Making the most of your campervan – legally

Have you always had the desire to travel? Spain has so many interesting and varied places to visit and a campervan is a flexible way to reach and enjoy them. So, why not carry your home on your back?   

Around Torrevieja you can see them parked up on the coast and in larger car parks. Campervans that are barely bigger than your car to motorhomes the size of a generous caravan. They do attract accusations of freeloading at others’ expense. However, the majority of those who choose to travel around Spain in this way, do so legitimately and with the environment in mind.

A campervan can cost you anything from €50,000 to €80,000 for a new model and motorhomes are often into six figure numbers. However, if you don’t have this kind of money to hand you can always rent one instead. Many of them are incredibly sophisticated and impressively equipped and who doesn’t love the quirky ways in which space is used creatively.  For those of you who like dinky ideas squeezed into unlikely places, then they are a dream with multi-use being the rule. It can be the perfect solution if you are not quite into wild camping and want your little bit of luxury with you.   

One advantage of travelling this way is that you are not limited to Spain. In fact, countries such as France and Germany can prove to be more campervan friendly and can offer a cooler alternative in the summer months.

How to do it legally

First and foremost, be aware that different regions, and even different towns, have their local by-laws sometimes reflecting a different approach and level of welcome. So, do your research!

You are generally OK to park overnight (pernoctar) and prepare your meals etc. inside your campervan in most parking spots. However, you are not allowed to extend your living area to outside your van. For example, you should not extend your awning for al fresco dining as it could be construed that you intend to stay for longer than one night. From the outside you must look as though you are just parked and not camping.

Be aware that local councils can prohibit overnight stays in particular spots such as beach front locations – so check the signage. If it says ‘prohibido pernoctar’ that means you are not allowed to stay overnight and should move on. Some regions, such as Asturias and Andalusia have a 24.hour maximum stay rule in public parking areas – and you can be fined!

Alternatively, you might choose to stop somewhere more official. There are now an increasing number of sites in Spain that mean you can rest assured that you are not breaking any local regulations. You should look for ‘áreas de autocaravanas’ which are still limited to overnight stays but have the advantage of perhaps providing waste disposal, water refills and electricity for a small charge. For longer stays you need to search out an authorised campsite. Look for ‘camping’ or ‘camping autorizado’.  

Motorhomes and campervans are classed as category M and N vehicles and the rules apply whether you are a resident or a non-resident in Spain. It is important that you look out for the new S-128 signs which indicate where there is safe waste emptying.

It’s all about the planning

Whatever site you have in mind, it pays to plan your stops and remember that wild camping is not allowed. There are apps available which can help you locate where it is good to stop for those essential services such as:

• A freshwater fill point
• Waste water emptying point
• Chemical toilet emptying point
• Electrical hook up

Remember that there are different regional rules which you need to check out too and local council bylaws should also be researched. New laws enforce the right of local town halls to restrict parking times and prohibit camping in certain areas.

Unless you are in an authorised campsite, move regularly. You don’t want to incur a fine you just want to enjoy the freedom to travel and see new sights. With careful preparation, having your home-on-wheels is an enviable way of seeing just how much Spain has got to offer.