Practical guide to traveling by campervan from Gijón
Spain offers an ideal setting for campervan travel, with clear traffic rules and suitable infrastructure. From Gijn, in Asturias, you benefit from a strategic position to explore the north of the peninsula while adhering to Spanish regulations.
Driving and road regulations
In Spain, driving is on the right and speed limits vary by vehicle type. For a campervan under 3.5 tons, you must adhere to 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h outside urban areas, 90 km/h on national roads with emergency stopping lanes, and 100 km/h on highways. If your campervan exceeds 3.5 tons, the limits are stricter: 50 km/h in the city, 80 km/h outside urban areas, 80 km/h on national roads, and 90 km/h on highways. From Gijn, when heading to cities like Madrid or Barcelona, be mindful of restricted ecological zones that require special permits to enter.
When traveling from the Gijn region, remember that wearing a seatbelt is mandatory for all passengers and overtaking cyclists requires a minimum distance of 1.5 meters. If you are towing a trailer or using a bike rack, a V-20 type sign must be visible on your equipment.
Parking and camping
Spain clarified in 2023 the distinction between parking and camping. A campervan is considered parked when the engine is off, the vehicle is in contact with the ground only by its wheels, it occupies no more space than its closed dimensions, and it emits no liquid or external noise. From Gijn, you can park your vehicle in designated areas, but parking on public roads is prohibited and can result in a fine of 40 euros per square meter occupied per day.
Wild camping is strictly prohibited in Spain. It is recommended to use official campervan areas or designated campsites. Avoid deploying awnings, garden furniture, or emptying your wastewater outside designated locations, especially in protected areas and natural parks accessible from Gijn.
Local tips and safety
Spanish police are strict about adhering to speed limits and traffic laws. In case of an infraction, non-residents must pay immediately in cash. From Gijn, if you are heading to major cities like Madrid, Bilbao, or Barcelona, check the access conditions to low emission zones, which are generally activated on weekdays between 7 AM and 8 PM. Girona will implement a low emission zone starting in the second half of 2025 with automatic controls.
Before leaving Gijn to explore other regions, ensure your campervan meets local environmental criteria and check specific municipal regulations, as each municipality may adapt parking rules based on the dimensions and weight of recreational vehicles.