Explore
Discover Spain
Sunshine, siestas and stunning scenery — perfect for motorhome travel. With its relaxed pace, varied landscapes, and mix of coastal campsites and mountain stopovers, it’s a favourite for vanlifers chasing both the sun and a slower way of living.
Barcelona
Exploring Spain
Language in Spain
The main language spoken in Spain is Spanish (also known as Castilian Spanish). In some regions, you might also hear other languages like Catalan, Basque, or Galician — but don’t worry, a little basic Spanish goes a long way, and most locals really appreciate the effort, even if it’s just a few words.
Here are a few handy phrases we’ve picked up that can be super useful on the road:
Hola – Hello
Gracias – Thank you
¿Dónde está el área para autocaravanas? – Where is the motorhome stopover?
Agua potable – Drinking water
¿Habla inglés? – Do you speak English?
Currency
Spain uses the euro (€). It’s widely accepted everywhere — from big supermarkets and fuel stations to tiny village bakeries. Most places take card, but it’s always a good idea to carry a bit of cash, especially in rural areas, markets, or smaller cafés where card machines might be “having a moment” (we’ve all been there!).
ATMs are easy to find, and if you’re using a travel-friendly bank card with low fees, it’s usually cheaper than exchanging cash before you go. We always keep a small stash of coins handy too — many aires and service points use coin machines for water or electric hookups
Weather
One of the biggest reasons we (and so many other motorhomers) love Spain is the weather — especially if you’re chasing the sun! Spain has a really varied climate depending on where you are, but in general, it’s much milder and sunnier than the UK, especially in the south.
Spring and autumn are ideal — warm days, cooler nights, and perfect for touring without the crowds.
Summer can be scorching, especially inland and down south, so we tend to stick to higher ground or coastal areas for a bit of breeze.
Winter in southern Spain, particularly along the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca, can still give you blue skies and T-shirt weather during the day — which is exactly why so many motorhomers spend the colder months there.
Just keep in mind that mountain regions and the north can still get chilly and wet, even in spring or autumn. We always check the forecast ahead and carry layers — because let’s face it, you never know!
At a glance
Our experience in Spain
Spain was one of the first countries we ventured into after gaining confidence travelling the UK in our 5th wheel — and it was a total game changer. There’s something about Spain that just works when you’re on the road. The pace is slower, the weather’s kinder (especially in winter!), and the landscapes change quicker than you’d expect — one minute you’re in the mountains, the next you’re by the sea.
We found it so much easier to settle into van life properly in Spain. There are lots of great motorhome parking areas (some called autocaravanas, others camper stops), and it’s generally very welcoming to people travelling in vans, motorhomes, or caravans. Here’s our guide to staying in motorhomes in Spain, including how to find free or low-cost stopovers.
It’s a country of contrasts — you’ve got the quiet, rural villages where life hasn’t changed much in decades, and then buzzing cities full of tapas bars, markets, and fiestas. And speaking of fiestas — they’re everywhere. No matter what time of year you visit, there always seems to be a local carnival, parade, or celebration going on.
We’ve stumbled across everything from small-town saint’s days to full-blown street festivals with fireworks and dancing. It’s one of the things we love most about Spain — there’s always something going on, and the locals really know how to celebrate life.
We often found ourselves drifting towards the coast, especially in winter. The Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol are popular for a reason — loads of sun, good road networks, and plenty of stopovers, even for bigger rigs like ours.
That said, wild camping in Spain can be a bit hit and miss. Rules vary by region, and some places are cracking down, so it’s worth doing your homework. Here’s what we’ve learned about wild camping in Spain. And like anywhere, we’ve had our fair share of challenges — steep climbs, sat nav arguments, and the occasional mystery parking rule. But overall? It’s been one of the easiest and most rewarding countries to travel in by motorhome.
If you’re thinking of exploring Spain, I’ll be sharing:
- Our favourite motorhome spots in Spain — from coastlines to olive groves
- Tips for driving and parking a motorhome in Spain
- Where to find LPG, water, and waste points
- The best regions for winter motorhome travel
- Simple Spanish phrases for motorhomers
Spain really does have something for everyone — whether you’re after beach days, mountain drives, or quiet countryside. And with the right tips, it’s a brilliant place to slow down, enjoy the ride, and maybe even join in a fiesta or two along the way.
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