By motorhome to the Algarve

This is where your journey begins. From Cologne, you head south on the motorway towards France.

A quietly located campsite by the water, well connected to the centre of Strasbourg by tram and bike. A relaxed first overnight stop after the drive, with views of the historic Grande Île the next morning. Large pitches for motorhomes.

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Burgundy's wine capital, with its famous Hôtel-Dieu and colourfully glazed roofs, is well worth a stopover. Wander through the old town and try regional specialities at the market. A good spot for a lunch break.

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A simple, friendly campsite on the Loire on the edge of Nevers, within walking distance of the old town and its cathedral. A peaceful stop on the Loire to catch your breath. Ideal for splitting up the stage.

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A large campsite in the pine forests of the peninsula near Royan, close to the wide Atlantic beaches and the Phare de la Coubre lighthouse. Your first proper coastal stop, with dunes and crashing waves. Good cycle paths lead to the beach.

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The red-and-white lighthouse marks the wild coastline of the peninsula. From the tower, the view stretches over dunes, pine forest and sea, with walking trails and quiet beaches all around inviting you to stroll. A lovely day with no driving.

This elegant seaside town, with its surf beaches and the rocky coastline at Rocher de la Vierge, makes a good stop. From the motorhome parking area on the edge of town, it's a short walk or bus ride into the centre, as the narrow streets aren't practical for large vehicles. Enjoy a first taste of Basque cuisine.

A family-friendly campsite on a hilltop near Bidart, with views over the Basque coast, just a few kilometres from the beaches. Green, peaceful, and a good springboard towards the Spanish border. St-Jean-de-Luz is also within reach from here.

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The bay of La Concha, Monte Urgull and San Sebastián's famous pintxos make it a highlight of the journey. From the motorhome area on the edge of town, buses take you comfortably into the old town. An afternoon for wandering and sampling small bites at the bar.

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A well-organised campsite above San Sebastián, with a bus connection into the centre. A practical base for experiencing the city without any parking worries. After the drive, you can settle in and dive into pintxo culture.

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One of Spain's best-preserved medieval villages, with cobbled streets, stone houses and its collegiate church. Just a few kilometres away lies the Altamira cave with its museum. An atmospheric stop on the Costa de Cantabria.

A campsite on the edge of the historic village, with a pool and views over Cantabria's green hills. The village, museum and coast are all easily reached from here. A good place to enjoy Spain's Atlantic coast.

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Along this rugged stretch of coast near Llanes, the sea whistles and sprays up through blowholes in the rock when the surf is strong enough. A coastal path leads across meadows along the cliff edge, with sweeping views. Ideal for your first cliff-top walk.

A campsite right on Playa de Vidiago beach in Asturias, surrounded by green hills with the Picos de Europa behind. Perfect for combining sea and mountains. Several coastal walks start from here.

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The destination of the Camino de Santiago, with its mighty cathedral and lively granite old town, is well worth a visit. From the motorhome parking area or campsite on the edge of town, it's a walk or bus ride into the centre, as the old town is off-limits to large vehicles. Try Galician octopus at the market.

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The only campsite right in Santiago, on a hillside above the city with bus and pedestrian access to the centre. Handy for exploring the cathedral city without a car. Terraced pitches with views of the towers.

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This charming town at the mouth of the Rio Lima, with the pilgrimage hill of Santa Luzia, welcomes you to Portugal. From the viewpoint above the town, the view stretches far out over the Atlantic. A good spot for Portuguese coffee and pastries.

A campsite among the pines on the wide Cabedelo beach, popular with surfers. Your first stop in Portugal with direct access to the Atlantic. A small ferry takes you into town from here.

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The Ribeira on the Douro, the Ponte Dom Luís I and the port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia make Porto one of the finest stops. As the centre is narrow and steep, you'll leave the motorhome at the campsite and take the bus or metro in. Take time for bacalhau and a glass of port.

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A shaded campsite near Angeiras beach north of Porto, with a bus connection into the city. A peaceful retreat after your day in town. In the evening, you can stroll along the beach.

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This fishing village is world-famous for its giant waves at Praia do Norte, best admired from the lighthouse at Sítio. A funicular takes you up to the upper town, with views over the Atlantic. Fresh and dried fish define the seafront promenade.

A campsite in a pine forest a few kilometres from Nazaré, quiet and shaded. A good base for the coast and the nearby monasteries of Alcobaça and Batalha. A bus runs from here into the centre.

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Belém with its tower and monastery, tram 28 through the Alfama, and the miradouros with views over the Tagus make Lisbon come alive. The motorhome stays at the campsite, with bus and metro taking you comfortably into the centre. Be sure to try an original Pastel de Belém.

A large, well-equipped campsite in Monsanto Park on the edge of the city, with a direct bus link into the centre. Handy for experiencing Lisbon without any parking stress. Terraced pitches in green surroundings with a pool.

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This enchanting hilltop town, with the colourful Palácio da Pena and the Quinta da Regaleira, sits amid dense forest. As the narrow streets are unsuitable for motorhomes, park on the edge of town and take a bus or shuttle to the palaces. A fairytale morning before continuing your journey.

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A sustainably run campsite on the wild Alentejo coast, a good stopover before the Algarve. From here you can reach the Sudoeste Alentejano Natural Park, with its dramatic cliffs and walking trails. Peaceful and spacious amid greenery.

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Continental Europe's south-westernmost point, with its lighthouse and rugged cliffs, makes an impressive start to the Algarve. The wind whips across the cliff top while the Atlantic roars a hundred metres below. A perfect spot for sunset.

A simple campsite among the pines near Sagres, with the Algarve's wildest beaches within reach. A starting point for walks along the Rota Vicentina fishermen's trail. Quiet, unpretentious, and close to the cliffs.

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The fishermen's trail runs along the cliffs of the wild west coast, past secluded coves and stork nests perched on the rocks. One section can be walked as a half-day tour, with constant views of the Atlantic. Sturdy footwear and wind are guaranteed.

A sheltered cove between high cliffs near Cabo de São Vicente, reached via a staircase. The turquoise water and rock walls invite you to swim and linger. A lovely way to end the day's walk.

The famous golden rock formations and grottoes near Lagos are among the Algarve's finest coastal features. A coastal path and a staircase lead to the viewpoints, while boat trips reveal the caves from below. The light in the late afternoon is especially striking.

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A well-kept campsite with a pool west of Lagos, good standard and family-friendly. The beaches and old town of Lagos are quickly reached from here. A comfortable base for several days.

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One of the Algarve's postcard beaches, framed by golden rock pinnacles and clear water. A coastal path links the coves around Lagos into a lovely walk. Ideal for swimming and snorkelling.

The Lagos market hall offers fresh fish, fruit, cheese and regional specialities. Perfect for stocking up for dinner in the motorhome, or for eating out in the old town. The surrounding lanes are lovely for a wander.

This coastal walking trail between Praia da Marinha and Vale Centeanes is considered one of Portugal's finest. It runs along the cliffs past coves, rock arches and blowholes, with the sea in constant view. Allow a few hours for the round trip.

Perhaps the Algarve's most famous beach, with clear water and its double rock arches. A staircase leads down into the cove, while the view from above is magnificent. Ideal for a swim after the walk.

A spacious, well-equipped campsite near the beaches of the central Algarve. A good base for the cave-riddled coastline around Benagil and Carvoeiro. Shaded pitches and a pool.

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This famous cave, with its opening in the ceiling through which sunlight falls onto a small sandy beach, can only be reached by water. Kayak, SUP or boat trips take you inside. A highlight of the Algarve coastline.

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The Algarve's old Moorish capital, with its red sandstone castle, overlooks the Arade river. History is tangible in its lanes, and the castle offers views over the orange groves. A lovely contrast to the coast.

This elegant town on the Rio Gilão, with its Roman bridge and many churches, is quieter and more authentic than the western Algarve. A small ferry takes you from here to the Ilha de Tavira with its endless sandy beaches. A good place for fish and a slower pace.

A campsite near the Ria Formosa Natural Park and the beaches of Cabanas. A peaceful spot in the lagoon landscape, rich in birdlife. A good base for the unspoilt eastern Algarve.

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This offshore sandy island in the Ria Formosa Natural Park offers miles of quiet beaches and dunes. A small ferry takes you across, and fine sand and clear water await on the other side. A day for walking over the dunes and swimming.

The Algarve's capital, with its walled old town Cidade Velha, its cathedral, and views over the Ria Formosa, is well worth a visit. The Mercado Municipal offers fresh fish and regional produce. From the site on the edge of town, it's a short walk into the old town.

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This tiny whitewashed village on a hilltop above the lagoon is one of the most atmospheric spots on the eastern Algarve. From the fortress, the view stretches over the Ria Formosa and its sandbanks. A peaceful, lovely way to end your journey.