Offsite motorhome parking in Spain and Portugal
Spain and Portugal are well and truly on the motorhome tourist map and Aires across the country are well used all year. Motorhome Aires are found across Spain and Portugal but vary widely. Details of the Aires can be found in All the Aires Spain and Portugal.
Aires that are conveniently located near to transitory routes are busy. Peak winter season is December to February with people seeking winter warmth along the Mediterranean coast and the Algarve. At times Aires to, from and at the coast may be oversubscribed. Remote Aires may look underused however, we were frequently surprised to be joined by Spanish motorhomers between 8-11pm. At weekends and school holidays Spanish families often cause significant overcrowding. If your chosen night stop is full it may be necessary to park elsewhere.
Can I park my motorhome anywhere in Spain?
It is possible to stop overnight in Spain outside of a designated motorhome Aire or campsite. However, this is parking only, subjected to local laws, and no external items are allowed.
The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT), www.dgt.es, clarified the difference between 'parking' and 'camping'. According to the DGT website: 'A motorhome is parked when it is parked in a permitted place, without exceeding the road markings delimiting the parking area, or the time limit of the same, if there is one. In this case, it is not relevant that its occupants are inside it, it is sufficient that the activity that can be carried out inside it does not transcend to the outside by deploying elements that go beyond the perimeter of the vehicle such as stalls, awnings, leveling devices, stabilization supports, etc...Camping is only permitted in designated areas (campsites or car parks, depending on the regulations of each autonomous community).' More information on parking and motorhoming in Spain can be found on the DGT website.
Motorhome parking laws Portugal
Portuguese Aires have never been busier because Portugal introduced a new law 66/2021 in August 2021 which details; what motorhome parking is, where it can be done, for how long for and what fines can be given. Overnight is specified from 10pm-7am. Motorhomes are allowed to park at undesignated places for a maximum of 48 hours per municipality. Motorhomes are only allowed to park at official designated places in: Natura 2000 network, areas of protected landscape and areas covered by the Coastal Waterfront planning plans. Fines range from €30-€600. More detailed information is on www.Vicarious-Shop.com/blog
Commercial Aires
The demand for motorhome parking has seen the development of many more commercial Aires that resemble simple campsites and many now have a campsite licence. Whilst some commercial Aires have been around for ever, or since 2009, many pop up and disappear like mushrooms. This is often due to licensing and planning issues. Long stay winter visitors may wish to advance book as many commercial Aires are full Dec-Feb. Contact details of commercial Aires are provided in All the Aires Spain and Portugal.
Electricity: Most commercial sites have electricity in some capacity. It is frequently 6amp and charged per night.
Long stay discounts: The popularity of stopping in one place for a month or two has lead most commercial Aires to offer long stay discounts. The offers vary month-to-month and Aire-to-Aire. Some discounts start from 3 nights.
WiFi: Most commercial sites have WiFi and mostly this is included in the price. Strength of WiFi is not tested as this can vary due to distance from signal/number of people using. Free WiFi may be limited to communal areas.
Check in times: The popularity of commercial Aires has meant many have arrival/departure times, often noon-noon. Where known these are included in the Parking info, but always check when you book in.
Washing machines: Most commercial Aires have washing machines and tumble driers. Check the site rules about drying washing outside. Average price is €4 per wash; Dry €5
Aire on the side of caution
Surely there are no motorhomers that have not heard about break-ins at motorway rest areas. Just in case you think it’s safe to park amongst the HGVs or near the fuel station, don’t! Spanish traffic police on the AP7 confirmed in 2008 and 2012 that motorhomes, HGVs and cars were frequently being broken into on that motorway. We regularly receive reports of motorway break-ins occurring in Mediterranean France and Spain.