Index
Why is a motorhome trip around Spain ideal for summer?
The answer is simpler than you might think. Spain, with its diverse landscapes and warm climate, is a perfect destination to explore by motorhome. On top of that, you get to enjoy all of these benefits:
- Total freedom to roam: With a motorhome, you decide where to go and when to stop. Forget hotel reservations and embrace the flexibility of changing your plans on the fly.
- A closer connection with nature: Summer is made for the great outdoors, and there's no better way to enjoy it than travelling in your own home on wheels. Camp by the beach, wake up in the mountains or stargaze from a charming village.
- Perfect weather: No surprises there. Spain's sunny climate means you can make the most of outdoor activities, from hiking trails to hidden coves.
Practical tips for beginners
If this is your first motorhome trip, don't worry! Here's everything you need to know to make your journey smooth and enjoyable:
Plan your route in advance
Although the temptation to improvise is real, good planning is the foundation of a relaxed and efficient trip. Keep the following in mind to plan better:
- Useful tools: Use apps like Google Maps or Park4Night to find service areas, campsites and points of interest along your route. Park4Night, for example, is a collaborative app where users share information about overnight spots, service areas and things to see and do.
- Strategic service stations: Include stops at Moeve Service Stations to refuel, rest and make use of our services. They're the perfect place to recharge, whether that means resting, eating or drinking, as well as topping up on fuel or charging your vehicle.
- Motorhome parking regulations: Make sure you're familiar with the rules on motorhome parking in Spain, which are set out in DGT Instruction 08/V-74. Knowing the law is essential to avoid any unwelcome surprises when parking or camping.
How to save on fuel during your trip
Good route planning also means keeping costs in check, especially on longer journeys. Here are some tips to help you save as much as possible:
- Tips for cutting consumption: Drive efficiently. That means maintaining a steady speed (try not to exceed 100-110 km/h), using higher gears, anticipating the road ahead to avoid sudden acceleration and braking, and checking your tyre pressure before setting off. Bear in mind that extra weight also affects consumption, so try not to overload the motorhome. Every small detail makes a difference when it comes to keeping fuel use down.
- Fuels that look after your engine and your wallet: Using quality fuels such as our MAX diesel and 95 and 98 MAX petrol helps keep your engine clean and optimises combustion, resulting in better performance and lower consumption. Their additives really do make a difference.
- Save with Moeve Gow: Join our Moeve gow club and build up credit with every fill-up, while also enjoying fuel discounts and other exclusive perks.
What to pack for an efficient motorhome trip
To make your journey even more efficient, it pays to optimise your space and bring only the essentials:
- Summer must-haves: Comfortable, lightweight clothing, swimwear, microfibre towels (they take up far less space), good walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a cap, insect repellent and a basic first-aid kit. And don't forget plenty of water!
- Useful equipment: Levelling chocks, a water hose, a long electric cable, a torch, basic tools, and foldable outdoor chairs and a table.
- Energy saving: Consider portable solar panels for charging devices, external battery packs, and low-consumption LED lighting throughout.
The best motorhome routes around Spain this summer
We said Spain was ideal for this kind of trip, and here's the proof. There are some truly popular motorhome routes across the country that deliver everything you could want from this type of adventure:
Coastal routes: beaches and hidden coves
Spain is bordered by the sea on three of its four sides, making it a superb destination for coastal touring, whether along the Mediterranean or the Atlantic.
For this route, we suggest exploring the Costa Brava, travelling along the Catalan coastline and discovering charming beaches and villages such as Calella de Palafrugell, home to the iconic Cap Roig botanical gardens, or Tamariu, known for its crystal-clear waters and peaceful atmosphere. It's a great option for beginners, thanks to its easy access and the availability of motorhome areas right by the sea.
Moeve Service Stations near the route:
Mountain escapes: cool air and peace and quiet
If the mountains call to you, Spain has plenty to offer. Here's a route that blends natural landscapes with coastal scenery: a journey through Asturias, taking in the stunning natural beauty of northern Spain, with its beaches and picturesque villages.
The western coast, from Gijón to Ribadeo, is an excellent option, passing through Luarca, Cudillero and Tapia de Casariego. And the Picos de Europa are not to be missed, a true paradise for hiking enthusiasts.
Moeve Service Stations near the route:
Charming villages: discover rural Spain
Travelling through the quieter, more rural corners of the country has a charm all of its own. Pair that with a visit to some of the south's most historic cities, and you've got a route with something for everyone.
A road trip through Andalusia is a classic that never disappoints. Combining the coast with the interior, taking in cities like Seville, Granada and Cádiz, and whitewashed villages such as Ronda, Grazalema and Arcos de la Frontera, all the way from the Costa del Sol to the Sierra Nevada. Without a doubt, this route opens up a world of possibilities.
Moeve Service Stations near the route:
These are just a handful of the countless routes Spain has to offer. Use Google Maps and the Moeve station finder to plan your journey, pinpoint the places you'd love to visit, and locate the service stations where you can stop along the way.
How to manage your budget
Finally, here's how travelling by motorhome helps you keep a much tighter grip on your spending. We've already touched on a few ways to control costs, such as planning your route around strategic service stations and their potential discounts, but what other options are there?
Affordable overnight options
There are three main ways to spend the night as economically as possible:
- Motorhome areas: Use apps like the one we looked at earlier, Park4Night, to find free or low-cost areas with basic services (water, waste disposal). These are an excellent and budget-friendly choice.
- Campsites: These offer more facilities (showers, electricity, swimming pool, restaurant) but come at a higher price. Ideal if you're looking for extra comfort or travelling with children. Book ahead in summer.
- Free overnight parking: Make sure you're well informed about local regulations. Free overnight stays outside designated areas are regulated and often prohibited, particularly in coastal zones and nature parks. Parking your motorhome is not the same as camping (putting out tables, chairs, an awning...).
Food and cooking
How you handle meals on the road can also make a real difference to your budget. Our recommendations:
- Plan your menus: Put together a menu based on simple meals that require only a few ingredients.
- Shop locally: Take the opportunity to pick up fresh produce at local markets.
- Cook in your motorhome: It's the most cost-effective option. Stock your kitchen with the basics and enjoy home-cooked meals with incredible views.
Follow all of these tips, and you'll leave your beginner days far behind, ready to travel by motorhome in total comfort. Enjoy the journey!
