Did you know you can sleep 25 meters from a beach with your motorhome for just 6 euros a day? Boiro, a small paradise on the Galician coast, has one of the best-rated motorhome areas in Galicia. But it also hides a problem that is generating controversy among travelers. Discover everything you need to know about the motorhome area in Boiro, Galicia, its services, its rules, and the secret that few know to enjoy this gem without complications.
What motorhome areas are there in Boiro?
The Boiro City Council has strongly bet on motorhome tourism. In its municipality, you will find two official public areas, each with its own charm. The local regulations, approved in 2024, regulate the parking and overnight stay of motorhomes, camper vans, and caravans to “promote the economic development of the municipality, especially tourism.”
Praia Xardín Area (Barraña)
This is, without a doubt, the crown jewel. Located on the Paseo Praia Xardín-Barraña, this motorhome area in Boiro, Galicia is just 500 meters from the town center and a mere 25 meters from the beach. Travelers describe it as a “spectacular place” and “perfect for going with children.”
Its services include:
- Drinking water (without thread, you need an adapter)
- Grey and black water dumping
- Showers
- Picnic area and children’s playground
- Overnight stay authorized
The price is 6 euros per day in high season (May 1 to September 30 and Easter Week) and 3 euros in low season.
Reviews highlight its privileged location: “It’s a park located within a spectacular pine forest right next to the beach.” There are also shaded areas and the environment is ideal for families. However, some travelers point out that the spaces are “quite narrow” and that the beach is “super crowded” in summer.
Playa Mañons Area (Abanqueiro)
The second option is the Playa Mañons area, in the parish of Abanqueiro. It is a smaller and simpler area, but also free. It is located in a quiet area, very close to the beach.
This area has:
- Drinking water
- Grey and black water dumping
- Overnight stay authorized
Users highlight its tranquility and proximity to the beach, although they point out that it is a small area, with only 4 or 5 spaces. Access in winter can be complicated due to a “small dirt slope.” Some travelers complain that the design for water dumping is not the most adequate.
Municipal regulations for motorhomes in Boiro
Boiro was a pioneer in regulating the use of motorhomes in its municipal area. The Municipal Ordinance Regulating the Parking and Overnight Stay of Motorhomes, definitively approved in 2024, establishes the rules of the game.
The ordinance is clear and follows the criteria of the DGT Instruction PROT 2026/04. The key difference between parking and camping is the same as in the rest of Spain:
- Parking: Immobilizing the vehicle on the public road without exceeding its perimeter. Stabilizer legs cannot be lowered (except safety chocks), chairs, tables, or awnings cannot be taken out, and liquids cannot be poured onto the road. You can sleep inside without any problem.
- Camping: It is considered camping when elements such as awnings, tables, or chairs are deployed, stabilizer legs are lowered, or waste is dumped outside. This activity is regulated by tourism regulations and can be penalized.
The Boiro City Council prohibits the parking of motorhomes, caravans, or similar vehicles in the urban center when “circumstances of danger, obstruction, or serious traffic disturbances occur.”
The big problem with the Boiro areas: abuse of spaces
Despite the regulations, the motorhome area in Boiro, Galicia has a problem that travelers denounce time and again: the prolonged occupation by the same users.
According to the ordinance, the maximum stay in the areas is 48 consecutive hours and 72 hours per week. However, in practice, numerous travelers complain that “there are caravans and motorhomes that have been here all summer camping.”
One user comments: “The maximum of 3 days given by the city council is not respected. A waste of time. The place is very nice, children’s playground, picnic area, and beach. No shade. But full of shameless people who have been here for more than 3 days.”
Another adds: “Impossible to park, it was full of people who spend weeks there, so it’s complicated and there are maybe about 25-30 spaces at most.”
The most common complaint is that some users “have taken over the enclosure and think it’s their subsidized campsite.” They fill water with jugs, empty grey water with buckets, and have cars outside to do shopping, all without moving the motorhome.
The City Council has recently taken measures to control the problem. A barrier has been installed that only opens “if there is space available,” and “the movement of entry and exit has ended.” Posts have also been placed to prevent motorhomes from driving on the grass.
Some travelers view these measures positively: “The movement of entry and exit has ended, children’s safety has improved a lot. Congratulations to the Council.”
Alternative: Camping Barraña
If you are looking for a longer stay or more services, an alternative to the public areas is Camping Barraña. It is located very close to the areas, right on the beach, and offers:
- Spacious pitches
- Hot water showers
- Electricity
- Bar-cafeteria
- Children’s playground
- Wi-Fi
- Bungalows
- 24-hour surveillance
- Pets allowed
It is a specially recommended option for families, as it has a large play area and a safe environment. Barraña beach has fine sand and calm waters, ideal for swimming and water sports.
What to see and do in Boiro
Boiro is much more than its beaches. It is located on the Arousa Estuary, in the heart of the O Barbanza region. Some of the attractions you cannot miss:
- Barraña Beach: One of the best beaches on the Arousa estuary, with fine sand and calm waters.
- Mañons Beach: Smaller and quieter than Barraña, ideal for disconnecting.
- Mar de Arousa and Ulla Route: A Camino de Santiago that crosses the estuary by boat, with departure from Boiro.
- Seafront promenade: Connects the different beaches and is full of beach bars and restaurants where you can taste Galician gastronomy.
- Monte Barbanza: Ideal for hiking and enjoying the best views of the estuary.
Tips to enjoy the motorhome area in Boiro
- Arrive early: Spaces fill up quickly, especially in summer and on weekends.
- Respect the maximum stay time: 48 consecutive hours and 72 hours per week.
- Don’t camp: Keep the awning, chairs, and table inside the vehicle. Don’t lower the stabilizer legs.
- Bring an adapter for water: The tap has no thread, you will need an adapter to fill the tank.
- Avoid summer if you are looking for tranquility: In July and August the area is very crowded.
- Consider the campsite: If you want a longer stay or more services, Camping Barraña is an excellent alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does the Praia Xardín motorhome area in Boiro cost?
The price is 6 euros per day in high season (May 1 to September 30 and Easter Week) and 3 euros in low season. The price includes parking, overnight stay, and the use of water and dumping services.
How long can you stay in the Boiro motorhome area?
The maximum stay is 48 consecutive hours and 72 hours per week, according to the municipal ordinance.
Do the Boiro motorhome areas have black and grey water dumping services?
Yes, both the Praia Xardín area and the Playa Mañons area have grey and black water dumping points.
Boiro is a destination that combines nature, beach, and an excellent offer for motorhome travelers. If you are looking for an authentic experience on the Galician Coast, this is your stop. And if you don’t have your vehicle yet, remember that Motorhome Rental in Madrid is the best option to start your route. At Autocaravanas Camperdadi we offer you the most modern fleet and the service you need. Call us at +34 91 082 06 32, write to us on WhatsApp at +34 639 266 865, or send us an email to info@autocaravanascamperdadi.com and start planning your Galician adventure.