia; it seems like everyhillside cradles a pueblo blanco. There is history and culture everywhere you look, as well as friendly and welcoming people, delicious food and SUNSHINE- even in winter. Motorhoming in Spain- motorhome at Mesa Roldan tower Cabo de Gata Nijar Natural Park in Almeria, Andalusia Spain Road tripping Spain in Spring and Autumn The best times to visit are probably the shoulder seasons of Spring and Autumn. The pace of life is simple and unhurried. Complete Europe Motorhome Travel Toolkit, CHECKLIST: Dont forget to grab your FREE Europe motorhome travel checklist HERE. An editorial review of South Lytchett Manor Caravan & Camping Park Sandy Lane, Weybourne, Holt, Norfolk, East of England, NR25 7HW. Weve tried all sorts of kit- some useful, some not so much. Campervans or motorhomes and cars with caravans or trailers are not allowed to exceed 18.75m in total length, 4m in height and 2.55m in width. The load must be indicated by an aluminium panel with diagonal red and white stripes, manufactured to ECE70 standard. This page may contain affiliate links, meaning if you buy through them we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. 5 Best Routes for Exploring France in a Motorhome | VickyFlipFlop In a short while, the Seine appears to the right and you are clear of the city. From Lyon, you will drive through France's breathtaking landscape to the Atlantic coast. 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. Free camp in the car park atCoripefor the Via Verde de la Sierra, a really stunning ride. Do you want to wild camp in your motorhome? Most of the routes i have seen on the forum have avoided toll roads. We stopped atCamping Osunain the east of the city, close to the airport. If you wear glasses you must carry a spare pair. Some go for up to six months from October onwards, we prefer to spend Christmas at home and travel out in January. Get lost wandering the streets and alleys, soaking up the heat and atmosphere whilst stumbling upon gorgeous plazas and cool bars around every corner. There is limited motorhome parking in Valencia, especially during the festival; we would suggest stayinghere. Approved motorhome overnight parking places/ aires, Free approved overnight parking spots/ schemes, Dont try and wild camp on the coast unless youre somewhere REALLY remote (more likely to be allowed in the North and centre of Spain). Personal travel and medical insurance along with an EHIC or, Two warning triangles for the front and rear. Two days from Dunkerque to Biarritz. What documents do you need to drive in Spain? Continue north from here to the cosmopolitan and must-see city ofBarcelona. Discussions | The Caravan Club Want to rent a vehicle for your road trip? Whether you're in Frauenfeld for business or pleasure, the Auto Europe team can help you save big on Switzerland car rentals! We havent travelled any further than the south of France and as were working at the time we used the motorways. It looks horrible, smells disgusting and its a real bummer when you tread in it. c) Short crossing but drive across country through France and Spain. Reception at the campsite will give you more information about the Metro and explain the different types of tickets. Continue to the arid and wild Cabo de Gata national park, 71,500 acres of protected land since 1987. A good tip is to try and arrive AT your destination just before lunchtime. 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. You can park a motorhome during the day anywhere parking is allowed (as long as there are no signs banning motorhome parking) and as long as you arent overhanging a space or blocking the road. Click here to see our Privacy and Disclosure Policy. Crdoba is full of Moorish treasures. When it comes to reaching the Spanish Mediterranean coast there's basically two options - drive through France or catch a ferry to Northern Spain. Castilian is most common, but there is also Basque, Catalan and some smaller dialects. To find out where to stay during stage 2 - click here. The landscape changes from the rugged north, with mountains and scenic views to rival anywhere else in Europe, to the desert and arid areas, to the sparkling azure blue of the Mediterranean. 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. Leave Calais on the A 16 following signs for Abbeville. TOP TIP: If you are travelling outside of peak season, definitely get an ACSI CampingCard youll save a fortune on campsites all over Europe, including Spain. The readers of the specialised German magazine Promobil have named Fiat Professional Ducato No- wild camping is not permitted in any of Spains National Parks. Either way, the destination is Abbeville where, just north of the city, you pick up the free A28 motorway, which takes you all the way to Rouen. Some towns are making real efforts to combat this issue (one traces the poo and posts it back.how??) For more information about over-wintering, check out our post aboutwhether you should take your motorhome to Spain for winter. The other popular option for groups of 4 or larger, or for those seeking a few more luxuries within their campervan, is the motorhome style of camper. motorhome routes through france to spain The highest quality of care for individuals with developmental disabilities Motorhome with children Motorhome with animals Surftrip motorhome Wedding VW combi. There are some essential things you need to know before your trip, including important paperwork and kit to bring with you. Planning to tour Spain with a motorhome or campervan? This first link is an award winning database about France. Travel by the iconic Rocky Mountaineer. If youre travelling in Spain and your outfit exceeds 12m, you need to have marker boards fitted to the back of your vehicle. Get MMM for just 2.99 a month! You can join this route easily if you decide to come over on a ferry to Caen, Le Havre, Dieppe or Cherbourg. 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! But let's get down to practicalities. Combining flavours of the Maghreb and Middle East, they offer a modern take on classic dishes using traditional techniques and local ingredients. The perfect pitches for your 2023 holidays. Journey along the loneliest road in America. 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). 10 Incredible Routes for a Motorhome Road Trip Through Europe If you arrive at 6pm expecting a place, then you will probably be disappointed. So dont walk out into the road thinking traffic will stop for you. The motorhome route costs: 14.99PRO users will pay: 11.99. The festival commemorates San Jos, the patron saint of carpenters and is held from 15th-20th March every year. Its common to tip other services, like taxi drivers. Home to the famous and breathtaking Mezquita, Cordoba is city rich in history, architecture and Spanish charm and perfect for a one day visit. First is the ferry crossing options from Plymouth and Portsmouth to Santander and Bilbao - both of these ports are in Northern . Shops Food prices are pretty inexpensive. On the way, stop atSant Carles de la Rapita,a charming Spanish town with lots of great seafood restaurants. In the height of summer it can be blisteringly hot and wild camping can be a challenge without air conditioning. In Spain you can visit the Spanish National Park Aigestortes. As you leave the ferry terminal stay on the main road, dont turn into town unless you intend staying on the aire near the harbour. 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. Thanks. 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. Top Motorhome Destinations in Spain The Pyrenees Picos de Europa Len Santiago de Compostela Madrid Huelva Tarifa Seville Via Verdes Crdoba Ronda & Grazalema Caminito del Rey Sierra Nevada Almeria Cartagena Valencia Serra d'Irta Parc Natural del Delta de l'Ebre Barcelona Resources for Motorhome Travel in Spain Can't decide? Spend a few days wandering the old townand Barrio Santa Cruz; admire the architecture and enjoy the typical Spanish ambience. You are allowed to cross a white line to overtake a cyclist AS LONG AS nothing (not even another cyclist) is coming the other way. All across Spain, you will find a network ofVia Verdes literally translated as the green ways. Regardless of who accompanies you on your next trip or destination, the vehicle you need is on Yescapa. Dont forget, if you are driving through France to get to Spain, you need all the kit required by France as well as the kit for that country. The load must be indicated by a. 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! If not, the light will remain on red to slow you down! The most famous of these is the Mezquita; the grandest and most beautiful mosque ever built by the Moors which is now a stunning Cathedral. View Larger Map. Motorhome aires in France are so well located - we've stayed in inner cities, within castle walls, at the bottom of ski pistes and steps away from a lake's shore. With one of the best winter climates in Europe and friendly locals, Spain is a perfect country for a motorhome road trip. An editorial review of Tyddyn Llwyn Camping, Caravan & Touring Park Editor's picks - ideal campsites for city breaks. At some campsites, you will need to pay extra for shower or electric usage. PDF versions of our most popular campsite guide books. Motorhome Route France, Spain and Andorra - Straight through the Pyrenees Developed by: NKC - travel guides (the NKC is the Dutch parent company of Campercontact) Described route: 15 travel days The Pyrenees form the natural border between France and Spain and are richly blessed with natural beauty. Motorhome route along the most beautiful locations in Spain This 220km coastline boasts uninterrupted white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. On hills, use the crawler lanes to get out of the way of faster-moving traffic. Cartagena is a city we really enjoy for its eclectic architecture andunexpected cosmopolitan feel. There, we visit some of its brightest jewels: Granada, Malaga, Seville, Cordoba and Ronda. We are Phil and Izzy. Dont try and wild camp in busy/ popular areas- like the Costa del Sol- unless youre visiting in the lowest of low season. Look out for traffic signs indicating that winter tyres or snow chains are compulsory where you are. Some of our favourite places for motorhome trips in Northern France include: The Normandy beaches. For some reason, driving from the UK to Spain seems to confuse people. 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! You should have a European Claim Form provided by your insurer before you leave. Vehicle V5 logbook or vehicle registration document (which must show your correct address). NOTE: Gas bottles can be tough to get- and its forbidden to fill foreign gas cylinders. Driving through France to Spain 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. Let this tour take you on a journey of discovery through Northern Spain and Portugal as we show you some of the best of the lesser-known gems. Lidl and Carrefour have great parking facilities for motorhomes, the others less so as they are often more centrally situated in towns. So how do we all get there, to enjoy the warmer weather, and cheaper drinks, all subsidised by huge savings on winter energy bills. How four people together all talking at the same time can ever take in what the other is saying is a mystery to me, but they seem to manage it! Lunch, which is the main meal of the day, is eaten between 2 and 3pm. If you want to learn a few works, Castilian is the one to pick as it is the most widely spoken. Heading east, stop in the pretty and modern city ofAlmeria for an afternoon lunch along the promenade. IMPORTANT: Drivers do NOT have to stop at a zebra crossing for pedestrians IF there are no lights. READ MORE: How to get a UK Animal Health Certificate after BREXIT. As a result I'm looking for as much help as I I can get. If you have refillable gas bottles in your motorhome, you can find LPG pretty easily while touring around Spain. If you only have a paper driving licence or a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man then you will need an. At the bottom of the N10 you can either continue on the A63 toll motorway, or take the D810 towards Bayonne, Biarritz and the Spanish border. Motorhoming in France: Your Complete Touring Guide for 2023 In the past, Spain has been VERY crowded during the winter months, especially in the south. Day 4 - Roullet Saint-Estephe to Virollet-Font Paillaud. Our route starts at Calais, but it can easily be joined from Dieppe or Cherbourg. Mealtimes in Spain are noticeably different to the rest of Europe. Legally, youre only allowed to stay on approved overnight motorhome spaces or campsites. The motorway becomes dual carriageway at the citys edge and drops down through a tunnel. We parked and stayed at the Municipal Camping Car Parking (1 Av. Yep. This sailing does navigate the Bay of Biscay and can be choppy in autumn and winter, but in our experience, its more cost-effective than driving through France. Speak to a Canada & Alaska Tours Expert. Our recommended Spain campervan hire company is Indie Campers and they have depots in Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Seville and Bilbao perfect starting points to see all the best bits as you road trip Spain. (Yes, you will see other people do it- some areas are stricter than others. See all our dog travel and road trip tips, Emergency Numbers: 112 will get you everything, Language There are several local variations of Spanish. Spanish people talk LOUDLY and over each other constantly. So, if you're searching for a cheap car rental in South Africa after landing at Pietermaritzburg Airport, look no further! The best campsites for discovering this popular southwest county Editor's pick - The top adults-only campsites. If youre an active and adventure seeking van lifer, then Tarifa, Spain is for you! In this post, youll find all you need to know about touring Italy by motorhome. Weve been touring Europe in our motorhome for several years. Find out how she went from stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here. Find it here). Some go for up to six months from October onwards, we prefer to spend Christmas at home and travel out in January. All that walking demands you sample the tapas scene, arguably the best in Spain, with regular live music and tapasthat are a bit more inventive than the normal tourist offering. Some spots are even right on the beach! A perfect and peaceful escape for you and your touring caravan, motorhome or tent, or you can purchase your Editor's picks - ideal campsites for Christmas holidays. If bakeries open on Sundays, they are often closed on Mondays instead. Ducato named the "Best Motorhome Base of the Year" for the Twelfth Time Trams always have priority everywhere- keep eyes in the back of your head if youre driving near a tram network. There are plenty of opportunities for short or longer mountain walks. Distance 609km - Driving Time 6 hours 20 minutes. Follow the N11 towards Girona and Barcelona. Garmin Camper 760LM 7" - Lifetime Europe Maps Sat Nav - Camper GUIDE For a step-by-step guide, with video walkthroughs of aires, motorhome set up, checklists and more, grab our France Road Trip & Motorhome Travel Planner, CHECKLIST Dont forget to grab your FREE France motorhome travel checklist HERE. If youre driving from the UK to Spain (well cover that shortly), you need to allow the time it will take to drive through France to Spain (and back again!) Morocco is the perfect post-Brexit escape if youre looking to spend three months out of the Schengen area. If you love adventure and raw nature, then Norway is for you! Spanish toll roads are pay-as-you-go and are very reasonably priced. 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. In under a mile the road forks; if you intend staying on one of the coastal aires follow the D940; otherwise the D901 via Montreuil is faster. For information on how to find good wild camping places, WHAT to do when youre there and how to stay safe, check out our step-by-step guide for motorhome wild camping in the UK and Europe, complete with database of 250+ overnight spots weve stayed with our motorhome. - Travelling down the coast is one of the best France motorhome routes If you've got the staying power, then get yourself down to the south west of France where this cool coastal town, not too far from the Spanish border, can offer you a few days of sun, sea and surf. You can ask for a different pitch, but will usually need to pay a supplement which wipes out the ACSI discount! With short breaks, and sharing the driving, we usually arrive at the overnight stops around 4pm (ish) after a 7am (ish) crossing, and after leaving Poitiers around 9am. 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. Here, you can easily alternate a quiet beach day with a city trip, for example with the port city of Marseille. Yes, you can take dogs, cats and ferrets to Spain. We recommend you dont drink this water and also clean out your motorhome freshwater tank thoroughly before refilling it to get rid of the particles found in de-salinated water. Motorhome services are generally widely available, especially along the coast. This route is by far the fastest, and it ensures that you can make the entire journey through France without needing to stop at any point if more than one person can take to the steering wheel. They will probably be smaller than other pitches and perhaps not as favourably placed. Many shops and businesses also shut for a long lunch (between 12-2pm) and some will not open on Wednesday afternoons. Dog Friendly Motorhome campsites in Yecla, Spain On our 2019 tour we drove to the eastern end of the Pyrenees, using the free A75 motorway south of Clermont . 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. Mercadona, SuperCor and Eroski are similar in price and quality but do not carry the range of goods you would expect in a UK supermarket. This tiny national park nestled between Alcossebre and Peniscola is gorgeous for hiking with stunning sea views. This journey requires you to travel from the place that you entered France across to Rouen. Hi we plan to take a trip to Spain and Portugal for two months starting the third week in March. Northern Spain is mountainous and you can expect snow during winter- and it will be cold, even on a sunny day (just like in the Alps or any other mountain range.) Home Motorhome Advice Travel to Europe Motorhoming & Campervanning in Spain Complete Guide. We have been using and recommend ConnectPlus for cloud sim connectivity in the UK and Europe. You will also be within easy walking distance of the Casco Antiguo, the old town. Spain motorway map - route planner Car Rental Frauenfeld in Switzerland | Save 30% Today However this is a busy slow trucking route and takes you right through Tours, where believe me, you dont want to be. Top Guide To Buying A Motorhome; First Motorhome Trip Abroad; Winter Motorhome Trip Spain; Campsites For A Ski . Anywhere near the beach will be tough all year. Mobile Phone and Internet Its usually possible to use your UK phone and data in Spain, but do check with your provider. In January 2020 and September 2021, many motorhome tolls were removed. Spain has a number of different languages. (If you do need an IDP, heres anin-depth guide on how to get an International Driving Permitand which one(s) you needfrom a UK post office. The magical French Brittany 2. If youd like to connect with Kat, send her an email or follow her adventures on social media. 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. MMM is Britain's best-selling motorhome magazine and it has been for over 55 years. 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). 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. Featured in Experience the ultimate motorhome holiday . I dont like the Bay of Biscay in winter, nor paying to use expensive motorways. This is a generous and joyous country, full of colour and extremes. Itinerary by region. There are a number of must-sees including the Plaza de Espaa, the Real Alczar, the Giralda Tower and the Cathedral. Find out about life on the road, destinations, routes and practical motorhome advice on our blog. The letters pages suggest some of you are not convinced about using them, I simply suggest, give them a fair trial. In the interior of Spain in your motorhome, you may well have long stretches of sweeping autopista(motorway) and autova(dual carriageway) to yourself. From here either turn towards Ainhoa to cross the border, or continue on to St-Jean-Pied-de-Port where you enter Spain and climb to a 1,000m over the Ibaneta Pass. Take a road trip to Spain from UK by driving through France. Just before Biarritz, take the D932 due south to Cambo-les-Bains. Destination. Castilian (or Spanish) is the main language, with Catalan being spoken in Catalonia, Valenciano being spoken in Valencia (both being more like the French language), Galician belonging to the northern region and Basque belonging to the Basque Country. . In the meantime, here are a few frequently asked questions and answers; Nothing changes with your passport, but from November 2023, the EU will introduce theETIAS(European Travel Information and Authorisation System), which will be an additional entry requirement for visa-exempt travellers and will involve the travellerregistering their details online before travelling, mainly for security purposes. Many businesses close between 12.30 or 1pm until 5pm and then open again until 8pm. Motorhome Route France, Spain and Andorra - Straight through the Pyrenees. Free motorhome parking in Spain is easy and safe as long as you follow a few basic guidelines. This will be my first time in the van into France,Spain and Portugal. Sundays are truly sacred days in Spain.