The Camino de Santiago in a motorhome: is it possible?

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There are no limits when it comes to choosing the best way to do the Camino de Santiago. Whether on foot, by bicycle or on horseback, anyone who has done it will agree that this is an unforgettable experience in every way. But with so many routes and ways to reach the city of Santiago de Compostela, it is normal that we overlook one of the least known ways to carry out this intrinsic adventure: by road.

The motorhome is a means, an option and an ideal plan to carry out the Jacobean itinerary that most interests us by road. In addition to carrying all the comforts of a home, it adds the possibility of enjoying how and when we want to enjoy each town and make stops at the most representative places of the Camino de Santiago.

It is possible to organize a circular route that adapts to the different routes of the historic road that leads to the remains of the apostle. Doing the Camino de Santiago by motorhome is an experience that is perfect to learn more about the traditions of Galicia and enjoy both its gastronomy and its panoramic views.

But, are there areas for this type of vehicles in the Autonomous Community? What types are there? What limitations should be known before doing the Camino de Santiago in a motorhome? Before diving into this unforgettable getaway, it is necessary to be aware of all the requirements and limitations for traveling in a motorhome.

Motorhome areas in Galicia: what types are there?

In the 313 different municipalities that we find throughout Galicia, there are up to 78 municipally managed service areas for motorhomes. These are places promoted by different authorities that usually offer sewage service and drinking water supply. However, not all of them include this space reserved for recreational vehicles.

The cost of this type of areas usually depends (or not) mainly on the concellos visited. But in addition to free access to campsites, motorhomes can also be accommodated in privately managed areas. This last model is still precarious in Galicia and to this day there is no specific regulation, so it is likely that around it there are no service areas for basic consumption.

Around other Galician communities, where regulations for motorhomes are developed, the necessary services can be found and permission is given to deploy awnings, tables, chairs and other elements for the day to day in this type of travel.Finally, there is a third model that consists of areas provided by gas stations. These usually provide services completely free of charge, as well as the sale of fuel and products through the store and restaurants. 

Dos and donts when traveling with a motorhome

Some municipalities have regulated the parking of this type of vehicles, so it is important to take into account all the do's and don'ts when traveling with a motorhome. Below we go over all these details point by point.

• Motorhomes are not deprived of the right to park on public roads, as long as the stop is not dangerous and no elements are deployed outside the vehicle itself.
• Motorhomes can carry out stopping and parking maneuvers under the same conditions and with the same limitations as any other vehicle. 
• When the motorhome is parked without extending its own elements, it shall be considered parked and not camped. 
• The parking of recreational vehicles can only be affected by the general restrictions of dimensions and mass that affect other vehicles. 
• In case of deploying elements and camping in a non-permitted parking area, it will become a reason for sanction. 
• In Porto do Son motorhomes can only spend the night in the town council by requesting the corresponding permit beforehand.
• In Ferrol it is possible to spend a maximum of three nights in the whole municipal territory.