If you’re craving a road trip that combines dramatic coastlines, emerald-green mountains and beautiful beaches a campervan road trip in Northern Spain—particularly the regions of Asturias and Cantabria—offers one of Europe’s most underrated campervan adventures. This corner of the Iberian Peninsula is a perfect destination for nature lovers, surfers, foodies, and slow travelers seeking an experience far removed from the crowds of Barcelona or Madrid.
Our campervan road trip through northern Spain took us along the coast of Cantabria and Asturias before heading inland to the mountains of Picos de Europa.
Why Northern Spain?
Unlike Spain’s sun-drenched south, Asturias and Cantabria are wild and green, shaped by the Cantabrian Sea and backed by the soaring Picos de Europa mountains. The blend of rugged coast and misty peaks creates a landscape that’s nothing short of cinematic—and ideal for campervan exploration.
While the area can be filled with tourists during July and August, most tourists are from Spain which makes a trip to Northern Spain a truly authentic experience for a campervan road trip in Northern Spain.
Before you go, make sure that you have the right equipment for a comfortable campervan road trip.
Itinerary – campervan road trip in Northern Spain
Santander
After starting our campervan road trip in Northern Spain with a detour to the famous Bardenas Reales, we headed north for our 2 weeks adventure in Cantabria and Asturias. Our first stop was Santander. The capital of Canabria blends sophisticated seaside elegance with natural beauty, cultural heritage, and relaxed Atlantic vibes. Don’t miss the Magdalena Palace, once a royal summer retreat, the seaside walking trails with stunning views as well as Santander’s Old Town and cathedral.
To gain time, the hop on hop off bus gives a good overview of the city and its sights.
Parking your campervan can be quite challenging in Santander. We opted for this big parking area, just a ferry drive away from the city center.
Santillana del Mar
This famous medieval village attracts visitors for its golden sandstone, half-timbered houses, and cobblestone streets. Don’t miss a visit of the Colegiata de Santa Juliana, a 12th-century Romanesque church, built over a former monastery.
The village is quite busy and it is difficult to find a good place to park a campervan. Therefore, we had to pay 24h at the designated campervan area although we were just passing through.
After some first cultural stops, it is time for some beach experience. Llanes is a good starting point to do that. It was not that easy to find a good camp ground for a couple of days at the beach but we found this one. While there was no sea view driectly from the camp ground, a very nice beach was close by. The infrastructure on the beach was quite rustic and we only saw Spanish tourists. We were able to relax a few days at the beach front before continuing our road to the mountains, Picos de Europa, and the more adventurous part of our journey.
Covadonga
Covadonga is one of the most famous places in the Picos de Europa. This one or two days excursion combines beautiful mountain landscapes, crystal clear lakes and
Special parking lots for campervans at P1 and P3 offer an easy travel experience.
Potes
Nestled in the lush valleys of Liébana and framed by the dramatic peaks of the Picos de Europa, Potes is a charming medieval town in Cantabria, northern Spain. Rich in history and with its riverside beauty, it is a perfect starting point for exploring the Picos de Europa. Don’t miss the Torre del Infantado, a 14th-century fortress that once served as a noble residence and later as a prison. Today, it functions as the town hall and exhibition space. Climb to the top for panoramic views of Potes and the surrounding mountains.
The city has a very nice campervan area close to the city center. You can even book a slot in advance here which makes planning your trip so much easier.
Fuente Dé
The Fuente Dé Cable Car offers an amazing family friendly mountain experience fo the whole family. It transports visitors from the valley floor at 1,070 meters to the Mirador del Cable at 1,823 meters in just under four minutes. On the top, you can either just enjoy the breathtaking view during a picnic or a break at the restaurant or you can opt for a walk.
We parked our campervan at the parking lot of the cable car for the time of the excursion. Even in the middle of August, we managed to find a spot although the area is quite busy.
However, it is forbidden to stay the night. Therefore, we spent a couple of nights at the close by campground La Isla de los Picos, which, although close to the road, has a nice pool.
Santo Toribio de Liebana
From there, it is possible to hike to the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liebana. The reception of the hotel can indicate the way. Alternatively, a big parking lot is available just in front of the Monastery.
While the Monastery is famous to pilgrims for its fragment of the True Cross, every traveler can enjoy the beautiful architecture and its peaceful location in the heart of the Cantabrian Mountains.
Comillas
Comillas is a picturesque town that seamlessly combines a rich cultural heritage and a natural beautiful sea side. It is home to El Capricho de Gaudi, a marvelous and unique villa designed by the famous Antoni Gaudí, which is one of 3 works of Gaudi outside Barcelona. During our campervan trip through Northern Spain, we really enjoyed this visit.
Comillas also has a designated campervan area which is a good and affordable starting point for visiting the city, although you have to walk a bit in order to reach the most iconic sites. Another great option is the simple but beautiful campground close to the beach.
If you have not decided on your destination yet, we have prepared an over view of our 10 Best campervan roadtrips in Europe.
Our Highlights
One of the highlights of our campervan road trip in northern Spain was the beautiful mountain region of Picos de Europa. After driving along the coast, the landscape suddenly changes as the road climbs into dramatic mountain scenery. Deep valleys, towering limestone peaks and winding roads make this area an incredible place to explore.
The small town of Potes was one of our favourite stops in the region. Surrounded by mountains and crossed by stone bridges over a river, the village has a charming atmosphere with narrow streets and traditional houses. It is also a perfect base for exploring the surrounding mountains of the Picos de Europa.
From Potes, there are many opportunities to discover the natural beauty of the park, whether by hiking through the valleys or simply enjoying the spectacular views along the mountain roads. For us, this area perfectly captured the wild and scenic character of northern Spain.
Conclusion
Our campervan road trip through northern Spain turned out to be one of the most surprising road trips. The combination of rugged coastline, green valleys and dramatic mountain landscapes makes this region incredibly diverse and rewarding to explore.
From the charming streets of Potes to the spectacular scenery of Picos de Europa, every stop along the way offered something different. Our campervan journey through northern Spain showed us how diverse and beautiful a Northern Spain road trip can be.
Northern Spain feels very different from the more famous parts of the country, but that is exactly what makes it so special. For anyone looking for a road trip that combines nature, authentic Spanish culture and beautiful landscapes, this region is definitely worth exploring.
If you’re looking for more inspiration, you can also explore our guide to the best campervan road trips in Europe.
How to plan your campervan roadtrip
Cantabria and Asturias are quite campervan friendly regions even during high season. Many cities have designated campervan areas which allow for an easy travel experience, especially with children.
Many campgrounds have an outdoor playground and pool. For more comfort with your family, campgrounds can be a good option when travaling with children.
You can find your next spots on Park4night or me more adventurous and stop wherever you go. You might find our blog post on how to find the most scenic campervan spots useful.
Map of our campervan road trip to Northern Spain
To give you a better idea of the route we followed, the map below shows the main stops of our campervan road trip through northern Spain. The journey takes you along the spectacular coastline of Cantabria and Asturias, before heading inland toward the mountains of Picos de Europa. As you can see on the map, distances are relatively short, which makes this region perfect for a family-friendly campervan adventure with plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenery along the way.
FAQ for a campervan road trip in Northern Spain
Is Northern Spain good for a campervan road trip?
Yes, northern Spain is one of the best regions in Europe for a campervan adventure. The route along the Bay of Biscay combines dramatic coastal cliffs, green valleys and mountain landscapes. Regions such as Asturias and Cantabria are particularly popular because they offer beautiful beaches, scenic drives and easy access to nature.
When is the best time to visit Northern Spain by campervan?
The best time for a campervan road trip in northern Spain is between late spring and early autumn. During this period the weather is generally mild and ideal for exploring the coast and the mountains. Summer is the most popular season, while spring and early autumn often offer fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures.
Can you wild camp in Northern Spain?
Wild camping rules vary depending on the region. In many places it is not allowed to set up camp outside designated areas, but overnight parking is sometimes tolerated if you remain discreet and respectful. Many campervan travellers use dedicated campervan areas or campsites along the coast to stay overnight.
What are the best places to visit on a Northern Spain road trip?
Northern Spain offers many spectacular destinations. Highlights include the coastal city of San Sebastián, the dramatic mountains of Picos de Europa, and the historic pilgrimage city of Santiago de Compostela. Each region offers a mix of beautiful landscapes, charming villages and excellent local cuisine.
How many days do you need for a campervan road trip in Northern Spain?
A week is usually enough to explore several highlights along the northern Spanish coast. However, spending two weeks allows more time to discover different regions such as the Basque Country, Cantabria and Asturias while enjoying the many scenic stops along the way.
Is Northern Spain expensive for campervan travel?
Compared with some other Western European destinations, northern Spain can be relatively affordable. Campsites and campervan areas are widely available, and food prices are generally reasonable, especially outside major tourist cities.
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