Best Campervan & Motorhome Routes in Europe 2026: Epic Road Trips for Every Traveler

TL;DR:

• Europe offers 8 iconic campervan and motorhome routes ranging from 500km to 2,500km, suited to different skill levels and timeframes
• Portugal's Atlantic Coast and Germany's Romantic Road are beginner-friendly; Norway's Lofoten and Scotland's NC500 suit experienced drivers
• Budget EUR 50-120 per day depending on region (Scandinavia most expensive, Iberia most affordable)
• Peak season (June-August) requires advance booking at popular aires and stellplatze
• RoamLife's AI trip planner can customize any route based on your van type, interests, and travel pace

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I've driven thousands of kilometers across Europe in everything from a converted Sprinter to a compact Fiat Ducato - sometimes solo, sometimes with family, once with an anxious dog who hated ferry crossings. Some routes delivered exactly what the brochures promised. Others surprised me completely - for better or worse. The Amalfi Coast? Genuinely terrifying in anything over 6 meters. Norway's Atlantic Road? Worth every kroner of those eye-watering fuel costs.

Whether you're driving a compact campervan or a full-size motorhome, this guide covers eight routes I'd recommend to anyone with wheels and a sense of adventure. I've included the practical details that trip planning actually requires: where to overnight legally, what it costs, and whether your particular rig can handle the roads.

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Quick Route Comparison

Route	Distance	Duration	Best Time	Difficulty	Daily Budget
Portugal Atlantic Coast	620km	10-14 days	Apr-Jun, Sep-Oct	Beginner	EUR 50-70
France Lavender Route	400km	7-10 days	Jun-Aug	Beginner	EUR 60-80
Germany Romantic Road	460km	7-12 days	May-Sep	Beginner	EUR 55-75
Spain: Costa Brava to Andalusia	1,200km	14-21 days	Mar-May, Sep-Nov	Intermediate	EUR 55-75
Italy: Tuscany & Umbria	600km	10-14 days	Apr-Jun, Sep-Oct	Intermediate	EUR 65-85
Croatia Dalmatian Coast	650km	10-14 days	May-Jun, Sep	Intermediate	EUR 50-70
Scotland NC500	830km	7-14 days	May-Sep	Advanced	GBP 60-90
Norway: Atlantic Road & Lofoten	2,500km	21-28 days	Jun-Aug	Advanced	EUR 100-150

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What Makes a Great Campervan or Motorhome Route?

Before diving into specifics, here's what I look for when planning a route:

Overnight infrastructure matters more than scenery. The most beautiful road becomes frustrating when you're circling at 9pm searching for somewhere legal to park. I prioritize routes with established aires, stellplatze, or tolerated wild camping.

Road conditions determine whether a trip is relaxing or exhausting. Mountain passes and narrow coastal roads demand constant attention. After a week of white-knuckle driving, even stunning views lose their appeal.

Variety keeps longer trips interesting. The best motorhome routes combine coastal stretches, mountain sections, cultural stops, and different overnight experiences.

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Portugal's Atlantic Coast: Lisbon to Porto

Distance: 620km (direct) | Duration: 10-14 days | Difficulty: Beginner

Portugal's western seaboard delivers what many travelers picture when dreaming of coastal road trips: dramatic cliffs, empty beaches, fresh seafood, and affordable living costs. The route from Lisbon to Porto follows the coast through fishing villages largely unchanged by mass tourism.

The Route

Starting from Lisbon (or nearby Sintra for palace visits), head north through Peniche - home to world-class surfing and one of Portugal's best-equipped ASA facilities with 60 motorhome spaces. Continue to Nazare, famous for its giant winter waves, then wind through the Silver Coast's quiet beaches.

The final stretch passes through Aveiro (Portugal's Venice, complete with colorful moliceiro boats) before reaching Porto's historic riverside.

Key Stops

Location	Highlight	Overnight Option
Sintra	UNESCO palaces, mystical gardens	Day trip from Lisbon area
Peniche	Surfing, Berlengas Islands	ASA (60 spaces, EUR 11-15)
Nazare	Big wave beach, clifftop viewpoint	Municipal ASA (EUR 10)
Figueira da Foz	Wide sandy beach, casino town	Multiple facilities
Costa Nova	Striped beach houses	Day visit from Aveiro
Porto	Port wine cellars, Ribeira district	Several urban stellplatze

Overnight Parking

Portugal's Law 66/2021 restricts overnight motorhome parking in protected coastal areas. Stick to official ASA (Areas de Servico para Autocaravanas) facilities - they're well-distributed along this route and typically cost EUR 8-15 per night with water, waste disposal, and often WiFi.

The Peniche ASA deserves special mention. Sixty spaces, ocean views, and walking distance to town make it one of Portugal's best motorhome facilities. Arrive before noon in summer.

Best Time to Visit

April through June offers ideal conditions: warm temperatures (18-25°C), wildflowers across the countryside, and manageable tourist numbers. September and October provide similar weather with warmer ocean water.

Avoid July and August unless you enjoy competing for ASA spaces and paying premium prices.

Budget Breakdown

Expense	Daily Cost
ASA overnight fee	EUR 10-15
Fuel (100km/day)	EUR 12-18
Food (cooking mostly)	EUR 25-35
Activities/entry fees	EUR 5-10
Total	EUR 50-70

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France's Lavender Route: Provence Loop

Distance: 400km | Duration: 7-10 days | Difficulty: Beginner

Between mid-June and early August, Provence transforms into purple-striped postcard perfection. The lavender fields around Valensole and Sault draw photographers from worldwide, but the region offers year-round appeal: hilltop villages, excellent wine, and France's remarkable aire network.

The Route

Start from Avignon or Aix-en-Provence and loop through the lavender heartland. The Valensole plateau contains the most photogenic fields, while the Sault area at higher elevation blooms slightly later. Wind through the Luberon's perched villages (Gordes, Roussillon, Bonnieux) and return via the dramatic Verdon Gorge.

Key Stops

Location	Highlight	Overnight Option
Avignon	Papal palace, medieval walls	Municipal aire (free-EUR 12)
Gordes	Iconic hilltop village	Nearby aires in valley
Roussillon	Red ochre cliffs, village	Aire at village entrance
Valensole	Lavender fields, sunrise photography	Several farm aires
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie	Ceramics, Verdon access	Municipal aire (EUR 8)
Verdon Gorge	Europe's Grand Canyon	Multiple aires along rim

Overnight Parking

France operates nearly 6,000 aires - the world's most extensive motorhome infrastructure. Along this route, you'll find free municipal aires in most villages and private facilities near popular attractions. See our complete guide to French aires for detailed information.

The Valensole plateau has several farm-based aires where you can park among lavender fields. Booking isn't usually necessary except during peak lavender season (late June to mid-July).

Best Time to Visit

For lavender: Mid-June to early August. Valensole peaks around late June; Sault blooms until mid-August due to higher altitude.

Year-round appeal: The Luberon villages and Verdon Gorge reward visits any season. Spring brings wildflowers; autumn offers harvest festivals and truffle season; winter means fewer crowds at popular villages.

Lavender Photography Tips

The iconic shots require early starts. Arrive at fields by 6am for golden light and empty scenes. By 9am, tour buses arrive and the magic dissipates. Many lavender farms now charge EUR 2-5 entrance fees during peak bloom - fair compensation for Instagram's endless demands.

Budget Breakdown

Expense	Daily Cost
Aire overnight fee	EUR 0-15
Fuel (80km/day)	EUR 10-15
Food (markets + restaurants)	EUR 30-40
Wine tasting	EUR 10-15
Total	EUR 60-80

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Germany's Romantic Road: Wurzburg to Fussen

Distance: 460km | Duration: 7-12 days | Difficulty: Beginner

Germany's oldest and most famous tourist route connects medieval towns, baroque churches, and fairy-tale castles across Bavaria. For campervan and motorhome travelers, the real appeal lies in Germany's stellplatz network - over 4,300 dedicated motorhome parking areas, many positioned along this exact route.

A confession: I initially dismissed the Romantic Road as too touristy. Then I stood alone in Rothenburg's medieval square at 7am, half-timbered houses glowing in early light, and understood why this route has drawn travelers for 75 years.

The Route

Begin in Wurzburg, where the Residence palace rivals Versailles for baroque excess. Head south through wine villages, medieval walled towns (Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Dinkelsbuhl, Nordlingen), and pastoral Bavarian countryside. The finale at Neuschwanstein Castle - inspiration for Disney's Sleeping Beauty castle - delivers the theatrical climax this route deserves.

Key Stops

Location	Highlight	Overnight Option
Wurzburg	Residence palace, wine region	Central stellplatz (EUR 12)
Rothenburg ob der Tauber	Best-preserved medieval town	Multiple stellplatze nearby
Dinkelsbuhl	Intact medieval walls, half-timbered	Town stellplatz (EUR 8-12)
Nordlingen	Town inside meteor crater	Stellplatz with views
Augsburg	Renaissance city, Roman history	Several options
Fussen/Schwangau	Neuschwanstein Castle	Multiple stellplatze (EUR 15-20)

Overnight Parking

Germany's stellplatz system makes motorhome travel straightforward. Along the Romantic Road, expect to find designated parking in or near every significant town. Facilities typically include electricity, water, and waste disposal for EUR 8-15 per night.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber operates several stellplatze within walking distance of the old town. The one at P5 parking area offers the best value - basic facilities but excellent location.

Near Neuschwanstein, arrive early in peak season. The Schwangau stellplatze fill quickly, though overflow parking usually accommodates everyone willing to walk slightly further.

Best Time to Visit

May through September provides the best weather for castle touring and outdoor activities. Christmas markets transform these medieval towns in December - Rothenburg's is particularly atmospheric, though stellplatze fill with fellow seekers of mulled wine and gingerbread.

Budget Breakdown

Expense	Daily Cost
Stellplatz overnight	EUR 10-15
Fuel (60km/day)	EUR 8-12
Food (local bakeries + cooking)	EUR 25-35
Castle/museum entries	EUR 10-15
Total	EUR 55-75

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Spain: Costa Brava to Andalusia

Distance: 1,200km | Duration: 14-21 days | Difficulty: Intermediate

Spain rewards patient travelers. This north-to-south route traverses dramatically different landscapes: Catalan coves, Valencia's orange groves, the stark beauty of Murcia, and Andalusia's Moorish architecture. Two weeks feels rushed; three weeks allows proper exploration.

The Route

Start among the Costa Brava's hidden coves north of Barcelona. Head south through Valencia (paella's birthplace), continue past the Mar Menor lagoon, and enter Andalusia via Almeria's desert landscapes - used as filming locations for countless spaghetti westerns.

The route culminates in Granada (Alhambra), Cordoba (Mezquita), and Seville (cathedral, flamenco, tapas). End in the white villages of the Sierra de Grazalema or continue to coastal Cadiz.

Key Stops

Location	Highlight	Overnight Option
Tossa de Mar	Medieval old town, beaches	Area autocaravana nearby
Valencia	City of Arts and Sciences, paella	Several urban areas
Murcia	Underrated cathedral city	Municipal area
Almeria	Alcazaba fortress, desert	Cabo de Gata areas
Granada	Alhambra palace	Campsite or distant areas
Cordoba	Mezquita, Jewish quarter	Several areas outside center
Seville	Cathedral, Alcazar, tapas	Campsites recommended

Overnight Parking

Spain's area de autocaravanas network continues expanding, though coverage varies by region. Catalonia and Valencia have good infrastructure; Andalusia requires more planning.

Near major attractions (Alhambra, Cordoba's Mezquita), official motorhome areas often sit several kilometers from the center. Factor in taxi costs or cycling time when planning visits.

Wild camping technically remains prohibited throughout Spain, though enforcement varies. Coastal areas see regular police checks; inland rural areas show more tolerance. Always respect no-camping signs.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March-May): Ideal for Andalusia - orange blossoms perfume Seville, temperatures suit sightseeing, and Holy Week processions offer unforgettable cultural experiences.

Autumn (September-November): Comfortable temperatures, grape harvest festivals, and fewer tourists at major sites.

Avoid: July and August in Andalusia, where temperatures regularly exceed 40°C. The coast remains bearable but crowded.

Budget Breakdown

Expense	Daily Cost
Area overnight fee	EUR 8-15
Fuel (80km/day)	EUR 12-18
Food (tapas culture!)	EUR 25-35
Activities/entry fees	EUR 10-15
Total	EUR 55-75

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Italy: Tuscany and Umbria

Distance: 600km | Duration: 10-14 days | Difficulty: Intermediate

Drive almost anywhere in Tuscany and you'll understand why people mortgage houses to move here. Renaissance cities, cypress-lined roads, hilltop towns, and vineyards create the Italian landscape of collective imagination. Neighboring Umbria - often called "the green heart of Italy" - offers similar charm with fewer tourists.

The Route

Begin in Florence (or nearby Pisa if arriving by ferry from Corsica). Wind through Chianti wine country to Siena, then explore the Val d'Orcia - those rolling hills with lone cypress trees you've seen in every Italian tourism campaign.

Cross into Umbria for Orvieto's stunning cathedral, Assisi's Franciscan heritage, and Perugia's chocolate and jazz. Return via Arezzo and Cortona.

Key Stops

Location	Highlight	Overnight Option
Florence	Renaissance art, Duomo	Distant areas (EUR 20-25)
Chianti	Wine tasting, rolling hills	Agriturismo parking
Siena	Medieval piazza, Palio horse race	Designated areas outside walls
San Gimignano	Medieval towers	Limited parking - day visit
Orvieto	Cathedral, underground tunnels	Dedicated motorhome area
Assisi	Basilica di San Francesco	Several areas below town
Perugia	Chocolate, university town	Designated parking areas

Overnight Parking

Italy's area di sosta network provides reasonable coverage, though quality varies enormously. Some facilities offer professional services; others amount to gravel parking lots with a drain.

Important: Italian towns often prohibit motorhome parking in historic centers. ZTL (limited traffic zones) carry hefty fines - sometimes EUR 100+ - for unauthorized entry. Park in designated areas and walk or use shuttles.

Agriturismos (farm stays) offer another excellent option. Many welcome motorhomes for EUR 15-25 including electricity, often with wine or olive oil available for purchase.

Best Time to Visit

April-June: Wildflowers, comfortable temperatures, pre-summer prices.

September-October: Harvest season, wine festivals, truffle hunting begins. The light takes on that golden quality photographers treasure.

November-March: Many facilities close, weather unpredictable, but crowd-free experiences at major sites.

Budget Breakdown

Expense	Daily Cost
Area di sosta/agriturismo	EUR 15-25
Fuel (60km/day)	EUR 12-18
Food (markets + trattorias)	EUR 30-40
Wine tasting/museums	EUR 10-15
Total	EUR 65-85

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Croatia's Dalmatian Coast: Istria to Dubrovnik

Distance: 650km | Duration: 10-14 days | Difficulty: Intermediate

Croatia went from overlooked to overrun in about a decade - but the crowds haven't ruined it yet. The Dalmatian coast combines Mediterranean climate, clear Adriatic waters, Roman ruins, and Game of Thrones locations at prices below Western European averages.

The Route

Start in Istria - Croatia's Italian-influenced peninsula of hilltop towns and truffle forests. Follow the coast south through Zadar (famous for its sea organ), Split (Diocletian's Palace), and the islands of Brac and Hvar (ferry access). End in Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic."

Key Stops

Location	Highlight	Overnight Option
Rovinj	Venetian old town, artistic vibe	Nearby campsites
Pula	Roman amphitheater	Campsites around peninsula
Zadar	Sea organ, sun salutation	Camp areas south of center
Split	Diocletian's Palace	Stobrec area east of city
Hvar	Lavender island, nightlife	Ferry from Split (no overnight)
Dubrovnik	Old town, Game of Thrones	Limited - book ahead

Overnight Parking

Croatia prohibits wild camping, with fines ranging from EUR 200-1,300. Enforcement varies but remains active in tourist areas.

The country operates numerous auto-camps (campsites with motorhome pitches) along the coast. Quality ranges from basic parking areas to full-service facilities with pools and beaches. Prices increase significantly during July and August - expect EUR 30-50 for a family pitch versus EUR 15-25 in shoulder season.

Near Dubrovnik, camping options are limited and expensive. The Solitudo campsite offers the closest legal option, though it books out in peak season. Consider staying further north and visiting Dubrovnik as a day trip.

Best Time to Visit

May-June and September: Warm enough for swimming, reasonable prices, manageable crowds. Early June and late September offer the best balance.

July-August: Hot, crowded, and expensive. The coast transforms into a continuous beach party. Book campsites months in advance.

Budget Breakdown

Expense	Daily Cost
Campsite pitch	EUR 15-30
Fuel (65km/day)	EUR 10-15
Food (local restaurants)	EUR 20-30
Ferries/activities	EUR 5-10
Total	EUR 50-70

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Scotland's North Coast 500

Distance: 830km | Duration: 7-14 days | Difficulty: Advanced

Scotland's answer to Route 66 loops through the Highlands' most dramatic scenery: sea lochs, mountain passes, ruined castles, and beaches that would shame the Caribbean (temperatures excepted). The NC500 demands attention - single-track roads, unpredictable weather, and limited services create genuine adventure.

The Route

Starting from Inverness, the route circumnavigates Scotland's northern tip. Head west through Torridon's mountains, north along the wild coast to Durness, east to John o'Groats, and south through whisky country back to Inverness.

The official route follows a clockwise direction. Many experienced travelers recommend counter-clockwise instead - you'll have the ocean view on your passenger side but benefit from passing places being on your left.

Key Stops

Location	Highlight	Overnight Option
Applecross	Bealach na Ba pass, seafood	Designated campsites
Torridon	Mountain scenery, hiking	Limited facilities
Durness	Smoo Cave, Ceannabeinne Beach	Basic campsite
John o'Groats	Mainland Britain's northeastern tip	Campsite available
Dunrobin Castle	Fairy-tale Scottish castle	Nearby facilities
Dornoch	Golf, cathedral	Town campsite

Overnight Parking

Important clarification: Scotland's Land Reform Act 2003 permits wild camping for tents and non-motorised activities, but specifically excludes motorhomes and campervans. Overnight parking in a motorised vehicle is not considered "wild camping" under the act.

For campervan and motorhome travelers, this means:

• Wild camping is NOT legally protected for motorised vehicles
• Designated campsites are the safest option
• Some Scottish Forestry car parks allow overnight motorhome parking
• Schemes like Brit Stops and Wild With Consent offer legal private land options

The NC500's popularity has created tensions with local communities. Several laybys now prohibit overnight stays, and villages like Durness have introduced parking limits. Check current regulations before arrival - the situation evolves each season.

Vehicle Considerations

The NC500 suits smaller campervans. Single-track roads with passing places dominate much of the route. Vehicles over 7 meters will find certain sections challenging; over 8 meters becomes genuinely difficult.

If you're driving a large motorhome, consider:

• Counter-clockwise direction (passing places on your left)
• Early starts to avoid traffic
• Alternative routes bypassing narrowest sections
• Patience. Lots of patience.

Best Time to Visit

May-September: The only realistic window. Long daylight hours (near 24-hour light in June), milder temperatures, and open facilities.

June: Potentially the best month - maximum daylight, pre-school-holiday quiet, midges haven't peaked.

July-August: Busiest period. Book campsites well ahead, expect slow progress on popular sections.

Weather Reality Check

Scottish weather changes hourly. Pack for four seasons regardless of when you visit. Waterproof layers, warm fleeces, and sun protection all see use on typical NC500 trips.

Budget Breakdown

Expense	Daily Cost
Campsite	GBP 15-30
Fuel (120km/day)	GBP 20-30
Food (cooking + pub meals)	GBP 25-35
Activities	GBP 5-10
Total	GBP 60-90

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Norway: Atlantic Road and Lofoten Islands

Distance: 2,500km round trip | Duration: 21-28 days | Difficulty: Advanced

Norway might be Europe's most demanding campervan destination - and possibly its most rewarding. From the engineering marvel of the Atlantic Road to the Arctic beauty of the Lofoten Islands, this route delivers landscapes found nowhere else on the continent. Budget accordingly.

The Route

Fly into Oslo, Bergen, or Trondheim and head north. The Atlantic Road near Kristiansund provides the first jaw-dropping experience - eight bridges leaping between islands as waves crash against the roadway. Continue through Alesund's Art Nouveau architecture and the Geirangerfjord.

The route north passes Trondheim (Norway's original capital), crosses the Arctic Circle, and reaches the Lofoten Islands - jagged peaks rising from cobalt waters, traditional fishing villages, and midnight sun in summer.

Key Stops

Location	Highlight	Overnight Option
Atlantic Road	Engineering marvel, bridges	Parking areas nearby
Alesund	Art Nouveau town, viewpoint	Designated motorhome parking
Geirangerfjord	UNESCO fjord, waterfalls	Campsites and wild camping
Trondheim	Nidaros Cathedral	Urban camping options
Bodo	Saltstraumen maelstrom	Gateway to Lofoten
Reine (Lofoten)	Iconic fishing village	Limited parking, arrive early
Tromso	Arctic city, northern lights	Campsite outside center

Overnight Parking

Norway's allemannsretten (right to roam) permits wild camping on uncultivated land more than 150 meters from the nearest house. This makes Norway exceptionally campervan-friendly in theory.

In practice: Popular spots like Lofoten attract so many motorhomes that local regulations now restrict parking in many locations. Designated parking areas, campsites, and private land with permission remain the safest options.

Expect to pay NOK 200-400 (EUR 18-36) per night at campsites with basic facilities. Wild camping remains free but increasingly challenging to do legally in tourist hotspots.

Ferry Costs

Multiple ferries are required on this route. Budget accordingly:

Ferry Crossing	Approximate Cost (motorhome)
Bodo to Moskenes (Lofoten)	NOK 1,000-2,700 depending on vehicle size
Various fjord crossings	NOK 150-400 each

Book Lofoten ferries in advance during summer. Same-day travel sometimes requires waiting for multiple departures.

Best Time to Visit

June-August: Midnight sun above the Arctic Circle, warmest temperatures (still bring warm layers), all facilities open. Also busiest and most expensive.

September: Northern lights season begins, autumn colors, fewer tourists, lower prices. Weather less predictable.

Winter: Dramatic but demanding. Northern lights, snow-covered landscapes, but limited daylight and many campsite closures.

Budget Breakdown

Expense	Daily Cost
Campsite/parking	EUR 20-40
Fuel (150km/day)	EUR 30-45
Food (cooking essential)	EUR 35-50
Ferries (averaged)	EUR 15-25
Total	EUR 100-150

Norway costs roughly double most European destinations. I tried economizing on my first trip - bought groceries in Sweden, skipped ferries where possible, wild camped exclusively. Still spent more than a month in Portugal. It's worth it, but go in with eyes open.

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How to Choose the Best Campervan Route for Your Trip

Which Routes Are Best for Beginner Campervan Travelers?

First-time European campervan or motorhome trip:

• Portugal Atlantic Coast - excellent infrastructure, forgiving roads, affordable
• Germany Romantic Road - stellplatz network removes all guesswork
• France Lavender Route - aire system provides reliable overnight options

Experienced travelers seeking challenge:

• Scotland NC500 - single-track roads, changeable weather, limited wild camping
• Norway Lofoten - logistics, cost, and remote driving

What's the Cheapest Campervan Route in Europe?

Under EUR 60/day: Portugal, Croatia, Spain (outside peak season)

EUR 60-80/day: France, Germany, Italy

Over EUR 100/day: Norway (unavoidable), Scotland (if using campsites)

When Is the Best Time for a European Campervan Trip?

Season	Best Routes
Spring (Mar-May)	Spain (Andalusia), Portugal, Italy
Early Summer (Jun)	France (lavender), Germany, Scotland
Peak Summer (Jul-Aug)	Norway (only viable window), Croatia
Autumn (Sep-Nov)	Italy (harvest), Portugal, Spain
Winter (Dec-Feb)	Southern Portugal, Southern Spain only

By Van Size

Under 6 meters: All routes accessible, including Amalfi Coast (not covered here - genuinely terrifying but possible)

6-7 meters: All routes manageable with care on narrow sections

Over 7 meters: Avoid NC500's narrowest sections, consider route alternatives in Croatia and Italy

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Plan Your European Campervan Itinerary with RoamLife

Building a multi-week European itinerary involves hundreds of decisions: where to stop each night, which attractions warrant detours, where to fill water and dump waste, whether your vehicle fits particular roads.

RoamLife's AI trip planner handles this complexity. Tell it your start and end points, how you travel (fast-paced or leisurely?), your interests (beaches, culture, hiking, wine?), and your van's specifications. The AI generates complete itineraries with overnight spots matched to your preferences.

For overnight parking, RoamLife's database covers aires, stellplatze, campsites, and wild camping spots across Europe. Filter by facilities needed, check recent reviews, and verify legal status before you arrive - not after a 3am knock from local police.

Not everyone wants a three-week expedition, either. Weekend trips along the Romantic Road or a week in Provence work beautifully - the infrastructure exists for shorter adventures too.

Related Guides

• Complete Guide to Aires in France - 6,000 facilities explained
• Complete Guide to Stellplatze in Germany - Europe's best motorhome network
• Portugal Campervan Guide 2026 - Navigate the new parking laws
• Wild Camping Laws in Europe - Country-by-country legal guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

I've never taken a campervan trip - where should I start?
France combines excellent infrastructure (nearly 6,000 aires), manageable traffic, and diverse landscapes. Germany's stellplatz network offers similar reliability. Both countries make finding legal overnight parking straightforward.

How much does a European campervan trip cost per day?
Budget EUR 50-80 per day in Southern and Central Europe (Portugal, Spain, France, Germany, Italy). Scandinavia costs EUR 100-150 daily. These figures assume cooking most meals and using aires/stellplatze rather than premium campsites.

Do I need to book overnight spots in advance?
During July and August, popular areas (French Riviera, Croatian coast, Lofoten Islands) require advance booking. Shoulder seasons generally allow spontaneous travel. Always have backup options identified for busy regions.

What size campervan works best for European roads?
Vehicles under 6 meters access essentially all routes including narrow mountain passes and historic town centers. Vans 6-7 meters handle most routes with occasional tight sections. Over 7 meters limits options significantly - some beautiful routes become impractical or impossible.

Is wild camping legal in Europe?
Laws vary dramatically by country. Scandinavia permits wild camping with conditions (Norway's allemannsretten requires staying 150m from houses). Germany, France, and the Netherlands prohibit it but tolerate single-night stops in many areas. Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Croatia actively enforce restrictions. Scotland's Land Reform Act covers tents but NOT motorhomes. See our complete wild camping guide for details.

When is the best time to travel Europe by campervan?
May-June and September-October offer the best balance of weather, crowds, and prices across most regions. July-August works for Northern Europe but brings crowds and heat elsewhere. Southern regions (Portugal, Spain, Southern Italy) extend the season into spring and autumn.

What type of campervan or motorhome is best for European routes?
A 6-7 meter (20-23 foot) campervan offers the best balance for European roads. This size fits most ferry requirements, navigates narrow village streets, and accesses parking that larger motorhomes cannot. Vans under 7 meters can use standard parking in cities and fit on all car ferries.

Do I need special insurance for driving a campervan in Europe?
Yes, ensure your vehicle insurance covers European travel. Most policies require a Green Card for driving outside your home country. Consider breakdown cover specifically for motorhomes - standard roadside assistance may not cover larger vehicles. Check weight limits too: some policies exclude vehicles over 3.5 tonnes.

What's the best motorhome route for beginners in Europe?
For first-time motorhome travelers, Germany's Romantic Road and Portugal's Atlantic Coast offer the best combination of easy roads, reliable infrastructure, and affordable costs. Germany's 4,300+ stellplatze make finding overnight parking straightforward, while Portugal's ASA network provides well-maintained facilities at reasonable prices.

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Last verified: January 2026