Embark on an unforgettable adventure: Motorhoming in Galicia, where breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage await your wheels.
Have you decided to visit Galicia? What if you opt for Galicia by motorhome or campervan?
Looking for a new adventure? Why not consider a road trip to Galicia in Spain by motorhome? With the freedom to travel at your own pace and without the hassle of booking accommodations, a motorhome trip offers a unique experience.
Plus, sleeping in your converted vehicle is a journey of dreams and freedom. Whether you’re coming from the north or returning from Portugal, Galicia is the perfect destination to explore by motorhome.
Galicia is the westernmost autonomous community of Spain, in the north of Portugal. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, the Portuguese border and the Cantabrian Sea. Galicia is a historical region of Spain with a strong cultural identity.
In addition to its historical and cultural heritage, Galicia has wonders to discover. Especially the cliffs overlooking the ocean, offering some of the most spectacular views in Europe. Galicia is taking advantage of its location.
While tourists flock to the Mediterranean coast, many corners of Galician nature remain untouched. You do not know what to do when you come to visit Galicia by motorhome, or campervan? Generation Voyage sets the stage for you. Here are our tips to prepare for your Motorhoming in Galicia!
Motorhoming in Galicia: Exploring Spain’s Hidden Gem on Wheels
Key Takeaways for Motorhoming in Galicia: - Galicia is a beautiful region in Spain, known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. - Motorhoming in Galicia offers the freedom to explore at your own pace without the hassle of booking accommodations. - Renting a motorhome in Galicia is easy, and it's recommended to book online in advance to ensure you get the vehicle that suits your needs. - The best time to travel by motorhome in Galicia is during the summer when temperatures are pleasant and rainfall is lower. - There are several suggested itineraries to explore Galicia based on the duration of your trip, including visiting cities like A Coruña and Santiago de Compostela, as well as exploring the coastal cliffs and coves. - When driving in Galicia, be cautious on narrow roads and follow the traffic rules. Motorhomes are considered cars under the law, and speed limits vary depending on the type of road. - Some highways in Galicia have tolls, and motorhomes are classified under class 2 for toll rates. - While wild camping is tolerated in Galicia, it's important to respect the environment and leave no trace. There are also many campsites available, especially along the coast and Rías Baixas. - The Park4night app is a useful tool for finding spots to spend the night in nature and sharing recommendations with other travelers. - Spring is considered the best time of year to visit Galicia by motorhome, offering mild weather, green landscapes, and fewer crowds.
How and where to rent a motorhome in France?
Do you want to discover Galicia with your motorhome or van for example? It is now easy to rent a motorhome in France. How? By using platforms for connecting tenants and private owners of motorhomes such as Yescapa for example.
How does it work?
- First, you have to choose the motorhome in your city (for example Bordeaux, Nantes, Toulouse, Paris, Montpellier or Marseille).
- Be careful to choose the unlimited mileage, to check the number of beds available and if the trip abroad is possible.
- Make your rental request online and share your trip information (dates, rental options, mileage, etc.) with the landlord.
- If your request is accepted and after payment, you will have access to the owner’s contact details to arrange a first meeting.
- On D-Day, present your driver’s license and pay the deposit.
- An inventory is made and a rental contract is signed between the two parties. On your return, after having scoured the Galician roads, sign the inventory of fixtures back and voila!
How and where to rent a motorhome in Galicia?
You can rent one on-site. However, we suggest booking your motorhome online before your trip. This way, you can ensure that you get the vehicle that suits your needs.
Renting a motorhome online is easy. Simply enter your travel dates and the city where you want to rent the vehicle. You can search for motorhomes based on the number of seats, price, and type of vehicle. Once you find the one you like, you can apply and pay online.
After your booking is accepted, you will receive a confirmation email. Then, all you have to do is pick up your motorhome and enjoy your Motorhoming in Galicia in a van or campervan!
When is the best time to travel by motorhome in Galicia?
The region of Galicia is relatively small, but it is influenced by several climatic factors. The climate is oceanic, and temperatures are generally milder along the Atlantic coast than they are inland. There are three main areas to consider: the north coast, the south coast, and the hinterland. Rains are frequent, even in summer, and in many ways, Galicia is like the Brittany of Spain.
In winter, temperatures can be low, and snow is not uncommon in areas like Ourense and Lugo.Frosts are rare in A Coruña and Pontevedra. As spring approaches, nature warms up, but the nights can still be cool, and you can expect alternating periods of rain and good weather.
Galicia is a region with a mild oceanic climate, influenced by several factors. The temperature varies depending on whether you are near the Atlantic coast, the south coast or the inland. Rain is common, even during summer.
The region can be likened to Brittany in France. Winters are cold, and snow covers the hinterland while frosts are rare in A Coruña and Pontevedra. Spring is a time when nature comes back to life, but the nights are still cool, and the weather is a mix of rain and sunshine. During autumn, the air gets cooler, and the rain becomes more frequent.
Hence, summer is the best time for Motorhoming in Galicia. The temperatures are pleasant, with an average of 25 °C, and it is the driest season of the year, even though it rains almost daily.
Ideas for itineraries in Galicia by motorhome
Galicia is a vast region spanning over 29,574.4 km². It’s almost as big as the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur region. There are many cities and cultural heritage sites to visit, such as A Coruña, Santiago de Compostela, Ourense, Vigo, Lugo, or Pontevedra, as well as coves and cliffs along the coast, including the Death Coast.
Therefore, it’s impossible to visit the entire region in just one weekend. You’ll need to limit your itinerary based on the length of your trip. The locals often refer to Galicia as the “Brittany of Spain“.
Several entry points are possible to visit Galicia by motorhome. One option is coming from Portugal, entering through Porto and Vigo via the A-55 or E1. Alternatively, you can take the A-75 (a free motorway) from Chaves.
If you are coming from the east, from the Spanish regions of Castile and León and Asturias, there are also options available. As for your itinerary, there are several possibilities to explore Galicia, and here are some ideas to consider.
- Visit Galicia in 3 to 4 days: The Rias Altas, A Coruña, Cabo Ortegal, the Death Coast from Malpica to Cape Finisterre, Santiago de Compostela,
- Galicia in 7 to 10 days: same stages, plus cliffs and coves between Ribadeo and Viveiro, villages in the hinterland (Mondoñedo, Cedeira, Betanzos, Lugo), the gorges of Sil and Ourense, Vigo,
- Road trip in Galicia of 15 days and more: same stages, plus the Rias Baixas, the National Park of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia (the Cíes and Ons Islands).
Remember that these suggested stops are just a starting point, and you have the freedom to explore and stay longer at any place that catches your interest. Additionally, Galicia is home to the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage routes, so consider making a stop along the way to experience this meaningful journey. It’s a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the local culture and create lasting memories.
Driving in Galicia by Motorhome: the traffic rules to know
Motorhomes are considered cars under the law. However, some drivers tend to be a bit reckless, especially on narrow roads, so it is important to be extra cautious. On the other hand, driving in Spain is generally peaceful and courteous.
Spaniards tend to have a calm driving style throughout the country. If you find yourself on winding roads, make sure to honk your horn in corners where visibility is limited.
The vehicle must be equipped with a warning triangle, spare bulbs, and a reflective vest. The driver should have a valid driving license, insurance, and vehicle registration documents. All passengers must wear seat belts while driving, and no one is allowed to sleep in the back of the vehicle while it’s in motion. The speed limits for motorhomes in Spain are as follows:
- 50 km/h in built-up areas,
- 80 km/h outside built-up areas,
- 90 km/h on four-lane roads,
- 100 km/h on motorways.
As far as campervans are concerned, the speed limits are those of cars (50 km/h in the city, 90 km/h outside built-up areas, 100 km/h on four-lane roads, 120 km/h on motorways). The maximum permitted blood alcohol level, as everywhere in Spain, is 0.5 g/l.
Motorway tolls in Galicia: what price for your category of motorhome?
Traveling by motorhome can be an affordable way to explore a region. However, it’s worth considering the tolls on some highways in Spain, including in Galicia. Only the AP-9 (Autopista del Atlántico) and AP-53 have tolls in Galicia. The AP-9, also known as the “Atlantic Motorway,” runs from A Coruña to the Portuguese border via Vigo.
The AP-53 runs from Santiago de Compostela to Arrabaldo, heading towards Ourense. Keep in mind that motorhomes are considered in the class 2 rate for tolls. As a result, tolls on these highways can be relatively expensive. Here are some rates:
- From A Coruña to Vigo (AP-9): 27,90€,
- From Santiago de Compostela to Ourense: €10.10.
The AP-9 will be mainly the motorway to be used to go to Santiago de Compostela and on the northern and western coasts of Galicia.
Motorhome areas in Galicia: where to park?
However, it is important to note that even though wild camping is tolerated, it is necessary to respect the environment and leave no trace behind. If you prefer to use a campsite, Galicia has many of them, often with quality facilities.
They are especially concentrated on the coast and the Rías Baixas. Moreover, if you need to empty your wastewater or recharge your batteries, you will find service areas in most Galician villages. However, it is important to note that some of these areas are paying.
Galicia, a paradise for motorhomes
Galicia is a region full of natural wonders where you can easily find a spot to spend a peaceful night surrounded by nature. However, it is important to remember to respect the environment and leave no trace. In general, as long as there are no signs prohibiting it, it is allowed to park a motorhome almost anywhere. While sleeping inside the vehicle is permitted, it is forbidden to set up camping equipment on public roads.
How to find spots?
If you want to find a great spot to spend the night in the midst of nature, Park4night is the app to use! This app, which you can download for free, is a real godsend for travelers. It’s like having a bible with you on the road! With an interactive map, you can easily locate various spots to spend the night depending on where you are. And the best part? You can share your own favorite spots with other travelers, too!
Are there motorhome-friendly campsites in Galicia?
Yes, there are many motorhome-friendly campsites in Galicia! You can enjoy the beautiful scenery, the delicious cuisine, and the rich culture of this region.
Some of the best campsites are Camping Rianxo, Camping Os Fieitás, and Camping Muiñeira. You can find more information and book your spot online. Have a wonderful trip!
What are the average costs associated with Motorhoming in Galicia, including camping fees, fuel, and other expenses?
The average costs associated with Motorhoming in Galicia depend on several factors, such as the season, the type of accommodation, the distance traveled, and the personal preferences of the travelers.
However, based on some online sources, a rough estimate could be around 50 euros per day for two people, including camping fees, fuel, food, and other expenses. This amount could vary depending on the availability of free or cheap overnight parking spots, toll roads, attractions, and restaurants.
Final Word
We sincerely hope that our article, “Motorhoming in Galicia” has provided you with a wealth of valuable information.