Exploring Spain in a motorhome offers an unparalleled way to experience the country’s diverse landscapes, rich culture, and charming towns. With its extensive road network, numerous motorhome facilities, and varied climate, Spain is an ideal destination for a road trip. This guide provides up-to-date information on Spanish roads, motorhome areas, and the best seasons—spring and autumn—for your journey.
Spanish roads: travel times, conditions, and tips
Spain boasts a well-developed road system, making it accessible and enjoyable for motorhome travellers. The network includes motorways, national roads, and regional or local roads. Below is an overview of what to expect:
- Motorways
- Types: Spain has toll motorways (marked AP) and free motorways (marked A). Toll roads are typically faster and less congested, while free motorways are a cost-effective alternative.
- Condition: Toll motorways are in excellent condition, with smooth surfaces, clear signage, and regular maintenance. Free motorways are also well-maintained, though they may see more traffic in busy areas.
- Travel Times: On toll motorways, expect speeds of up to 120 km/h for motorhomes under 3,500 kg (maximum authorised mass, or MMA). For example, driving from Madrid to Valencia (approx. 350 km) takes about 3.5–4 hours on the AP-3 and A-3, depending on traffic and stops. National roads may add 30–60 minutes due to lower speed limits (90 km/h) and potential congestion.
- Tips: Toll costs vary—e.g., Madrid to Barcelona (approx. 620 km) might cost €50–€60 one way. Consider a VIA-T device for quicker toll payments. Fuel stations are frequent.
- National roads
- Condition: Marked with an “N” (e.g., N-340), these roads are generally in good condition but can be narrower and windier, especially in mountainous areas like the Pyrenees or Sierra Nevada.
- Travel Times: Speed limits are typically 90 km/h for motorhomes under 3,500 kg and 80 km/h for those over 3,500 kg. A trip from Seville to Granada (approx. 250 km) on the N-432 takes around 3–3.5 hours, longer if navigating curves or villages.
- Tips: These roads are scenic and free but require careful driving due to occasional heavy goods traffic or local vehicles.
- Regional and local roads
- Condition: Quality varies—main regional roads are decent, but rural lanes may be narrow, unpaved, or poorly signed. Coastal routes like the Costa Brava or inland tracks in Extremadura can be stunning but challenging for larger motorhomes.
- Travel Times: Speeds drop to 60–80 km/h, and journeys like Málaga to Ronda (approx. 100 km) on the A-397 can take 2–2.5 hours due to twists and elevation changes.
- Tips: Check your motorhome’s dimensions (e.g., over 7.5 m may struggle) and avoid minor roads in bad weather. Carry a GPS or app like Waze for real-time updates.
General road notes
- Spain drives on the right. Roads are busiest in summer (July–August) and during holidays like Easter. Winter (November–March) may require snow chains in mountainous areas like the Cantabrian Mountains or Pyrenees, especially between 15 November and 15 March.
- Carry reflective jackets, a warning triangle, and, if your motorhome exceeds 12 m or has a protruding load (e.g., bike rack), a red-and-white marker board.
Motorhome areas: availability and condition
Spain is well-equipped for motorhome travellers, with over 2,500 designated areas and more than 1,000 campsites. These facilities cater to both short stops and longer stays.
Frequency and distribution:
- Motorhome areas are widespread, with higher concentrations along the coast and in popular regions like Andalusia and the Basque Country. Inland areas like Extremadura or Leon have fewer but still adequate options.
- Cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia offer urban parking or nearby sites, often within walking distance or accessible by public transport. Most provincial capitals and tourist cities have motorhome areas.
General condition:
- Public Areas: Free or low-cost (€5–€10/night), these typically include water, waste disposal, and sometimes electricity. Examples include Agua Amarga (Cabo de Gata), Astorga (León) or Elciego (Rioja Alavesa). They’re functional but basic, with varying cleanliness depending on local upkeep.
- Private Stopovers: Increasingly common, these cost €10–€20/night and often provide better facilities (showers, Wi-Fi, security). Quality is generally high, especially in winter hotspots like the Costa Blanca.
- Campsites: Prices range from €15–€30/night (lower with ACSI discounts off-season). Coastal sites can be crowded in summer, while inland ones are quieter and well-maintained year-round.
Usage tips:
- Booking: Reserve campsites in peak seasons (summer, Easter, winter in the south) as they fill up fast. Public areas rarely take bookings—arrive early to secure a spot.
- Wild Camping: Technically not allowed in national parks or busy coastal zones (e.g., Costa del Sol), but tolerated in remote areas if discreet (arrive late, leave early, no furniture outside). Check local signs and regulations, as fines apply in restricted zones.
- Apps: Use Park4Night or Campercontact to locate and review sites. El Tiempo (weather in Spain) and Wikiloc (hiking) are also handy for planning.
- Services: Empty grey/black water and refill fresh water at designated points—many close in winter in northern regions, so plan ahead.
Best seasons: spring and autumn
Spain’s climate varies dramatically by region, but spring (March–June) and autumn (September–October) stand out as the best times for a motorhome trip. Here’s why:
Spring (March–June):
- Weather: Temperatures range from 15–25°C, ideal for driving and exploring. Wildflowers bloom across the countryside, and the Southern coast warms up for swimming by May.
- Advantages: Fewer crowds than summer, milder conditions than the scorching July–August heat (often 35–40°C inland), and longer daylight hours. Rain is possible but manageable.
- Highlights: Cherry blossoms in Jerte Valley (Extremadura), hiking in the Pyrenees, or coastal drives along the Costa Brava without summer traffic.
Autumn (September–October):
- Weather: Warm sunshine (20–28°C) persists, with the sea and land still retaining summer heat. Nights are cooler (10–15°C), perfect for comfortable sleep in a motorhome. Rainfall increases slightly but rarely disrupts travel.
- Advantages: Summer crowds dissipate, parking is easier, and the landscape glows with autumnal hues (e.g., beech forests in Ordesa or Tejera Negra). Coastal restrictions on campervans ease up compared to summer bans.
- Highlights: Wine harvest in Rioja, tranquil beaches like Isla Canela, or mountain retreats in Leon before winter snows.
Spain in a motorhome combines freedom with practicality, thanks to its reliable roads and abundant facilities. Spring and autumn offer the perfect balance of pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and scenic beauty, making them the top seasons to explore. Plan your route, check local regulations, and enjoy the journey—whether it’s the rugged north, sunny south, or historic heartlands. Safe travels!