Gas supply in Spain: What do I need to consider with a motorhome or caravan?
Spain is one of the most popular travel destinations for campers – whether on the Mediterranean coast, in the mountains or in the mild south during winter. To ensure that cooking, heating and cooling work reliably on the road, motorhome and caravan users need to be aware of the particularities of gas supply in Spain. Differences in cylinders, connectors and regulations can quickly become an issue otherwise.
Travelling to Spain with a motorhome or caravan promises sun, beaches and a well-developed infrastructure. However, there are several stumbling blocks when it comes to gas supply: German gas cylinders cannot be exchanged or refilled locally; instead, bottles from the suppliers Repsol and Cepsa dominate the market. Additionally, special connectors and different rules for refilling LPG tanks must be observed. Especially on longer trips, it is important to have the right equipment and to understand the differences from Germany. With proper preparation, campers can enjoy the freedom of travelling in Spain without worry.
Gas cylinders in Spain: Repsol, Cepsa & Co.
Gas cylinders from Repsol (orange) and Cepsa (silver-grey) are widely used in Spain. They are provided under a deposit system and come in various sizes – 6 kg butane cylinders and 12.5 kg cylinders for butane or propane are common. The regulated price per refill ranges between €16 and €19, plus a deposit of €20 to €50 for the cylinder.
To officially purchase a Spanish bottle, a deposit contract (“X-Poliza” or “Contrato”) is often required. This may involve a technical inspection of the gas installation, costing an additional €70 to €120. For tourists, this process is often inconvenient. In practice, many campers report that cylinders are readily available at petrol stations, gas depots or campsites – sometimes even without formal registration.
One thing is crucial: Spanish bottles have different connectors from German ones. We’ll cover this in detail below, but in Spain the so-called clip-on connector is particularly common. Suffice to say: without the correct adapter, German LPG systems cannot be connected to Spanish cylinders.
Spanish gas cylinders usually have the clip-on connection – unlike in Germany. Important: Without the appropriate adapter, German LPG system components do not fit Spanish cylinders.
German gas cylinders in Spain: Exchange and refilling
German campers face a clear restriction: brought-along gas cylinders cannot officially be exchanged or refilled in Spain. Refilling portable cylinders is explicitly prohibited under Spanish standard UNE 60670.
Although some travellers report unofficial refilling options at small depots or workshops, these lie outside legal regulations. Such practices are not recommended, as they involve safety risks and could lead to problems with insurance or authorities in the event of damage.
The safe option is to use an LPG gas tank cylinder for the stay in Spain or to rely on a local Spanish bottle. Those travelling longer distances are better off with a permanently installed LPG tank, as it can be refilled at the numerous LPG filling stations in the country.
LPG (GLP, Gas LP, Autogás): Filling stations and refuelling
Spain has a well-developed network of autogas filling stations. More than 500 stations are available nationwide, and in coastal areas and along major travel routes they are spaced every 50 to 100 kilometres. In rural areas, however, it is advisable to plan ahead. Useful tools include apps such as “myLPG.eu” or special autogas maps showing current locations.
LPG is usually referred to in Spain as “GLP” or “Gas LP”, and sometimes as “Autogás”. Campers should be familiar with these terms to recognise refuelling opportunities. The DISH system is typically used at filling pumps. If using a different connector (e.g. ACME or bayonet), a suitable adapter is needed.
Many campers report positive experiences in practice: filling fixed gas tanks or gas tank cylinders generally works without issues, often with assistance from filling station staff. Misunderstandings occasionally arise when staff assume LPG is only for vehicle engines. In such cases, it helps to politely explain that the gas is for heating and cooking in the motorhome – or to use a self-service station instead.
Refuelling LPG in Spain: At many stations, refilling LPG tanks is quick and straightforward – often even with assistance from the staff.
Adapters and connectors: What campers need in Spain
To ensure smooth gas supply, the right accessories are essential. In Spain, so-called clip-on connectors are standard. These differ significantly from the threaded gas cylinder valves used in Germany. Spanish bottles have a ball valve without a shut-off function that is only opened by attaching a clip-on shut-off valve. The clip fits onto a collar about 35 mm in diameter and is referred to in the standard as G.56 (“Jumbo-Clip”).
Standard Repsol and Cepsa bottles – both butane and propane – use this clip-on system. The difference lies only in the contents and labelling, not the connector. Butane bottles are usually orange, propane bottles often grey with a blue ring or black marking. Both types require the same adapter.
Technically, the valves also have internal threads (M27×2 for butane, M20×1.5 for propane). However, these are not directly accessible, as they are part of the valve system. What matters for campers: without a clip-on valve, no gas will flow. This valve – called “regulador salida libre” in Spain – is clipped on and locked in place, and then an adapter for the German connector can be used. The clip-on adapter from GOK is particularly practical. It has an outlet with the appropriate thread to screw on a pressure regulator with a German KLF connector. This allows campers to safely connect both butane and propane bottles from Spain to their system.
Important: Adapters and regulators should always be installed professionally. Always check that the gaskets in the adapters are present and intact. Also, remember to carry out the mandatory simple leak check:
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Butane or propane? Choosing gas based on climate and season
Butane is far more common in Spain than in Germany. The classic orange 12.5 kg “bombonas” of butane are available almost everywhere. For most travel periods – especially along the warm coastal regions – butane is perfectly adequate and provides good heating and cooking performance. However, butane has a drawback: at around 0 °C, it no longer vaporises reliably. Travelling in winter to mountainous areas of Spain therefore requires the use of propane (“propano”). Propane remains gaseous down to −40 °C and is suitable for cold nights.
Propane bottles are also available from Repsol or Cepsa, often with blue or black marking rings. The newer lightweight stainless steel or composite bottles from these providers also use the same clip-on connection and can be operated with the adapters described. For campers, this means: once equipped with a clip-on and adapter, switching between butane and propane is easy.
Practical tip: Those wintering mainly on the warmer coast can use butane, as it is cheaper and readily available. For travel inland or at higher altitudes where temperatures are lower, a propane bottle should be carried or exchanged deliberately. This ensures reliable gas supply regardless of climate.
Safe on the road: Technology and regulations in Spain
There is no statutory inspection obligation in Spain comparable to the German G 607. However, the LPG installation must comply with European standard EN 1949. Nonetheless, campers should have their gas system regularly serviced and checked before the trip. Technically sound components are key to safety.
The following equipment is recommended:
- A low-pressure regulator or gas pressure control system with the correct output pressure (usually 30 mbar)
- A crash sensor that automatically cuts off the gas supply in the event of an accident or heavy deceleration/acceleration
- Hose assemblies with hose rupture protection (SBS) (necessary for Caramatic DriveOne or DriveTwo)
- Optional: gas filter
- An adapter set including DISH adapter for filling stations and clip-on adapter for bottles
Gas operation while driving is only permitted in Spain if a certified safety system with a crash sensor is installed. Without such an automatic shut-off, operation while driving is not allowed. Those travelling with modern safety technology such as the GOK Caramatic SafeDrive or SafeDrive PLUS, or Caramatic DriveOne or DriveTwo (each in combination with Caramatic ConnectDrive), meet this requirement and also benefit from higher safety and reduced installation effort, as additional filters or separate safety features are not needed.
Even though Spanish authorities may appear less strict than in Germany, many campsites expect a functioning and safe gas installation. For campers, this means: even if there is no obligation, regular checks by professional workshops are advisable and provide peace of mind.
In Spain, using gas while driving is only permitted if an approved safety system with crash sensor is installed – such as the Caramatic SafeDrive, SafeDrive PLUS, DriveOne or DriveTwo.
Conclusion: Planning is everything for safe gas supply
Gas supply in Spain differs in many ways from that in Germany. German cylinders can neither be exchanged nor refilled, and the connectors are different. However, with the right accessories – clip-on adapter, Europe adapter set and a safety system with crash sensor – the country offers good infrastructure with numerous LPG filling stations and reliable supply via providers like Repsol and Cepsa.
For campers, this means: careful preparation saves stress and improvisation on the road. Whether using a Spanish deposit bottle or your own gas tank – with the right system, heating, cooking and cooling are ensured even on long journeys through Spain. Those who also pay attention to regular maintenance and certified safety equipment are well equipped for their trip and can enjoy their stay with peace of mind.
FAQ: Gas supply in Spain with motorhome and caravan
Can I exchange or refill German gas cylinders in Spain?
No, German bottles cannot be exchanged or refilled in Spain. Refilling is explicitly forbidden under Spanish standard UNE 60670.
Which gas cylinders are common in Spain?
Mainly bottles from Repsol (orange) and Cepsa (silver-grey). Common sizes include 6 kg butane and 11–12.5 kg cylinders for butane or propane.
What type of connector do Spanish cylinders have?
They use the clip-on system (G.56, “Jumbo-Clip”). A special clip-on adapter is required to connect the bottles to German LPG systems. Important: when purchasing, ensure the small plastic protective cap is present on the connector stub!
Which is better: butane or propane?
Butane is widely used in Spain and suitable for mild temperatures. Around 0 °C and below, it stops vaporising. For winter trips or mountain regions, propane is the safer choice.
Are there enough LPG filling stations in Spain?
Yes, over 500 stations are available nationwide. Supply is excellent in urban areas and coastal regions; in the interior, planning is advisable.
Can I use gas while driving?
Only if a crash sensor system is installed. Without this safety technology, operation during driving is not permitted.
Which adapters should I definitely take with me?
A clip-on adapter for Spanish bottles (e.g. GOK clip-on adapter) and the DISH adapter for LPG filling stations. A complete Europe adapter set (D1–D4) is recommended.
