Renting a campervan in Spain: the guide before you book
Before booking a campervan there are questions everyone asks: which driving licence you need, whether insurance is included, how much you need to leave as a security deposit, whether you can cross into Portugal or France, and what happens if you need to change your dates. This guide answers all of them, in order, so you reach the booking with no doubts left.
Requirements for renting a campervan in Spain
Which driving licence you need
To rent any of the Winkles you need a category B licence, the same one you use to drive a normal car. No special licence for vans or heavy vehicles is needed.
Minimum age
The minimum age to rent is 25 years old. This is a standard requirement in the large-vehicle rental sector and follows the insurance policy's own criteria.
Licence age
Besides age, the B licence must be at least 2 years old. If you passed your test recently, this is the first thing to check before booking.
Difference between a B licence and a C licence (why you don't need one)
This is where most doubts come up: beWinkle's campervans are Volkswagen Transporters, and many people assume large vans require a C licence. That's not the case here. All the Winkles weigh less than 3,500 kg, the legal threshold above which a C licence would be required. Below that weight, a B licence is enough, just as it would be for driving a car.
Additional drivers: you can add as many additional drivers to the booking as you like; each one is added as an extra when you book, and must meet the same licence and age requirements. If what you are wondering is whether someone can drive for you, we explain it in campervan hire with or without a driver.
If you want the full breakdown of requirements, check the guide on requirements for renting a campervan in Spain, where we cover each point with more examples.
What's included in the price: insurance and roadside assistance
Fully comprehensive insurance included
All bookings include fully comprehensive insurance by default — it's not an extra you need to add or negotiate separately. You're covered from the very first kilometre.
24/7 roadside assistance
If you have a breakdown on the road, beWinkle offers 24/7 assistance across Europe, including towing, hotel and a replacement vehicle if needed. The problem is estimated to be resolved in under 4 hours, depending on severity. This matters if you're heading somewhere remote for several days: you're not on your own if something goes wrong.
How payment works: security deposit and mileage
Security deposit and payment method
Payment is split into two parts: a 50% deposit when you confirm the booking (secure online payment) and the remaining 50% one week before the pick-up date. There are no last-minute surprises: you know from the outset exactly how much you'll pay and when.
Mileage: packs tailored to you
Mileage is booked in tailored packs, so you can adjust it to what you need depending on your route — it's not a fixed mileage that's the same for everyone. If your route is long, it's worth calculating the kilometres before booking; the beWinkle team can help you estimate it based on your itinerary.
Crossing borders: can I leave Spain?
Yes. Insurance and rental terms cover, at no extra cost, travel within the European Union, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Norway. If you're planning to cross into Morocco, it's possible, but you need to give 15 days' notice and take out specific insurance at an additional cost of €50.
This means routes like crossing into Portugal (the Algarve) or heading up to France (the Basque Coast and Landes) — two of the most popular routes among those who rent a Winkle — come with no added complications.
Cancellation and date changes
Cancellation policies are tiered, designed so booking in advance isn't a risk:
- More than 30 days before pick-up: free cancellation, with a 100% refund of the deposit paid.
- Between 30 and 7 days before: 50% of the deposit is refunded.
- Less than 7 days before: the deposit is retained, but you're offered a free date change within the following 6 months — you don't lose the money, you move it to another trip.
How the online booking process works
The whole booking process is 100% online, with no office visits or paperwork to sign by hand. In practice it's four steps:
- Choose the Winkle that best fits your group (see comparison below) and your dates.
- Add extras if you need them (additional drivers, extra mileage, insurance for Morocco).
- Sign digitally the contract from your phone or computer — no physical paperwork.
- Confirm with a 50% deposit. The rest is paid the week before you pick up the van.
Availability is shown in real time for the next 12 months, so you can check right now whether your dates are free. The whole process, from start to finish, is designed to take around 10 minutes.
Comparing the 4 Winkles
| Model | VW model | Seats | Price/day | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Báltico | Transporter T6 | 5 | €100 | Large groups or families, the best equipped (hot water, parking heater, solar panels) |
| Índico | Transporter T6 | 4 | €90 | Groups of 3-4, a good balance between equipment and price |
| Caribe | Transporter T5 Kombi | 4 | €80 | Couples or small groups who prioritise practicality (portable shower, outdoor awning) |
| Adriático | Transporter T5.1 | 3 | €70 | Those new to campervan travel, trips for 1-3 people |
See the full comparison of all 4 Winkles →
Which campervan to choose depending on your group size
- 1-2 people / first campervan trip: Adriático — the simplest... and most affordable to start with, with a spacious bed for two.
- 2-3 people, a short or weekend trip: Caribe — practical..., with a portable shower and awning for spending time outside the vehicle.
- 3-4 people, medium-length trips: Índico — the balance... between equipment (hot water, full kitchen) and price.
- 4-5 people or long/demanding routes: Báltico — the best equipped, with a parking heater for trips even in the low season.
Still torn between a campervan and a motorhome before comparing models? We help you decide in campervan or motorhome: which to choose.
Already know which Winkle suits you? Check real-time availability and book in 10 minutes, with no paperwork. Book now →
More guides for renting your campervan
- Mileage when renting a campervan: how much you need
- How the security deposit works when renting a campervan
- What's included when you rent a campervan
- Which campervan to choose depending on who you're travelling with
- How much a campervan trip costs
Frequently asked questions
Do I need previous experience driving large vans?
No, though if it's your first time, it's worth reading our guide on tricks for your first 100 km — it's not very different from driving a large car, but there are details about height and manoeuvring that help to know beforehand.
Does the insurance have an excess?
Fully comprehensive insurance is included in the rental price; for the exact detail of coverage and excess, the beWinkle team confirms this when you finalise the booking.
Can I bring pets?
Check this condition directly during the booking process or in the help centre, as it may vary depending on the model.
What happens if I return the van with fewer kilometres than I booked?
Mileage packs are tailored before the booking; for questions about a specific case, check the help centre or contact beWinkle directly.
Can I rent without being 25 if I have a lot of driving experience?
No, the minimum age of 25 is a fixed requirement tied to the insurance policy and doesn't depend on the driver's experience.
What if my licence is less than 2 years old?
It's not possible to rent in that case either; it's a requirement, alongside the minimum age, that applies to all drivers (main holder and additional drivers).