Travel Europe by motorhome It has become one of the most comprehensive ways to travel: you take your home with you, you can change plans on the fly, and discover hidden gems that rarely appear in brochures. From wild coastlines to fairytale castles, historic cities, and natural parks, the continent is perfectly suited for campervan travel.
In the next lines you will find very varied routes through several European countriesWith options ranging from 3 to 15 days, designed to suit different tastes and budgets, we'll discuss tours through Portugal, Italy, France, Switzerland, Norway, Andorra, and other must-see destinations like the Black Forest, the Norwegian fjords, Tuscany, and the Dalmatian Coast. We'll also offer practical tips and suggestions from rental companies to make your trip easier.
Great motorhome routes through Europe
Europe is a true paradise for those who travel by car: quality road network, good overnight areasA robust tourist infrastructure and, in much of the country, the ability to travel with just your Spanish ID and pay directly in euros. Furthermore, the mild climate in many regions makes it possible to travel practically year-round if you choose your destinations wisely.
In many countries, such as France, Germany, or Portugal, you will find campsites and specific areas for motorhomes With waste disposal, water filling, and electricity services, usually well signposted and easy to locate using specialized apps. However, it's advisable to check the regulations for each destination, as parking and overnight stay rules vary considerably from place to place.
Motorhome route through Portugal
Portugal is a near-safe choice for getting your first motorhome: It's close, the highways are good And the combination of inland areas and coast is spectacular. In a single trip, you can experience endless beaches, historic towns, vibrant cities like Lisbon and Porto, and natural parks full of trails.
A very complete route can go from the Peneda-Gerês National ParkFrom Galicia, to the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentina Coast Natural Park in the south. We're talking about approximately 1.000-1.100 km, ideal for a leisurely 8-12 day trip, linking key points like Vila Nova de Gaia and Porto, the Douro region, Nazaré, Sintra, or Lisbon itself.
We must not forget the option of designing a more circular route, starting, for example, in Lisbon and Cabo da RocaThe route ascends towards Porto, Braga, and Bragança, then descends towards the Algarve, crossing the Ribatejo and Alentejo regions, before finally returning to the capital along the Atlantic coast. This itinerary allows you to enjoy both historic cities (Coimbra, Guimarães, Mafra, Batalha, etc.) and the beaches and cliffs of the south (Faro, Lagos, Sagres, Portimão, Setúbal, etc.).
Regarding tolls, the Portuguese system combines traditional booths and electronic paymentsIt's advisable to check beforehand how to register your license plate or which device to use to avoid any surprises. The road conditions are generally excellent, and the network of motorhome areas and campsites makes life much easier.
Motorhome routes through Italy and Tuscany
Italy is a dream for any lover of art, history, and fine dining, and at the same time a very rewarding country to explore by motorhome, provided you keep one thing in mind: Historic city centers often have narrow streets Therefore, you'll almost never be able to drive in. The usual practice is to sleep or park in areas and parking lots on the outskirts and get to the center by public transport, bike, or on foot.
A classic north-south itinerary might start in Bard (Aosta Valley) and end in Pompeii, linking places like Verona, Treviso, the Cinque Terre area with towns like Vernazza, the medieval San Gimignano, Florence, and Rome. We're talking about around 1.500 km, a very reasonable distance to cover in about 7 to 14 days, preferably between spring and summer to avoid the harshness of winter and the extreme heat of August.
Within Italy, the Tuscany is one of the star regions For campervan trips: rolling hills, vineyards, cypress trees, walled towns, and an incredible artistic heritage. A very appealing idea is to start in Florence, spend a few days there, and from there create a loop that passes through Pisa (with its leaning tower), Lucca, Prato, Pistoia, and Livorno, before heading inland towards Siena.
The section between Siena, San Gimignano, Volterra, Montepulciano and Pienza It's especially enjoyable on the secondary roads that wind through the Val d'Orcia and parts of Chianti. The key here is to drive slowly, stop often, enjoy wine tastings (always with a sober driver, of course), and take advantage of the numerous parking areas and rest stops for motorhomes.
In southern Tuscany and the surrounding area, you can add places like the Saturnia hot springs Or the Maremma Natural Park, combining open-air thermal baths, hiking, and wildlife viewing. If you have extra time, a trip to Elba Island adds a maritime touch and some Napoleonic history to the journey.
Motorhome routes through France: South, Brittany and the Loire Valley
France is probably the European country best adapted to itinerant tourism: it has a huge network of areas specifically for motorhomes (the famous "airs"), countless campsites, and fairly clear rules regarding parking and overnight stays. Furthermore, access from Spain is very easy, both through the Pyrenees and along the coast.
A very popular route runs through the Southern France and the interiorFor example, from Collioure northwards, passing through Carcassonne, Toulouse, Gaillac, Cordes-sur-Ciel, Conques, and Beynac-et-Cazenac, then south through Bordeaux, the Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park, and ending in Biarritz. Around 1.000 km filled with charming villages, nature, and excellent cuisine, perfect for enjoying in about 6 to 10 days.
Another great option is the Loire ValleyThe region is famous for its Renaissance castles and vineyards. A possible route could begin in Orléans, continue through Chambord, Blois, Cheverny, Chenonceau, or Amboise, visit Clos Lucé (Leonardo da Vinci's last residence), and end in Tours, or even extend to Saumur and Angers. The region is full of campervan areas and campsites along the riverbanks.
Further northwest, the region of Brittany offers cliffs, corsair villages and standing stonesA motorhome route can start in Rennes, continue through Fougères, Saint-Malo, and Dinan, and end on the Pink Granite Coast, where pink rock formations create unique landscapes. Along the way, Mont Saint-Michel, Cap Fréhel, and the standing stone alignments of Carnac are well worth a visit.
Throughout the country you'll see that many areas operate with specific tokens or cards Instead of coins, which can be purchased at tourist offices or paid for by bank card. For motorway tolls, it is advisable to use a credit card or, if you will be driving a lot, a toll collection device to use the express lanes marked with a T.
Transylvania by motorhome
Transylvania, in Romania, combines castles surrounded by legends, medieval villages and mountains The Carpathian Mountains create a perfect setting for a trip that differs from the typical European tour. It's a destination where distances are manageable and the cost of living is generally lower than in Western Europe.
A highly recommended route starts in BraşovThe city boasts a well-preserved old town, Gothic churches, and a spectacular mountain setting. From there, it's a short drive to Bran Castle, known worldwide for its association with the Dracula myth, although its real history is considerably more complex.
Then you can continue towards SighisoaraA medieval citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with cobbled streets and colorful towers, and further on towards Sibiu, another architectural gem with spacious squares and roofs with "eyes." The route can be completed in Piatra Craiului National Park, where hiking trails abound and there are plenty of opportunities to connect with nature.
Other interesting places to visit in the region include the Corvin CastleThe Cozia Monastery and scenic mountain roads like the Transfăgărășan, considered by many to be one of the most spectacular in Europe, are all worth exploring. Nearby, you'll also find Saxon villages like Viscri and landscapes such as Red Lake and the Bicaz Gorge.
Between May and October is usually the best time to travel by motorhome in the area, because The weather conditions are more stable And the high mountain roads are open. In winter, the snow adds a magical touch, especially in ski resorts like Poiana Brașov, but it requires more careful planning.
Organizing the trip and motorhome rental companies
Before hitting the road, it's essential to plan some basic aspects: Review regulations, prepare documentation And, of course, choosing the right vehicle is crucial. Whether it's your first time or you're already experienced, having a good rental provider makes all the difference.
Platforms like Camplify They function as a meeting point between private owners of motorhomes, caravans, and campervans and travelers who want to rent them. One of their major advantages is that they offer comprehensive insurance for the rental, 24/7 breakdown assistance, user verification, and customer service that supports you throughout the entire process.
Another very common option in Spain is Mundovan[Company Name], a website specializing in motorhome and campervan rentals, offers a wide variety of vehicles: from compact models ideal for couples to large vehicles designed for families or groups of friends. They often provide personalized advice, which is especially helpful if you're unsure which type of vehicle best suits your route.
By booking through these platforms, in addition to gaining peace of mind through insurance and support, you are supporting families and small businesses They rent out their vehicles, helping to boost local tourism-related businesses. Many of these companies also send out newsletters with route ideas, tips, and legislative updates, which are very useful.
Whichever company you choose, check the vehicle condition, insurance coverage, mileage conditions and practical aspects (fresh and grey water capacity, type of heating, auxiliary battery, etc.), to avoid surprises during the trip.
Key tips for traveling around Europe in a motorhome
To get the most out of your adventure on wheels, it's worth keeping in mind some practical tips: Good planning saves a lot of troubleIt's not necessary to have everything planned down to the last detail, but it is important to be clear about the main points of the route and to know the regulations of each country regarding parking and overnight stays.
Apps like Park4Night or Campercontact They're practically indispensable these days: they help you find RV parks, campsites, waste disposal points, places to sleep for free or for a fee, and reviews from other travelers. It's a good idea to download offline maps in case you lose signal.
Regarding the vehicle, it is essential to make a check before leavingCheck your tires, brakes, lights, heater, fuel, battery, and fluid levels. Carrying basic tools, spare fuses, warning triangles, safety vests, and, if your route requires it, snow chains can get you out of more than one tight spot.
Don't forget the bureaucratic part: valid driver's license, vehicle documentsMake sure you have valid insurance and, if you're traveling outside the EU or driving in countries that require it, an international driving permit. Carrying photocopies and digital copies of everything is a good idea.
Finally, respect for the environment is key: avoid overnight stays where expressly prohibited, always take your waste with you, use authorized waste disposal points, and respect your neighbors, whether you're in a town or out in the wilderness. Traveling in a motorhome gives you enormous freedom, but it also implies be responsible towards the environment and local communities.
Travelling by motorhome through Europe opens the door to endless experiences: castles on the banks of the Loire, fishing villages in Portugal, endless fjords in Norway, mountains in Switzerland, medieval cities in Transylvania, valleys of the Black Forest or coves of the Dalmatian Coast.
With a balanced mix of planning, flexibility and respect for the environment, these routes allow you Discover the continent at your own paceEnjoying both the journey and each stop, whether in a large capital city or in the small parking lot of a remote village where an unforgettable sunset surprises you.