Motorhome Service Points in Spain and Portugal Area Servico para Autocaravanas
824 Motorhome service points in Spain and Portugal for campervans
Motorhome service points are found all of Spain and the quickest and easiest way to find them is with the printed app All the Aires Spain and Portugal
Service Points provide three main functions: to replenish fresh water, dispose of waste (grey) water and toilet (black) waste. Park on the Service Point only as long as is necessary to carry out exchange of fluids. Most Service Points are "custom-built" by local craftsmen with inevitable differences in design and construction. Most are simple but durable and electricity is rarely provided. This has several benefits: they are rarely broken, they normally incorporate a lift or flip up ground level drain cover, they don't require tokens and are normally free to use all year round. Sometimes the layout of a Service Point is confusing or a facility is a little way from where you expect it to be.
Drinking water: Spanish and Portuguese tap water is palatable, although occasionally it can be heavily chlorinated. We drank unfiltered tap water throughout our research trips with no ill effects. Be aware that in periods of drought access to water at Service Points may be restricted, either by flow rate or timed openings. If water is marked ‘Non-Potable’ do not drink it, as it may be being drawn from a temporary source. Bottled water is widely available from shops.
It is not uncommon for taps in Spain to be concealed under covers at ground level. A hose would been needed to draw water. Service Points often have two water taps side by side, presumably to be used for different functions. Unfortunately the taps are rarely marked. Using disinfectant wipes or spray before drawing water will improve hygiene. Tap fittings vary widely in type and size. The diameter of the tap outlet may make hose filling impossible. Hozelock fittings are common.
During the winter taps may be turned off. Often there is a metal cover which conceals the stopcock. By turning the stopcock the tap can be activated. Remember to turn the stopcock off after use. Taps may freeze overnight. Fill up in the evening to avoid disappointment.
Waste water: Generally a ground level drain is provided, often with a lift up section. These are normally well made and in good condition, but every care should be taken when driving onto these points not to cause any damage. Take a length of flexible pipe to direct water accurately.
Toilet disposal: Only use the designated facility, lifting or flipping up grids before emptying. This is sometimes marked with 'WC'. Marine tanks can be emptied at most Service Points. A flexible pipe will often be required to reach the drain, but should be always used to ensure accurate waste disposal. Do not rush toilet emptying, as spillage will occur. Ensure that any mess is cleaned up.
Electricity: Electricity is rarely available on municipal Aires in Spain and Portugal. If it is available, expect to share. Commercial Aires often supply 6amp electricity. The plug socket type is described in All the Aires Spain and Portugal as either 'CEE' for the blue outdoor grade plug or 'Cont' to describe the two pin domestic plug of Spain and Portugal. Checking the polarity and presence of an earth is advised.
Euro Relais Service Points are common in Portugal. Spain and Portugal have Euro Relais Service Points. Some may require tokens. Tokens provide a metered amount of water normally 100 litres. Electricity is normally 1 hour only. Do check the water taps because the toilet rinsing tap is normally free and sometimes the drinking water as well. A lift-up cover at the base enables access to the toilet emptying chamber.
Protecex Service Points are increasingly common in Spain. They are occasionally coin-or-token operated, but more often they are touch screen and operated by credit card. The touch screen version may appear to be pay, but if you work your way through the menu they may be free. The flap covering the toilet emptying point is motor-operated and will not open without pressing the correct button/screen option. These service Points are common in the Castilla La Mancha region of Spain.
CamperWCwash Service Points are common in northern Spain. There are several designs, with WC emptying in the side of the front.
Servicamper are common in northeastern Spain. These can be free or pay. WC emptying is under a lift-up flap. These Service Points can be free or pay, usually for water.