Road Genius helps you compare campervan rentals across Spain so you can choose the best vehicle for your route and budget. Bilbao in the Basque Country is an easy start point thanks to Bilbao Airport (BIO) and its position on the A-8 motorway that connects Santander and San Sebastián. The mild Atlantic climate makes year-round travel possible, though rain is common outside summer.
Season | Average High Temperature °C / °F | Good time? |
---|---|---|
Winter (Dec–Feb) | 13 / 55 | Yes, fewer crowds; expect rain |
Spring (Mar–May) | 18 / 64 | Yes, green landscapes |
Summer (Jun–Aug) | 26 / 79 | Peak season with festivals and beach weather |
Autumn (Sep–Nov) | 20 / 68 | Yes, harvest events; some rain |
The national motorway speed limit is 120 km/h (75 mph). On most rural roads the limit is 90 km/h (55 mph).
Inner-city streets are often narrow and have a 30 km/h (19 mph) speed limit.
Bilbao operates a Low Emission Zone (ZBE). Foreign license plates need an environmental sticker that can be ordered online.
Legal blood-alcohol limit is 0.05 % BAC.
Place | Utilities | Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|---|---|
Kobetamendi RV Area (Bilbao city) | Water and electric | City bus to Old Town, dump station, views | 7 m maximum length, 48 hour maximum stay |
Camping Sopelana (coast, 20 km northwest) | Full utilities | Surf beaches, metro connection to Bilbao, open year-round | Can be full in July–August, book ahead |
Area Autocaravanas Gorliz (municipal) | Water and electric | Free for 48 hours, beach 500 m away | No showers, limited to 8 spaces |
Camping Portuondo (Mundaka) | Full utilities | Overlooks Urdaibai estuary, pool | Steep internal roads, 8 m vehicle limit |
Monte Santiago Public Area (inland) | No utilities | Quiet forest, free, hiking to Nervión waterfall | No services, access road closes in heavy snow |
Most Repsol, Cepsa and BP stations on the A-8 have LPG (GLP) pumps and fresh water taps.
Kobetamendi and many coastal "Area de Servicio para Autocaravanas" provide free dump points.
Summer's Aste Nagusia festival (late August) closes several city streets. Book campsites early during this time.
Coastal winds can reach 80 km/h (50 mph). Secure awnings and park with the vehicle nose facing into the wind.
Carry snow chains if crossing the Cantabrian Mountains between November and March.
Wild camping on beaches is illegal. Stay only in designated areas to avoid fines of 200 euros.