After spending the last 2 months in France and Spain, we’ve got pretty good at identifying the nationality of a van by the actions of it’s owners. We all have our eccentricities but the Spanish never cease to amaze me. Quiet site, official or wild camping, midnight with most in bed and 2 or 3 sets of headlights suddenly appear, (Especially on a weekend) you just know it’s a convoy of Spanish and it always is. Last night, 2 motorhomes turned up at 11pm, checked there was space then set off again (probably to a town 5 miles away) and returned at 1am. Tonight, 3 big families on an aire, stuff spread all over, big table of food, kids playing. 10pm everything packed up and off they all go. I won’t be surprised if they don’t turn up again later. I’m guessing it’s all to do with different circadian rhythms due to their siesta and feeling more awake late at night but I certainly wouldn’t fancy setting off on dark roads after a big meal and a few beers and wines with a van full of kids bouncing off the walls!
The Nocturnal Spanish
- Thread starter Dwarfland
- Start date
The Spanish in my experience do not have the traditional siestas like they did some years ago. Many young families have Motorhomes these days and their jobs often mean they work until 7 pm so by the time they get home on a Friday and drive to the site it’s understandable why they arrive late, stay until late on the Sunday and shower the kids before setting off for home again & back to work. Very different to us Brits 
I think it must depend on where you go regarding siesta. In the big cities, I’d agree, a lot of shops etc stay open. However in smaller towns and villages, especially away from tourist areas, I’d say siesta is universally observed. Away from the coast on this trip we’ve rarely come across anything open mid afternoon and the streets are totally deserted. I commented that during lockdown I doubt anyone would have noticed any difference at that time!The Spanish in my experience do not have the traditional siestas like they did some years ago. Many young families have Motorhomes these days and their jobs often mean they work until 7 pm so by the time they get home on a Friday and drive to the site it’s understandable why they arrive late, stay until late on the Sunday and shower the kids before setting off for home again & back to work. Very different to us Brits
- Oct 5, 2012
- 4,300
- 9,573
- Funster No
- 23,166
- MH
- Carado T132
- Exp
- 5 years, feel free to ask me about the Carado!!
Siesta time is the best time to drive on the roads 
Not for me it's not.... I'm sleeping....Siesta time is the best time to drive on the roads
Subscribers do not see these advertisements
Join us or log in to post a reply.
To join in you must be a member of MotorhomeFun
Join MotorhomeFun
Join us, it quick and easy!
Log in
Already a member? Log in here.