Touring Spain by Motorhome & Campervan
Exploring Spain in a campervan or motorhome offers unmatched freedom—from the rugged peaks of the Picos de Europa down to the sun-soaked Mediterranean coastlines.
However, successfully navigating Spanish roads requires knowing local regulations, parking distinctions, tolls, and essential equipment.
Documentation & Legal Checklist
Before setting off, ensure you have all required legal paperwork and mandatory vehicle equipment.
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Required Documents
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Driving Licence: A standard Category B licence is sufficient for motorhomes up to 3,500 kg. Vehicles over 3,500 kg MAM require a C1 licence.
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Vehicle Documentation: V5C logbook (or rental agreement), valid MOT certificate, and motor insurance proof.
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Identification: Passports for all passengers.
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GHIC/EHIC: Global or European Health Insurance Cards, plus comprehensive travel cover.
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Mandatory On-Board Equipment
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High-Visibility Jackets: One for each occupant, which must be kept inside the cabin (not in the garage or trunk) so they can be put on before exiting the vehicle.
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Warning Triangles: UK/foreign-registered vehicles must carry warning triangles for breakdown events.
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Headlamp Beam Converters: Required if driving a right-hand-drive vehicle.
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UK / Country Sticker: Displayed clearly on the rear of the vehicle.
Parking vs Camping: Estacionar vs Acampada Libre
The distinction between parking (estacionar) and camping (acampada) is the single most important rule for motorhomers in Spain.
Parking (Estacionar / Pernoctar)
You may park and sleep inside your motorhome (pernoctar) in any public parking space where regular cars park, provided:
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The vehicle stays entirely within marked bays.
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No items extend beyond the vehicle footprint (no awnings, outward windows, or outdoor tables/chairs).
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No levelling blocks or jacks are deployed.
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No liquids or waste are discharged.
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2. Wild Camping (Acampada Libre)
Setting up external equipment or pitching tents outside designated sites is illegal across most of Spain. Coastal zones (under the Ley de Costas) and protected natural parks enforce strict bans with substantial fines.
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Note: Regional municipalities (such as parts of Asturias and Andalusia) often enforce local limits prohibiting campervan parking in the same spot for more than 24–48 hours.
Speed Limits & Driving Rules
Spain strictly enforces traffic laws and speed restrictions through fixed and mobile radar cameras.
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Speed Limits by Vehicle Weight
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Motorhomes ≤ 3.5 Tonnes:
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Built-up Areas: 20-50km/h (per signs)
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Standard Roads: 80km/h or 90km/h (varies by department)
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Autopistas / Autovías (Motorways): 120km/h
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Heavy Motorhomes (> 3.5 Tonnes):
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Built-up Areas: 20-50km/h (per signs)
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Standard Roads: 80km/h
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Autopistas / Autovías (Motorways): 90km/h
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Key Road Regulations​
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Blood Alcohol Limit: 0.5g/l (0.05%), lower than standard UK limits.
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Radar Detectors: Using speed-camera-jamming devices is strictly illegal and subject to heavy fines.
Tolls, Low Emission Zones & Island Rules
Toll Roads (Autopistas de Peaje)
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AP Roads: Most Autopistas (prefixed AP) are toll-free or transitioning to toll-free, but some private stretches remain paid. Payment can be made via card, cash, or an electronic transponder (Via-T).
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A Roads: Autovías (prefixed A) are generally free state-managed motorways.
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Low Emission Zones (ZBE – Zonas de Bajas Emisiones)
Spanish cities with populations over 50,000 mandate Low Emission Zones.
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Cities like Barcelona (AMB) and Madrid require foreign-registered vehicles to pre-register online prior to entry to avoid automatic camera fines
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Island Restrictions
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Ibiza: Pre-booked campsite reservations are required to bring a campervan onto the island.
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Formentera: Motorhomes and caravans are generally prohibited to protect the local ecosystem.
How do I find a Spanish stops?
Our team have created an interactive map listing thousands of stopovers across the EU!
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We have included campsites, aires, wild spots, showers, toilets, laundrys, LPG sales/swaps and much more.
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We didn't stop at the EU either, our map covers the UK too!
What to know before you go?
Propane / LPG: Gas bottle connections differ across countries; carry appropriate adapters if refilling gas or swapping canisters abroad.
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Pets: If traveling with pets, ensure health documentation and pet travel protocols are up to date.
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Mountain Law: Between November 1 and March 31, winter tyres or snow chains/socks are required in designated mountainous regions.