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Road trip around Madrid : visit of Toledo and Segovia (5 days)

Road trip around Madrid : visit of Toledo and Segovia (5 days) https://www.vanbreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/toledo.jpg 1604 804 VanBreak - Campervan and MotorHome Hire in Spain VanBreak - Campervan and MotorHome Hire in Spain //www.vanbreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/VANBREAK-MAST_LOGO_VERT-GRAD-CMYK-copie.png May 6, 2020 February 17, 2021

I love to try new things while travelling, and get off the beaten path. I’ve never been a fan of camping though, so I tended to avoid anything that related to that. But last year I came across VanBreak Malaga and we decided to try out their VW California Ocean van while we explored the western side of Andalusia, which includes cities such as Cordoba and Sevilla (great for tapas and flamenco!). And I have to say I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed myself!

This time around, we tried out their new motorhome range the City Car Burstner, which are much larger and more comfortable to travel in. We did a 5 day road trip from Malaga to Toledo and Segovia in February, so we were very happy to have an indoor bathroom and overnight heating. It was my first time travelling to this area of Spain and we had an amazing time. If you’ve never heard of either of these cities, they are very close to Madrid, and there are often day trips from Madrid to Toledo or Segovia that you can join. They’re also great destinations if you’re looking to do a road trip around Madrid without having to visit the capital.

Here’s some practical information about the van rental process:

Campervan booking process: practical information

Mini motorhome reservation

We booked our campervan through VanBreak Malaga’s website (here). The team is available anytime you need them and respond to any questions you have very quickly. We had no issues contacting them while we were on the road. Currently, the City Car’s are manual only, so keep this in mind when you’re booking.

Price of the rental for our road trip around Madrid

This depends on the type of campervan you rent as well as what season you rent it in. For us, renting the City Car Burstner in the offseason for 5 days, it worked out to around €95 per day. We added the premium insurance for peace of mind, which was €75 for the whole trip. They also have the option of add-ons such as sleeping bags, paddle boards, and camping chairs.

Picking up the van

The pickup point is located next to a petrol station in Alhaurin de la Torre, a 15 minute drive from the airport in Malaga. When we arrived we were shown how to use all of the equipment in the van and they answered any questions we had. The gas and water tanks are full, so when you return it you need to make sure they are refilled and the waste and waste water disposed of.

Where to sleep with motorhome or camper van

There are plenty of places that are safe to spend the night across Spain. We used the app “park4night”, which gives you other people’s recommendations, most of the time with photos so you can check them out before driving there.

Setting off

It’s always good to have a little bit of a plan before starting. We had a destination in mind but figured out where to park for the night on the long drive up to Toledo. You should also practice driving the van for a little bit before getting onto the main roads. It may seem like a daunting task having to drive a larger van, but once you get the hang of it you’ll love it. I would also recommend ensuring that all your bags and belongings are securely stored before driving, otherwise they’ll be falling all over the place and can be a big distraction.

Day 1: start to our road trip around Madrid

Our first day started off early in the morning. We prepared our things the night before, so we were ready to leave as soon as we picked up the van. We also decided to make the bed before leaving, so we didn’t have to do it later. After check-in (around 9am), we hit the road, leaving southern Spain for the Spanish hinterland. Malaga to Toledo takes approximately 4.5 hours to drive to non-stop. We decided to take a break halfway through to refuel and stretch our legs at a petrol station.

Since it was such a long drive, we took the most direct route. As much as I would have loved to drive the van, I can only drive automatic cars, and the van is manual. So, I did my best to entertain Silvia while she was driving, and became a world-class DJ!

Where to sleep in Toledo

We found a great spot to park for the night with the Park4night app. We were a bit concerned that it would be tricky to navigate the van if we had to drive through hilly areas, but luckily it was all on main roads and the parking area was located directly outside the city walls. There was a footbridge connecting the parking area to Toledo’s old town which was ideal because we didn’t even need to move the van!

Once we parked, we walked into the old town and explored it during the evening. It’s a beautiful place and well worth visiting at night as well if you have time. While we were walking we stopped for some tapas (Iberian ham croquettes – yum!), then headed back to the van. The van has plugs and USB ports spread throughout, so we were able to relax a bit after a long day of driving with some Netflix and snacks. There’s also an overnight heating system which turned out to be a life saver because Toledo was pretty cold in the evening! (See 10 reasons to rent the City Car).

Day 2 : visit of Toledo

We had meant to wake up early to start exploring Toledo, but the bed was so comfortable we slept in a little longer than we had planned. We made a quick breakfast with some of the food we brought with us and then headed into the town centre.

We’d made a list of the top things to see in Toledo before the trip, so it was much easier for us to make a plan for the day. Our first stop was the city’s historic center and main plaza, Zocodover.

We then made our way uphill to the Puerto del Sol and a gorgeous viewpoint in the gardens of the Mezquita del Cristo de la Luz. Toledo is famous for its churches, and the best way to see the seven main ones is to purchase the Toledo Tourist Bracelet which will give you access to them all for one set price for however long you’re visiting.

If you’re short on time, definitely check out the Sinagoga de Santa María La Blanca and the Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes. They’re both absolutely stunning and shouldn’t be overlooked.

The Puente de San Martin was very close to where we parked the car, so on our way back we stopped there for some photos at sunset. We also moved the van closer to it for a nice view while we made dinner.

Day 3: continuation of Toledo and road to Segovia

We made sure to wake up early on our second morning, so we could check out the other side of Toledo before leaving for Segovia. The city has a very rich heritage, so wherever you walk you’ll be immersed in historic treasures. The views from the Puente de Alcántara were incredible, and there was a footpath along the river that was nice to walk along.

Before heading to Segovia, which is just under 2 hours from Toledo, we made a quick stop at a grocery store to stock up. The motor home has a lot of storage space and a large fridge, so we did a big shop. Just before getting into Segovia, we made a little detour along a lake, located in a natural park just outside of Madrid, for lunch and to take a shower. In the winter, having an indoor shower with hot water is amazing while on the road! We set up our table and chairs outside, but quickly went back inside when we saw a herd of cows approaching.

After lunch we drove into Segovia, and parked with a view of the cathedral. The parking area was very busy so we waited for a while until we could get a more secluded spot away from other cars.

Day 4: discover of Segovia

What better way to start the day than with churros? We found an excellent place near where we parked that made them in the traditional way. Then we headed uphill towards the city centre. Segovia is an ideal destination for history lovers, and the main attractions are quite close together so it’s much easier to see everything within a few hours than it was in Toledo.

Our first stop was the Aqueduct which was incredible to walk beneath.

Our next stop was Plaza Mayor which is also where the Cathedral is. We took a walk through the Jewish quarter as well which I would highly recommend. Segovia is famous for its food, especially its suckling pig, so if you aren’t vegetarian and want to give that a try, this is the place to do it. Segovia is a very old city with a lot of cultural heritage, so if you’re looking for any form of nightlife this probably isn’t the place for that.

I was most excited to see the famous alcazar of Segovia! It was the inspiration for Disney’s castles, and really does look like something from a fairytale. There was a lot of construction going on around the castle, which was a bit of a disappointment, but we did some research and found an excellent area to drive the van to for a picture from below, which shows the entire castle and was empty.

We decided it was a good idea to start our journey back to Malaga after seeing the castle since it was going to be almost a 7 hour drive back. We headed to a small town called Consuegra to spend the night. It’s famous for its windmills on top of the hills, which we planned to see the next day before leaving.

Day 5 : windmills of Consuegra

We woke up and found that we were right next to another churro place! So naturally we ventured there. After breakfast we drove up the hills to visit the windmills. There was a road leading up to the main area, which led to a dead end so we parked the van there and had a little snack after we explored the windmills.

There was a great view over the surrounding countryside, and the weather was picture perfect too. I’d recommend going earlier in the morning, because as we were leaving there were a lot of people and cars everywhere.

On our way back to Malaga and the Costa del Sol we made a stop for a quick bite of lunch in an area only a few minutes from the motorway with nice views.

When we got back to the meeting point, we filled up the petrol and water tanks, cleaned it, disposed of all the waste at the petrol station across the road, and dropped off the keys.

Final Thoughts

The mini motorhome City Car is a fantastic motor home to rent in the colder months, or if you’re planning a long journey (see 10 reasons to rent it). There’s ample storage space, stationary heating, an inside living area that seats 4 people, an easy to use kitchen, a large fridge, indoor toilet, hot water shower, and of course an extremely comfortable bed. This was our second time using VanBreak, that’s how much we enjoyed our first road trip in the summer with the Ocean California campervan.

If you’re looking to stay in Spain, each region has a lot of different things to offer. From the Iberian Peninsula, to its numerous National Parks and world heritage sites, you really can’t go wrong. Holidays in Spain don’t always have to include sitting on the beach. With the freedom of movement you get by renting a motor home, you’ll understand just how incredible this Mediterranean country really is.

Krista the Explorer

You have already made a road trip around Madrid, and you know the region? Discover our road trip routes in the South of Portugal or in Andalusia:

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Road-trip in Portugal (Algarve) – 5 days

Road-trip in Portugal (Algarve) – 5 days https://www.vanbreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/praia-do-amado-wave-2.jpg 1048 648 VanBreak - Campervan and MotorHome Hire in Spain VanBreak - Campervan and MotorHome Hire in Spain //www.vanbreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/VANBREAK-MAST_LOGO_VERT-GRAD-CMYK-copie.png March 26, 2020 February 17, 2021

For our first trip to kick off 2020, we decided to take some holidays travelling in motorhome compact and road trip alongside the famous Algarve region, in Southern Portugal. Our aim was simple: travelling with Fiat Burstner Citycar motorhome compact and exploring Algarve’s beauty in just 5 days. A unique opportunity to fully immerse ourselves in nature, whilst exploring fishing villages, experiencing local food and gastronomy, and getting lost in some of the most beautiful landscapes of the Atlantic Coast. Below you will find further details of our amazing trip alongside some recommendations and suggestions for places to visit, eat and sleep with the van.

Road-Trip in Portugal (Algarve) : Key advantages

Travelling within a comfortable, fully-equipped motorhome compact, complete with air-con offers so much more than a simple road trip between locations. Delivering endless opportunities and a feeling of absolute freedom, the motorhome does not limit time and space, as it allows you to travel at your own pace and create memorable and unique experiences; falling asleep in stunning locations and waking up in front of outstanding scenery. Being on the road allows adventure seekers to stop wherever their heart desires to explore and discover. Personally we love this way of travelling as it adds so much more meaning to our travel experiences.

It is advised to familiarize yourself with the Portuguese toll system before setting out on your trip to Algarve. The Portuguese toll system apply to all vehicles and operates via taking photos of driver’s license plate directly on the road. More details about payment options can be found on http://www.portugaltolls.com/. Alternatively, from Spain to Algarve, the highway N-125 is following the coast and toll free.

Algarve Road Map:

Santa Luzia / Tavira
Carvoeiro
Praia Do Amado
Cacela Velha

Road-trip in Algarve : Day 1 – SANTA LUZIA (2 NIGHTS)

The first destination of our road trip was Santa Luzia; the Octopus capital, located 4 hours from Malaga. We highly recommend this location as the starting point for your journey of discovery of Oriental Algarve. Two days would be perfectly suited. A good first day would be exploring the town’s many hidden secrets and breathtaking surrounding beaches. On day two, it is suggested to visit Tavira’s touristic attractions and the stunning beaches of Tavira’s island.

Where to sleep in Santa Luzia ?

For our first night, we parked the van in front of the port, and had the chance to wake up to an outstanding view on the Atlantic Ocean and its picturesque fishing boats, admiring the sun glistening over the low tide. There are many other spots alongside the coast, between Santa Luzia and Pedras del Rei, where you can park the van for the night.

Things to do in Santa Luzia?

Without doubt, you should have a walk inside the old town, discovering its hidden laneways and admiring the colourful facades of the historical building. We personally loved visiting the fishing shacks and the village’s market, where locals sell fresh fish caught the night before. In this town, fishermen still use traditional methods to fish, dragging down some old-fashioned clay vases to the bottom of the sea to attract and catch octopuses.

Santa Luzia is ideally located at the far south of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, home to a cluster of protected lagoons filled with an array of marine life and migrating birds. The closest beach from Santa Luzia is Praia da Terra Estreita, one can only access via ferry, departing from the town’s marina. Here, the atmosphere is incredibly peaceful and relaxing, making it an amazing place to chill.

To admire the beauty of Santa Luzia’s surrounding beaches, you can walk, ride a bike or run alongside the path that cradles the coast line. As the path draws to an end, you arrive to the Anchor Graveyard, an historic symbol of Oriental Algarve, an oxidized memory of the former fishing fleet. It consists of anchors that fishermen of the past used to fish tuna, abandoned onto the sand dunes close to the Barril Beach. You can reach Barril Beach by walking down a bridge from the village of Pedras Del Rei. The beach is surrounded by crystal clear serene waters, an ideal spot for families. A unique location nestled within local traditions and history, this beach is without doubt one of the most picturesque in the region.

Typical things to eat in Santa Luzia

You can’t visit Santa Luzia without trying the local speciality, the “Polvo”, a traditional octopus dish. For instance, you can savour this amazing dish at Sol e Mar, Polvo & Companhia. For morning or afternoon tea, we recommend the coffee shop of Santa Luzia, a place where local fisherman gather.

Road-trip in Algarve : Day 2 – TAVIRA

Tavira is an ideal destination for vacation. On one hand, for its monuments and architecture. We suggest you visit its castle, at the top of the hill, its white churches, its Roman bridge, its cobblestoned laneways, its traditional houses, its tiled facades and its Arabian castle walls. As well as for its natural surrounds: Tavira is well known for its beaches, its rivers, its coastline and for the wild landscapes of Ria Farmosa Natural Park’s.

Things to do in Tavira

Near the banks of the Gilão River is the town of Tavira, with its precious blend of Portuguese traditions and Arab influences. The town is full of charm, an ideal location to spend a pleasant day. You can stroll through the alleys of its old town, cross its river on the Roman pedestrian bridge, discover the typical tiled houses. I also advise you to visit its beautiful churches, its monasteries and the ruins of the amazing Arab castle. This castle stands as a reminder that Tavira was a strategic city in the defense of the Arab kingdom. Another attraction of Tavira is its tower. An old water reserve transformed into a dark room where panoramic views of the city are projected. At last, it’s strongly advised that you visit the bustling morning market, the best place to experience Portuguese daily life.

Tavira has a spectacular coastline of beaches located on sandy islands. The largest of these islands is Ilha de Tavira, with its continuous 12 km of golden sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. It is located in a protected natural setting, far from urban development. The closest beach to Tavira is Praia de Tavira. It is a heavenly place, connected to the city by a ferry leaving from the port (2 € round trip). The shores of the island are ideal for walking. This place is one of the ideal destinations for a family holiday in Portugal, with its calm and welcoming atmosphere.

Typical food to eat in Santa Luzia

To eat well and at low cost, I recommend the Jao Belhi restaurant, in the center of Tavira. It offers a specialty rice dish with seafood typical of the area, with crab, mussels, razor clams and cockles … The restaurant is always crowded with locals, which is a good sign!

Eat in Tavira Algarve Portugal - Vanbreak road trip

Délice de riz aux fruits de mer

Road-trip in Algarve : Day 3 – CARVOEIRO

After two days spent in Tavira and Santa Luzia, we continued our road trip in the Algarve. We went back on the road with the campervan, towards the West, our destination was Carvoeiro, an area that offers many things to see and do. One can discover historic towns, such as the fishing village of Ferragudo or the town of Silves. There are also amazing hiking and climbing routes to experience. For example, we loved the scenic hiking route of Sete Vales Suspensos and the beautiful cliffs of Algar Seco. You can also take a boat to explore breathtaking rock formations and caves carved by the wind for centuries. I recommend the Benagil cave, the Boneca and the Praia da Marinha, considered as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

We parked at the Algar Seco to take a stroll along the Atlantic and enjoy the panoramic views. You can access this natural park on foot via a wooden walkway, which takes you to the beach and to the village of Carvoeiro. On the way, one can contemplate the coastal landscape of the cliffs and the geological formations. Some caves are accessible, and you can go down there safely.

Road-trip in Algarve : Day 4 – Praia do Amado (1 night)

In search of adrenaline, we went to surf the impressive waves of the Atlantic, at Do Amado beach, yet again another destination easily accessible by our comfortable accommodation; the Burstner City Car. There are two large parking spaces where you can park the mini camper, cook and spend your vacation in #VANLIFE mode.

Located in the town of Carrapateira, Aljezur, on the Costa Vicentina, Praia do Amado is one of the best Portuguese beaches for surfing. Surrounded by dark cliffs and mountains, without any hotel in sight. With some of the best conditions for surfing, kite surfing and wind surfing, important surfing competitions are held here frequently. Praia do Amado is a paradise for nature lovers, with this large beach stretching over three valleys. There are also hiking trails, which allow you to enjoy the coastal landscape and a set of walkways that lead to different views of the beach. For example, there is a path that runs along the cliff which ends at Bordeira Beach.

At this spot, the Vanlife experience really comes to life, with a whole community of campers. You can cook, eat, read a good book, take a hot shower and fall asleep listening to the waves and watching the stars from your bed. We experienced 100% of our road trip adventure in the Algarve, with Vanbreak.

Road-trip in Algarve : Day 5 – Cacela Velha

As the last stop of our road trip in Algarve, before returning to Spain (Andalusia), we spent an amazing night at Cacela Velha de la Vila Real de Santo Antonio. A small village that overwhelms you with its beauty. Time seems to have stood still here for many years, and without doubt this quaint village consists of some of the best views in the area. Offering the most beautiful sights of the Atlantic Ocean and the vast expanses of sand in the Ría Formosa Natural Park.

Cacela Velha is located on the top of a hill with a panoramic view of the eastern lagoons of the Ria Formosa. It is a preserved natural site, surrounded by the sea and the Ria, the pine forests, the fishing boats, the medieval Matriz church and the fortress of Cacela, of Arab origin.

Things to do in Cacela Velha

You can do paddle boarding (possibility to rent it with VanBreak), fish, walk along the sea and the lagoons, or cross the Ria by boat, to reach paradise beaches, such as the Manta Rota. You can also stroll through the cobbled laneways of the village and discover the characteristic essence of the place, defined by its white houses with doors and windows framed in blue or yellow, and decorated with flowers reminiscent of its Arab past.

Typical food and where you can park to sleep in Cacela Velha?

Cacela Velha has a few fantastic restaurants where you can taste the delicious gastronomic specialties from the region. For instance, you can taste the delicious cod, grilled sardines, octopus, oysters and clams, which must be accompanied by a good vinho verde, typical of the region.

To sleep, we were able to park the motorhome at the entrance of the village. On the left, there is a parking overlooking the bay, where you can stay overnight and enjoy your own balcony over the sea and the Ria Formosa. Visiting Cacela Velha is essential, an experience filled with happiness, happiness that costs nothing.

SO, ARE YOU READY FOR A ROAD TRIP IN PORTUGAL (Algarve) IN MOTORHOME ?

Prepare your backpacks for your next road trip in the Algarve and come and live the experience with Vanbreak 🙂 Take excursions to these small villages and experience these authentic places, discovering some of the most beautiful sites and wonders of the region’s natural parks; we guarantee you that you will fall in love! 🚐😍

Finally, if you have some time, I invite you to watch this video of vanbreakers. A 10-day stay in Portugal, aboard the van Volkswagen California Beach combi:

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Roadtrip in South of Spain in a campervan Kombi VW: interview with Erika

Roadtrip in South of Spain in a campervan Kombi VW: interview with Erika https://www.vanbreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/1-VAN-ROADTRIP-TARIFA-KITESURF-SANTAMILA_50.jpg 1500 1000 VanBreak - Campervan and MotorHome Hire in Spain VanBreak - Campervan and MotorHome Hire in Spain //www.vanbreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/VANBREAK-MAST_LOGO_VERT-GRAD-CMYK-copie.png December 9, 2018 December 17, 2021

Five things you really don’t need on a roadtrip in Campervan

You’re about to set off for a Van Break adventure! I say adventure because a road trip is essentially an adventure. If you’re a city dweller such as I am, chances are that you’re preparing a bag full of things you’ll really don’t need while you are riding on Andalusian roads.

Here are the top five things that you’ll really don’t need:

– [For girls and hipsters]: a full beauty case with lots of different creams and products. My Van Breaker companion Marie broke into laughter when she discovered that I had a hand cream! Well, Marie, I have creams for everything! She was happy though to use my eye cream, the perfect remedy for puffy eyes after a looooooooooong night in the wild countryside.

– Different clothes for every day: Definitely not useful… especially if you do wild camping like we’re doing. I have to confess that I’ve been wearing my boyfriend’s sweater day and night on top of the same shorts and T shirts for two days in row. That’s the spirit of feeling like a natural woman 😉 ·

– [Girls again! Boys, please don’t read further!] I took off my bra the minute I left Malaga and it feels amazing. When can we girls walk braless under a T-shirt without feeling awkward except for this kind of holiday?? It’s part of girl trip: FREEDOM, FREEDOM, FREEDOM!

– A laptop: even if you need to stay connected, write or post your adventures -which is our case, a smartphone is enough to do all that!

– Regarding van life, you’ll be amazed by the comfort, design and equipment of your camper van. We cruise with a California Beach that has everything you need in there from kitchen ware to bath towels, a portable shower that rocks for bush showers and a bed sheet… So your sleeping bag is really the main thing you need as well as your own sheet to keep you warm inside it! That’s all folks! You need a free spirit and lust for life 😉, Andalusia does the magic and Van Break allows you to focus on what’s key: ENJOY!

Let’s take a break from Parisian life, let’s take a Van Break!

Marie and I are both living hectic Parisian lives. When I told Marie that we had the opportunity to go for a week holiday in a Kombi VW driving through Andalusia, the answer was immediate: YES! Another kind of proposal, that one was a promise of a fabulous road trip in gorgeous Southern Spain.

A few years back, we spent some holidays together in Corsica and Brittany. I knew that we had the same way of enjoying holidays: no big planning ahead, go with the flow – but not with tourist crowds, and fill the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds’ worth of distance run*. We both went through an intense first semester in our jobs and personal lives, thus feeling in great need for a break in the calm and empty countryside. More to come in the next post!

*https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems-and-poets/poems/detail/46473

They’ll be coming ‘round the mountains when they come…

We landed in Malaga on Monday 1st May morning after a very short night… What a sight: this shiny yellow Beach California VW parked in front of the airport! Can’t miss it! It’s an Andalusian sun shade, that set the color palette of our trip.

Here comes the best part: discovering all the features of the Van Break campervan. It’s a design masterpiece: every appliance or piece of furniture pulls out of its hiding place: picnic table stuck in the sliding door, chairs stored in a case in the trunk door, amazing sliding roof that reveals a complementary sleeping bunk! Once ready to hit the road, Aurélien & his Van Break crew ask us over coffee where we’re heading. Let’s be very clear here, Marie is the captain, I’m just the pilot! “We’re going to see Ronda and the white villages. We’ll take the mountain roads through natural parks, where we can camp in the wild!”

Yes Captain!

First lunch break on the way to Ronda in the town of Coín, in the luxurious valley of the Rio Grande. May 1st is Labor Day in Spain, as in many other countries. We stop in a crowded restaurant with Gypsy Kings music at full blast, with Andalusians families enjoying this festive day off loudly! In my next post, I want to share with you the sheer pleasure of driving this amazing van!

Post 4 Life is a ride: Driving on mountain roads with a Beach California

Let me share some of my van and driving memories from other times and places! I had the chance to travel with a camper van both on the Western Coast of Australia and in the Southern Island of New Zealand. At that time, I was with a seasoned driver who drove all along in a Maui camper van. Now, on this Andalusian road trip, we take turns to drive with Marie. I took the wheel on the first day at the airport. I also wanted to drive on the sinewy roads through the Sierras because I’ve always enjoyed driving in such conditions in Spain and Italy. I get the feel of sliding into a rally driver’s shoes 😉

I don’t intend to spoil your discovery of the van capabilities, but let me sum this up for you: great horsepower and very easy to handle! When covering 30km takes in an hour in dire conditions, you need a dependable vehicle, and that’s exactly what the new Beach California from Volkswagen is! You very quickly get to know your van’s engine, and how to handle it without thinking; you just need to focus on the road!

By the way, Andalusian drivers are up to their reputation: fast drivers and sometimes a bit reckless… When they’re bumper to bumper with our van, I’d rather let them overtake us and keep on driving at my pace. Pleasure doesn’t necessarily mean speed and insecure behavior!

Kids, in a Kombi VW road trip nothing good happens after 9PM!

It’s a beginner’s mistake, right? Aurélien had warned us: don’t wait till it’s dark to find a spot for the night. There’s no big constraint with the camper van: it’s smaller than a mobile home and can be parked on a regular spot in any town. But we, Van Breaker girls, have got great expectations for this road trip and we wanted from Day 1 to see the sun rise in a pristine and wild area! Well, we hardly followed the safe procedure to do so on the first night!

Our first day in Andalusia was epic, as you’ll shortly discover… After a drive West from Malaga, we finally got to Ronda. Marie was so eager to visit this Andalusian white village. But we were also both knackered from our early morning flight, the drive, the Andalusian May heat… We stopped in Ronda for evening tapas – I mean Spanish evening here around 8PM. We couldn’t figure out where the historical center was. We ended up drowning our disappointment into a pint of beer. 9PM ticking… “We should take off”, said Marie.

She was right indeed, but it was a bit too late. After wandering in the outskirts of Ronda, we made up our minds on a small path supposedly leading to the woods that Marie remembered on our way to Ronda. BAAAAD IDEA! Imagine the caricature of a couple arguing in a car…

– Pull over, it’s here!

– Stop your nonsense, that’s not the path, this leads to nowhere! Anyway, I can’t pull over in the night at the last minute…

We ended up camping near a viewpoint, Gate of the Winds (Puerta de los Vientos). Once we had parked, we still had to prepare the van for a good night sleep… Marie running completely out of batteries and I being emotionally drained! Now you understand: kids, when you’re in a campervan, don’t wait till it’s dark to prepare for the night! By the way, we survived that windy night even if we were a bit scared and woke up at the sound of the shepherd’s whip and hails.

Delving into the Andalusian culture in Ronda

The next day was dedicated to visiting cliff-hung Ronda and its remains of Andalusian archeology and history. The town was a sweet spot for romantic artists and authors such as Rainer Maria Rilke, Orson Welles or Ernest Hemingway. They appreciated it for its eye-catching views over the canyons and mountains. This geographical stronghold was preserved from the industrial revolution until the early XX century.

Near the new bridge, all crowds were converging to a small kiosk surrounded by a flowery garden, where a duet of musicians played a guitar and harp concert. Ronda is up to its romantic reputation! But my favorite white village was a smaller one, we landed in afterwards: Montejaque. I’m a bit biased here because we had the best mojitos ever in there! More seriously, the village is less crowded and offers insight to visitors on beautiful wall panels. There’s an old lavatory with a huge stone basin at the center of Montejaque, small fountains, statues…

We also met with Felipe, in Montejaque, a local man who chatted with us, gave us some guidance and directions to continue our road trip. He rightly pointed out that we were as white skinned as the table we were sitting… Could we take it as compliment? Let’s suppose so 😉 We’ll do something about that tan when we reach the beach, but for now we just want to enjoy the Sierras!

The train seldom stops in Gaucin

Wait a minute: how did we end up staying for a night near Gaucin train station? Let’s be honest not the cutest place on earth! Oh right, we spent an afternoon walking in a cork oaks forest, following a river. We were like kids in a candy shop with all the surrounding birds, herbs (peppermint, sage…) and gorgeous wild flowers. I’m not gonna pretend I was able to recognize many of them, I’m a city girl, remember?!

After this relaxing walk, we left this spot with our Van Break camper van through a winding track full of pigeon holes… Andalusian Sierra driving, level 3!!! This track lead to a more decent road, which took us to Gaucin train station at dusk. There we stopped, afraid to spend another evening looking for a good place to stay. So, let me tell you this: even freight trains seldom stop in Gaucin. That’s all for today folks!

Showering in the bush, one of my favorite camper life moments!

You’re starting to know me now: I’m a girly girl! I love my beauty rituals. How do you handle when you don’t stop in camping? Well, you use the portable shower provided by Van Break and wash in the bush.

Again, great memories come back to me: showers with bucket and a natural sponge in the Moroccan desert, but also in central Australian bush or in Burkina Faso. I can easily give up the comfort and efficiency of a full blown hot shower to enjoy the simple pleasure of washing myself in a beautiful natural setting. My two favorite shower times were in the Sierras, near an olive plantation and near a river (rio) lined with Eucalypt trees.

Tale of the unknown lake… and the famous beaches!

The running joke of our stay in the Andalusian Sierras was the search for the unknown lake… A less philosophical tale than Jose Saramago’ Tale of the unknown island though 😉 We were set on bathing in mountain lakes that we could see on the map. But guess what: we could never find any! We discovered virtually dried up ponds or unreachable dams, but a lake suitable for bathing, never! Fair enough, we bathed in rivers!

Everyone urged us to go the famous kite surf beaches of Tarifa and Zahara de los Atunes, and reach Vejer de la Frontera and Barbate. We spent a windy afternoon on the Tarifa beach and the nearby Tarifa beach club – back to civilization after the wild life! We did feel like moderately clean hermits coming out their caves; we had indeed stayed a night near the cave of the Hundidero. Our closest neighbors were eagles and other impressive prey birds. We had also walked in the footsteps of wild boars… We wanted adventure, we got it!

Anyway, we chose the amazing beach of Playa del Carmen to spend two full lazy days. The beach is huge and almost deserted at this time of the year except for some tourists and local people. Andalusian families started arriving on Friday night. During our stay in Zahara de los Atunes, the town of Playa del Carmen, we enjoyed some shopping, gourmet food and lengthy picnics on the beach. We met with Rafael, a very nice beach volunteer who made us feel at home on our (forbidden) camping spot 😉

We spent some time asking ourselves whether we should head north on the coast to Vejer de la Frontera, but we made up our minds against it: we needed a break from road trip life. It’s already Saturday. On our way back to Malaga, we stop for our last beach afternoon in Fuenjirola, a seaside resort near Marbella. First and last huge turron ice cream, last sun bath…

– Can you believe that we’re going back to Paris tomorrow morning?

– Don’t tell me about it!

We’ll meet with Van Break co-founders, Aurélien and Olivier before heading back home. In my next post, I’ll tell you about these guys that allowed us to experience such a beautiful road trip!

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10-days Andalusia road trip in campervan or motorhome : best things to see

10-days Andalusia road trip in campervan or motorhome : best things to see https://www.vanbreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/sevilla-1-scaled.jpg 2048 1536 VanBreak - Campervan and MotorHome Hire in Spain VanBreak - Campervan and MotorHome Hire in Spain //www.vanbreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/VANBREAK-MAST_LOGO_VERT-GRAD-CMYK-copie.png February 7, 2018 February 17, 2021

Dreaming of travelling the South of Spain and discovering its treasures? Enjoy the charm of the place, its gastronomy and its most beautiful landscapes aboard a camper van or compact motorhome. Book your next holiday and enjoy an extraordinary 10-days Andalusia road trip. Follow the guide and take advantage of our suggestions, good plans, favourites places.

Day 1: Malaga, starting point of your 10-days Andalusia road trip

Once you have picked up you campervan or compact motorhome, Malaga is an excellent place to start your road trip.

Malaga : The queen of the Costa del Sol

Where to park in Malaga?

To make parking easier, opt for the car park of the port “Muelle Uno” to get to the city centre – under the Pompidou centre- The promenade along the marina and its high summer activity shows how dynamic this city is. Cross the “Parque de Málaga” to reach the heart of the town from Calle Larios, admire Constitución square and cross the very typical bar El Pimpi, admire the famous Roman Theatre. Then, head for the “Terraza de la Alcazaba”, the most beautiful roof top in the city, where you will have an unobstructed view of the fortress of Alcazaba, with a cocktail in your hands. The Alcazaba can be visited in more or less 2 hours for 2€, a mini Alhambra. You will have a splendid high view of the whole city. Malaga also has 2 interesting cultural places: The Picasso Museum (painter’s home city) and the Pompidou Centre.

Where to spend the night in Malaga with camper van?

For the first night’s stay, we suggest the beach of la Herradura next to the restaurant La Gaviota, which is situated east of Malaga, just after Nerja. It is around 1h15 ride from Malaga. This is a spot you have to opt for out of season. In July and August, you have to choose more isolated spots or in land, the white village of Frigiliana is a perfect example (a typical Andalusian village North of Nerja).

Favourites

In Malaga, drinking a cocktail on the roof top of the San Juan hotel in the middle of the historical centre, or enjoy a selection of locally brewed artisanal beers with a world cheese plate in “La Fabrica“. Taking a walk in the exotic garden “el paseo del parque”. Savour some grilled sardines (espetos) in the “chiringuitos” (beach bars) of la Malagueta.

Day 2: Natural park of Cabo de Gata

Breakfast on the beach before leaving for the natural park of Cabo de Gata in the east point of Andalusia. Cabo de Gata is probably the only coast area of the Mediterranean remaining completely virgin. The park is, by the way, protected and declared reserve of the biosphere by the UNESCO since 1997.

Cabo de Gata: Nature, Beach and Desert

This area of Spain is really fabulous, the setting is arid, and you simply feel like you are on the other side of the world. There is even a famous desert, the one of Tabernas where many Spaghetti Westerns have been filmed… A good place to spend the night? The playa of la Fabriquilla. It is also a good starting point for nice trips in Kayak if this interests you: http://www.happykayak.com/

Our favourite: A “Happy Kayak” excursion for an unforgettable trip in kayak + snorkelling to discover many fish species that populate this natural park.

The most beautiful beaches of Andalusia

This natural park is composed of many splendid beaches. Here you have some examples: Playa de Mónsul, Playa de los Genoveses, Playa de la Media Luna. Attention, to reach these 3 wonderful beaches, there is a fee of 5€ for entry to the car park and it is not possible to stay overnight. Therefore, we suggest you two nice spots to stay the night without any problem and in front of the sea in your California Campervan: Playa del Arco and Playa el Playazo de Rodalquilar which is really perfect. Moreover, you can practice activities like snorkelling, paddle surf and bathing.

Our favourite: the small village of la Isleta del Moro.

Days 3: Granada

We recommend parking in a covered car park in the outskirts of the city centre because the streets of Granada are very narrow, maybe the narrowest of Andalusia. This way, you can walk around in the streets, discover many squares, each one more charming than the one before, and enjoy this particular atmosphere that reigns in the city.

The majestic Alhambra

Things to do in Granada

We recommend, of course, visiting the majestic Alhambra on the heights of the city. It is the most visited site of Spain before the Sagrada Familia of Barcelona, that’s why you must anticipate the ticket purchase online on the website “www.ticketmaster.es”. Plan for a visit of around 3 hours. Because of its mix of cultures, the architecture is simply extraordinary. Depending on the season of your visit, you will see the snowed summits of Sierra Nevada bordering the city. A viewpoint you cannot miss is the “balcon de San Nicolas”. The gypsy district of Albaicin is also very enjoyable. In many bars of the city, if you order a beer, you will receive a tapa for free, an old tradition unique and proper to the city of Granada. You can stay the night in a camping close to the city centre: camping Motel Sierra Nevada.

Where to spend the night in Granada with camper van or motorhome?

We recommend spending 2 days in Granada to have enough time to enjoy quietly the Alhambra and have one day to visit the city.

Favourites: the Nazaries palaces and the Gardens of the Alhambra. The district of Albaicin, paseo de los Tristes and the plaza Nueva. Listening to Flamenco in Sacromonte. Where to eat: warm and authentic setting: Bodegas Castañeda.

Days 4/5: Sevilla, unmissable visit of your 15-days Andalusia road trip

Seville is the capital of Andalusia, there are many guides that can help you in its little streets. You can not miss: Plaza de España, the Cathedral & the wonderful gardens of the Alcazar.

Sevilla: Andalusian Capital

The cathedral is really gorgeous and still conserves the Giralda of the old mosque, an amazing mix of cultures. You can also rent some bikes to make your visit easier in this quite extended city; it might be tiring to do everything on foot. Furthermore, it will be the perfect occasion to take a small ride along the Guadalquivir, pass in front of the Torre de Oro and find some very pleasant bars at the riverbank to refresh. In fact, summers are very hot in Seville. To stay the night close to Seville (30 min from the centre), we suggest the camping Dehesa Nueva. This camping is situated in the middle of the nature between El Rocío and Sevilla, an ideal location. Seville is a rich city and you have to take your time to discover it. Having a drink in the terrace of the EME Hotel will offer you an unobstructed view of the cathedral during sunset.

Favourites: the Metropol Parasol, parque de Maria Luisa, theme park “la Isla Mágica“, the riverbanks of the Guadalquivir.

Day 6: Cadiz

Departure for the visit of Cadiz. Cadiz is one of the oldest cities in Spain, it was built on a rock, like a peninsula. After the transatlantic cross of Christopher Columbus in 1492, the Spanish ships that brought the treasures of América, choose Cadiz as their home port and the city became one of the richest of Europe.

The beautiful Cadiz

Its cobbled streets are very narrow and there is less space to park. The best option is to leave your van in a covered car park and visit the city peacefully on foot. The cathedral is surprising and it’s worth going out of your way to see it. The walk on the ramparts of the city is also very pleasant. To discover the city, you have to let yourself discover its small streets to feel how good it is lo live here. Departure for the Puerto de Santa María and the camping Playa las Dunas to spend the night in peace.

Favourite: restaurant La Casa del Farero in Sancti Petri (delicious tapas in a wonderful setting), beach of la Caleta in Cadiz.

Day 7 / 8: Costa de la Luz ( Sancti Petri, El Palmar, Caños de Meca, Bolonia)

In the morning, departure for a kayak trip with our partner “Sancti-Petri Kayak”. Several excursion options are possible as the discovery of the Castle of Sancti Petri (an unusual place in the middle of the sea, full of history) or visit the marsh, a real natural labyrinth only reachable by kayak where you can observe many bird species.

Sancti Petri : a forgotten city

Direction Vejer de la Frontera, a wonderful white village that will immerse you in the heart of Andalusia with very typical landscapes. This city, perched on a rock, offers exceptional viewpoints, many streets to stroll as well as some good addresses (La Casa del Califa).

El Palmar: Surf trip in Andalusia

Where to spend the night in camper van in El Palmar?

Get back to the Atlantic coast in direction of the surf spot of El Palmar, where you could can spend the night rocked by the sound of the waves. In summer, there is an animated and party atmosphere with many bars and restaurants in front of the beach; you can smell a perfume of California: ocean, surf, skateboard & party.

Things to do in El Palmar

Energetic wake up in front of the ocean. We propose you a surfing initiation (2h) with our partner “9 pies” who installed its school in El Palmar. Starting your day on a mythical spot with board sports professionals. Guaranteed sensations!

Enjoy this wonderful beach, stage of leisure and relax… We suggest you the restaurants La Torre and Casa Francisco

Caños de Meca: The Trafalgar’s lighthouse

At the end of the day, you can go to Caños de Meca and discover the bar “La Jaima”, constructed like a real traditional Jaima (tent used by the nomadic population in the desert). The roof is formed by an enormous fabric and the ground is covered in carpets with coffee tables and ottomans. An idyllic place to enjoy the sunset, almost magical… You should also stop at Trafalgar’s lighthouse during your 10-days Andalusia road trip. It offers you a unique panorama. It is also the historical site of the famous Trafalgar’s battle (1805).

Bolonia: One of the most beautiful beaches in Spain

Go back on the road in direction Barbate. In the middle of the nature park, take the direction of the Hotel El Palomar de la Brena to refresh yourself. You will discover, in the middle of the pines, one of the biggest dovecote in the world and its secrets… Get back behind the wheel of your campervan in direction to Bolonia, on your way you can stop in Zahara de los Atunes, a fisherman’s locality with excellent restaurants (El Refugio) to savour the best tuna of Europe and enjoy its sublime beach.

Once you arrived in Bolonia, enjoy one of the most beautiful beaches of Spain. Don’t hesitate to climb to the top of the white sand dune from where the view is splendid and go back down to refresh yourself in one of the chirringuitos (beach restaurant). You can park easily in front of the beach.

Our favourites

Excursion in kayak departing from the port of Sancti Petri and discovery of the marsh or trip in the sea around the military fort: http://www.sanctipetrikayak.net/. Italian restaurant Dolce Vita (El Palmar), Restaurant Casa Francisco el de Siempre and its delicious seafood (El Palmar), the Trafalgar’s lighthouse with its bars next to the beach, Restaurant La Cabaña in Bolonia and its car park on the seaside to park your campervan.

Day 09/10: Tarifa, Europe’s wind capital

Tarifa is the meeting place between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, facing the Moroccan coast and the Strait of Gibraltar. It is a city full of charm, unmissable during your 10-days Andalusia road trip. Thanks to its particular geographic situation in the Strait, the very windy city has experienced a strong economic growth around the practice of nautical sports (windsurfing and kitesurfing). Finally, Tarifa is situated at only 32,5 km from Tanger and 14 km from the Moroccan coasts, that’s why you can catch sight of the African continent without any problem!

Tarifa: The Kitesurfing paradise

To pass the night after visiting Tarifa, we suggest you get back on the road in direction Bolonia, take the Punta Paloma exit (10min from Tarifa in Van) and turn at the camping on your left to get to the chiringuito (beach bar) Volare. It is a very quiet spot with a view of the beach of Valdevaqueros. Another spot, but better visiting out of season, is the beach of Bolonia. If you wish to take some kite lessons, you can call on our partner Free Ride. Olivier & Vanessa, kitesurfing fans, will be pleased to intriduce you to this water sport.

Our favourites in Tarifa

the restaurants in Tarifa=> Casa Lola, Vaca Loca (for the meet), El Lobo (typical French dishes Raclette, Tartiflette, run by a Belgian), Azul Bar Café for a good brunch. Walk on the seawall to the Isla de Las Palomas between sea and ocean. The night life is quite animated, enjoy the several small bars in the historic centre.

Check Out: end of your 10-days Andalusia road trip

Once you arrive to Alhaurín de la Torre, you can clean your campervan, refuel and empty waste water in the petrol station situated in front of our parking: http://hidrocarburosalhaurin.com/

Find the right road trip in a van!

Planning a longer stay in Spain? Discover our 15-day itinerary to discover even more Andalusian wonders.

On the contrary, you plan to stay a few days in Andalusia? Discover our Andalusian Mediterranean coast road trip (7 days) or our road trip on the Costa de la Luz (7 days on the Atlantic coast).

Have you already visited every corner of Andalusia? Opt for a getaway to the south of Portugal!
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Andalusia Atlantic – 7 days

Andalusia Atlantic – 7 days https://www.vanbreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/vista-playa-bolonia-2.jpg 640 420 VanBreak - Campervan and MotorHome Hire in Spain VanBreak - Campervan and MotorHome Hire in Spain //www.vanbreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/VANBREAK-MAST_LOGO_VERT-GRAD-CMYK-copie.png January 21, 2018 April 18, 2024

Looking for a holiday in southwest Spain? This road trip is perfect for exploring Andalusia in 7 days and discovering the wonders of the Costa de la Luz. You’ll find must-see places, things to do, good places to eat and places to sleep. Ready for an unforgettable vacation in Spain? Climb aboard a converted van and follow the guide!

Andalusia in 7 days: first stop, destination Tarifa

Depart from the agency in your Vanbreak van, heading for the Atlantic coast to Tarifa. It’s best to take the AP-7 highway, which is not free but much safer and faster than the coastal road. Tarifa is where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean, facing the Moroccan Rif and the Strait of Gibraltar. It’s a town full of charm and a must-see on your road trip through Andalusia. Thanks to its unique geographical location on the Strait, the windy town has seen significant economic development based on water sports (windsurfing and kitesurfing). Finally, Tarifa is only 32.5 km from Tangiers and 14 km from the Moroccan coast, so you’ll have no trouble catching a glimpse of the African continent!

Tarifa: Kitesurfing Paradise

To spend the night after visiting Tarifa, we recommend you take the road back to Bolonia. Take the Punta Paloma exit (10 min from Tarifa by van) and turn left at the campsite to reach the Volaré “chiringuito” (beach bar). Very quiet spot, overlooking Valdevaqueros beach. Another off-season spot is Bolonia beach. If you would like to take kitesurfing lessons, you can do so through our partner Free Ride: http: //freeridetarifa.com/. Olivier & Vanessa, kitesurfing enthusiasts, will be delighted to introduce you to this sport.

Favourite restaurants in Tarifa: Casa Lola, Vaca Loca (for its meats), El Lobo (raclette, tartiflette… run by a Belgian), Café Azul Bar for a good brunch. Short walk along the seawall to the isla de Las Palomas between sea and ocean. The nightlife is quite lively, so take advantage of the many small bars in the historic center.

Day 2: El Palmar

Departure for Cadiz. Don’t hesitate to stop off in Bolonia to admire one of Spain’s most beautiful beaches. Turquoise waters and fine sand as far as the eye can see… There’s also a lovely walk to the top of the dune, which children love. Then continue your journey to Vejer de la Frontera, a sublime little white hilltop village. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a few tapas and immerse yourself in Andalusia.

Surfing in Andalusia

Surfing at El Palmar

Spend the night at the El Palmar surf spot. In summer, it’s very busy. It is therefore preferable to sleep in a paid parking area next to the lighthouse, where showers are available. You’ll be more comfortable parking your van there. But out of season you can find a spot facing the ocean without any problems and fall asleep lulled by the crashing waves.

Favorite: Casa Francisco seafood restaurant, delicious but budget-friendly. Pizzeria Dolce Vita run by Italians, excellent pizzas! To rent surfboards or take lessons, ask for “kiké” surf school 9pies: official partner VanBreak: http: //www.escueladesurf9pies.com/

Day 3/4 of Andalusian road trip: Sancti Petri – Caños de Meca

After a delicious breakfast overlooking the ocean, we invite you to join us in Canos de Meca, a small town with hippy origins. Here you’ll find splendid beaches and a very special place: La Jaima. Open only in July and August, this bar-restaurant is well worth a visit. The best part is enjoying a mojito in front of the sunset, the view is breathtaking. Don’t forget to make a detour to Trafalgar Lighthouse, the historic site of the famous 1805 battle of the same name.

We then head for Cadiz to the Sancti Petri nautical port, a magical place to spend the evening. Discover a lagoon populated by small fishing boats, its fort clinging to a rock and a few paintings to be found on the white walls. You can spend the night in the middle of the village or right next to the lagoon.

Favorite: El Palomar de la Brena restaurant in the heart of Barbate Park, where you can visit the world’s largest dovecote and understand its strategic functions. Kayak excursion from the port of Sancti Petri to discover the marshes or a sea trip around the military fort: http: //www.sanctipetrikayak.net/

Day 5: Cadiz

Breakfast among the boats of Sancti Petri. Departure for a tour of Cadiz. Cadiz is one of Spain’s oldest cities, built on a rock like a peninsula. After Christopher Columbus’s transatlantic crossing in 1492, the Spanish ships bringing back the treasures of the Americas chose Cadiz as their home port, and the city became one of the richest in Europe.

The belle of Cadiz

Its cobbled streets are very narrow and there are few parking spaces. The best thing to do is leave your van in a covered parking lot and explore the city on foot. The Cathedral is surprisingly well worth a visit, and the walk along the city walls is also very pleasant. To discover the city, it’s best to let yourself go and explore its narrow streets, to feel just how good it is to live here.

Next stage in your 7-day tour of Andalusia: departure for Puerto Santa Maria and the Playa Las Dunas campsite for a peaceful overnight stay.

Favourite: La Casa del Farero restaurant in Sancti Petri (delicious tapas and magnificent setting), La Caleta beach, Cadiz.

Day 6: Arcos de la Frontera / El Chorro

Arcos de la Frontera is a white village just 65 kilometers from Cadiz. Situated on the top of a cliff, the town enjoys a splendid view. Visit the Plaza del Cabildo and its viewpoint, as well as the 11th-century Castello de los Duques. Admire its marvellous churches and buy delicious cookies in the Convento de las Mercedarías.

Then it’s on to El Chorro to spend the night in this splendid natural park north of Malaga. It is also one of the most visited natural sites for photography enthusiasts. We give you 5 good reasons to visit El Chorro:
The Caminito del Rey
(famous via ferrata, breathtaking scenery, safe to do with the whole family), water activities, paragliding, climbing and local gastronomy to keep your strength up. So, convinced?

Via Ferrata: El Caminito de Rey

Day 7: Back to Malaga, capital of the Costa del Sol

Enjoy a stroll along the beaches of Puerto Santa Maria before the return trip to Malaga. Please note that it’s a 3-hour drive to Agence VanBreak.

What better way to round off your road trip than to discover the capital of the Costa Del Sol: Malaga. This booming city offers great cultural diversity.

Tapas and Flamenco

Malaga Mercado Central

For easy parking, opt for the “Muelle Uno” harbor parking lot for access to the city center – below the Musée Pompidou. A stroll along the marina, with its dense summer activity, reveals the city’s dynamic character. Cross the “Parque de Málaga” to reach the heart of the city via Calle Larios, admire the Plaza de la Constitución and pass through the very typical El Pimpi bar, admire the famous Roman Theatre. Then head to the “Terraza de la Alcazaba”, the city’s finest roof top, where you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of the Alcazaba citadel, cocktail in hand. The Alcazaba can be visited in about 1 hour for 2€, a mini Alhambra. You’ll have a superb view of the whole city from high above.

Malaga is also home to 2 cultural highlights: the Picasso Museum (the painter’s hometown) and the Pompidou Centre. For the last night of your camper van road trip, we recommend the beaches of Los Alamaos, at the entrance to Torremolinos (on the Málaga side). There are large parking lots where caravans and other converted vans regularly park.

Favourites In Malaga, drink a cocktail on the roof top of the La Terraza San Juan in the heart of the historic city center, discover a selection of craft beers brewed on site, accompanied by a cheese platter of the world at La Fabrica in the Soho district, stroll through the exotic park. El passeo del parque, enjoy grilled sardines (espetos) in the “chringuitos” (beach bars) of La Malagueta or in the Pedregalejo district.

Check Out, end of 7-day Andalusia tour

On your way to VanBreak, we recommend you fill up with fuel, water and oil changes at the station opposite our parking lot: Station Essence Hidrocarburos Alhaurín. You can clean your van in comfort.

Looking for a good deal for your next vacation in southern Spain? Rent a converted van or mini motorhome for an unforgettable road trip in Andalusia.

Planning a longer stay? Discover Seville’s Alcazar and its famous Spanish Steps, or Granada’s Alhambra Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the Sierra Nevada or the magnificent Cabo de Gata natural park… Discover our 15-day itinerary, to see even more Andalusian treasures.

Prefer to visit the Mediterranean coast? Don’t miss the wonders of eastern Andalusia! All our travel tips and the region’s must-sees in our
7-day Mediterranean Coast road trip
.

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#ROADTRIP CAMPERVAN – 7 Days Mediterranean Coast

#ROADTRIP CAMPERVAN – 7 Days Mediterranean Coast https://www.vanbreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Plage-de-Los-Genoveses-dans-Cabo-de-Gata-Vanbreak.jpg 1000 667 VanBreak - Campervan and MotorHome Hire in Spain VanBreak - Campervan and MotorHome Hire in Spain //www.vanbreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/VANBREAK-MAST_LOGO_VERT-GRAD-CMYK-copie.png November 14, 2017 May 31, 2020

#ROADTRIP 7 Days in Andalusia (Mediterranean Coast)

Visit Andalusia in 7, 10 or 15 days in a campervan VW California. Discover our road trip selection in Andalusia and take advantage of our suggestions, good plans, favourites.

Day 1: Nerja.

Start from the agency VanBreak to the east of Malaga driving along the coast, direction, the beautiful city of Nerja. The centre of the city is very enjoyable, you cannot miss the “balcon de Europa” and its unobstructed view of the Mediterranean. To spend the night, we recommend you the heights of the beach las Alberquillas or the beach of La Herradura.

Frigiliana: an unmissable White Village

Take advantage of the opportunity to visit the white village of Frigiliana, un small hidden paradise, situated at 7 km north of Nerja. Frigiliana is today considered as one of the most beautiful white villages of the Costa del Sol. With its narrow streets and the simplicity of its whitewashed houses, Frigiliana is a relaxing stop.

Our favourite: eating a good paella in the Bola Marina restaurant on the beach of Cantarrijan in front of the sea, delightful.

Day 2/3: Cabo de Gata

Cabo de Gata: Nature, Beach and Desert

Our favourite: A “Happy Kayak” excursion for an unforgettable trip in kayak + snorkelling to discover many fish species that populate this natural park.

The most beautiful beaches of Andalusia

Our favourite: the small village of la Isleta del Moro.

Days 4/5: Granada

The majestic Alhambra

We recommend spending 2 days in Granada to have enough time to enjoy quietly the Alhambra and have one day to visit the city.

Day 6: Antequera / El Torcal

Next stop of your road trip on board your campervan Vanbreak, the city of Antequera and the nature park of el Torcal.

Antequera is like living a unique experience. Situated at the intersection of all the roads of Andalusia, and longer preserved from the mass tourism, this beautiful city gets its originality from a mix of Moorish, Roman, Muslim and Baroque architectures. A real open-air museum, on a crossroads of civilizations. Enjoy the archaeological wonders of more than 5000 years as well as the dolmens site of Antequera (Dolman de Viera & Dolmen del Romeral).

Natural site of El Torcal: Beautiful and Mineral

The Nature Site of El Torcal extends on almost 20 km. Crossing El Torcal is like going back in time, as its rocky formations are the result of a several hundred million year process. The erosion created many caves and shaped the Dolmens. A walk outside of time in a surprising setting. You can spend the night close to the “centro de visitants El Torcal Alto”. If you have kids, they will surely appreciate a visit to the “Lobo Parc” to see the wolfs.

Favourites: hiking in search of fossils. Guided visit of the ammonites’ itinerary.

Day 7: Malaga

What better to finish your road trip than discover the capital of the Costa del Sol: Malaga. This city on the rise offers you a big diversity of activities.