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Yes, you can travel by RV in Spain!
By Cathy Burford

If you always thought that the only place to enjoy traveling via RV was in the western hemisphere, you need to think again.  On a recent trip to the Andalusia region of Spain I was pleasantly surprised at the number of RV’s and ‘camping’ resorts.  There are nearly 200 camping facilities in Andalusia, which lies in the southern part of Spain.  Most of the campgrounds are located along the coast of the Mediterranean.  The ones I spotted were in Malaga, Estepona, & Marbella.  Their camping facilities are divided into Class 1, 2, or 3, depending on the amenities provided.   First class is the equivalent of an RV resort, with pool, grocery store, bar and/or restaurant and laundry facilities with some even equipped with a post office and money exchange; while 3rd class just has the basics-showers and toilets.  Second class has everything except the grocery store. Many camping resorts are only open during the summer months, so it is important to reserve as early as possible.  Some of the larger camping resorts looked like small, permanent communities.  For the budget conscious, there are some camping areas that are free of charge near the national parks.

Beach camping in Spain is prohibited, but is practiced none-the-less, especially in the crowded summer months.  While you may get away with tent camping on the beach, you could still face heavy fines.  Hardly worth it, since there are so many facilities available. ‘Caravan’ travel is a reasonable way to get around Spain, while only unpacking once.  All of the RV’s that I saw there were Class C category.  While Spain’s roads are in fantastic shape, and left-side drive (like the U.S.) is a plus, I can’t imagine driving anything larger, especially in town.  The landscape of Andalusia (or Andalucia, if you prefer) is breathtaking and offers something for every taste.  From the coastal towns with stunning views of the Mediterranean, to the rolling hills near Granada, to the Sierra Nevada Mountains, you can sample a variety of scenery.  It is very reminiscent of California’s varied topography, and the similar or identical place names reinforce that feeling. You would have a difficult time savoring all that this region of the world has to offer in just a 15-day trip, but you could make a serious dent in it. The trip wouldn’t be complete without; the Alhambra in Granada, a trip to the tiny village of Mijas, the coastal towns of Marbella, Fuengirola, Estepona, Malaga, Gibraltar, and Tangier, Morocco (for the truly adventurous).  Make sure to leave ample time to practice these four Spanish lifestyle staples; playa, siesta, paella, sangria.  Throw in some really great looking flamenco dancers, and your trip will be complete!  With 300 days a year of sunshine in the Costa del Sol region, the weather shouldn’t be a problem for you-even in the off-season.  While you won’t need perfect Spanish for your trip, I would recommend brushing up a bit.  The Spanish are very warm and hospitable people, but you should try to use Spanish whenever possible.  The Costa del Sol is the playground for Brits escaping the dreary London weather. They are very involved in the tourist industry in Andalusia, and make visiting Spain a fun experience