If there's one Spanish region built for the motorhome, it's Andalusia: on the same trip you can go from an unspoilt beach to a white village perched on the sierra, from a desert straight out of the movies to a city steeped in history. And since the cold barely exists here, it can be enjoyed almost all year round (best to avoid the extreme summer heat inland). Here are some ideas for exploring it.
The coast: from Cabo de Gata to the Costa de la Luz
Cabo de Gata (Almería) is one of the most beautiful stretches of Mediterranean coastline, with almost untouched coves (access is heavily regulated in summer: check before you go). Further west, the Costa del Sol and, on the Atlantic side, the Costa de la Luz (Cádiz and Huelva) offer huge beaches and a more relaxed atmosphere. To help choose where to swim, see the best beaches.
The must-see cities
Seville, Granada (with the Alhambra), Córdoba (and its Mezquita), Cádiz, Málaga... Andalusia is home to some of the most beautiful cities in Spain. To visit them, look for sites or car parks on the outskirts and head into the centre on foot or by public transport; with a motorhome, the historic centre is no place to drive.
The sierra and the white villages
Inland lies the other Andalusia: the Alpujarras of Granada, the Sierra de Grazalema, the Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos (Cádiz), the Sierra de Cazorla... Nature, hiking and postcard villages, perfect for escaping the heat and the crowds. Watch out for narrow mountain roads if you have a large vehicle.
When to go
Spring and autumn are ideal: good weather without the stifling heat of an inland summer. In winter, the coast and the cities are a real pleasure to visit, and you can even combine snow in the Sierra Nevada with the beach on the same day. In August, stick to the coast and get up early.
Practical tips
- Book sites in tourist areas during peak season.
- Respect the regulated access to natural areas like Cabo de Gata.
- Carry plenty of water on inland routes, where refill points are scarce.
- Combine coast and sierra so you don't end up seeing only one side of Andalusia.
In short
Andalusia has it all for a camper trip: coast, monumental cities and sierra with white villages, enjoyable almost all year round. The step to take today: pick a single province or area for your first trip (Cádiz and its coast, or Granada and the Alpujarras, for example) rather than trying to cover the whole of Andalusia; you'll gain in calm and enjoyment. Pair it with the routes through Spain.
