Winter in Spain

[John H]

Well, after five great weeks wending our way through the out-of-the-way bits of France and Spain, we have arrived at our over-wintering campsite in the Cabo de Gata Natural Park. It is definitely quieter than normal but there are six different nationalities here at present and several of our friends are on their way. To get here, we used a mixture of campsites, aires and wildcamps with no problems. We needed to fill in the French Government "Sworn Statement" to hand in to Passport Control at Newhaven but there have been no other restrictions along the way. All campsites, aires and attractions were open (though we avoided the more popular and therefore crowded ones). Here in the Cabo de Gata region, there has only been one reported case of Covid during the whole pandemic, so we are hoping it stays that way. The winter will probably not be as adventurous as usual but we will be as safe here as anywhere else (if not safer). Everybody is following the distancing guidelines and wearing masks when they are not on their own plot. Keep safe.

 

[mariesnowgoose]

Lucky you!
Enjoy, I'm slightly envious (understatement!)

 

[Mr and Mrs Tupcox]

Stoping uk this winter .

 

[Derekoak]

We are in Spain too. Catalonian mountains, similarly no problems at borders. John have a link to an official Spanish site that confirms that if you are in Spain before dec 31st they will honour your Ehic card for the duration of your stay

 

[John H]

We are in Spain too. Catalonian mountains, similarly no problems at borders. John have a link to an official Spanish site that confirms that if you are in Spain before dec 31st they will honour your Ehic card for the duration of your stay

Thanks for that - yes we checked that on the government website before we left and yesterday registered with the local doctor for our prescriptions on EHIC and were given six months supply, so it works!

 

[redhand]

Our friends who we did a run to Calais from Portugal when lockdown happened have just messaged to say they are booked for return on 14th Nov.
We are probably too scaredy to join them but maybe just maybe.

 

[groyne]

Hoping to get a couple of months in the new year, but if things stay the same Mrs. G probably won't want to go.

 

[Pauljenny]

Portugal has tightened up it's
Covid rules , from last Tuesday. For the next 70 days.
There's trouble in the northern cities and , while most of the Algarve has got off lightly, infections are on the up.
There's a holiday weekend for All Saints day.
Normally people would travel back to their home villages, to visit family graves, then party with relatives.
Not this year.
We're confined to the council areas where we currently live... All weekend.
Masks must be worn in town streets and all public areas.
That's Xmas sorted, then.

 

[trevskoda]

Remember to change masks every 20 mins as they harbor germs and you are more likely to get chest infections, use washable ones to save money and wastage.

 

[mfw]

Not sure what would happen if a country locks it's border down - certainly big difference between going home and going on holiday - but it is all down to worst case scenario and what people are happy with - cant see anything improving for a while either so i'm staying put at the moment

 

[John H]

Our friends who we did a run to Calais from Portugal when lockdown happened have just messaged to say they are booked for return on 14th Nov.
We are probably too scaredy to join them but maybe just maybe.

I know what you mean. Prior to catching the ferry we weren't sure what we should do but what tipped it for us was the fact that the area we were heading for was free of the disease (although I know things can change) and that we would be able to live largely outside for the winter and all the scientists say that the transfer of the virus outside is significantly less than inside. In addition, of course, a motorhome is a perfect "self-isolator" wherever it is. There are no right decisions here, just what you can feel comfortable with. Several of our friends will be joining us here soon; others have decided not to. Keep safe

 

[2cv]

Spanish movement rules are being tightened. Link

 

[witzend]

Spanish movement rules are being tightened. Link

And local regions are imposing thru travel bans

 

[John H]

And local regions are imposing thru travel bans

Are they? Do you have a link for that? As far as I am aware, the only travel restrictions are in and out of Madrid and that has been the case for a couple of weeks now. The new emergency measures do allow for travel bans but the reason that the regional governments have asked the central government to declare a "state of alarm" is so that they can legally impose and enforce curfews, not to impose through travel restrictions.

 

[2cv]

Are they? Do you have a link for that? As far as I am aware, the only travel restrictions are in and out of Madrid and that has been the case for a couple of weeks now. The new emergency measures do allow for travel bans but the reason that the regional governments have asked the central government to declare a "state of alarm" is so that they can legally impose and enforce curfews, not to impose through travel restrictions.

The link in post #12 does refer to local authorities having the power to ban travel between regions and that the measures will have a 6 month applicability subject to approval by parliament.

 

[jacquigem]

We understand that regions will have the power to restrict movement if they want to but none actually implemented yet. They will be for 14 days but can be renewed without needing central government agreement. We are waiting for specific announcements but are travelling from Murcia to Alicante province today so will let you know.

 

[John H]

The link in post #12 does refer to local authorities having the power to ban travel between regions and that the measures will have a 6 month applicability subject to approval by parliament.

As both jaquigem and I have said, there is a difference between having the power to do something and actually doing it. I repeat, the only travel restriction that I am aware of at present is in and out of Madrid.

 

[2cv]

As both jaquigem and I have said, there is a difference between having the power to do something and actually doing it. I repeat, the only travel restriction that I am aware of at present is in and out of Madrid.

I think that you are correct. I just thought it was worth posting for the information of those contemplating heading to Spain as it does seem likely that there will be restrictions to movement.

 

[John H]

I think that you are correct. I just thought it was worth posting for the information of those contemplating heading to Spain as it does seem likely that there will be restrictions to movement.

True - it wasn't really your post I was reacting to but the one that claimed that thru travel bans ARE being imposed.

 

[Petes]

We are heading down to Cabo de Gata in January so have been looking at the travel restrictions, there is a lot of speculation out there including that you cant drive away from Santander or Bilbao unless you are travelling home. I have found nothing official to substantiate that, I also found that you can transit Madrid, just cant stop.
Its the 'doing it for holiday reasons' that I'm struggling to find wether thats acceptable a reason