For years, my two rescue greyhounds, Issy and Poppy, loved exploring the countryside of the Iberian Peninsula just as much as I did. Poppy passed away in March 2026, but her spirit is woven into every mile of this guide. Issy carries on — nose to the wind, ears back, entirely in her element.
Hermoso Campo: My Vanlife in Spain Retreat
One of the most rewarding parts of my life in Spain is my 3,370m2 off-grid plot, which I have named Hermoso Campo. Located in northern Cáceres, incredibly close to the Portuguese border, this meadow land is a true sanctuary. Having a fenced, private space at Hermoso Campo means Issy can enjoy total freedom in the Spanish campo — just as she and Poppy always did, away from the constraints of a traditional campsite. It’s the perfect spot to park the Fiat Ducato, fire up the stove for some campervan cooking, and enjoy the silence of the dehesa.
Update, July 2026: Since writing this, I've added a Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo misting fan to Florie's kit — a proper game-changer for those campo summers.
Whether I am parked at Hermoso Campo or exploring the Via Verdes of Andalucía, Vanlife in Spain is an ever-changing adventure. It’s about the balance between the quiet life of a village of 742 people and the open road. I invite you to follow along as I share more recipes, dog-friendly routes, and the realities of off-grid living.
The Essentials of Vanlife in Spain
Mastering Vanlife in Spain requires a bit of adaptability, especially when it comes to the kitchen. My Fiat Ducato isn't just a van; it's a mobile culinary studio. Whether I am parked at Hermoso Campo or inland, I rely on a few key pieces of kit.
One of my favourite methods for campervan cooking is using the RidgeMonkey. It is perfect for solo travellers because it’s efficient and easy to clean. You can see how I use it in my RidgeMonkey chicken recipe
If you are new to the Iberian Peninsula, I highly recommend checking my guide on free campervan parking in Spain. It will help you find the best spots while travelling with dogs like Issy and Poppy.
Village Life and the Open Road
"When I am not at Hermoso Campo, I live in a small village of just 742 people in rural Andalucía. It is a quiet life of research into my family tree, writing, and the daily rhythm of walking my dogs in the campo. However, the call of the road is always there.
My Fiat Ducato, Florie, is my only transport and our ticket to freedom. When the excessive heat hits rural Andalucia and Extremadura, we head north to find cooler air. Exploring Cantabria's lush landscapes and cooler climate is the perfect way for me and the dogs to stay comfortable during the height of summer. Whether we are parked up in a quiet spot or exploring the Vias Verdes of Andalucía, travelling with Issy and Poppy makes every mile worthwhile. It truly is the best way to experience the hidden corners of the Iberian Peninsula while maintaining my passion for campervan cooking.
Finding Your Own Piece of Paradise
One of the most frequent questions I’m asked is how to navigate the rules of overnighting in Spain. While I have the luxury of retreat at Hermoso Campo, the true spirit of vanlife is found in the "wonky park-ups" along the way. Whether you are looking for an official Área de Autocaravanas with facilities or a quiet, legal spot to wild park in the hills of Andalucía, understanding the local laws is vital. I have compiled my years of trial and error into a comprehensive guide on Free Campervan Parking in Spain: How to Find the Best Park Ups, covering everything from the best apps to the crucial difference between "parking" and "camping."
The Practical Side of Vanlife
Of course, life on the road isn't just about the views; there are practicalities to manage, especially when travelling as a British resident with two rescue dogs. From navigating EU Pet Passports to understanding the specific vaccination rules here in Andalucía, I’ve shared my first-hand experience in my guide Travelling in a Camper Van with Dogs in Europe: A Practical Guide
Hermoso Campo: A Sanctuary in the Sierra de Gata
While Florie gives us the freedom to roam, our hearts often lead us back to Hermoso Campo. Located in the foothills of the Sierra de Gata, this 3,370m² plot is more than just a parking spot. With its ancient vines, olive trees, and the cooling waters of the Arroyo de la Nave, it is a sanctuary for Issy, Poppy, and me. It’s here, amidst the unique sounds of the local Mañegu dialect, that the true peace of rural Spain reveals itself.
Finding the Best Walks
Walking the dogs in the campo is a daily joy, especially when we find ourselves near the Spanish Vias Verdes network, which offers miles of disused railway tracks perfect for a long morning stroll.
Issy and Poppy particularly enjoyed the stretch near Luque. The path to the Laguna is only a short distance from the main track, making it an easy detour even on warmer days. It’s these quiet, well-signed corners of the Spanish countryside that make travelling in a campervan with rescue dogs so rewarding.
Read more vanlife adventures with Issy and Poppy here.
Wonky park-ups, proper adventures, genuine freedom — The Flexible Chef.
