- Families
- Budget
- Spain
- Portugal
- Inspiration
- Where to stay
written by Rough Guides Editors
updated 21.07.2021
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written by Rough Guides Editors
updated 21.07.2021
Over two months on the road in the camper van our accommodation costs came to grand total of €19. That’s pretty impressive for a family of four and a dog, considering the average cost of a campsite in Europe is €25 per night. Willing to wee in the wild, we were keen to breakaway from organised campsites, find more remote places to stay and make a saving by free camping our way around Spain and Portugal. Unlike the UK, much of the European continent is well set-up for camper vans, providing Aires (free camping/motorhome stopovers) on main routes, as well as being home to plenty of stunning track locations where camper vans can park-up for free.
Websites like furgovw.org list free camper van locations Europe-wide, but we found our own gems by heading away from the maddening crowds and following rutted tracks seaward. These are my top ten free camper van spots in Spain and Portugal:
Once in Andalucia, don't miss the opportunity to visit Spain's underrated city - Málaga. And our guide to the best things to do in Málaga will show you how to have a great time in the city.
Photo credit: Hayley Spurway
Photo credit: Hayley Spurway
Photo credit: Hayley Spurway
Ready for a trip to Portugal? Read more about the best time to go to Portugal, the best places to visit and best things to do in Portugal. For inspiration use the Portugal Itineraries from The Rough Guide to Portugal and created by our local travel agents in Portugal. A bit more hands on, check out the map of Portugal and learn about getting there, getting around the country and where to stay in Portugal once you are there. And don't forget to buy travel insurance before you go.
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written by Rough Guides Editors
updated 21.07.2021
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