Go out along the coast in a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddle board if you can, and marvel at the crystal clear turquoise water, an abundance of sea life, wired rock formations and hidden sea caves. So, if you're searching for a cheap car rental in South Africa after landing at Pietermaritzburg Airport, look no further! See Motorhome Fall Into River Amid Catastrophic California Storms Man City want 100m Liverpool target at all costs with current star ready to 'pack up and leave' for Spain 'You can't trust . The load must be indicated by a. perfect campsite for your next trip away. Then, after a few hours' driving, its nice to stroll around where we've ended up, which brings us to the issue of where to stay. human resources job scope; holland america cruise cancellations due to coronavirus *We work hard to make this the best motorhome blog and road trip website possible, full of helpful content for you. b) Short crossing to northern France, motorways to Perpignan, then the Spanish AP7 coastal motorway to your destination. Bike Road Trip With Road Cycling or MTB Tours. If you arrive at 6pm expecting a place, then you will probably be disappointed. The weight of your motorhome no longer matters- all motorhomes are charged the same. So instead turn right on the N12 towards Alencon, leave most of the traffic behind, and enjoy the mainly fast dual carriageway for 34miles to Mortagne-au-Perche where you turn south. Immerse yourself in nature and explore places that are difficult to reach with a motorhome, such as narrow gravel paths to the mountain peak or off-road bike routes through the pine trees. Spanish life is all about family, religion, food and tradition. Occasionally, some sections of road have a fixed fee, so you pay when you enter. Motorhoming in Italy: Your Complete Guide for 2023, Planning Your Morocco Motorhome Adventure, Campervanning in Portugal: Complete 2023 Guide, Campervanning in Norway Tips, Routes & Destinations for 2023, Motorhome Germany: 2023 Complete Touring Guide. The motorhome route costs: 14.99PRO users will pay: 11.99. GEAR If you need any motorhome gear for touring Europe, heres what we recommend. First is the ferry crossing options from Plymouth and Portsmouth to Santander and Bilbao - both of these ports are in Northern . If the weather is reasonable we can recommend a few nights stop for some cycling or beachcombing. See Route guide - Calais, Rouen, Orleans, Clermont-Ferrand route Toll May 2022 ~ 85.20 Distance: 1162 km Driving time: about 11h. You will need to get a worming treatment done by a registered vet before you leave Spain, or between 24 hours and 5 days before re-entering the UK.Sandflies, fleas and ticks are common in Spain, so get a collar or treatment which protects against these. Cartagena is a city we really enjoy for its eclectic architecture andunexpected cosmopolitan feel. Spains capital city is a beautiful and cultured city with stunning architecture, tranquil parks and some of the best art museums in Europe. An autova is like a motorway, except that bicycles and agricultural vehicles can use it. This first link is an award winning database about France. If you are ordering a chicken dish in Spain, be very careful with your pronunciation of. Diesel in Spain is some of the cheapest in Europe, especially if you fill up at the supermarket, with Cepsa and Repsol garages being the most expensive. 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. Location: Gerard's Lane, 14 / 15 James St, Fortitude Valley Brisbane. But of course there is much more to see along the way! What food can I take in my motorhome to Spain? With over 3,500 top campsites to choose from, we can help you find the Calais-Alicante via Paris Clermont Ferrand then Perpignan and the coastal AP7. If youre not sure what we mean, read more about getting gas in Europe: READ MORE: How we find motorhome LPG or bottles while touring Europe. Planning a driving route from UK to Spain, Hiring a motorhome or camper to tour Spain. If you prefer to stay on campsites, few are open in winter, so your route and driving time will be dictated by those that are. READ MORE: Learn how we find and use aires and approved free overnight motorhome stopovers across Europe. Youll need to book a pet-friendly cabin or kennels on the ferry or travel via the tunnel. Three-day friendly festival in West Sussex. The European Commission says the following; It very much depends on who your mobile phone contract is with and when you started the contract. This is a fascinating and ecologically diverse part of Spain withover 80species of birds livingand breeding here. ), or a tyre repair kit. Cross the Loire and follow the fast D347 past Montreuil-Bellay and Loudun all the way to Poitiers. Had however been in France and Spain in the January/February. Leave Calais on the A 16 following signs for Abbeville. Its always worth investing in a book of aires, as well as an online app- just in case you find yourself without internet in your motorhome (or without a wifi signal). This also includes a motorhome sat-nav- program it before you leave and dont touch it unless youre parked up safely. To find out where to stay during stage 2 - click here. You might find these posts helpful: See all our Europe motorhoming posts here, NEED GEAR? If youre coming from the south, make sure to stop at thewetlands of La Albufera and try the traditional paella which originated here. If in doubt, double check with the chef or waiting staff. All rights reserved, Gift ideas for motorhome & campervanners, Our favourite motorhome & road trip gear, (Already purchased a guide or course? Dont forget, it is YOUR responsibility to make sure the vehicle has the required safety equipment. When it comes to the cheapest Switzerland car rentals online, Auto Europe . Combining flavours of the Maghreb and Middle East, they offer a modern take on classic dishes using traditional techniques and local ingredients. Motorhome touring in Spain- Other useful things you might need, Speed Limits in Spain (unless otherwise signed! Expenses of the 10-day route through French Brittany by motorhome In total, this trip that we have made in a motorhome has had 1000 uros of cost for the 4 that we are in the family. 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. Many camping sites will provide desalinated water instead of potable water. We are booked on the ferry to Bilbao and have 5-6 weeks. The bullfighting season runs from March to October with fights usually taking place on Sunday afternoons. Mealtimes in Spain are noticeably different to the rest of Europe. Can I take a pet to Spain in my motorhome? Day 5 - Virollet-Font Paillaud to Bordeaux. Driving your motorhome through France into Spain Your journey through France to Irun in a motorhome will be close to ten hours. 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. 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. This tiny country packs one hell of a punch; wild coastlines, lively buzzing cities and exquisite wines. Bigger supermarkets may be open, but will close at lunchtime. Unlike other countries in the continent, in the UK there are no Areas enabled for overnight stay for motorhomes or campervans. Perhaps its because there are several options, or perhaps because theres a mountain range in the way, but its something which gets asked over and over again in Facebook groups and forums (feel free to join our motorhoming Facebook group here). Motorhome touring in the beautiful and varied country of France is a pleasure. To find out where to stay during stage 1 - click here. 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. 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. Even in the middle of summer. We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices and excellent service. To enjoy your motorhome or campervan tour, planning and preparation is critical. We have been using and recommend ConnectPlus for cloud sim connectivity in the UK and Europe. Theyre not often allowed on public transport, even with a muzzle, which made visiting places difficult. Here, you can easily alternate a quiet beach day with a city trip, for example with the port city of Marseille. Also campsites are often in remote rural areas and may not have hard standing. Free delivery for many products! First, you'll take one of the ferries from Dover to Calais. This campervan route through Spain will take you to the country's most beautiful locations. The perfect pitches for your 2023 holidays. Anywhere near the beach will be tough all year. Anything with a screen (television, video, DVD etc.) What documents do you need to drive in Spain? ), If you are going to be travelling to Spain during summer, we highly recommend you have an awning- youll definitely need the shade and protection from the sun. May 28, 2011. The Best European Campsites For Camper, By Campers. The Peaks of Europe, so called because they were the first landmark to be seen by sailors of old on approaching the continent, are well worth a visit. More than 340 kilometres of the A75 (Clermont-Ferrand - Bziers) are toll-free apart from the Millau Bridge. Full details of the cost or routing via Reims is available on the French Autoroutes website. 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!) The tolls on this route will cost you an estimated 180; it could be more if you're driving a big motorhome of upwards of 3,500 kgs. These are the things you MUST have with you when youre motorhome or campervan touring in Spain. See Through France without tolls. We intended to do Callais to Biarritz area, cross the border through centre of Spain to Portugal. 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. In this post, youll find all you need to know about touring Italy by motorhome. There are speed cameras just as in the UK, and the Spanish (and other EU) authorities have been known to pursue Brits for non-payment of fines. With the fantastic beaches of the Costa Brava and a beautiful old town, this makes a great final stop on your motorhome tour of Spain. Or check out our motorhome beginners e-book and find all our resources and guides in one place! Spend a few days wandering the old townand Barrio Santa Cruz; admire the architecture and enjoy the typical Spanish ambience. Hi we plan to take a trip to Spain and Portugal for two months starting the third week in March. There is no obligation to buy any produce, but our experience when we have bought has been really positive. This is a generous and joyous country, full of colour and extremes. 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. The mighty SierraNevada is home to the highest point of continental Spain and the third highest in Europeafter theCaucasus Mountainsand theAlps; Mulhacnpeaks at 3,479m above sea level. Firstly, routes and route maps for France and Spain. This route is available in the Campercontact app. For a grown-ups-only holiday, check out our recommended sites just for adults Editor's Pick - The best campsites for dogs. You will fall in love with this captivating and romantic city. Exit at junction 29 and drop down a hill. Based on 53,609 reviews. This is an ideal option if you have plenty of time and are planning a few months or more for your motorhoming in France and Spain trip. Nor is getting out the awning and putting up your TV aerial. However, with a little common sense and staying within the restrictions, its often possible to stay off-grid with your motorhome or campervan. The author is giving their chosen route from the ferry port. In practicality, youll find that the further than civilisation and the beach you are, the better your chances of finding a quiet, free overnight parking spot will be. If you want a different pitch, you will be charged a supplement which often wipes out the benefit of the ACSI card, so pick smaller sites for the best experience. Spain's prime minister denounced Friday a plan by construction giant Ferrovial to move its headquarters to the Netherlands as the decision triggers a political storm. You may carry a load, such as bikes on a rack, extending by up to 10% of the length of the vehicle to the rear. A motorhome tour of Germany offers incredible adventures. The best times to visit are probably the shoulder seasons of Spring and Autumn. Headlight beam converters (unless you can adjust yours automatically). The motorway becomes dual carriageway at the citys edge and drops down through a tunnel. It's almost Toll free (more on that a little later . Route 2 is straight south from Calais, skirting around Paris and then down to Clermont Ferrard and Perpignan on the A75 (which is largely free from tolls). You cannot book motorhome aires in advance- its first-come, first-served, so if youre visiting at peak times you might feel happier booking a campsite so youre assured of somewhere to stay. Spain has certain days where driving is restricted. An editorial review of Tyddyn Llwyn Camping, Caravan & Touring Park Editor's picks - ideal campsites for city breaks. Many roads have automatic speed cameras on in Spain and theyre quite happy to send tourists a fine through the mail. Not only is this a noteworthy hike along the route of the river Guadalhorce, but it is also in an area of outstanding natural beauty worth exploring further. The best campsites for discovering this popular southwest county Editor's pick - The top adults-only campsites. The magical French Brittany 2. In the tiny state of Andorra, the campsite in Andorra-city, close to the historic old center, is highly recommended. 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. You might also find random traffic lights, which turn to red in the middle of nowhere if youre speeding and make you wait for a couple of minutes before turning to green so you can move off again. It has a host of information on best routes to many locations. An unusual bit of good news for motorists ! Lidl carries a good basic range and has by far the best value wine in Spain. View Larger Map. Most of the routes i have seen on the forum have avoided toll roads. Your pet will need amicrochip, a validrabies vaccination and ananimal health certificate (AHC). Most of the aires included in this route have paved parking suitable for poor weather and are close to village or town centres for shopping and restaurants. Barcelona city boasts a rich cultural heritage, a 4km long sandy beach, fabled UNESCO architectural gems,a culinary scene the envy of the world, and all the attractions ofa modern global city alongside historic districts such as theGothic quarter. Starting at the English Channel and continuing to the Bay of Biscay, you're sure to make the memories of a lifetime along the way. Get all the information you need in our Spain Travel Guide, including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there and practical tips to help you have the best trip! Motorhoming in France: Your Complete Touring Guide for 2023, Motorhome Wild Camping Your Complete Guide, Madrid in One Day Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide, How to Live the Van Life in Tarifa, Spain, One Day in Seville Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide, Cordoba in One Day Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide, One Day in Barcelona Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide, Best for campervan and motorhome hire UK to Spain >>, The Perfect Andalucia Road Trip: Itinerary, Map & Tips, or menu of the day. MMM is Britain's best-selling motorhome magazine and it has been for over 55 years. Legally, youre only allowed to stay on approved overnight motorhome spaces or campsites. Barcelona is a real foodie city, with a great central market and lots of fantastic tapas bars and seafood restaurants, check out thebest restaurants in Barcelonafor an authentic gastronomic experience when you visit the city. If not, 1p Mobile SIM cards are widely available and a cheap option for phone calls. We love helping motorhome & campervan owners make the most of their time on the road, whether youre a complete motorhome newbie or planning a long tour of Europe. Find motorhome and campervan sites at Pitchup that are bound to get the bark of approval The aire here is on the banks of the river Bernesga, which affords some good runningroutes along level paths. But, I promise you, there is much more to Spain than the Costa del Sol, especially if youre travelling and touring in a motorhome or camper. All across Spain, you will find a network ofVia Verdes literally translated as the green ways. Why hire a motorhome through Goboony? Our route only involves one major junction so, outside rush hour, traffic should be reasonably light. 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. Motorhomes < 3,500 kg (also relevant for those touring Spain by car or campervan). In Spain, LPG is grade C, which means the percentage mix of propane to butane is approximately 30/70. 2023 Wandering Bird Adventures. Spanish people talk LOUDLY and over each other constantly. To take your motorhome from the UK to Spain you have a basic choice: either take a ferry across the Bay of Biscay to Northern Spain, or take the Channel Tunnel or a ferry to Northern France, and drive across France to the Pyrenees. 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. 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. Check out our guides to travelling in France where you'll be sure to find lots of ideas and inspiration, get our 2 week motorhome itinerary France complete with a motorhome route map of France, or check out our French destination ideas. Get the permission of the landowner if possible. 9 Motorhome Ferry Routes to and From France Dover - Calais Dover - Dunkirk Newhaven - Dieppe Plymouth - Rostoff Poole - Cherbourg Portsmouth - Caen Portsmouth - Cherbourg Portsmouth - Le Harve Portsmouth - St. Malo Motorhome Ferry Routes to and From Spain Plymouth - Santander Portsmouth - Bilbao Portsmouth - Santander Many businesses close between 12.30 or 1pm until 5pm and then open again until 8pm. 2500 mile round trip in a fortnight. Unless you are in an absolute dive or the service is dreadful, it is expected that you will leave a tip, usually around 5%. If the weather is good there are two low altitude passes you can take instead. You must have at least 3rd party motorhome insurance cover for your vehicle. READ MORE: There are some basic rules to follow whilst motorhome wild camping heres everything you need to know to stay safe and find free spots. Spanish toll roads are pay-as-you-go and are very reasonably priced. Fruit and vegetables are seasonal; if you want something exotic you will have to search it out and it will be expensive. Motorhome with children Motorhome with animals Surftrip motorhome Wedding VW combi. Its one of the warmest places in Europe in February average temperatures in Malaga are 17c (but only 12c in Madrid- that extra bit south does make a big difference). This will be my first time in the van into France,Spain and Portugal. If you dont have your own vehicle, you can easily fly into Spain and hire one. You can also hire a motorhome in the UK and drive it across to Spain. This 220km coastline boasts uninterrupted white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Some spots are even right on the beach! If you choose to use the Autopista toll roads while motorhoming in Spain, here are some tips for you: Bizarrely, some toll roads in Spain are being demoted to free routes, but are still marked as AP on the map. Day 1 -Vron to Gron. Motorhoming in Spain- what gear do you need to carry? 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. 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. Packed with great museums and atmospheric squares and quarters, Madrid is a great city in which to spend a day or so. Make sure you have proof that you can take the vehicle across a border into another country if thats what youre planning to do. As someone who gets seasick (hilarious considering Im ex-Navy and lived on boats for 15 years), I avoid this crossing and prefer to drive from the UK through France to Spain, but its entirely up to you. Do you want to wild camp in your motorhome? 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. If you are driving a motorhome or campervan in Spain and towing, and the overall length is more than 12m (which would be one large motorhome and trailer! 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. Abbeville, Rouen, Chartres, Tours, Poitiers, Bordeaux, Biarritz, Hendaye, Pamplona, Zaragoza, Sagunto. Mountain roads are also very slow and if your destination is Valencia or further south there is little saving in overall mileage compared to the much safer and faster route along the Atlantic coast near Biarritz. These are usually exceptionally good value and will give you a taste of the local and seasonal flavour and cooking style. Its easy to find motorhome campsites in Spain and theyre much like campsites anywhere else in Europe. So dont walk out into the road thinking traffic will stop for you. As a result I'm looking for as much help as I I can get. Look out for traffic signs indicating that winter tyres or snow chains are compulsory where you are. In both Pampaneira andTrevlez, we were the only motorhome in their car park,hereandhererespectively. Free motorways are shown in blue, Spanish toll motorways are shown in red. The Pyrenees is best visited between May and October, unless you want to ski, as outside these times you will definitely encounter snow. A reader review of Plassey Holiday Park An editorial review of Exe Valley Caravan Site Editor's Pick - The best campsites in Ireland. This gorge is spanned spectacularly by an 18thcentury arched bridge andtall housesperchprecariouslyalong itsedges. When you click on an affiliate link in a page or post, at no cost to you, we earn fees by advertising and linking to our affiliate partners. If youre planning on going to Portugal as youtour Europe in a motorhome, our Portugal tips are a must-read before your trip. Dont forget to grab your FREE motorhoming in Europe checklist below to help you stay organised and remember everything you need. . 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. This is a long drive so to break it up we suggest stopping off at Eighty Mile Beach to stretch your legs. Our route starts at Calais, but it can easily be joined from Dieppe or Cherbourg. When we travel, we kind of end up with a happy medium of both. ), visit the Start Here page to find out how we can help you! Why? We stopped atCamping Osunain the east of the city, close to the airport. Wild camping is not allowed in any of the Spanish National Parks. If you are stopping for over 30 nights it is possible to stay at a good quality site for 10 a night including electricity. 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. Temperatures are still warm enough to enjoy the beaches and swimming in the sea, but there are much fewer tourists and you will be able to find motorhome parking without booking in advance. Many Northern Europeans (like us Brits!) If you are overtaking a cyclist or a group of cyclists, you must leave at least 1.5m of clearance, and also reduce speed by 20kmh (WHY Spain, WHY?) Bullfightingis seen as heroic, atest of wills involving courage, intelligence, and elegance; matadors are national heroes. The festival commemorates San Jos, the patron saint of carpenters and is held from 15th-20th March every year. Essential if your car, caravan or motorhome has a GB plate. A good tip is to try and arrive AT your destination just before lunchtime. Enjoy holidays year-round with this selection of sites that are open all year Editor's Pick - The best campsites in Devon. Hi looking for ideas of routes and caravan sites. 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.