On our motorhome tour of Europe, we fell in love with the route between Valencia and the Cabo de Gata Natural Park. It’s a trip that surprised us at every step: one day a wild cove, the next a perched white village, then a lively town or a hiking trail overlooking the sea.
What didn’t we anticipate? Stumbling across so many natural, authentic spots still largely untouched by mass tourism. We imagined this Mediterranean coastline to be much more concrete… and in the end, we found nuggets at every turn. Just goes to show that Spain still has many treasures to reveal, especially when you take the time to explore it at your own pace. In this article, we share with you our complete itinerary, our favorites and all our advice on how to make the most of this camping trip.
Preparing your motorhome road trip along the Mediterranean coast
Before you hit the road, we advise you to plan your stopovers carefully, especially if you’re leaving in high season. Between wilderness spots where you can bivouac, convenient service areas and campsites with sea views, the options are numerous.
To help you find the best accommodation on your itinerary, take a look at this page featuring a selection of campsites in Spain, from the simplest to the most comfortable. It’s a great place to spend a few nights, fill up on water, empty the grey water and recharge your batteries… literally and figuratively!
Valencia, the starting point between city, beach and culture
We start this road trip in Valencia, a city where life is good. The atmosphere is relaxed, the light golden, and there’s always something to do: get lost in the narrow streets of the historic center, stroll through the central market or cycle to the beach along the Turia gardens.
Chelva and Chulilla: a natural detour in the Valencian hinterland
Before heading back down to the sea, we make a detour inland. Chelva and Chulilla are two hilltop villages surrounded by spectacular scenery. The water trail in Chelva is a magnificent, accessible and refreshing walk. In Chulilla, it’s the Turia gorges that really take your breath away. A true nature interlude before returning to the coast.
Head for the sea: Altea and the Costa Blanca alternative
Back to the Mediterranean with Altea, a little pearl perched high above the sea. The historic center, with its white houses and cobbled streets, is a jewel. We love the peaceful atmosphere.
Alicante and the surrounding area: a gourmet urban break
Alicante is our little city break. The city is lively without being stuffy. We climb up to the Santa Barbara castle for a breathtaking view of the port, then lose ourselves in the colorful, flower-filled Santa Cruz district. For a bite to eat, head for the central market: fruit, Iberian ham, cheeses… everything is tempting. There are several campsites around the city, but there are also a number of well-situated motorhome parks where you can visit without the hassle of parking.
Cartagena, a city of history and street art
Cartagena is a pleasant surprise. Less well known than Valencia or Alicante, this port city blends Roman ruins, military heritage and contemporary street art. The city center is easy to visit on foot, and you can also stroll along the seafront promenade. You can spend a whole day here without getting bored.
San Gines and the Mazarrón area: Spain at its wildest
As we continue southwards, the atmosphere changes. The landscapes become more arid, the villages quieter. We stop off at San Gines, near Mazarrón, to enjoy a spot still untouched by mass tourism. The red cliffs, quiet coves and evening light are incredible.
Cabo de Gata: the final touch in a Western setting
We end this road trip in style with the Cabo de Gata nature park. This is one of our favorite places in Spain. Lunar landscapes, turquoise beaches, white villages like San José or Las Negras… and a feeling of being at the end of the world. Hike, swim and explore hidden coves. In terms of accommodation, there are a number of well-situated campsites where you can enjoy the park without stress.
Conclusion
This road trip between Valencia and Cabo de Gata epitomizes what we love about traveling: the freedom to drive at our own pace, the beauty of the scenery, the diversity of atmospheres. It’s the perfect way to cross Mediterranean Spain in spring or autumn. And if you’re already tempted to go back, we’ve got plenty of ideas for exploring other corners of Spain on a camping trip!
You’ll also find thecomplete itinerary for our tour of Europe in a motorhome, with all our stops and tips for prolonging the adventure.
