Enjoy our handpicked selection of long and short stay winter holidays in Spain and Portugal
There’s nothing better than escaping the British winter for the warm, sunny skies of Spain and Portugal. Whilst the temperatures may not quite hit their summer highs, you’ll be able to comfortably explore the local areas on foot and relax in the sun.
Book an overseas campsite, caravan, motorhome or campervan, LeShuttle or ferry crossing through us and you’ll get the lowest price - guaranteed!
We hand pick and inspect our campsites so that we have 100% confidence in endorsing them for you. That’s why you can be sure that our range of all year campsites will be some of the best available.
Strategically placed for breaking your journey from the port to the southern coast, our en-route campsites are the perfect place to spend a night or two. This hand-picked selection also includes city and ski sites.
We have just under 40 campsites in Spain and Portugal ready to welcome you this winter. Whether you want to explore the Iberian cultural delights or simply pitch up near the Spanish Costas our choice of campsites offer something for everyone.
Visit camc.com/wintersun to find the full list of winter campsites, including their opening dates and prices.
There are two main options for travelling to Spain or Portugal from the UK - a longer ferry journey to Spain, or a short crossing to France but with a longer drive to your final destination.
A ferry to Santander or Bilbao takes around 32 hours, and you can relax in a comfortable cabin and enjoy time on the ship. You’ll arrive closer to your winter sun destination, but this can be a more expensive option.
Crossings to France can be as quick as 90 minutes from Dover to Calais or 30 minutes on LeShuttle, and are the cheaper option. You’ll need to drive a lot further, so make sure to take fuel costs into account, and plan your route carefully as there are very few campsites open in France during winter. The route you choose will come down to your personal preference, but if in doubt you could always try both options on the same trip to see which works best for you, travelling via a longer ferry route on one leg of your journey and choosing a longer drive on the other leg.
If you’re travelling with your pet, the route choice is even more important. Ferries to Spain have a small number of pet-friendly cabins where your pet can stay with you for the whole journey, but these are in short supply and need to be booked well in advance. Alternatively there are dog kennels available where you can visit your pets periodically during the crossing.
The rules for pets on crossings to France vary, but on Dover to Calais ferries and LeShuttle pets stay in your vehicle for the duration of the crossing. As you remain in your vehicle on LeShuttle crossings this can be a good option for nervous pets.
There is good reason more and more people are chasing the sun each winter, but as winter sun holidays become more popular it is more important to book early. You can expect campsites to be busy, particularly in February and around Christmas and Easter holidays.
Campsites vary - there are smaller, more traditional camping options and large resort sites with a multitude of facilities, entertainment and activity schedules. Electricity might not be included in the price in winter and may be charged on site. You can pitch up at a site for a short or long stay, so you choose to stay on one site or travel a whole area, stopping at different sites on the way. One of the perks of touring in winter is there are less crowds at the main attractions, but often some of the local facilities will be closed for winter or you may find that shops and restaurants only open at the weekends.
Besides the milder weather, members return each year to enjoy the colourful local festivals, good food and wine at great value prices like the ‘menu of the day’ option and the social aspect of meeting up with old friends.
Members can enjoy the freedom and flexibility of travelling around Europe with our pre-paid Overseas Site Night Vouchers (OSNV). Valid on selected Club inspected overseas campsites, there’s no need to pre-book your campsite, however, February and Easter are busy periods, so please call ahead to check if the campsite has availability.
Visit camc.com/overseasoffers
Long Stay Winter Sun hosted holidays
Enjoy the company of others on our hosted holidays. Pitch up for between 2 and 10 weeks in Spain and the longer you stay, the less you pay. Explore the local area, do your own thing, or make new friends at our three rallies while enjoying activities with dedicated volunteer hosts - the choice is yours!
Visit camc.com/longstaywintersun
• Book early! Travel in winter is increasingly popular so book early to guarantee your first choice of site and pitch.
• Make sure your passport is valid for 3 months beyond your intended return date from the EU.
• Pack comfortable shoes, warmer clothes for cooler evenings and a waterproof jacket as you may experience more varied weather in winter months.
• Consider investing in a Toll Tag to avoid stopping to pay at each toll on the journey.
• Make sure you have a continental two pin adapter for electricity connection.
• If you use gas bottles you may need to consider buying a regulator in case you need to buy a replacement bottle in Europe
• When travelling through France and in Northern Spain, be prepared for colder, wet and possibly icy weather in peak winter dates.
• 6 January is a national holiday in Spain and the majority of services, shops etc. will be closed except on motorways.
For more useful travel information visit camc.com/overseasadvice
Winter in Torre Del Mar, Spain Near Playa Almayate Costa campsite Member photo by Rosaleen SalterPrices from per night £12.25
Whether it’s your first winter trip in the ‘van or you’re an experienced winter sun seeker, many members enjoy the company of others on a hosted winter sun holiday - you can choose to spend time at one site or take a leisurely tour of all three! With a great value nightly rate, our hosted holiday campsites run from 8 January to 20 March 2024.
On these campsites we have knowledgeable Caravan and Motorhome Club volunteer hosts on-site for 10 weeks from January to March and our Club hosts will welcome everyone on site and make sure you know about all the activities and social events taking place each week - you’re free to join in as much or as little as you like.
Examples of activities on offer include:
“It was 10 out of 10. It was the first rally overseas that we have been on. I am definitely booking for next year.” Ian Soutar
“Super organised and helpful, outstanding.” Tanya Todd
“Superb hosts. Always very helpful.” Gary and Pamela Wadelin
“We really enjoyed the relax atmosphere and the entertainment, it’s something we will look at now each time we travel.” Christina
JolleyThis is an intimate rally, hosting a smaller group. The facilities are first-class and there’s lots of social activities on site if you like to stay active.
The campsite is ideally based for taking trips to Barcelona, where you can explore Gaudí’s famous cathedral and Park Güell and the bustling street of Las Ramblas.
On site facilities*
1410 pitches (687 touring)
• Wi-Fi (£)
• Indoor pool
• Bar/restaurant
• Spa
Our largest rally with nearly 200 pitches, this is your perfect base for exploring the Costa Blanca. The site offers a friendly atmosphere, great facilities and year round entertainment.
You can explore the nearby nature reserve by bike, while excursions to Benidorm and vibrant Alicante are within easy reach.
On site facilities*
1200 pitches (1000 touring)
• Wi-Fi (£)
• Indoor pool
• Bar/restaurant
• Spa
With a beach setting on the Mar Menor Lagoon, this medium sized rally is ideal for an active holiday with walking and cycle routes in the nearby hills. Those interested in culture will enjoy a trip to the ancient port of Cartagena and the bustling city of Murcia, with its Moorish history and thriving café culture.
On site facilities*
1500 pitches (1000 touring)
• Wi-Fi (£)
• Indoor pool
• Bar/restaurant
You might be looking for the most direct route between home and the site, but if you’re looking to take a leisurely journey and see some sights along the way, here are some ideas of how you can make your journey part of your holiday. Visit camc.com/overseassites for full details and opening dates of all the suggested sites.
A leisurely drive via Salamanca and Albufeira
Route: Santander to Lisbon
Driving distance: 793 miles
Things to see along the way:
1 Catedral de Salamanca
2 Peneda-Gerês National Park
3 Bom Jesus Do Monte, Braga
4 Clerigos Church, Porto
5 Parque infante Don Pedro, Aveiro
6 Museu do Vidro, São Pedro de Moel
7 National Palace of Pena, Sintra
Stopover sites:
1 Regio (E26)
2 Parque Cerdeira (E37)
3 Angeiras (E31)
4 Vagueira (W24)
5 São Pedro de Moel (W18)
6 Guincho (E10)
Dark red route
A leisurely drive via Valencia
Route: Calais to Almeria
Driving distance: 1301 miles
Things to see along the way:
1 Cathédrale Ste Croix, Orléans
2 Château de Chambord
3 Château Royal de Cognac
4 Saint Emilion vineyards and old town
5 Le Miroir d’eau, Bordeaux
6 San Sebastian old town
7 Santuario de la Cueva santa, Murcia
8 Cabo de Gata Natural Park
9 Conjunto monumental de la Alcazaba
Stopover sites:
1 Le Jardin de Sully (L39)
2 La Motte (D33)
3 Aritzigain (E40)
4 Altomira (E18)
5 Vilasol (W22)
6 Los Escullos (E33)
Scan this code for a map of the route to Portugal
A route via Madrid
Route: Santander to Murcia
Driving distance: 610 miles
Things to see along the way:
1 Segovia
2 Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso
3 Viñedos del rio, Tajo
4 Pasaje de Lodares, Albacete
5 Castillo de Santa Bàrbara
6 Museo de la Festa, Elche
Stopover sites:
1 Monte Holiday (E04)
2 Alannia Costa Blanca (W05)
3 Caravaning La Manga (E16)
There are some great events and festivals to be enjoyed throughout the winter months. Usually incorporating music, parades and of course food, experiencing these festivals that occur out of peak season can give you a really authentic taste of the country you’re visiting. Here is a small selection of some of the biggest and best things to enjoy in 2024.
Los Reyes Magos (Three Kings’ Day)
5 - 6 January
Step aside Santa! Los Reyes Magos National fiesta celebrates the Three Kings (Three Wise Men) who leave children presents during the night of 5 January. Locals enjoy processions and feasts to celebrate.
6 January is a national holiday in Spain and the majority of services, shops etc. will be closed except on motorways.
Carnival in Alicante
10 - 13 February
Thousands of people come to Alicante dressed in their most original or traditional costumes to enjoy the street parties and colourful parades.
Carnival in Portugal
13 February
Throughout the country people celebrate the end of winter with music, dancing, food and colourful parades.
Las Fallas in Valencia
15 - 19 March
Las Fallas is a fun festival welcoming Spring. Ninots (giant, wooden and papier-mâché sculptures) are placed in the city’s streets and squares before being set alight on the last night of the festival.
Semana Santa (Holy week)
Spain and Portugal
24 - 31 March
Easter is one of the most important holidays for the Spanish and Portuguese. Semana Santa or Holy Week is celebrated with processions and brass bands. It’s an occasion for social gatherings and ritual and a celebration of some deeply held traditions.
Los Reyes Magos
Source: Diario de Madrid
Carnival in Alicante
Carnival in Portugal
Las Fallas in Valencia
Semana Santa Portugal
Semana Santa Andalucia
Book an overseas campsite, caravan, motorhome or campervan, LeShuttle or ferry crossing through us and you’ll get the lowest price - guaranteed!
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• Roadside assistance and Recovery including repatriation.
• Travel insurance covering cancellations and medical emergencies.
• Cover is available for multiple trips in a year, or for single trips up to 365 days **
• Our friendly multi-lingual emergency service team are based at our UK head office and are ready to help as soon as you need us.
