Travelling to Spain and Portugal by Campervan
Spain and Portugal
are both located on the Iberian Peninsula in mainland Europe. Spain shares borders with Portugal, France, and Andorra, and has coastlines along the Bay of Biscay and the Mediterranean Sea. Portugal, on the other hand, is entirely bordered by Spain to the east and has a stunning Atlantic coastline to the west and south.
Both countries are members of the European Union, making them straightforward destinations for UK travellers with the correct documentation and preparation when considering where to go when you book your campervan hire with Luna Motorhome Hire
Getting There from the UK:
By Ferry to Spain:
You can take a direct ferry from Plymouth or Portsmouth to either Santander or Bilbao in northern Spain. The crossing takes around 24 hours and, while typically more expensive than ferries to France, it can save you around 1,000km (621 miles) of driving time – ideal if you want to get to the sunshine quicker.
To Portugal:
Portugal is best accessed by travelling through Spain overland or by flying in and hiring a vehicle locally if you’re not bringing your own. If you’re touring by campervan, the overland route via France and Spain gives you the flexibility to explore multiple countries in one trip.
From Ireland by ferry:
You can get to Spain from Ireland by ferry, even though you can go via the UK, it would make more sense to travel from Rosslaire.
To book your ferry, why not get a price from Brittany Ferries
You can take your motorhome or campervan through the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle, which runs from Ashford in Kent to Calais in just over half an hour. Prices are similar to some ferry routes. More info: www.eurotunnel.com
Driving in Spain and Portugal – What You Need to Know
First things first – you drive on the right in both Spain and Portugal and overtake on the left. Simple as that. If there’s an emergency, dial 112 – they’ll answer in English, Spanish or French.
You’ll need to be over 18 and have a full driving licence to drive over there.
Generally, driving in Spain is a decent experience – roads are usually quiet compared to the UK, the road surfaces are good, and most drivers are alright. But since you’ll be in a campervan or motorhome, be ready for a bit of impatience from other drivers. Some might try and overtake when it’s neither necessary nor safe. Don’t take it personally – just drive defensively and pull over when safe if someone’s clearly in a rush.
Some locals treat red lights as optional. Don’t copy them – green means go, red means stop, end of story.
If there are seat belts fitted, you have to wear them. The driver is legally responsible for anyone under 18. Kids under 10 years old can’t sit in the front unless there’s no back seat or the back’s full. And if they’re under 10 and weigh less than 15kg, they need to be in a car seat.
The phone rules are the same as the UK, don’t use them whilst driving. The drink driving rules are even more strict that the UK, so our suggestion is don’t have an alcoholic beverage at all if you are going to be driving.
What You MUST Have in the Vehicle
Your full, valid driving licence
A passport for everyone on board
Insurance documents – third-party cover minimum
A valid MOT certificate (if the vehicle’s over 3 years old)
The V5 logbook or VE103 form (if the vehicle’s hired)
Warning triangle
Beam deflectors (for your headlights)
Spare bulb kit – it’s illegal to drive with a main light out
A high-vis vest for everyone in the vehicle
A UK sticker (most numberplates have them on now so not required if they are)
In winter, snow chains – they’re compulsory on some mountain roads
