Summer is many people’s favourite time of the year. It’s the season in which the opportunities to set off on adventures and have fun multiply. If you’re on the lookout for a unique and exciting experience, exploring the Costa del Sol in a campervan promises to be an unforgettable trip. In this post, we’re going to list the best stopover sites so that you can explore both the coast and the inland of this incredible region in southern Spain.
Preparations ahead of the road
Before setting off on your campervan trip around the Costa del Sol, you need to do some preparations. Make sure you have all the documents you need such as your driving licence and vehicle documentation. It’s also not a bad idea to give your campervan a check over to make sure everything is working correctly.
Freedom is on the road
Travelling through the province of Malaga in your campervan gives you total freedom: you have the opportunity to tailor your route to you and make changes while you’re on the road. Campervans are a great way to make the most out of your experience when the Costa del Sol is your destination.
Marbella: luxury paired with Mediterranean charm
The ideal starting point for your road trip is Marbella, which is one of the most iconic destinations in the Costa del Sol. Known for its luxurious beaches and vibrant nightlife, Marbella also has a beautiful historic centre defined by cobbled streets and bustling plazas. During your time here, make sure you visit Puerto Banús, an exclusive marina where you can see luxury yachts and shop at the exclusive boutiques of international fashion houses.
Ronda: history and natural beauty
From Marbella, head inland in the direction of Ronda, which is one of the most beautiful towns in Spain. Embraced by steep mountains and with its famous Puente Nuevo crossing the impressive Tajo de Ronda, the destination offers the perfect combination of history and natural beauty. Wander the cobbled streets, visit Casa Don Bosco and enjoy the spectacular panoramic views from Aldehuela viewing point.
Nerja: dreamy beaches and mysterious caves
Continuing eastwards, you will soon find yourself at Nerja, a coastal town combining beautiful beaches and clear waters with impressive rock formations. One of the destination’s main attractions is Nerja Cave, a natural marvel whose stalactites and stalagmites are contorted into the most incredible shapes. Enjoy the impressive views from Balcón de Europa viewing point and unwind in the charming local coves.
Mijas: a quintessentially Andalusian town
The next stop on your campervan road trip through the Costa del Sol is Mijas, a traditional whitewashed town situated on the coast and in the mountains. The steep and narrow streets, whitewashed houses and balconies adorned with flowers will transport you back in time.
Hidden beaches and coves
One of the greatest attractions of the Costa del Sol are the wonderful hidden beaches and coves. Make the most of your campervan to explore off-the-beaten track strictures of the coast that not many people make it too. Some great options include El Cañuelo cove in Nerja and Artola-Cabopino beach in Marbella. You can also enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the most popular beaches like La Malagueta and Pedregalejo beaches in Malaga city.
Where can you park your campervan in the Costa del Sol?
The Costa del Sol has a large variety of impressive destinations to explore. Here are just some of them:
Motorhome stopovers: throughout the province of Malaga, you will find areas where you can park your campervan and stay overnight. Known as áreas de autocaravanas, these stopovers usually have basic services such as water, electricity and grey and black water disposal. Some of the most popular include:
- Área de Autocaravanas de Mijas (La Cala): located in Mijas, this area is a popular stopover for campervans as it is close to the beach and the lovely destination of La Cala de Mijas.
- Área de Autocaravanas y Campers “Lorenzo Valderrama: opened in July 2021, this stopover is located at Recinto Ferial La Paloma and close to Auditorio Municipal, Parque de la Paloma, Selwo Marina (a dolphin and penguin park) and just 500m from the beach and seafront promenade. Nearby you will find a supermarket, petrol station and shops. It has 16 spots and free water supply.
- Camper Área MH El Rincón: this stopover is situated in a residential part of La Torre de Benagalbón, which is part of the municipality of El Rincón de la Victoria and just 10 minutes from incredible Torre de Benagalbón beach. Here you will find a small supermarket, a picnic area, a laundry area and other basic services. There are taxi and bus stops 500m away.
- Área de Autocaravanas de Nerja: reputed for its beautiful beaches and caves, Nerja has a motorhome stopover that provides easy access to the centre of the town and its tourist attractions. Área de autocaravanas de Nerja is a concrete parking area with sea and mountain views that is just 1.5km from the centre. Free to visitors, the stopover doesn’t have any services but is ideal for visiting Nerja.
Campsites: the Costa del Sol has many campsites that accept campervans and offer a complete set of services such as toilets, showers, pools, etc. We would like to recommend the following:
- Camping Cabopino: located in Marbella, this campsite is just a 10-minute stroll from Cabopino beach and rubs shoulders with the Artola dunes and Cabopino marina. It offers campers a variety of pitch sizes where you can set up your campervan. Its facilities and beautiful setting makes it one of the best campsites in the Costa del Sol.
Source: Camping Cabopino
- Camping Sierra de las Nieves: nestled among a number of Costa del Sol municipalities like Yunquera, Alozaina, Casarabonela and El Burgo, this campsite is embraced by Sierra de las Nieves National Park, a mountainscape defined by deep gorges and sheer cliffs. It has a total surface area of over 20,000 hectares. The campsite has pitches for tents, caravans and campervans. In terms of services, it has a pool, barbecue, tennis court, restaurant and outdoor activity area.
- Camping y Bungalows Laguna Playa: with a surface area of over 20,000m2, this campsite has a total of 143 pitches. Each has an electricity connection and shade courtesy of the many trees that will make your stay an unforgettable experience. The campsite also has areas for kids and recreational facilities. It’s located close to the beach.
Recreational areas: beyond the designated motorhome stopovers and campsites, the province of Malaga has spaces where you can park your campervan during the day and sometimes stay overnight. Before you set off, however, check the local regulations to make sure parking is permitted at your chosen spot.
Enjoy summer on the road!
Exploring the Costa del Sol in a campervan is a dream come true for lovers of adventure. From dreamy beaches to charming towns and impressive natural parks, each and every part of the region promises an unforgettable experience. If you’re looking for an incredible plan for the summer, the Costa del Sol in your campervan is it. Pack your bags, fill up on petrol and set off on a journey you’ll never forget.
