Winter in Spain, seeking general advice and information? (1 Viewer)

[Bucket]

So far our travels have been confined to the warmer months, however SWMBO retires in the new year meaning we can now think about longer trips and other options. The one many of you speak about of course is escaping the cold for Spain (or even Africa).
So as experienced continental travellers but winter sun novices we'd appreciate your hints and tips and any random advice about this? It's less about getting there and more the lifestyle and practical matters once on the ground.

 

[steve69]

If the Northern countries of Europe have it bad this coming winter, expect Spain to see record numbers of motorhomes, caravans etc heading their way. Just saying it could get very crowded down there - especially if Putin pushes the big red button.

 

[bigtwin]

If the Northern countries of Europe have it bad this coming winter, expect Spain to see record numbers of motorhomes, caravans etc heading their way. Just saying it could get very crowded down there - especially if Putin pushes the big red button.

…… but quieter than recent years given that the ferries to Morocco are running again?

Ian

 

[steve69]

So how do you want to travel to Spain? Via Calais or Santander? If you narrow down to the options you prefer, The help on here might become more focussed.

 

[Bucket]

So how do you want to travel to Spain? Via Calais or Santander? If you narrow down to the options you prefer, The help on here might become more focussed.

Drive through France is our preference, Britanny are too expensive now and also to avoid Biscay in the winter!
We cross using one of the other options such as Newhaven - Dieppe. From here (Bristol) Kent is that much further so tend to avoid the short crossing. But of course the Tunnel has it's merits in winter....

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[dunnah01]

Freezing in France then getting warmer as you head south in Spain although inland it'll probably be closed due to snowfall so stick to the coastal routes

 

[royandsharont]

There are some regular members who live there and can no doubt help lots.

We lived In Murcia Province 2010/12, on the coast, for 2 winters so my thoughts about being there are here, we had no knowledge or experience of camping.

The country is fantastic, especially in winter with much less tourism. Lots of places to visit and things to see. The weather was great for winter. I seem to recollect daily temps of up to 20C but it was also cold at night. We have even seen ice in puddles up the hills near Cartagena in February.

I would sit outside on a prom somewhere in January, reading, wearing a thin short sleeved shirt and light weight trousers and providing I was in the sun it was great. In the shade it was too cool for me dressed that way.

Dry too, in the 1.5 years we were there it rained on at least 5 days but not more than 10 and I was able to sail every day of the year and right throughout winter wearing shorts, T shirt and occasionally a light jacket but never needed my wetsuit.

No knowledge of the camping situation in winter though, apart from believing the coastal ones were pretty full, and we had wild campers on our prom.

When we returned to the UK I hated the winter temperatures and weather and still find it hard with the colder weather here after only 2 winters there.

Hope this gives you some idea of what weather to expect for a starter.

 

[Speve]

Freezing in France then getting warmer as you head south in Spain although inland it'll probably be closed due to snowfall so stick to the coastal routes

Never had heavy snow stopping our travels during the last 10 years travelling down in Dec/ Jan yes very cold in France but get down to Mon Frague and it starts warming up we tend to stay in Western Spain and Portugal but have also done Eastern end including the Camargue
get out and enjoy it don’t worry to much the journey is lovely and part of the trip

 

[jumar]

It would greatly help if you give us some ideas what you do in the way of Motorhoming in the UK...are you a site lounger, an active walker, biker....do you appreciate visiting places of historical interest...how about on site activity participating like rallies...what about the country you intend visiting...it's culture, food and way of life...a few replies to the above might help us to give you a few hints..
Spain has so much on offer....,

 

[Bucket]

It would greatly help if you give us some ideas what you do in the way of Motorhoming in the UK...are you a site lounger, an active walker, biker....do you appreciate visiting places of historical interest...how about on site activity participating like rallies...what about the country you intend visiting...it's culture, food and way of life...a few replies to the above might help us to give you a few hints..
Spain has so much on offer....,

Short(ish) answer, a real mixture. We tour at random, love visiting and exploring the various areas including by foot and bikes. Museums and places of historical interest are very agreeable. SWMBO always checks out the churches. On longer trips we aim to spend a bit of time on a site, hopefully coming across fellow travellers. Local culture and food are a magnet for us, music and/or festival too.

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[jumar]

Short(ish) answer, a real mixture. We tour at random, love visiting and exploring the various areas including by foot and bikes. Museums and places of historical interest are very agreeable. SWMBO always checks out the churches. On longer trips we aim to spend a bit of time on a site, hopefully coming across fellow travellers. Local culture and food are a magnet for us, music and/or festival too.

Great answer..where to start....Spain is blessed with a fabulous network of both National and Natural parks with good access to it's trails...adding to this disused railway line have been made into Via Verdes...(Green Ways)....Churches and Castles are generally free....ACSI sites will get you a good overnight deal however long stay discounts can be better...Park4Night provides all the Aire type stopovers...some free with a vast increase in Private payable ones.
As a winter visitor you may find warmer climate near to the Med Coast...however overcrowding has become common..
Regional eating out is a joy with many dishes to choose from...Fish (unbattered style) is good and plentyful. For wine drinkers some of Europe's finest is a must..
Be aware Spanish folk like to party...Festivals are common, early December and January for obvious reasons...Easter is just crazy.... Religious processions are well worth a look event if not of any faith....The Spanish celebrate their past history with great colourful celebrations...a must to see...
Back to the bike bit...there is Wikiloc that has all the routes to follow...Well that's it...come and enjoy....we did 23 years ago and are still here...

 

[martin2603]

CAMC are holding rallies on the Costa Blanca January to March. Nr Alicante
Details on their website £15.00 per night. Sites have restaurant, bar indoor pool tennis boule etc. Host are on sites. Might give it a try ourselves.

 

[Littlewheels]

…… but quieter than recent years given that the ferries to Morocco are running again?

Ian

I can confirm this as my location in Spain which overlooks the A340 albeit from a distance. but the number of Motorhomes going by is phenomenal and l know by other local considerations that they are all in the main heading for Morocco.

 

[Verteuil Man]

CAMC are holding rallies on the Costa Blanca January to March. Nr Alicante
Details on their website £15.00 per night. Sites have restaurant, bar indoor pool tennis boule etc. Host are on sites. Might give it a try ourselves.

It's a nice site even though it is large. The Rally starts on the 14th Jan. CAMC hosts have the use of a rally hall at the top of the site which is used for events. Good friendly site with bars, restaurant and supermarket. Also swimming pools and gym. The town of Catral is about 4km away with lots of bars, restaurants and supermarkets. We are there for the duration.

 

[TONCAZ]

We are off to Murcia about 4th Nov, Dover Calais then down west side of France in to Spain, looking to stay on Camping Mar Menor as its around 20 to 25 ish down there then along med coast to Italy around a 2 month trip (cant wait)

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[bobandjanie]

We live in Javea and love the winter, perfect for us walking in the mountains or cycling today was 29°c and we had to cut our walk short it was just too hot tomorrow is a beach day with the occasional dip in the sea.

One thing to remember is the weather is never guaranteed, its winter and we need the rain. Bob.

 

[Dutch 68]

We live in Javea and love the winter, perfect for us walking in the mountains or cycling today was 29°c and we had to cut our walk short it was just too hot tomorrow is a beach day with the occasional dip in the sea.

One thing to remember is the weather is never guaranteed, its winter and we need the rain. Bob.

You know this one then lol

 

[jongood]

CAMC are holding rallies on the Costa Blanca January to March. Nr Alicante
Details on their website £15.00 per night. Sites have restaurant, bar indoor pool tennis boule etc. Host are on sites. Might give it a try ourselves.

But why restrict yourself. There is so much to do in Spain in all seasons, and if Spain goes a bit chilly (which it easily can in February pop over to Maroc) really hoping we're able to go back there this winter - 5th time

 

[barsteward]

We live in Javea and love the winter, perfect for us walking in the mountains or cycling today was 29°c and we had to cut our walk short it was just too hot tomorrow is a beach day with the occasional dip in the sea.

One thing to remember is the weather is never guaranteed, its winter and we need the rain. Bob.

And in my limited experience all in one bloody go.

 

[cyberyacht]

The nights can be a bit nippy.

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[Mousy]

We had a horrendous 5 weeks of rain, wind including red sand storms this year in Mar Menor. Apparently the worst winter in Spain for years.

It hasn’t put us off though, we will be over again in January but will cross to Morocco if it’s like last Feb/March.

We found Spain really easy to be in and would love to explore more.

 

[Speve]

One thing to remember is the weather is never guaranteed, its winter and we need the rain. Bob.

We always think of it as warm UK summer it’s lovely with a couple of storms to keep you on your toes that soon go away? Back to warm sunshine

 

[Bucket]

Keen to hear how you regulars enjoy your time once there? Is it a case of settling down in a favourite spot? or do you still tour? or a bit of both? What do you expect if on a commercial site? Do you hook up with other regulars, or maybe with extended family and friends? How does it all differ from summer travels? Do you conduct yourselves differently? (by that I mean your day to day activities and lifestyle, not your behaviour of course )

 

[Speve]

Keen to hear how you regulars enjoy your time once there? Is it a case of settling down in a favourite spot? or do you still tour? or a bit of both? What do you expect if on a commercial site? Do you hook up with other regulars, or maybe with extended family and friends? How does it all differ from summer travels? Do you conduct yourselves differently? (by that I mean your day to day activities and lifestyle, not your behaviour of course )

As we have been doing this some years now we have found our favourite places to go birding so we tend in a three month stay to base ourselves on a site in areas that have good birding within reach of driving to in our little 4x4 Fiat panda which we take with us on our car trailer.
we usually settle for three or four different campsites most days we will travel out to our birding areas for two or three hours then back to site to chill and do as most others walk around chat to other campers go for a drink in the bar etc, remember during winter months it does get dark earlier so we like to settle down for an evening of the telly or something like that?
We always go to La Aldea camping at El Rocio as its on Doñana National park really worth a visit, then on to Castro Verde, municipal campsite in Portugal on our way back to the UK
whilst traveling to and from Spain we use Aires

 

[jumar]

Keen to hear how you regulars enjoy your time once there? Is it a case of settling down in a favourite spot? or do you still tour? or a bit of both? What do you expect if on a commercial site? Do you hook up with other regulars, or maybe with extended family and friends? How does it all differ from summer travels? Do you conduct yourselves differently? (by that I mean your day to day activities and lifestyle, not your behaviour of course )

Actually winter travel to Iberia is generally favoured by those who have time, and depending on area, may not include fellow visitors from your home country.
There are sites in Spain that are predominantly Dutch or German and a few other nationals squeezed in....this in itself makes for a different type of holiday, which covers one of your questions...do you hook up with others on site...of course there are sites that are quiet during the week, but explode with vigor when the locals arrive to unwind after a week's work..
The club rallies and some other locations locations that attract UK visitors may or may not be what you want from Spain, but these places have done well over the years..not everyone's choice, but was our introduction to a Iberian winter more than 20 years ago..
If like many, you decide on a single location for your winter stay, you may miss out on the full Iberian experience...this remains an individual's choice. Some Northern European visitors return to the same site, same pitch year on year, they come for the weather, know what to expect from where they will stay..arrive in September leave in March/April...this used to be a favourite of UK visitors too...but no longer. Enjoy your planning, keep asking questions...

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