Buying a Campervan and Travelling Europe: Retirement on the Move
When most people picture retirement in Europe, it’s all rosé lunches in Provence or lazy beach days in the Algarve. And yes, that version of retirement exists, complete with linen shirts and local olives. But there’s another kind of dream bubbling beneath the surface. One that trades boutique hotels for mountain passes, cruise ships for country lanes, and fixed itineraries for the kind of freedom that only comes with four wheels and a tank full of diesel.
Enter the European campervan lifestyle, one part road trip, one part leisurely travel and one part wine-soaked daydream. For retirees craving flexibility, discovery, and a home on the go, it might just be the perfect way to explore a continent steeped in history, scenery, and small coffees.
Why Choose Van Life in Europe?
Europe was practically made for this kind of travel. The distances are short, the landscape is wildly diverse, and the road signs (usually) make sense. In a single week, you could be driving through Spanish olive groves, crossing the Alps, and sipping Grüner Veltliner by an Austrian lake, all without getting on a plane.
Van life gives you autonomy. No hotel check-ins, no dragging suitcases over cobblestones, and no set timetable. With Europe’s well-established camping culture, there’s always a place to pull over, plug in, and unwind with a view and a nice glass of vino.
Buying a Campervan in Europe
As a foreigner, you can buy a campervan in Europe, but not everywhere, and not without a bit of bureaucracy.
In France, the process is surprisingly easy. It’s one of the most popular countries for non-residents to purchase campervans thanks to a wide used-vehicle market, relatively straightforward paperwork, and flexible insurance options. Many expats and long-term travellers successfully register a van in France using a temporary address, often through vehicle brokers or with the help of local friends. Another structure is to establish a non-trading company, Societe Civile.
Germany is another solid choice. Known for its impeccably maintained vehicles and strict roadworthiness standards, it offers a highly reliable second-hand market. You’ll need to navigate the paperwork in German, and you’ll require a local registration address. The process is efficient and transparent, and the resale value of German-registered vans tends to hold their value.
In contrast, buying a campervan in Italy, Spain or Portugal is more complex if you don’t have legal residency. These countries generally require a national ID number and proof of long-term address (residency permit, lease agreement, or property ownership) to register and insure a vehicle. While some foreign buyers have found creative workarounds, such as using brokers or purchasing through a local contact, it’s often more trouble than it’s worth.
Some travellers consider buying in the UK and taking their right-hand-drive van over to mainland Europe. This was once a go-to option for many nomads, but post-Brexit (and left-side driving) have made it less appealing. That said, for short-term travel, it’s still a viable path, just be prepared for extra paperwork and round-abouts.
If you’re searching online, use terms like Wohnmobil (Germany), Camping-car (France), Autocaravana (Spain/Portugal), or simply “campervan for sale Europe.” While listings that mention “non-smoker, no pets” may sound trivial, they often indicate a well-cared-for vehicle.
So, What Does It Actually Cost to Buy a Campervan?
Let’s talk numbers. A 15-year-old van, well-travelled, can be found for around €5,000. While a respectable Mercedes Sprinter, fully fitted out for camping (bed, kitchenette, solar, storage, with even a small bathroom, typically sells for €45,000 ($48,000 USD). This will depend on mileage, features, and conversion quality. A new professionally constructed Sprinter camper can start from €85,000.
That price might feel steep, but keep in mind it becomes your accommodation and transport rolled into one. These vans are known for their reliability and strong resale value, especially when well maintained.
Registration and Insurance
Once you’ve bought your van, you’ll need to register and insure it locally. Costs vary by country and per the examples below.
• Annual registration (including road tax and inspections) usually falls between €150 and €400 ($160–$430 USD).
• Insurance, for third-party, fire, and theft typically costs €500 to €1,200 per year ($540–$1,300 USD), depending on your age, driving history, country of registration, and whether you opt for full comprehensive coverage.
Some insurers do offer coverage for foreign buyers, especially if you go through a broker who specialises in non-resident vehicle purchases. Expect a bit of paperwork, but with patience, it’s entirely doable.
Living in a Van
Europe’s campervan culture is both well-established and wonderfully diverse. Across the continent, you’ll find more than 30,000 official campsites, plus countless aires, wild camping spots, and overnight stops that cater specifically to motorhomes and campervans.
France leads the pack with its extensive network of aires de service, which range from simple parking bays in village squares to scenic spots beside vineyards. Portugal’s coastline has become a magnet for van-lifers, though recent regulations now limit wild camping in some areas. Germany offers clean, well-organised stopovers…no surprise there, with some smaller towns offering dedicated motorhome areas. In Scandinavia, the concept of Allemansrätten, or “everyman’s right,” allows for legal wild camping in many areas, giving you the freedom to pull up beside lakes, forests, or fjords. Italy, as always, is scenic, rustic, a touch chaotic and absolutely worth the effort.
In general, a camping sign indicates a full-service campsite with amenities, while words like aire or stellplatz point to overnight parking with fewer frills and a more rustic (but often more authentic) feel.
What Does It Cost to Travel?
Van life in Europe can be surprisingly affordable, depending on your comfort level, travel pace, and where you like to stay.
Campsites and aires can range from completely free to around €500 per month. Fuel costs will depend on how far and how often you move, but a moderate estimate would be between €200 and €400 a month. Food and groceries can be between €300 to €600 range for most couples, especially if you mix farmers’ markets with the occasional trattoria or boulangerie. If you include the occasional wine tastings, museum visits, a boat tour here and there, your monthly costs could total anywhere from €1,000 to €2,000 ($1,100 to $2,200 USD).
Repairs and maintenance do occasionally happen, but a well-maintained van can often go months without more than a quick oil change or tyre check. Travel smart, stay flexible, and you’ll find that Europe can be explored on a surprisingly lean budget.
What Kind of Van?
Choosing the right van depends less on the brand and more on your travel style and comfort preferences.
A fully-fitted campervan weighing under 3.5 tonnes tends to hit the sweet spot. It is big enough for a bed, a kitchen, and even a loo, but still nimble enough to squeeze through narrow alpine villages. Van conversions are a bit stealthier, ideal for those who like things simple and understated. Larger motorhomes offer more space and comfort but can be tricky to navigate on winding roads or in medieval towns.
Some retirees prefer a caravan towed by a separate vehicle, although this setup is more common for locals than international travellers. Others go the minimalist route, living out of small VW-style campers or converted ex-delivery van with rooftop tents. Whatever your setup, what matters most is comfort, reliability, and the ability to adapt to the journey ahead.
Is This Lifestyle for You?
If you enjoy waking up in a new landscape every few days, can cope with the occasional noisy rest stop, and aren’t too attached to long showers or flawless WiFi, this lifestyle could suit you. There’s something thrilling about crossing a border without a plane ticket, pulling into a scenic lookout, or discovering a hidden village festival you’d never have found on a tour.
You’ll find yourself chatting with fellow nomads over campfires in Slovenia, swapping wine recommendations with Belgians in Portugal, and fixing your van door with duct tape offered by a grinning Dutchman who’s been on the road since 2011. You’ll get lost on country roads, get found again, and collect stories that age better than any souvenir.
A Final Word
Retirement doesn’t have to mean sitting still. It can mean heading into the unknown, one winding lane and local cheese at a time. Travelling Europe by campervan isn’t just about transport, it’s about time. Time to savour, to explore, and to reconnect with both nature and yourself.
So if the idea of swapping a bricks-and-mortar view for endless horizons is appealing, then maybe it’s time to grab a map, load up the fridge, and hit the road. After all, some of the best memories are made when you’re a little lost, slightly sunburnt, and sipping wine in a place you can’t quite pronounce.
Safe travels :-)