Camper Van Hire | Spanish Road Trip Itinerary

As a family who struggles to stay still, the van life has always appealed to us. We spend lots of time looking at van conversions online and dreaming of this free and flexible travel life. But will it actually be as dreamy as we image?! We decided it was time to find out and camper van hire was the way to go before spending a fortune on our own! We found the company Roadsurfer and decided to arrange a pick up in the southern Spanish town of Malaga!

Camper Van Hire: Where to Start?

We organised our Camper Van Hire for our Spanish road trip with a company called Roadsurfer.

(Disclaimer: We had chosen our van and company before contacting them and asking if they would like to work with us on a collaboration. Luckily they wanted to and kindly gifted us the van for two weeks. The links in this post are not affiliate links. We haven’t received any cash payment for writing this post.)

There are tons of companies out there and we too were a bit overwhelmed with the choice. In the end we used Roadsurfer as a friend of ours had recently had a good experience with them. We tend to feel much better using a company when we have heard first hand great reviews!

I have written a whole post about the Roadsurfer Camper Van Hire experience along with the cost.

Choosing a Destination for your Camper Van Hire

Roadsurfer offer rentals in 16 countries, so there are lots of potential adventures out there!

When deciding where to base your road trip you want to consider:

• Interests.

Most importantly what country are you desperate to explore?! A camper van gives you so much freedom and flexibility to visit many destinations within your chosen country. 

• Weather.

You might want to avoid countries that will be super hot if staying with kids in a van. Spain was perfect in October. It was sunny most days with temperatures between 20-25C.

• Flight costs.

Exploring the USA is high on our van life bucket list, but flight prices from the UK were much more expensive than Spain. We flew to Malaga from Birmingham and our return flights were £350 for all 4 of us with a carry on suitcase paid for in addition to the free luggage allowance.

• Living costs and budget.

Expenses in Spain are higher than somewhere like Poland. Take this into consideration when looking at your budget and considering where to go.

Starting our trip

After a short flight from the UK, we landed in Málaga, excited for an unforgettable road trip through the stunning landscapes and vibrant towns of Andalucía in the south of Spain. Camper van hire gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace, making this trip a perfect blend of adventure and more relaxed family time. 

We didn’t want to land in Spain and head straight to the van, so we booked two nights in an apartment in Malaga first. This gave us a day to enjoy this beautiful city and time to relax before our adventure began.

Our Camper Van Itinerary

Our itinerary wasn’t planned ahead of time. We took each day as it came and moved between places we wanted to visit at a relaxed pace. It was in no way rushed, quite the opposite. This itinerary is great for a family over a 1 or 2 week period. If we had woken up earlier and stayed out later, we could have covered many of these places with just one week. We wanted a leisurely trip and so slept in late most mornings, had a slow breakfast, and usually headed out for the day around 11am.

In summary we visited the following places in order:

Day 1: Málaga to Nerja / Finding our Feet

Our adventure kicked off in Málaga, where we picked up our camper van hire from Roadsurfer. This city is absolutely beautiful and deserves at least a day of your time.

Things to do in Malaga:

• Visiting in the summer? Visit Malagueta Beach, where the kids can build sandcastles and splash in the gentle waves – free fun at its best!
• The Alcazaba, better in cooler weather, it is a Moorish fortress with stunning views and fascinating history. We visited the Alcazaba on a previous trip in the summer and it was not pleasant in the heat! 
• The Picasso Museum offers free entry on Sundays, making it a budget-friendly option to introduce your kids to art. We spoke about Picasso with Leo before heading here (Picasso was born in Malaga), he enjoyed pointing out the many paintings and art work in souvenir shops. It was a quick walk around the museum, but he found it interesting and now points out Picasso style art wherever we go!
• All year round you can enjoy a stroll around the vibrant streets, where you can grab inexpensive tapas and stop for a glass of wine. The cathedral is beautiful and not to be missed.

A quick drive along the scenic Costa del Sol took us towards Nerja. Famous for its beautiful beaches and the stunning Balcón de Europa. It was our first night as campers so we needed to get the hang of the whole finding a campsite and getting set up malarky. Because of this we had zero intention of exploring anywhere on day 1. Feeding the kids and surviving in a van was going to be a steep learning curve. We stopped at a supermarket and spent €85 on food and essentials. We enjoyed a leisurely lunch parked up by the beach, Leo had a run on the sand and we started looking at campsite options. 

“This is going to be awful”

Once the novelty of our instagram worthy lunch began to wear off, we started to stress about practicalities. All of the camp sites we were calling were full, and we hadn’t yet filled up our water tank (an essential which we overlooked). It was now raining, getting dark, the baby was screaming and Leo kept asking if we were there yet (‘Where?! Leo, we have no where to go 😆”). It took us around an hour to eventually find a campsite with space.

What can we all learn from this…? Book a camp site for your first night! Somewhere with facilities to fill up your water, plug in the van and get your bearings. Especially if you are new to the van life like we were. If we could have driven straight to a nice campsite, filled up our water, spent some time working out how the van works, it would have been a much less stressful start! 

The stressful evening continued when I tried to shower in the van (we all live and learn). You need an engineering degree to work out how to attach the shower curtain (or at least more patience than I had at that point), a sticker warns you not to get the walls wet which is easier said than done.. The curtain was sticking to me as a tried to contort myself in the tiny cubicle. At this point I realised my towel was in a suitcase in the back of the van. I sat naked on the toilet listening to my baby screaming and Leo asking repeatedly when dinner would be ready. The walls were in fact very wet. “This is going to be awful” was all I could think.

Day 2: Exploring Nerja

Nerja is the eastern most town on the Costa del Sol. It is perfect for families, with its picturesque beaches and the famous Balcón de Europa offering panoramic coastal views. In the summer you could spend a day at Playa de Burriana, where the kids can swim and play in the sand. All year round you can enjoy exploring the little streets and food on offer. 

The Cuevas de Nerja (Nerja Caves) are an absolute must-see, with reasonably priced tickets that provide access to their spectacular formations. We found the car park conveniently accessible for our van, and you simply pay for parking on your way out.

A standout feature was the free audioguide designed for kids, which kept Leo engaged. We spent less than an hour exploring, but the experience was great. One weird thing was them not letting us take milk in a bottle in for Luca, they made us leave it outside… They said we could only take water in there.

There is a coffee shop next to the entrance of the caves and when I say we ran to it I’m only slightly exaggerating. One thing we really do enjoy is a nice coffee in the morning, having to boil water in a pan to mix with some clumpy granules and cold milk didn’t quite cut it.

Caffeine dependance?

If you are heavily reliant on great coffee for a good day (it happens to the best of us..), make sure you bring supplies to help with this. There is a cafetière in the kitchen box, but the coffee we bought was awful. When we do our next van trip we will definitely bring a milk frother and our own coffee as part of our essentials!

Campsite for the night?

Paradise Beach – We paid €14 for a spot at the front with electricity. The toilet and shower block are clean, it was a euro to use the shower. There is a washing machine and dryer on site. Great spot overlooking the beach and the owners are really lovely and speak good english. The road was noisy until around 11pm and then it picked up again around 7:30am. Nerja is around a 10 minute drive from here. We tried to stay here on night one but it was full, we called again on night 2 and took the last remaining space.

Day 3: Granada and Sierra Nevada

After Nerja, we headed to Granada, home of the magnificent Alhambra (which we couldn’t get tickets to see).  You could spend an entire day wandering through the Nasrid Palaces and Generalife gardens, alternatively you could go and look at it from a distance at sunset (like we had to 😅). If you plan to visit Alhambra book your tickets well in advance.

We were told if we got there at 7am and queued, we MIGHT get a ticket on the day. The person suggesting this has obviously never spent the morning in a camper van hire with a baby and a 5 year old.

The centre of Granada is beautiful to walk around. There is an impressive cathedral and lots of traditional bars serving tapas. We ate at Bodegas Castañeda as recommended by a local lady we got talking to. We ordered a huge sharing plate for €25. It was recommended for 4 people but we nearly managed it between two (we took some home for dinner)

From the city we drove to the Science Museum. We managed to get parked on the street right across the road. It is a pay and display road, I can’t remember the exact price but it was cheap. The museum has lots of areas where kids can play and learn. If you arrive after 4pm like we did, you can return the following day with the same ticket.

After enjoying the museum, we took a scenic drive into the Sierra Nevada mountains. The views there are amazing and we were ready to enjoy nature for a while.

Campsite?

Roadsurfer have their own app with lots of recommended campsites on, we used this to find a beautiful campsite called “Camping at Alba Montis” in Guejar Sierra. This one was pricier at €20 per night, there was also a 20% service charge and €5 fee for Leo on top of this. Regardless we booked for two nights, as even though we were only 3 days into the trip, we were exhausted and needed to slow down! The camp site is beautiful, has a pool, great views and a lovely shower block.

Day 4: Relax (or enjoy Sierra Nevada)

We woke up and decided to relax and catch up with work. Keeping your schedule free means you can take these moments when you need them. This ensures the trip doesn’t become stressful.

From the camp site you can walk to the town of Guejar Sierra. Joao, Leo and Luca walked there to stock up on essentials (mainly beer) whilst I worked and enjoyed some peace. Note the walk back is really quite steep.

When they got back Leo wanted to play a game he made up (finding a weed and calling it your ‘pet’ and then feeding your pet with a variety of things you can find that have different points attached to them…Sticks with buds attached offer the pet its vitamins…). It was really nice to have a slow day.

For outdoor-loving families with more stamina than us, Sierra Nevada offers lots of hiking trails suitable for all ages. Pack a picnic to enjoy alongside the breathtaking mountain views. The area is also known for its wildlife, so keep an eye out for unique birds and animals to make the hike even more exciting for the kids.

Day 5 and 6: Córdoba

We were excited to visit Córdoba after hearing so many great things about the city. Skyscanner have even ranked it as one of their trending destinations for 2025.

Córdoba has 4 UNESCO world heritage sites:

• Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba
• Córdoba’s Old Quarter
• Medina Azahara
• A courtyard festival which takes place each May.

Given it was October we could only visit the first three, which is still an impressive number for your UNESCO check list. The Medina is outside the city, but was conveniently right by where we were camping for the night and has a car park. You buy the ticket by the car park and then get a bus up to the Medina. It was free for Joao with his EU passport (he is Portuguese), I had to pay £1.50 (Ta, Brexit).

The Mosque-Cathedral was a highlight for me, originally built as a mosque it was converted into a cathedral in 1236 when Córdoba was captured by Christian forces. The original mosque architecture was so beautiful, they left a lot of it in place. The blend of styles is unique and something you must check out. The surrounding gardens are free to enter and make a perfect spot for a budget-friendly picnic.

The Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos features beautiful gardens and fountains where kids can run and explore. Leo and I strolled around, him pointing out all the different flowers he liked. The gardens are near the Roman Bridge which is worth stopping by to admire.

Where to eat?

We had a great dinner at a place called “Taberna Agora Mezquita“. Prices were reasonable and we sat out in a little courtyard which had a lovely vibe. Joao and I shared a jug of Sangria and they had pasta for Leo which meant he ate something that wasn’t bread and butter (he is a very fussy eater but loves his pasta).

Campsite?

There wasn’t a huge amount of choice near Cordoba. We found “Camper Park Medina Azahara” on the Park4night app. It is a bit out from the city but has a bus stop a short walk away which got us to the centre in around 20 minutes. It was €16 with electricity or €10 without. We would have been fine without electricity if it wasn’t for our baby Luca insisting on warm milk from his perfect prep each night… There was only one small toilet and the shower was so elusive we gave it a miss.

The best thing about the site is the AMAZING bakery right next door. Honestly I would drive there for the bakery. The pastries, the bread, the coffee.. It was super cheap too. We paid €17 for 4 coffees (2 each, we love a coffee…) 4 different pastries/cakes (huge pieces) toasted bread and butter for Leo (a huge slice) and a kinder surprise egg.

Parking in Cordoba?

On the first day we got the bus in as mentioned above. On the second day we parked here around a 15 minute walk from the centre. The parking was free with lots of spaces available.

Day 7: Setenil de las Bodegas

Before talking about this beautiful town I need to mention where we camped on night 6. We left Cordoba late and decided we would drive towards the region of Ronda whilst the kids were sleeping. We decided to wild camp and find somewhere in the forest to park up. It ended up being a beautiful spot with great views, see the below image. This is the location if you fancy heading slightly off grid.

Setenil de las Bodegas is a unique village as many of its houses are built into rocky overhangs of the cliffs, offering a unique backdrop for a day out. Many eateries offer affordable local dishes, even right in the centre.

Where to eat?

We had lunch at Bar Frasquito a lovely restaurant by the cliffs with lots of yummy traditional food to try. There are children’s meals for €9, main dishes were €20 and under. The food was delicious. There was a bit of a wait to get a table, but we visited on a Sunday when it seemed very busy with local people. A queue to get a table at a restaurant is usually a good sign!

Day 8: Ronda

Ronda is really close to Setenil de las Bodegas and both could easily be done in the same day. Like I have mentioned, our two week road trip was done VERY leisurely, without a rush in sight!

We found an excellent car park for the van close to the centre. The views were amazing, you could camp here for free if you wanted. I have tagged the location here.

Ronda’s dramatic cliffs and iconic Puente Nuevo bridge make for some incredible photo opportunities, especially if you have a drone. We strolled through the old town, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and had lunch in this square (linked as I can’t find the name!). We didn’t really rate the food so I wont share the details. The views of the surrounding countryside are simply stunning.

From the square we walked towards Ronda’s centrepiece, Puerte Nuevo. After exploring this area we walked towards the bull ring and to a beautiful view point “Mirador de Ronda“.

The best view of the bridge is from this free car park. You could theoretically camp here if it wasn’t busy.

Day 9: Caminito del Rey / Grazalema

From Ronda we drove towards Caminito del Rey as the guided tours start early in the morning (9am). Caminito del Rey is a thrilling walkway pinned along the steep walls of a narrow gorge. Once described as the most dangerous walk way in the world, it’s a great experience for thrill seekers and nature lovers. Children must be 8 years or older to do the walk, so I had to wait in the van whilst Joao enjoyed his life.

Joao booked his tour on the getyourguide website, this was the one he did. It was £26 and lasted 3-4 hours.

Joao returned from the tour around mid day and the plan for the night was to sleep close to the city of Cadiz. It was a 2-3 hour drive but as it was early we thought we would stop somewhere mid way. We noticed that en route we would pass closely to a beautiful town we had heard about called “Grazalema” so we decided to pop by.

The drive to Grazalema was beaut and brought us to picturesque whitewashed buildings surrounded by stunning natural parks. There is a big car park you can use here which offers amazing views of the surroundings. It was really quiet during our visit, but we found a variety of restaurants to get something to eat. Plaza de Espana is beautiful and Bar Zulema offered some very cheap food in a nice outdoor setting. We had a set menu of Starter, Main, Desert and alcoholic drink for €12!

Day 10: Cadiz

On night 9 we actually camped at a site around 40 minutes outside of Cádiz near a town called Chipiona. We liked the laid back look of the place. Road trip fatigue was starting to creep in once again and we wanted to be by the sea. The camp site is called La Siesta Camping and I really recommend if you want a laid back lovely vibe close to the beach. It was €20 for the night, the shower facilities are nice, there are bikes you can use to cycle into Chipiona and it has its own private stretch of beach 400m away.

Cádiz is the oldest city in Western Europe. It offers a rich history and some beautiful beaches. We parked in this paid car park close to the centre.

Things to do in Cádiz

• Let the kids blow off some steam in this playground by the beach.
• Stroll along the promenade by La Caleta beach.
• Visit the central market and people watch while enjoying some wine and tapas.
• Visit the impressive Cathedral.
• Climb the Tavira Tower for great views of the city.
• Visiting in Summer? Spend some time playing on the beaches.
• Visit the Cadiz Aquarium.
• Explore Parque Genoves (dog friendly)
• Wander the vibrant streets of El Populo, don’t miss Plaza de San Juan de Dios.

Day 11: Drive to the Costa del Sol via Zahara de los Atunes

We decided to head to the Costa del Sol for the final few days of the trip. We drove down the coast stopping at Zahara de los Atunes. We had been told the beaches there were beautiful and the red tuna was the best in the world. We parked in this car park here and strolled towards the beach which was in fact gorgeous.

There are lots of beach bars and restaurants along the sea front selling seafood. We walked slightly inland to a restaurant called ‘La Botica‘. The tuna here was in fact the best i’ve ever tasted. The food wasn’t cheap but it was really delicious.

If you’re looking for an authentic Spanish beach destination with gorgeous blue sea and white sand, this town would be perfect in the summer.

Day 12 and 13: Marbella

We decided to base ourselves at a lovely campsite in Marbella called “Camping Cabopino“. We booked to stay here for our remaining nights. This place is open all year and has entertainment, pools, playgrounds and a kids club. Theres a beach close by, onsite restaurants AND a place to buy coffee in the morning. We were sorted. At €33 per night it was not cheap, but we thought it would be a nice place to relax and not do too much for the rest of the trip. We were there during Halloween and the kids club had crafting activities making Halloween themed things which Leo loved. Yoga, Pilates, Aqua-gym, Spanish Classes and Coastal Walks are some of the free activities they offer for adults.

Areas of Marbella

Whilst in the Marbella area we visited Puerto Banus and Marbella old town. Do not mistake the two, they are VERY different places. When people say they have visited Marbella I always pictured Puerto Banus. The luxury yachts, Ferraris, designer shops, fancy beach bars. The vibe is very commercial and I think it is like marmite. You either love it or hate it. It really wasn’t for us. Marbella Old Town however is a lot more authentic, cute cobbled streets and flowers hanging from whitewashed houses sort of vibe. If you are wanting to party then Puerto Banus is where you want to be. Quiet drinks with tapas, then head to Marbella old town.

Day 14: Estepona

On our last day we visited Estepona. We had heard it was a lot more authentic than other Costa del Sol towns and so we went to check it out. We parked in a free car park here.

The car park was a short walk down the the beach promenade. There is a huge playground next to the beach which Leo played in for over an hour. Across from there is a beach restaurant “Chiringuito PACO“. We were drawn in by the Sardines being grilled outside but it ended up being a great shout. Delicious food, right on the beach, and good prices too.

After lunch we mooched around the town and then headed back to the playground for Leo to play some more. There is a children’s wildlife park near by called Selwo Adventures, we were planning on visiting but didn’t have time in the end. Worth checking out if you are visiting with children.

Finishing the trip

Returning the van was really straight forward. We made sure the water tanks were empty and the fuel was full. We cleaned around and empties the toilet. On arrival at the drop off point we handed over the keys, they had a quick look at the van and we were free to go.

Is camper van hire worth it with a family?

100% yes! I was actually really sad to hand it back. We travel a lot, and it’s been a while since I had the end of trip sadness. We love doing multi destination trips, usually it means packing and unpacking 100 times as we move between hotels. Having everything in the van was super convenient and meant we saved a lot of time when moving place to place. Leo absolutely loved the novelty of living in a van, and Luca is pretty much happy wherever there is milk.

Would we do it again? Absolutely! In fact I am already planning our next trip!

Want to know the price of Camper Van Hire? Read our practical blog below.