Van life in Spain. Credit – Pixabay
Are you a seasoned van traveller or do you want to try van life in Spain as an alternative way of living? Discovering Spain in a camper van is the ideal way to see more of this vast country. It also offers a cheap way of living, with few ties and the freedom to travel where you want and when.
Imagine waking up to birds singing or the waves crashing on the shore before you indulge in a delicious breakfast while watching the sun rise. Welcome to van life in Spain for expats, where every day offers a new opportunity to explore.
Read this guide on adjusting to life in a camper van and make it work for you.
What are the benefits of van life in Spain for expats?
Cheap living
If you’re planning to rent a camper van in Spain long-term, this is also likely to be cheaper than renting a property. You won´t have to come up with the initial two-month deposit, you can move when you wish without giving notice and you can take your pet with you!
Of course, there are initial costs if you plan to buy a van to tour Spain, but these will outweigh your monthly expenditure in the long run.
The freedom to do your own thing
Van life gives you the chance to explore Spain at your own pace. When you find a hidden cove or inland nature retreat you can stay a few days or longer. If you’ve encountered noisy neighbours or the weather changes you can escape and continue your journey.
Spain has so many different landscapes to explore. From the snow-capped Pyrenees to the sun-drenched Mediterranean coast or the greenery of the north, each region has its own personality.
If you’re thinking about setting up home in Spain as an expat travelling in a van is the perfect way to find an area to fall in love with. It allows you to see a location at different times and mingle with the locals and other expats to see what life is really like.
Getting close to nature
Touring Spain in a camper van allows you to explore the many national parks and spend time relaxing in nature. Surrounded by lakes, mountains and stunning scenery, each national park in Spain offers an unforgettable environment.
Some of the best national parks in Spain to visit include:
• Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici – you’ll find this park in the central Pyrenees, set against a backdrop of mountainous landscape. Famous for its over 200 lakes, rivers and streams, this region is ideal for wild swimming and water sports.
• Sierra de Guadarrama – explore pine forests and mountain paths while spotting wildlife such as deer, eagles and lizards in this park that’s only an hour from Madrid.
• Sierra de las Nieves – set in the south of Spain, in Andalusia, this park offers greenery, caves and mountains. You can spend time in the many traditional villages in the park, with their whitewashed buildings and slow pace of life and visit the Tolox health spa, which uses the water that flows from the mountains.
Make new friends
Van life offers interaction with others who enjoy outdoor living too. You’re likely to make many friends when you stop at different locations, who can provide useful advice on places to park and attractions to visit.
Travelling in a camper van through Spain you’ll come across all nationalities and languages, and be part of a community that embraces the great outdoors. There’s nothing like sharing a beer and a plate of olives with new friends whilst stargazing and basking in the silence of the surrounding countryside.
Get rid of the clutter
Ever wanted to scale down your life and only live with the essentials? This is your chance to scale back and de-clutter. Van life is all about living experiences and forgetting material things.
Travelling in a camper van is a unique experience that requires organisation and discipline. You’ll need practical clothing, cooking facilities, toiletries and warm bedding as key items. Any extras will take up valuable space.
Embrace local culture
Living in a van encourages interaction with local communities in a way that being a traditional tourist doesn’t. It offers the opportunity to see authentic Spain and connect with people from all walks of life.
Whether you’re chatting to the local petrol station owner, buying supplies at the bakery or finding out where to park, you’ll get an insight into true Spanish culture. And you can practise and improve your language skills – which will be appreciated by the Spaniards you meet.
Should you buy or rent a camper van?
Before you embark on your camper van journey through Spain it’s important to weigh up the options of buying or renting. You may just want to take a one-off trip to see if the motorhome bug bites, or you might be considering buying a van to live in permanently or for part of the year.
Whatever your situation, these are some points to consider:
Renting a camper van in Spain
• Lower initial cost
Renting requires a significantly smaller upfront investment compared to purchasing a camper van. This is ideal for expats who want to try out van life before committing long-term or who are only planning a shorter stay in Spain.
• Driving a camper van
If you’ve never driven a camper van before it’s a good idea to rent before you buy. This gives you the chance to drive a large vehicle and get used to the handling, which is different from a car.
• Flexibility
Renting offers flexibility. You can choose the type of van that suits your needs for a specific trip, for example, to accommodate the number of passengers, and return it when you’ve finished your journey.
• Less responsibility
The rental company handles maintenance, insurance, and registration of the van, so all you have to worry about is driving it and where you’re going to park for the night.
Good to know
Planning for water and electricity needs is crucial to ensure your travels go smoothly. Rent or buy a van with a good water storage system and consider solar panels or a portable generator as an additional power supply.
Buying a camper van in Spain
• Ownership
If you buy a camper van you have an asset you can sell in the future. Van ownership also gives you the flexibility to travel when you wish and at short notice, for example, out of season or if the weather forecast is good for the coming weekend.
• New or pre-owned
Buying a camper van offers the choice of a brand-new vehicle or a second-hand camper van. You may wish to invest in a new van with all the mod cons or buy a used van that you can customise.
• Long-term cost savings
Buying a van can be much cheaper than paying rent or a mortgage and gives you the freedom to ‘move house’ whenever you wish.
• Personalisation
Owning your van allows you to customise it to your needs. You might want a built-in desk to work remotely, a shower on board or extra storage – adding features is all part of the fun of van life.
Whether you choose to rent or buy a camper van, travel to the north or south of Spain or the Pyrenees, van life promises an unforgettable experience. Contact the Hispavan team to discuss your camper van rental in Spain or buying needs.
