Peaceful van life. Credit – Pixabay
Living or travelling in a camper van has become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly as property rental costs in Spain continue to rise.
Van life might not be for everyone, but it’s worth trying. The sense of freedom, the opportunity to explore new parts of Spain and Europe, the community of fellow travellers, and the lifestyle make it appealing to a growing number of people.
The lure of van life is clear if you want to escape the crowds, see amazing variations in the landscape and encounter the real Spain. From coastal cliffs and inland mountains to historic towns and rural countryside, Spain is full of hidden gems.
Whether you choose to rent a camper van for a few weeks or invest in buying one, van life offers many advantages.
Embrace a simpler way of life
One of the attractions of van life is the opportunity to live a simpler life. Modern living involves accumulation – clothes, furniture, knick-knacks, collections – things you don´t really need.
Living in a van means you need to cut things down to the essentials and find a space for everything. This reduction in belongings offers physical and mental benefits. Without the distractions and clutter that gather in a permanent home, you can focus on what matters most – experiences, the environment and freedom.
Van life is a way to reduce your outgoings (of course, you’ll have to pay the van rental or purchase) and think about what matters to you and what you can and can´t live without.
Exploring Spain and Europe
Spain is perfect for van life. With its warm climate, diverse landscapes, and well-developed infrastructure, travelling by camper van is easy. From the Pyrenees in the north to the beaches of the Costas, Spain is full of campsites. You’ll also find a selection of ‘free’ places to stay, although technically wild camping is not allowed in Spain.
With its sixteen national parks, Spain is a great location if you love nature. These include:
- Picos de Europa in the Asturias region
- Sierra de las Nieves in Malaga
- Sierra Nevada in Granada
- Cabañeros in Montes de Toledo
From the tranquillity of traditional inland villages to the bustle of the major cities of Madrid, Seville and Barcelona, where you can park on the outskirts, van life offers many diverse experiences.
Additionally, thanks to Spain’s membership of the European Union and the Schengen Area, travelling across borders is simple. You can easily extend your road trip through Spain into Portugal, France, or even further into central and northern Europe.
New connections
Van life is also a social experience. Across Spain and Europe, a large community of van lifers have made this their way of life, ranging from solo travellers to families and retirees.
It’s easy to strike up a conversation when you have something in common. This can lead to shared meals, travel tips and lasting friendships with different nationalities.
The comforts of home – on the open road
A common misconception is that van life means you have to sacrifice comfort. This isn’t the case – if you’ve never been inside a camper van, you’ll be surprised. Many have toilets, showers, solar panels, and even heating systems. It’s also possible to purchase satellite Wi-Fi hardware – perfect if you work remotely or need to keep in touch with friends and family.
With a little planning, you can brew your morning coffee in the mountains, cook dinner by the sea, or sit with a beer in the shade of the forest.
Practical advice and tips
If you’re considering van life in Spain, it’s important to consider a few things.
- First, be clear on your purpose. Are you looking for a short-term break, a long-term change, or something in between? This will affect whether it makes more sense to rent or buy a camper van in Spain. Renting a van for a few weeks is a good way to try the lifestyle before making a more substantial investment.
- Choose a vehicle suited to your needs. Consider size, facilities, fuel consumption and whether you want to drive off-road. A compact van is easier to park and more efficient but, may be less comfortable. A larger van provides more living space and storage, but will be less flexible in cities or on narrow rural roads.
- Plan your route with flexibility. One of the benefits of van life is being spontaneous. Some areas in Spain prohibit overnight parking, and you’re not allowed to set up your picnic table and chairs in a car park or on the roadside.
Apps such as Park4Night and Campercontact, or official Spanish tourism offices, can provide up-to-date guidance on where to stay. Also, be mindful of weather conditions – southern Spain is extremely hot in summer, while northern regions can be wet in winter.
- Invest in the essentials to make daily life in a confined space more manageable. These include:
– portable cooking equipment
– a solar panel or battery system for power
– water containers
– a table and chairs
– quick-dry bedding
- Keep your vehicle in good condition. A breakdown in a remote area can disrupt travel plans and cause an avoidable expense.
Are you considering buying a camper van? Hispavan in Almeria have a wide selection of new and second-hand camper vans for sale. Not ready for the full commitment yet? You can also rent a camper van from Hispavan.
