Motorhome & Campervan Hire in Spain

When driving in a new country, it’s best to familiarise yourself with their driving rules before you arrive to make sure that nothing catches you out! Here are a few tips for driving when you hire a campervan in Spain:

• Drive on the right-hand side of the road, and overtake on the left. This means that at roundabouts you should give way to vehicles coming from the left, and travel counter-clockwise around the roundabout.
• It is mandatory for all occupants of a vehicle to always wear seat belts.
• Speed limits vary depending on the type of road. In urban areas, the general speed limit is 50 km/h, although a new law has been introduced to give one-way urban roads a 30km/h limit. On non-urban roads, the limit is typically 90 km/h unless otherwise specified. Major roads and motorways usually have a speed limit of 120 km/h. Keep an eye out for speed limit signs to make sure you’re adhering to local rules!
• Many of the motorways are toll roads. Check out the info on toll road signage and rules below.
• Drivers must have a valid driver’s license, vehicle registration documents, and proof of insurance readily available while driving.

Whatever your camping style, when you hire a campervan in Spain you’ll find a place to suit you, whether you’re headed to the beach, the mountains, or one of Spain’s incredible cities. Download our roadsurfer spots App to find unique places to stay that offer local charm and often extra activities. Read on for info on the different types of camping in Spain.

• Campgrounds/RV Parks: Spain has numerous campgrounds and RV parks equipped with facilities suitable for campervans. These sites often offer amenities such as electrical hookups, water supply, waste disposal, bathrooms, showers, and sometimes swimming pools and playgrounds.
• Aires and Motorhome Service Areas: Aires are designated areas specifically for motorhomes and campervans. Some provide only an overnight parking space, while others have basic facilities such as waste disposal stations, fresh water supply, and sometimes electricity hookups. Aires are more common in certain regions like Catalonia and the Basque Country.
• Camper Stops and Parking Areas: Many towns and cities in Spain have designated parking areas or dedicated spaces for campervans. These spots are often located near the city centre or tourist attractions, allowing campervan travellers to conveniently explore urban areas without having to travel too far on the day.
• Wild Camping: Wild camping in a campervan is not legally allowed anywhere in Spain. However, there are plenty of free camp spots, some even in beautiful nature settings, so you’ll rarely feel restricted by this law. In these designated areas, often in certain national parks and rural regions, there may be specific regulations and guidelines for overnight parking which are important to check before you arrive.
• Beachside Camping: Spain’s extensive coastline offers many opportunities for campervan camping near the beach. In most coastal areas you’ll find campsites, or designated parking areas specifically for campervans, right next to the beach.
• Farm Stays: Farm campsites, known as agroturismos, allow you to stay on working farms or rural properties where you can experience farm life and enjoy fresh local produce during your stay.

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the culture of a country is to go to a local festival or event. When you hire a campervan in Spain, why not book your trip around one of these to make some really unique memories? We’ve created a shortlist to help make the choice easier.

• Las Fallas, March, Valencia: This is a really unique festival in Spain, featuring giant papier-mâché sculptures known as fallas which are displayed throughout the city and eventually burned in spectacular bonfires. It is accompanied by fireworks, parades, and traditional costumes.
• Semana Santa (Holy Week), the week leading up to Easter Sunday, various cities across Spain: Elaborate processions featuring religious sculptures, bands, and participants dressed in traditional attire fill the streets, creating a solemn and captivating atmosphere that is well worth experiencing at least once.
• Feria de Abril, two weeks after Easter Sunday, Seville: Feria de Abril is a vibrant spring fair, characterized by colourful flamenco dresses, horse carriages, lively music, and dancing. It’s a celebration of traditional Andalusian culture with plenty of food and drink on offer, and is the perfect opportunity to experience a Spanish fiesta.
• Running of the Bulls (San Fermín), July, Pamplona: adrenaline-seeking spectators flock to Pamplona in July for the San Fermín festival. Not for the faint-hearted, participants run ahead of a group of bulls through the narrow streets of Pamplona, trying not to get caught.
• Festival Internacional de Benicàssim (FIB), July, Benicàssim: FIB is one of Spain’s largest music festivals, attracting renowned national and international artists across various genres. The festival takes place over several days and offers a vibrant atmosphere and camping options.
• La Feria de Málaga, August, Málaga: La Feria de Málaga is a week-long summer fair that transforms the city into a lively celebration. The streets are adorned with lights, and there are traditional performances, live music, dancing, and delicious food and drinks.
• La Tomatina, August, Valencia: La Tomatina is the world’s largest tomato fight festival, definitely one for the memory bank! Come here to take part in a massive tomato-throwing battle in the streets of Buñol, and maybe bring a protective case for your camera…
• San Sebastian International Film Festival, September, San Sebastian: The San Sebastian International Film Festival is one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world. It showcases a wide range of international films, attracting renowned filmmakers, actors, and cinema enthusiasts to this beautiful coastal city.

In Spain, there are a number of motorways that have tolls. These toll roads are called autopistas, while autovias are always untolled. You don’t have to register a toll system for your roadsurfer vehicle when you drive in Spain, and you can decide whether to use a toll-free motorway or a (private) toll road.

The private ones are marked with an “R” or “AP” and a toll sign on the traffic signs. Please pay attention and do not drive through the “Telepeaje” booths, as those are only for cars with a transponder installed. You can check which ones are toll roads and how much they cost here.

Your roadsurfer campervan or motorhome should come under the ‘Ligeros’ (light vehicles) classification. The amount you’ll pay depends on the region and how far you’re travelling.

All toll roads must be paid for in Euros by credit card or cash. Most of the toll roads have manned booths where you can speak to someone to get information, and pay the toll. Some toll roads have touchscreen machines, and these are identified by a blue sign showing a bank card.

If you’d prefer to avoid using toll roads, it’s easy to find a list of road numbers of Spainsh toll roads.

The different regions of Spain are so diverse that you can explore the whole country without it beginning to feel like groundhog day! That said, a whole country can be tricky to fit into one holiday, so read on to find out about the five most popular regions to explore when you hire a campervan in Spain:

• Andalusia: Andalusia is one of the most visited regions in Spain, known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. Here you’ll find iconic cities like Seville, Granada, and Cordoba, where visitors can explore magnificent landmarks such as the Alhambra, the Mezquita, and the Giralda. Andalusia also has beautiful beaches along the Costa del Sol, picturesque white villages, and incredible local food.
• Catalonia: Catalonia is home to the amazing city of Barcelona, with its captivating blend of modernist architecture, artistic treasures, and lively atmosphere. Beyond Barcelona, Catalonia features stunning coastal towns like Sitges and the rugged beauty of the Costa Brava, as well as the impressive Montserrat mountain range.
• Madrid: As the capital city of Spain, Madrid is a major tourist destination that offers a mix of history, art, and vibrant urban life. You’ll explore world-class museums like the Prado Museum, stroll through beautiful parks such as Retiro Park, and indulge in as much tapas as your stomach can handle! Madrid also hosts lively festivals and events throughout the year.
• Basque Country: The Basque Country, located in the northern part of Spain, is known for its distinct culture and stunning landscapes. The region’s main cities, Bilbao and San Sebastian, are always worth a visit: Bilbao offers architectural wonders like the Guggenheim Museum, while San Sebastian boasts beautiful beaches and is renowned for its world-class cuisine, including pintxos (Basque tapas).
• Valencia: Valencia, on the eastern coast of Spain, combines modern architecture, a rich history, and beautiful beaches. The city of Valencia showcases architectural gems like the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, and it hosts the lively Fallas festival each March. Visitors can also relax on the sandy beaches of the Costa Blanca or explore the charming coastal towns nearby.

There are few combinations as iconic as surfing and campervans, so when you hire a campervan in Spain you should check out a surf break or two. Whether you want to take part or just watch, Spain has several renowned surf spots along its coastline, and nearby towns often have a friendly surf vibe too.

• Mundaka, Basque Country: Mundaka is famous for its world-class left-hand rivermouth wave, considered one of the best and most challenging waves in Europe.
• Zarautz, Basque Country: Zarautz is a popular beach town with a long sandy beach that offers consistent waves, suitable for surfers of all levels.
• Somo, Cantabria: Somo, near Santander, is a sandy beachbreak, making it an ideal spot for beginners and intermediate surfers. The town also has a great surf vibe.
• Rodiles, Asturias: Rodiles is known for its powerful and long left-hand wave that breaks over a sandy rivermouth and is considered one of the best waves in northern Spain.
• Los Locos, Cantabria: Los Locos (in the town of Suances) is a reef break known for its fast and hollow waves. It attracts experienced surfers looking to challenge themselves.
• Playa de las Catedrales, Galicia: Playa de las Catedrales (Cathedrals Beach) with its majestic rock arches is worth a visit even if you have no interest in surfing. For those looking to get in the water, this is a reliable wave that’s perfect for all levels.
• El Palmar, Andalusia: El Palmar, near Vejer de la Frontera, is a popular beach break with dependable waves suitable for all levels of surfers. It has a laid-back vibe and is a great spot for learning and improving surfing skills.