By Camper Through Spain | Guide 2026

In Spain most motorways are free — but not all.

State motorways (A with a number, e.g. A3) are free for all vehicles. Private motorways (Autopistas, marked AP with a number, e.g. AP-2) require a toll payment.

The toll amount depends on the vehicle category and the number of kilometres driven. Motorhomes fall under the category called Ligeros, together with passenger cars and motorcycles. The cost for vehicles in this category is around €10 per 100 kilometres.

Áreas de Autocaravanas are special zones designed for motorhome parking and overnight stays. They are often equipped with basic facilities — access to drinking water, a waste disposal point and electricity.

Information about the location of Áreas can be found in the Park4Night app, CaraMaps or on Spanish caravanning portals.

Campsites in Spain are comfortable and fully suited to longer motorhome stays. They are usually equipped with everything necessary: showers and toilets, electricity, drinking water, waste disposal points, and sometimes a pool or restaurant.

Typically the price per night at a campsite in Spain is around 10–20 € outside the season. Prices in season can be higher and often depend on the location — in tourist spots or near the beach, a campsite night costs around 30–50 €. Occasionally parking at an Área de Autocaravanas requires a nominal fee (3–10 €).

Average motorhome rental cost in Spain:

No — parking outside designated places is not permitted. Rules may vary depending on the municipality.

When looking for a car park, look out for prohibition signs: Prohibido autocaravanas — no motorhomes, Prohibido pernoctar — no overnight stays.

Yes, but certain rules apply: the motorhome must fit within the designated parking space, camping in ordinary car parks is not permitted (setting up camping furniture, awnings, etc.), and the vehicle must not discharge waste, smoke or noise.

Speed limits: 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h outside built-up areas, 120 km/h on motorways.

Many large Spanish cities — such as Barcelona and Madrid — have low emission zones (Zonas de Bajas Emisiones — ZBE). These restrict access to vehicles that do not meet certain environmental standards.

If your vehicle does not meet the Euro 4 standard, it may be subject to an entry ban on working days or require prior registration and payment of a fee. For example, Barcelona allows the purchase of up to 10 single-day permits per year at 2 euros each.

Mandatory equipment:

• reflective vest,
• spare wheel or tyre repair kit,
• 2 warning triangles or a V16 warning lamp,
• fire extinguisher (required for vehicles over 3.5 t).

List of required documents: ID card or passport, driving licence, motorhome third-party liability insurance, motorhome registration certificate.

The Spanish traffic police (Guardia Civil de Tráfico) take violations seriously and frequently issue heavy fines. Depending on the severity of the violation, penalties range from 100 to as much as 5,000 €.