Rural Spain. Credit – Pixabay.
Travelling in Spain by campervan offers the freedom of the open road. Away from the typical tourist routes, Spain’s rural towns and villages offer an authentic experience -traditional fiestas, local cuisine, and landscapes that blend rugged mountains with tranquil coastlines.
If you enjoy the flexibility of travelling by campervan, you shouldn´t miss the opportunity to discover the “real Spain”. Whether you have your own van or are thinking of renting a campervan, you’ll need plenty of time to explore the hidden gems of Spain.
With an extensive network of van-friendly routes and camping facilities, Spain is one of the most accessible countries in Europe for campervan travel. From whitewashed Andalusian villages to the lush hills of northern Spain, the journey offers diverse experiences in the heart of nature.
Ronda and the Serranía de Ronda
Just a short drive from the Costa del Sol, Ronda sits dramatically above a deep gorge. While Ronda itself is a popular destination, the surrounding Serranía de Ronda is full of lesser-known villages such as Grazalema, Setenil de las Bodegas and Zahara de la Sierra. Travelling in Andalusia by campervan allows you to stop in these small towns, enjoy a leisurely menu del día, and perhaps time your visit with a local fiesta.
Alpujarras, Granada
Nestled on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada, the Alpujarras is characterised by terraced farmland, whitewashed villages and breath-taking mountain views. Towns such as Capileira, Pampaneira, and Bubión retain a Moorish influence in their architecture and layout. Roads are winding but well-suited for campervans, with several designated parking and overnight spots that are perfect for discovering the local culture.
Las Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas (Jaén)
An excursion to Spain’s largest protected natural park will reveal dense forests, rivers, waterfalls, and rugged peaks. This is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and you may spot Spain’s largest population of wild deer and mountain goats.Cazorla and Hornos are excellent bases to explore the park and enjoy the many outdoor activities available. From hiking, mountain biking and horse riding to caving, canyoning and climbing, this region is an ideal campervan destination.
Extremadura
Extremadura is one of Spain’s least-visited regions, which makes it particularly appealing for if you’re looking for a destination away from tourists. The Valle del Jerte, famous for its cherry blossom in spring, has charming towns such as Cabezuela del Valle and Jerte. Nearby, La Vera features stone villages, natural swimming pools, and traditional cuisine, including smoked paprika (pimentón de la Vera) and roast meat.
Sierra de Gredos (Castilla y León)
The Sierra de Gredos mountain range is a favourite for hikers but is less popular than the Pyrenees or Sierra Nevada. Towns like Hoyos del Espino and Candeleda serve as gateways to this national park. In summer, natural river pools are popular with locals, where adults and children cool offer at the end of the hot, sunny daysThe region’s hearty cuisine includes ‘judías del Barco’ (local beans) and roast goat.
Picos de Europa (Asturias, Cantabria, and Castilla y León)
The Picos de Europa National Park is made up of jagged peaks, deep gorges and isolated villages. This region is cooler than southern Spain, and a welcome relief from the high summer temperatures of the south. Campervan routes wind through towns such as Potes, Cangas de Onís, and Arenas de Cabrales. This region is well-suited to motorhomes, and has numerous ‘áreas de autocaravanas’ (motorhome service areas) offering overnight stays.
Local fiestas often centre around mountain traditions, and the cuisine is robust: fabada asturiana (bean stew), blue cheeses like Cabrales, and cider poured from a height in the authentic Asturian style.
Navarra’s Baztan Valley
The Baztan Valley in Navarra is known for its greenery, Basque culture and historical farmhouses. Villages such as Elizondo provide a glimpse into rural Basque life. Local festivals celebrate seasonal changes, agricultural traditions and folklore, making this the perfect place to experience one of the many cultural differences within Spain.
Teruel and the Maestrazgo (Aragón)
The province of Teruel is one of Spain’s most sparsely populated areas. The Maestrazgo region offers medieval towns like Mirambel and Cantavieja, perched on rocky outcrops. The roads here are quiet, scenic, and ideal for campervans.
Traditional festivals often feature music, fire runs (correfocs) and local food markets.
Cuenca and the Serranía de Cuenca
The historic city of Cuenca, with its famous hanging houses, is a starting point to explore the Serranía de Cuenca. Here, you’ll find natural wonders such as the Ciudad Encantada, a geological site with unusual rock formations, and the Nacimiento del Río Cuervo, the source of the Cuervo River. The sparsely populated region gives you the freedom to park up in designated rural areas and explore at your own pace.
Practical tips for rural campervan travel in Spain
- Menu del día – Most rural towns offer a menu del día during lunch hours (typically 13:00 to 16:00). This set menu provides excellent value, often including a starter, main course, dessert, bread, and a drink for a reasonable price.
- Fiestas and ferias – Check local town hall and tourist information websites to find out when local fiestas take place. Almost every town has its own festival, often linked to religious celebrations, harvests, or historical events. Travelling by campervan gives you the flexibility to stay longer and experience these authentic gatherings, although be prepared for campsites to be busy.
- Overnight parking – Many rural towns provide free or low-cost areas specifically designed for campervans. It’s important to remember that it’s illegal in most areas to park on the road and set up your table and chairs.
- Road conditions – While main routes are generally good, some mountain and rural roads can be narrow. Drive cautiously, especially in the Sierra Nevada, Alpujarras, and Picos de Europa regions.
- Local markets – Visiting weekly markets in small towns is an excellent way to support local producers and sample regional products, from cheeses to olives, cooked meats and wines.
Are you ready to discover the real Spain? Why not rent a campervan from Hispavan on the Costa del Sol and take life at a slower pace.
