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Is wild camping allowed in Spain?

No Tolerated! Yes

Wild camping, also known as boondocking, dry camping, or dispersed camping, is tolerated in Spain depending on the region, but can result in penalties in some areas. We have put together a few tips for you that you need to consider.

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Susana
Written by: Susana
Get to know the whole team
Last researched: 2023

In Spain, depending on the region, different authorities such as municipalities or the nature conservation authority are responsible for wild camping. For this reason, there are different guidelines and penalties which cannot be standardized. To restore your ability to drive, you are allowed to spend the night in the car, but you should not put camping chairs in front of the car, as this will turn a rest break into wild camping.

In principle, wild camping is tolerated in the following places and the topic is dealt with more loosely:

  • On the Atlantic coast (beaches are nevertheless taboo)
  • In rural areas
  • Away from tourist areas and the coast

Wild camping is more strictly controlled in the following places:

  • On the Mediterranean coast
  • In nature reserves
  • On beaches and tourist areas

In these areas, you may be subject to fines ranging from 30 € to 800 €. Especially coastal areas are strictly controlled, even if the beaches are not accessible and used by tourists. In these areas, authorities use helicopters to track down wild campers.

  • Posts like these are possible thanks to our partners. Take a look at our partner ELEMENT Camper!

    ELEMENT Camper
Wild camping by the river
Wild camping by the river
Breakfast at sunrise
Breakfast at sunrise

Tips and tricks for wild camping in Spain

Set up your tent on the beach of Gran Canaria, Tenerife or Fuerteventura, listen to the sound of the waves and enjoy the picturesque sunset. The next morning, enjoy the fresh sea breeze and coffee on the beach. This is the dream of many campers. Unfortunately, it is not allowed to camp on the beaches, but there are enough enchanting places in Spain that you can enjoy. We have put together a few tips to make your trip to Spain a little easier.

Wildlife
You should research the region in which you want to camp. In parts of Spain, there are poisonous animals like scorpions or various species of spiders and snakes. In the north of the country, there are also wolves and bears, although it is very unlikely that you will encounter them in the wild. So be careful where you set up camp.

The danger of forest fires
In Spain, very high temperatures and sometimes longer dry periods prevail, especially in summer, which results in an extremely high risk of forest fires. Only this summer there was a devastating forest fire in Catalonia, in which over 4,000 hectares of forest were burned. Avoid fires near forests and dry meadows.

Ramblas
Many beaches lead so-called Ramblas, which is often underestimated especially by tourists and campers. Ramblas are empty river beds that look like dirt roads at first sight. When it rains, they can fill up extremely quickly and develop into torrential currents. Also here you shouldn't settle overnight.

Hunting areas
Large areas of Spanish nature are hunting grounds. You can recognize them by black and white tin signs or signs with the inscription "Coto privado de Caza." These areas should be avoided as a matter of urgency, as hunters are already on their way early in the morning outside the breeding and setting season and shots echo through the air.

By the way: According to a study by the ADAC, Spain ranks sixth among the cheapest camping countries in Europe. Two adults with one child pay an average of 39.89 € for an overnight stay on a campsite, including parking space and ancillary costs.

10 interesting, bizarre and funny facts about Spain

That a siesta is held in Spain because it can get extremely hot around lunchtime is not news. Also that they live football knows the whole world. But did you know how fast the Spaniards speak or that this is the only desert in Europe? We have put together some interesting facts about Spain for you to get an idea of what to expect in Spain.

Fact #1 - Tomatina
Every year at the Tomatina Festival the inhabitants of Buñol throw themselves with overripe tomatoes. On average, about 160 tons of tomatoes fly through the air.

Fact #2 - Quick speaker
Spain is the fastest spoken language in the world in terms of syllables spoken per second. They create about eight syllables per second.

Fact #3 - Desert
Yes, there are deserts in Europe too. More precisely, there is exactly one desert in Europe, the desert of Tabernas. The 280 km² large desert lies in the south of Spain in Andalusia.

Fact #4 - Sand theft
At the Platja del Palma in Mallorca, more than 82 tons of sand are "stolen" every year. Tourists from all over the world unconsciously carry the sand home in their clothes and bags.

Fact #5 - Spanish punctuality
Spaniards have many qualities, but punctuality is not one of them. A delay of up to 30 minutes is not unusual and is not seen as rude.

Fact #6 - Density of pubs
You want to sit in a bar and drink a glass of wine or a cold beer? Spain has the highest density of pubs in Europe.

Fact #7 - UNESCO World Heritage Sites
From prehistoric rock paintings to historic towns and national parks. Spain has 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and ranks third in the world.

Fact #8 - The oldest restaurant in the world
Casa Botín is the oldest restaurant in the world, according to the Guinness Book of Records. It was opened in Madrid in 1725 and was one of Ernest Hemingway's favorite restaurants.

Fact #9 - Coffee
You want to have a cappuccino or latte macchiato? That could be difficult. Spaniards usually only drink their coffee black or with milk. But sugar is always part of it.

Fact #10 - The capital city
Madrid, the capital of Spain, is well known. But did you know that Madrid is the geographical center of Spain? The "Puerta del Sol" square is the exact center of the country.

Travelogue Spain

Picture by clever-on-tour.de

clever-on-tour.de report in their blog article about the trip on the Costa de Almería. An exciting travelogue full of rain, storm, and adventure. Here you can find the whole article.

 

First published December 23, 2019

Everything you need to know for your trip

Equipment

  • Warning triangle Yes, two pieces
  • Safety vest Yes
  • First aid kit No
  • Replacement lamp set No
  • Spare tyre / repair set Yes
  • Fire extinguisher No
  • Tow rope No
  • Tear rope for all trailers No

Driving

  • Do I need a vignette, or are there tolls? Yes
  • Right hand trafficTo avoid dazzling other road users, you need to readjust or mask your headlights if they have asymmetrical light and are right-hand drive
  • Is it compulsory to drive with lights on during the day? No

Information

  • Is the tap water potable? Yes
  • Socket type: C+F
  • Energency numbers: 061 / 112
  • Currency: Euro (EUR)
  • Official Languages: Spanish
  • Country licence plate code: E

Average prices, in €

  • Price coffee rounded: 1.50
  • Price beer rounded: 3.00

Entry conditions for animals

  • You need a valid EU pet passport in which your animal is clearly identified (microchip or tattoo), as well as a rabies vaccination valid on entry. The rabies vaccination must be at least 21 days old, but not older than 6 months. Yes
  • If your entry is from a non-EU country with a reduced rabies status, you must have a rabies antibody test carried out approximately four weeks before you enter the country and have it entered on your EU pet passport. Yes
  • Your dog must be treated for tapeworms 24 to 120 hours before entry. No
  • In addition to a valid EU pet passport with all the required entries, you also need an official veterinary health certificate (max. 10 days old). No
  • The import of fighting dogs or breeds classified as dangerous is not permitted. No
We try our best to keep the information up to date. Even so, we can always make mistakes. Have you found an error? Send us an email to moc.aynavarac@ofnullni!

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