While we were still building the van, we took time to enjoy different places along the way. But the truth is, not every stop felt welcoming. We’re not big fans of huge cities, mostly because we like to walk and explore at our own pace. Cities like Barcelona or Valencia (especially during summer) can feel complicated. Places are overcrowded, or the local authorities simply don’t allow us to stay.
Don’t take us wrong — it’s not about wanting everything for free. But when official parking spots are ridiculously far from the city or priced in a way that makes no sense, it doesn’t feel worth it. We travel as four — two humans, two dogs — so we always have to keep their wellbeing in mind too. Campsites aren’t our favorite either: doors slamming, people yelling at 7am, when we could still sleep a little more before starting work.
The further south we traveled, the clearer it became: motorhomes are often not wanted. Five-meter length limits, endless “no camping” or “no motorhome” signs. And to be clear, we don’t camp — we just park and sleep. These rules pushed us to move quickly along the coast. When we found gems like near Mataró and Dénia, we stayed a little longer, enjoyed the peace, and then got back on the road.
Seville left us with a good taste of Spain to carry forward as we get ready to cross into Portugal.
And then came Seville. What a surprise. One of the most beautiful places we’ve seen so far — easy to park close to the city, safe, and simply wonderful to explore on foot. We spent time in Parque de María Luisa, where little ducks swim around quietly under the trees. The Plaza de España is breathtaking with its bridges and tiled alcoves, and wandering past Puerta de Navarra gives the feeling of stepping into another time. The whole city has this mix of history, warmth, and space that makes you want to linger.
