Picture yourself kissed awake by the sun, coffee in hand, listening to the roar of the ocean while you’re enjoying the early morning bliss of waking up next to the sea on your Northern Spain road trip. You’re looking out of your camper van at the endless ocean and the rough cliffs while still dreaming about last night’s stargazing after treating yourself with delicious pinxtos and Rioja wine.
Still more of a hidden gem in Spain, the Northern coast offers a completely different experience from Spain’s south. The coast is far less covered in buildings, the ocean rougher, and often framed by cliffs. Nature up here is less touched and a paradise for hikers, surfers, bikepackers and, of course, campers. You can be sure to see a variety of landscapes throughout your trip. Besides, the north is home to several wonderful, smaller and larger Spanish cities worth visiting. And then there are some national parks that will blow your mind.
I had been to the Basque Country twice before heading for this Northern Spain road trip adventure, and I was already fascinated by the unique landscapes up here. At times, it gave me a feeling of being in the Alps, as you can literally hear the bells of cows grazing on wildflower meadows in the background, but in the next second, you’re struck by the roar of the ocean and the mesmerizing view of majestic, rugged cliffs.
So I was extremely curious about the other regions Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia on this Northern Spain itinerary. And one thing is for sure – I was far from disappointed. So come on and join me, falling in love with the north coast of Spain together.
Table of contents
Regions & highlights on your Northern Spain road trip
Basque Country | Charming cities, pintxos & surreal cliffs
Mostly known for its two beautiful cities Bilbao and San Sebastián, many visit the Basque Country for a city trip. And they’re absolutely worth seeing. But what truly stands out is the landscape – the cliffs, the oceans, the waves loved by surfers.
When I first saw the lush landscape of the Basque Country, I felt like I was thrown into an unreal scene: amazingly green meadows with cows grazing lazily just like in the Alps, but right next to rough cliffs and an endless ocean. Soaking up the salty air of the sea, the wind dancing around my nose, I knew I wanted to come back and see more of it.
The Basque have had their own culture, traditions and language long before the Spanish language evolved. “Euskara” is not related to any other language family, making it absolutely unique. But during the Franco dictatorship, the Basque language and culture were suppressed. Because the Basque people are extremely proud of their separate identity, they have been yearning to be an independent state again for a long time.
Impressions of the Basque Country: San Sebastián | Bilbao | Flysch cliffs
ToDo in the Basque Country
- Visit San Sebastián – An all-time favorite among surfers, as you can spend the morning by the beach and then simply walk a few steps into the city for lunch.
- Have a drink at Urgulleko Polboriña – A wonderful spot for a drink while enjoying the view of the bay of San Sebastian.
- Viewpoints – The views along the Basque coast are gorgeous! Check out Faro de la Plata, or Monte Ulia
- Visit Bilbao – I’ve been to this city twice and love its lively streets where you can sit outside eating Pinxtos (the local tapas) until late, enjoy the view of town from Etxebarri Park and visit the amazing Guggenheim Museum.
- Join a free walking tour in Bilbao – Make some time for a free walking tour, to learn about the interesting Basque culture, identity and history.
- Gaze at unique cliffs (Flysch) – The coast in the Basque Country is embossed by these natural formations of sedimentary rock layers that form unique cliffs, especially impressive between Itzurun (Zumaia) and Itxaspe.
- Walk the stairs of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe – The endless stairs leading to a peninsula on the cliffs known from Game of Thrones (NOT a hidden gem, so I’d only visit during the low season, otherwise it gets crazy crowded).
- Zarautz – A small surfers town next to San Sebastián.
- Pintxos tour – Explore the local Basque food scene in San Sebastián with this amazing Pintxos and Wine Tour through several typical pintxos bars (the guide goes beyond to make sure to cater to any diets e.g. vegetarian).
- Txakoli Wine Tour – Discover the Basque coast through its signature wine, Txakoli, in this wine tour in a charming seaside town.
- Beaches
-
- Cala Sonabia – A gorgeous, secluded beach with cliffs and clear water
- Playa de Arenillas – A laid-back, sandy beach right next to Cala Sonabia
- Playa de Zurriola – This may be the cleanest city beach I’ve been to. Popular among surfers and really crowded during summer, it gives San Sebastián its special vibe (perfect for sunsets as well)
Eat in the Basque Country:
Don’t miss out on trying Pintxos (the Basque version of Spanish tapas) on your Northern Spain itinerary, especially in one of the many pintxos bars in Bilbao and San Sebastián. Here are some of my favorite spots:
- Kafe Botanica (San Sebastián) – What a beautiful place! Enjoy a drink or food in their green courtyard full of plants
- Bar Veggira (Bilbao) – One of my favorites! An all-vegan pintxos bar where you can enjoy all kinds of these local Basque tapas
- The Beetle Bar (Bilbao) – Located on a lively plaza, this is the perfect spot for a drink and some snacks while watching Bilbao’s quirky streets
- El Peñón de Sopelana (close to Bilbao) – If you’re looking for something special, with really nice food and sea views, this is the place to go!
Stay in the Basque Country:
Camping spots
- Wecamp San Sebastián – We stayed here with a camper, but the true gem are the gorgeous bell tents for the perfect glamping experience. Wecamp has a great focus on sustainability practices (you can view their whole sustainability report on their website)
- Camping & Bungalows Itxaspe – One of the most spectacular views I’ve ever had on a campsite! Watching the sun set over the Flysch cliffs with a Tinto de Verano in hand – just perfect! They also have a small infinity pool.
- Gran Camping Zarautz – A lovely campsite with a wonderful view of the beach which a friend recommended to me. They loved it there.
Hotels/Apartments
- Baosan – Close to Bilbao, this modern wooden house has several beautiful, well-equipped and tastefully furnished apartments with stunning views.
Hotel recommendation for the Basque Country: Baosan
Nested in the beautiful Basque countryside close to Bilbao, this accommodation offers wonderful apartments with mountain views and terraces, and a pool surrounded by nature. They value sustainability and respect for nature and have planted a new forest with native species. Charging for electric vehicles is also included in the private parking.
Day trip to Bardenas Reales
Just south of the Basque Country, this national park is absolutely worth a short detour or day trip! With its spectacular sandstone formations that have been formed by erosion, Bardenas Reales was an absolute highlight on my Northern Spain road trip.
What a marvelous scenery and so different from all the other landscapes you will see around! You can enter this national park by car, driving through the 50 hectares of surreal stone formations. We stopped here on our way back towards east, at the end of our Northern Spain itinerary, and I’m so glad we made the short detour.
Impressions of Bardenas Reales
Cantabria | From dunes to mountains
Known for its rough weather, our only rainy day on this Northern Spain road trip awaited us in Cantabria. Yet, the coast spreads a mystical atmosphere even without the sun. I somehow felt like I was in Ireland or Scotland. Magical. The beauty of a trip like that is to just take it as it comes. And eventually, you can always check the weather in different regions, hop into your car and drive towards the sun. That’s the whole bliss about a road trip, isn’t it?
Stretched along 220 kilometers of the Bay of Biscay, Cantabria features a beautiful coastline with countless tranquil natural beaches. So there’s plenty of options to check out, even if the weather is unstable in one place.
And you’re getting closer to one of the highlights of any Northern Spain itinerary. Spread across the regions of Cantabria, Asturias and León, one of Spain’s most spectacular landscapes is waiting for you: Picos de Europa. These mountains are a paradise for hiking and climbing.
Northern Spain road trip vibes along the coast and further inland in Cantabria | Santanilla del Mar
To Do in Cantabria
- Santander – Located right at the mouth of a large rocky bay, Cantabria’s capital is absolutely worth seeing
- Santillana del Mar – A gorgeous, historical little town, popular among pilgrims and worth a quick stop
- Dunas de Liencres – A natural park with a seemingly endless beach, lush vegetation and a river delta meeting the sea, offering great options for hikes and enjoying nature
- Mirador de Gerra – What a picturesque spot for sunset (be there a while before to enjoy a more tranquil experience on your Northern Spain itinerary)
- Visit Gaudí’s El Capricho – A gem of European modernism designed by the world-famous architect Antonio Gaudí off the beaten path
- Puerto Calderon – A great place to enjoy the sunset among the cliffs
- Potes/Picos de Europa – Opt for a hike or visit a cute mountain village, such as Potes
- Camaleño: Fuente Dé Cable Car – Ride up this spectacular cable car for breathtaking views of the Cantabrian Mountains
- Beaches:
- Playa de Langre – A scenic beach surrounded by stunning cliffs, popular for surfing not far from Santander
- Playa de Somocuevas – A beautiful sandy bay framed by spectacular rocks
- Playa de Berellín – A pristine beach with an amazing viewpoint across the bay (Mirador de la Playa de Berellín)
Eat in Cantabria
Restaurante La Bicicleta – If you’re up for a special dinner, check out this wonderful fine dining restaurant offering creative tasting menus with local Spanish dishes (there’s also a vegan tasting menu)
Stay in La Cantabria
Camping spots
- Camping La Paz – Incredible location directly next to a wide, natural beach
Hotels/Apartments
- Casa Córdoba – A BnB with a handful of beautiful rooms in a historic Cantabrian house with a lovely pool
Hotel recommendation for Cantabria: Casa Córdoba
In this beautifully renovated historic villa with pool, you can enjoy the sunny terrace and a green garden in the Cantabrian countryside. A historical home away from home!
Asturias | Impressive mountains & a pristine coast
The further west you drive on your Northern Spain itinerary, the more natural the beaches. Fewer buildings and no beaches with sunbeds. But pure nature and sandy, salty bliss. Driving through Asturias, I could really feel nature taking over.
But Asturias has much more to offer than a spectacular coast. As the Picos de Europa mountain range stretches into this region as well, this area is extremely diverse. Driving more inland, the Spanish mountains await you with one of Spain’s most spectacular landscapes. Fewer tourists make it here, as many stick to the Atlantic coast.
But the lakes, the mountains, and the serenity were such a refreshing surprise, filling our days with lakeside camper dinners, kayak trips and impressive mountain views.
The area is perfect for anyone who loves hiking or water activities. So make sure to spend some time further inland as well.
Ruta del Cares hike | Sidre in Asturias
ToDo in Asturias
- Inland
- Hike the Ruta de Cares – This hike through a large canyon in the Picos de Europa mountains was one of my highlights during my Northern Spain road trip. An easy & flat but long hike (12km one way, but you can also do just a part of it). Already driving to Caín (the small village where the hike starts) is breathtaking.
- Lagos de Covadonga – Two mountain lakes where you can hike with incredible views (you can also book a tour from Oviedo as a daytrip)
- Mirador de La Reina – A spectacular view point in the mountains
- Cangas de Onís / Sella River – Descent Sella River with this canoeing adventure and admire its spectacular nature in an off-the-beaten track section without the crowds
- Oviedo – A historic town dotted with cathedrals and several UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Along the coast / beaches
-
- Cimavilla (Gijón) – The beautiful, historic part of the city of Gijón
- Mirador del Fitu – A super beautiful viewpoint from which you can admire the amazing mountains and coast
- Playa de Huelga – A wide, unspoilt beach where a little river falls into the ocean and a huge natural arch in front of the coast
- Playa de Merón – A rough beach where you can park and stay right next to the beach on your Northern Spain itinerary
- Playa del Silencio – Apparently one of the most beautiful beaches in Spain. Framed by impressive cliffs, you have to walk down to the beach, but it’s easy to park here.
- Mirador La Regalina – A wonderful viewpoint close to Playa de Silencio with a stunning view of the coast
Eat in Asturias
- Pasiones (Gijon) – Very authentic, Northern Spanish food (all vegan)
Stay in Asturias
Camping spots
- Wecamp Cudillero – They have gorgeous glamping tents and bungalows & pay attention to many sustainable practices
- Camping Las Hortensias – A nice campsite located directly on a beautiful beach
Hotels/Apartments
ARTIEM Asturias – A gorgeous hotel with an amazing pool and garden area, modern high-class rooms and many measures for protecting the environment.
Hotel recommendation for Asturias: ARTIEM Asturias
Close to Gijón, this gem awaits you with stunningly beautiful rooms and surroundings. There’s even a spa area with a hot tub, hammam and sauna that you can use. You can park for free, and rent e-bikes to enjoy the region to the fullest. Plus, Artiem has a Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle certification for their action plan for generating a positive impact on the natural environment and the community (contributing to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals).
Day trip to Riaño
Just south of Asturias, a natural hidden gem awaits you. The landscape of the “Parque Regional Montaña de Riaño y Mampodre” truly blew my mind. Even with a cloudy arrival, the clear lake mirroring the spectacular mountains surrounding it, was spectacular.
It’s a wonderful region to rent a kayak, do a boat trip or hike around this lake. Pure bliss and one of my favorite hidden gems on this Northern Spain road trip! Speaking to locals, we heard that Spanish tourists love this area in July and August. But apart from the high season, it’s a serene paradise.
Gorgeous Riaño
Galicia | Unspoiled beaches & pilgrim vibes
Aww, Galicia and its superb beaches. Spain’s north-west awaits you with so many stunning wide beaches and panoramic roads leading to them. One more engrossing than the other. If you ask me, the Galician beaches I’ve seen on my Northern Spain road trip have become some of my favorites in Europe – their vastness a sign that you’re getting closer to Portugal. This makes Galicia also a favorite among surfers. I came across the name “Galifornia” and I loved this.
Crossed by four rivers, the region called “Rías Baixas” is gifted with even more spectacular spots by the water besides the Atlantic coast and beaches by the sea. The riverbeds are also home to some sandy beaches, offer great opportunities for biking and hiking, and there are some really nice viewpoints.
Also, Galicia is full of destinations for pilgrims walking on the route to Santiago de Compostela. These pilgrims bring a certain vibe to a place, spreading a feeling of humbleness, gratefulness, and a focus on slow-paced simplicity, which I enjoyed soaking up.
We only managed to see the north of Galicia, with Fisterra being the southernmost point of our trip. But I’d absolutely love to come back and see more of the south of Galicia.
Beaches in Galicia: Praia de Seiruga | Praia Doniños | Waking up next to Praia da Razo | As Catedrais
ToDo in Galicia
- Muxía & Fisterra – Two major destinations for pilgrims here in Galicia for those who are determined to walk even further than the popular Santiago de Compostela. They’re both peninsular towns, beautifully located by the coast.
- Enjoy Pimientos de Padrón – One of my favorite Spanish tapas that has its name from a small Galician town.
- Santiago de Compostela – Discover Santiago’s historic city center on a guided walking tour including entry tickets to the cathedral
- Surf, surf, surf – Soak up the true bliss of Galicia and ride its amazing waves. This region is a surfers paradise!
- Enjoy the gorgeous beaches
-
- Praia de Doniños – An absolutely wide, gorgeous beach with free parking for campers, toilets and showers. A dream for surfers and campers. If I had to choose one place to beam myself back to immediately, it would be here. Don’t miss the spectacular Cabo Prior closeby!
- Praia de Razo – Seemingly endless, this beach is a haven for surfers and campers on their Northern Spain itinerary (free parking right next to the beach and super clean toilets!).
- Praia De Seiruga – A beautiful bay where a small river reaches the ocean. When we were there it was super windy, but you can find some sheltered spots close to the rocks.
- Praia Area Grande – Spectacularly located where a river delta meets the sea, there’s also a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the river (Miradoiro da Furna do Sapo).
- As Catedrais – With its arched rock formations, quite a unique beach, but far from being a hidden gem, so I’d only recommend visiting if your Northern Spain road trip is not in the high season.
Praia Area Grande river delta | Fisterra
Eat in Galicia
- Espazo Nature – This eco glamping site has a wonderful restaurant with an unforgettable sea view and a handful of vegetarian/vegan options, such as Arroz con Verduras.
Stay in Galicia
Camping spots
- Camping Lago-Mar – A beautiful, small family-run campsite next to a gorgeous beach (perfect to watch the sunset). There’s a nice bar/restaurant overlooking the beach and it’s super clean. We loved it here.
Hotels/Apartments
- Parador Costa da Morte – With its unique location overlooking Lourido Beach, this eco-certified hotel offers a breathtaking view.
- Espazo Nature – We just spent one evening in their amazing restaurant, but Espazo Nature also offers incredible wooden villas and glamping overlooking gorgeous Praia de Razo. I’d absolutely love to stay here!
Hotel recommendation for Galicia: Espazo Nature
The modern villas, cabañas and glamping tents are built from natural materials and perfectly blend into the dunes of Razo. You can also enjoy their seaview restaurant, yoga classes, massages or rent bikes and explore the spectacular Costa da Morte.
The perfect Northern Spain itinerary
How many days do you need for a Northern Spain road trip?
We spent eleven days on our Northern Spain itinerary and were able to see all four regions and the highlights we wanted to visit. However, most of the time, we spent only one night in a certain place and drove further the next day. I would have loved to stay longer in certain areas, especially to see more of Galicia and spend several nights in one spot every now and then. So, in order to slow down a bit, I’d recommend at least two weeks.
Another option is to focus on a smaller region, e.g. only the Basque Country and Cantabria or only Galicia and Asturias.
How to get to Northern Spain?
If you’re planning your Northern Spain itinerary with your own car or a camper from Central Europe, you can drive to San Sebastián as the perfect starting point. Be aware that you have to pay around 50€ tolls to cross France.
There’s also the option to fly to either Bilbao or San Sebastián and pick up a rental car for your Northern Spain road trip there.
How to get around on a Northern Spain road trip?
In my opinion, driving around on your Northern Spain itinerary is a highlight in itself. There are so many panoramic coastal roads. You can stop along the way and enjoy the view whenever you want.
We also barely had to pay any tolls in Northern Spain, and always found stunning spots to camp. If you have a camper this is the perfect region for an unforgettable road trip. But you can also come by car or book a rental car to explore Northern Spain and sleep in local hotels or glamping tents on campsites.
If you arrive by plane and want to rent a car, I recommend booking with Discover Cars. Here, you can compare offers from countless different suppliers, and see how other travelers have rated them.
And you can customize (e.g. size of the cars, manual or automatic transition, how many drivers, customize your insurance coverage, and much more) and benefit from the Discover Cars service, which you can always contact if you have any questions or problems. I have always had good experiences with them, so I can warmly recommend this site.
Northern Spain road trip impressions
Suggested Northern Spain road trip itineraries
10 days Northern Spain itinerary
- San Sebastián or Bilbao
- explore one of the Basque cities (2 days)
- then: drive San Sebastián ⇨ Santander area (2.5h / 200 km) with stops at the Flysch coast on the way
- Cantabria coast
- discover the Dunas de Liencres and the beaches around it
- then: drive Santander area ⇨ Gijón area (2h / 180 km) with stops Santanilla del Mar and a few beaches and viewpoints on the way
- Asturias coast
- explore the Asturian natural beaches
- then: drive Gijón area ⇨ Doniños area / (2.5h / 260 km) along the panoramic coastal road with stops at some beaches & viewpoints on the way
- North Galicia 1st stop
- enjoy the stunning beaches around Praia Doniños (where you can stay on a parking next to the beach)
- then: drive Doniños area ⇨ Praia de Razo (1.5h / 10 km) with stops at a beach on the way
- Galicia 2nd stop
- wake up right next to the beach at Praia de Razo
- then: drive Razo ⇨ Fisterra area (1h / 80 km)
- Galicia 3nd stop
- discover the rivers, beaches and pilgrim towns along the Costa da Morte
- then: drive Fisterra ⇨ Riaño (5.5h / 500 km), but you could also add another night on the way in Asturias
- Riaño
- enjoy the lake and national park
- then: drive Riaño ⇨ Caín (1h / 40 km) for the Ruta del Cares hike
- Picos de Europa
- go hiking in the mountains and to mountain lakes
- then: drive Picos ⇨ Arguedas (4.5h / 440 km) for the entrance of Bardenas Reales
- Bardenas Reales
- drive through the national park
- from here, drive back home to Central Europe
As you can see, we spent more time in Galicia with just short drives inbetween – because we really loved it here, and we had to work remotely and didn’t want to spend too much time on the road (but added a long driving day afterwards). You can adjust that, of course.
As you can see, it’s quite a tight schedule, so I recommend at least 2 weeks to have more relaxing days in between.
2 weeks Northern Spain itinerary
The more time you have, the better. Take it down a notch and enjoy traveling slower.
Northern Spain road trip itinerary (click for interactive map)
Good to know for your Northern Spain road trip
Where to stay on a Northern Spain road trip?
While cruising through Northern Spain, you can see a lot of campers. There are many wonderful campsites, and strictly speaking, wild camping is not allowed but rather a grey zone (more about that in a second).
But you can also plan your Northern Spain itinerary with a car and stay in guesthouses, hotels or glamping tents on campsites.
Hotel recommendation for the Basque Country: Baosan
Nested in the beautiful Basque countryside close to Bilbao, this accommodation offers wonderful apartments with mountain views and terraces, and a pool surrounded by nature. They value sustainability and respect for nature and have planted a new forest with native species. Charging for electric vehicles is also included in the private parking.
Hotel recommendation for Cantabria: Casa Córdoba
In this beautifully renovated historic villa with pool, you can enjoy the sunny terrace and a green garden in the Cantabrian countryside. A historical home away from home!
Hotel recommendation for Asturias: ARTIEM Asturias
Close to Gijón, this gem awaits you with stunningly beautiful rooms and surroundings. There’s even a spa area with a hot tub, hammam and sauna that you can use. You can park for free, and rent e-bikes to enjoy the region to the fullest. Plus, Artiem has a Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle certification for their action plan for generating a positive impact on the natural environment and the community (contributing to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals).
Hotel recommendation for Galicia: Espazo Nature
The modern villas, cabañas and glamping tents are built from natural materials and perfectly blend into the dunes of Razo. You can also enjoy their seaview restaurant, yoga classes, massages or rent bikes and explore the spectacular Costa da Morte.
Camping in Northern Spain
Strictly speaking, wild camping isn’t allowed in Spain. However, there’s a “grey zone” that allows you to stop and rest from driving. So, of course, you can’t unpack your camping chairs, use leveling ramps and get comfortable wherever you feel like and stay for days. But you can stop on the side of the road for the night when you’re exhausted. We never had any problems during our Northern Spain itinerary.
I’m not encouraging you to camp wildly, I’m just informing you that you can stop and sleep in your car if no one is disturbed by it. Sometimes it can happen that the police or locals ask you to leave. Just stay kind and do so, if they approach you.
What’s the most important: Never leave any trash and treat nature and locals respectfully.
There are many beautiful campsites right next to the sea or with amazing views (from small farms offering a few spots to large scale campsites with a pool and extensive facilities). Northern Spain is a paradise for campers – no matter which way of camping you choose.
Tip for surfers: Check out the book Surf & Stay by Veerle Helsen for wonderful inspiration for surfing spots and campsites along the Atlantic coast.
Camping on my Northern Spain road trip
Sustainable travel in Northern Spain
Northern Spain offers many opportunities for sustainable and ecotourism. You can find large protected areas and national parks, such as Picos de Europa or Parque Regional Montaña de Riaño y Mampodre, providing spaces for nature-based tourism.
Being by far less visited than the country’s popular south (Andalucia), Spain’s Atlantic coast is also ideal for diving into authentic local culture. There are many farm stays, restaurants offering locally sourced food, and tours from local operators focusing on responsible tourism.
An example is intoAsturias, an organization committed to preserving the cultural and ecological integrity of the region while offering respectful experiences for visitors. They prioritize sustainable partnerships with locally owned businesses, work with wildlife guides that are certified in eco-tourism, support environmental NGOs, focus on educating travelers, and try to keep the environmental footprint of their office as low as possible.
Also, you can find many “Paradores” – accommodations in renovated historical buildings committed to meeting higher environmental standards.
Let’s keep these spectacular beaches on your Northern Spain road trip clean
What can I do as a traveler?
With many places in Spain’s south suffering from the effects of overtourism, the decision to travel to the country’s north is already a great step to support spreading out tourism. While Andalucia faces trash problems, water scarcity, coastal areas covered in buildings, a constant decrease of natural areas, and high pollution from planes and cruises, Northern Spain is far less touristy.
Besides, we as travelers can make a change by making responsible and conscious decisions during our Northern Spain road trip. Eventually, we want to enjoy our destination, right? And the way we treat the destination significantly influences whether future travelers can still enjoy it the way we did.
And of course, we have to make sure that inhabitants, animals, and the environment don’t suffer from our visit.
I’ve written a comprehensive guide full of tips on how to travel more sustainably. Often, small things can change a lot. Check this out if you’re interested in learning more about it.
But to give you the most relevant tips for your Northern Spain itinerary, here’s an overview of what you should consider in order to reduce the negative impacts of your Northern Spain road trip:
- Stay with locals: in guesthouses, small B&Bs or hotels. There are many lovely local B&Bs in Northern Spain where you can experience local life.
- Choose accommodation with a sustainability certification: such as the ones I’ve recommended above
- Save energy & water: In your accommodation, skip on getting fresh towels & cleaning daily, use a fan instead of aircon, and take short showers.
- Support local businesses: Eat and shop in small, locally owned restaurants and shops instead of supporting international chains.
- Book eco-friendly tours: for examples with intoAsturias
- Cause as little waste as possible: It’s actually simple – Say no to plastic bags, straws and packaging (instead, bring a tote bag). And when you’re on the beach, never leave any trash but dispose of it properly (ideally in bins with waste separation).
- Bring your own eco-friendly products: Especially along the coast, make sure to use reef-safe sunscreen without chemicals that harm the ocean, a shampoo bar that saves plastic and a bamboo toothbrush.
- Bring your own water bottle: I never travel without my self-purifying water bottle with which I can filter water anywhere I go and make it drinkable.
- Avoid any activities that involve animal cruelty: such as visiting aquariums. And make sure to book a tour that pays attention to animal welfare.
- Support organizations helping stray cats and dogs and treat these cuties with some snacks.
- Eat responsibly: Besides eating in local restaurants where ingredients are usually from the island, try to eat less meat or even plant-based. This can radically improve your ecological footprint, as meat consumption is one of the most severe causes of climate change.
- Be respectful. When taking pictures, always ask locals before and respect, if they don’t want pictures taken of them.
Besides, packing light and traveling more slowly makes your trip more sustainable as well.
Weather & travel season
When is the best time to go on a road trip in Northern Spain?
As the summer months (June-August) are not only the high season but also the hottest months, I recommend avoiding these months. Rather plan your Northern Spain road trip in spring or autumn when temperatures are still great for beach time, but there are fewer crowds and accommodation is also less expensive.
We were in Northern Spain in June and had an amazing time with temperatures around 25-30 °C, many beach days (on almost empty beaches) and lots of sun. And what I loved most about traveling during this time was the seemingly endless days, as the sun sets after 10 p.m. in June in Galicia.
Making the most out of long summer days in June
Language & currency
Spanish basics
I think it’s a shame when travelers visit a foreign country and only stick to English (or even worse, to their own native language). Of course, no one can expect you to learn any language. But learning a few basic phrases in the local language is not only fun and helpful in many situations, but also a way to show respect to the locals.
As Northern Spain consists of four regions, there are also several languages. But no one expects you to learn Galician and Basque.
But a few basic Spanish phrases can help you to improve your time during your Northern Spain road trip:
-
Hello – Hola
-
Good Morning – Buenos días
-
Bye – Adiós
-
Excuse me – Perdón
-
Thanks – Gracias
-
I don’t understand – No entiendo
-
Please – Por favor
-
Sorry – Lo siento
-
Help me! – Ayudame!
-
Cheers! – Salud!
-
Here – aquí
- Toll – peaje
- Fuel / petrol station – gasoline / gasolinera
-
How much is it? – Cuánto cuesta?
-
Where is the toilet? – Donde está el baño?
- The bill, please – La cuenta, por favor.
- Where does the bus leave? – Donde parte el bus?
-
No plastic bag – Sin bolsa de plastico
-
No straw – No paja
-
No plastic cutlery – No cubiertos de plástico
Is a road trip in Northern Spain expensive?
I experienced traveling in Northern Spain around the same price level as the rest of Spain or Portugal. How expensive your trip gets depends a lot on your way of travel. If you prefer fancy dinners and boutique hotels, you can easily spend an expensive vacation.
Food in Northern Spain
Vegan Pintxos in Bilbao | Pimientos de Padrón in Galicia
Northern Spain road trip – a wrap-up
Northern Spain in three words: Flysch cliffs | Pristine beaches | Pintxos
Did you know? The oldest cave drawing in Europe can be found in Cantabria in Cueva de Altamira, that are said to be more than 22,000 years old.
Favorite photo spot: Bardenas Reales
Favorite food: Vegan pinxtos at Bar Veggira in Bilbao
Can’t miss: Head off the beaten path further inland (Picos de Europa / Riaño)
Northern Spain road trip – Save this post on Pinterest for later
More road trip inspiration
Leave A Comment