Spain's green north coast: the Basque Country, Cantabria and the Picos de Europa

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This trip is planned for 03 Jun – 18 Jun 2027.

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Day 1 · Thu 03/06 3:30 hr

From Freiburg through France, heading south-west

Arrival day, splitting the first long stretch sensibly

The first stage has deliberately been kept short, at just over 3.5 hours of driving.

Start

Freiburg

This is where your trip begins. With a full tank and topped-up fresh water, you set off towards France.

313 km · 3:30 hr
Camper stop

Aire de Camping-Car Beaune

Beaune, in the heart of Burgundy, is a charming stopover with an old town encircled by ramparts and the famous Hôtel-Dieu. The pitch is within walking distance of the centre, perfect for a relaxed evening stroll.

12–16 € / night
Website
Day 2 · Fri 04/06 5:30 hr

Through central France to Bordeaux

A driving stage with a touch of wine-country flair

This is the longest driving stage of the trip. An early start is recommended, which means shorter days afterwards.

Long stage — build in breaks.

601 km · 5:30 hr
Camper stop

Aire Camping-Car Park Bordeaux Lac

Bordeaux impresses with its elegant riverside setting on the Garonne and the cobbled centre around Place de la Bourse. The guarded pitch by the lake is well connected, and you can easily reach the centre by tram.

14–18 € / night
Website
Day 3 · Sat 05/06 2:42 hr

Across the border to San Sebastián

Arrival in the Basque Country

A short driving day, so make the most of the afternoon at La Concha and enjoy your first pintxos in the Parte Vieja.

260 km · 2:25 hr
1
Town

San Sebastián / Donostia

San Sebastián is considered one of the most beautiful cities on the Bay of Biscay. The curving city beach of La Concha, the lively old town and the Basque Country's densest concentration of pintxos bars are waiting for you.

Website
1 km · 15 min
2
Nature

Playa de La Concha

The shell-shaped bay of La Concha is the city's emblem, lined by an elegant promenade with white railings. At low tide it becomes a wide stretch of fine sand, perfect for your first seaside stroll.

child-friendly
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5 km · 4 min
Campsite

Camping Igueldo San Sebastián

The terraced campsite sits on Monte Igueldo high above the city, with views over the bay. A bus line connects the site directly to the centre, so you can leave the motorhome parked.

30–42 € / night child-friendly
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Day 4 · Sun 06/06 18 min

San Sebastián: pintxos, old town and views

A day of indulgence with no travelling

A rest day with no driving. Spend the morning in the old town and at Mercado de la Bretxa, have pintxos at lunchtime, then head up Monte Urgull in the afternoon.

3
Food

Parte Vieja (Old Town) San Sebastián

In the narrow lanes of the old town, one pintxos bar follows the next. You move from counter to counter, sampling small bites like Gilda or fried cod, washed down with a Txakoli.

20–40 € / person
Website
· 15 min
4
Nature

Monte Urgull

The wooded hill above the old town can be climbed in under an hour. At the top, a statue of Christ rewards you with sweeping views over the bay and the open sea.

child-friendly
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Another night: Camping Igueldo San Sebastián
Day 5 · Mon 07/06 1:30 hr

Coastal charm at Gaztelugatxe

Cliffs and the walking trail to the Ermita

Bring sturdy shoes and water for Gaztelugatxe; the walk down and back up takes a good 1.5 hours.

Book your timed-entry ticket in advance.

17 km · 13 min
5
Town

Getaria

The small fishing village of Getaria is known for grilled fish and the tangy Txakoli from the surrounding vineyards. The distinctive El Ratón rock defines the harbour's silhouette.

15–30 € / person child-friendly
Website
62 km · 1:15 hr
6
Sight

Ermita de San Juan de Gaztelugatxe

A stone bridge and 241 steps lead to the isolated hermitage on a rocky islet, made world-famous by Game of Thrones. The path is steep, but the crashing waves and panoramic views make it a highlight.

0 € child-friendly
Website
4 km · 3 min
Camper stop

Área de Autocaravanas Bakio

Bakio is a laid-back surfing village with a long sandy beach, just a few minutes from Gaztelugatxe. The motorhome pitch is close to the beach and makes for a peaceful evening by the sea.

12–18 € / night child-friendly
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Day 6 · Tue 08/06 1:06 hr

Bilbao and the Guggenheim

Architecture and art

A short drive, leaving the whole day for Bilbao. You can walk pleasantly along the river from the Guggenheim into the old town.

3 km · 2 min
7
Sight

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

Frank Gehry's gleaming titanium building on the banks of the Nervión has transformed Bilbao and is a sight to behold even from outside. Inside, changing exhibitions of modern art, with Jeff Koons' flower dog Puppy standing guard out front.

16–18 € / person child-friendly
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

See tickets on WeGoTrip(affiliate link)

2 km · 20 min
8
Food

Casco Viejo Bilbao

The seven streets of Bilbao's old town are full of traditional bars and markets like the Mercado de la Ribera. Perfect for an afternoon pintxos crawl.

15–30 € / person
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28 km · 45 min
Camper stop

Área Autocaravanas Kobetamendi

The municipal motorhome site sits on a hill above Bilbao with views over the city. A bus runs from here into the centre, so you can leave the large vehicle outside the narrow city streets.

10–15 € / night
Website
Day 7 · Wed 09/06 1:12 hr

From Bilbao to the Cantabrian border

Coastal drive to Castro Urdiales

A very relaxed day with short stages and time on the beach.

35 km · 40 min
9
Town

Castro Urdiales

This fishing town, with its Gothic church of Santa María, castle ruins and old harbour, is a peaceful introduction to Cantabria. The waterfront promenade is great for a stroll and some seafood.

12–25 € / person child-friendly
Website
20 km · 30 min
Camper stop

Área de Autocaravanas Laredo

Laredo has one of Cantabria's longest sandy beaches, La Salvé, stretching for kilometres. The pitch is close to the beach, ideal for an afternoon of swimming and walking.

12–18 € / night child-friendly
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Day 8 · Thu 10/06 1:06 hr

Santander and the Península de la Magdalena

An elegant seaside capital

The peninsula and beaches can easily be combined on foot. Leave the motorhome at the pitch.

37 km · 45 min
10
Nature

Península de la Magdalena

The sprawling park with the royal summer palace sits on a green peninsula overlooking the Bay of Santander. Free-roaming seals and penguins in a small enclosure add variety to the walk.

0 € child-friendly
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1 km · 20 min
11
Nature

Playa del Sardinero

Santander's elegant city beach is lined by a Belle Époque promenade. Fine sand and calm water make it perfect for swimming and strolling.

child-friendly
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2 km · 2 min
Camper stop

Área Autocaravanas Santander (Cabo Mayor)

The pitch near the Cabo Mayor lighthouse sits within Santander's green coastal park. From here, you can walk the coastal path with sea views, with the centre reachable by bus.

10–15 € / night child-friendly
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Day 9 · Fri 11/06 1:12 hr

Santillana del Mar and Comillas

Medieval history and Gaudí

If you fancy it, visit the Museo de Altamira in Santillana as well, home to a replica of the famous cave paintings.

34 km · 35 min
12
Town

Santillana del Mar

This perfectly preserved medieval village, with cobbled streets, noble houses and its collegiate church, is one of Spain's most beautiful settings. Car-free at its core, it's ideal for a stroll through history.

0 € child-friendly
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18 km · 25 min
13
Sight

El Capricho de Gaudí

This playful early work by Antoni Gaudí in Comillas gleams with sunflower tiles and a striking tower. A small but charming piece that already hints at the master's later style.

5–7 € / person child-friendly
Website
· 10 min
Camper stop

Área de Autocaravanas Comillas

Comillas combines modernist architecture with a lovely beach and a historic centre. The pitch is close to the centre, so El Capricho and the Universidad Pontificia are within walking distance.

12–18 € / night child-friendly
Website
Day 10 · Sat 12/06 1:24 hr

Hidden beaches: Playa de Gulpiyuri

Coastal curiosities and the Asturian border

Gulpiyuri is especially worthwhile at high tide, when water fills the beach.

71 km · 55 min
14
Nature

Playa de Gulpiyuri

This tiny inland beach lies around a hundred metres from the sea, fed by underground channels. At high tide, the green hollow fills with water — a curious natural phenomenon reached via a short footpath.

0 € child-friendly
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24 km · 30 min
15
Town

Llanes

The lively fishing town of Llanes has a picturesque harbour, the colourfully painted Cubos de la Memoria, and several town beaches. A great spot for fresh fish and a stroll through the old town.

15–30 € / person child-friendly
Website
1 km · 1 min
Camper stop

Área Autocaravanas Llanes (La Talá)

The pitch is within walking distance of Llanes' old town and beaches. Ideal for exploring the coastal villages and the Paseo de San Pedro cliff path along the Sella.

12–18 € / night child-friendly
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Day 11 · Sun 13/06 1:06 hr

Into the heart of the Picos de Europa: Cangas de Onís and Covadonga

Mountain day, part one

The road to the Lagos is periodically closed to vehicles in high season; today, only as far as Covadonga — the lakes tomorrow morning, either early or by shuttle.

40 km · 50 min
16
Town

Cangas de Onís

The former Asturian capital sits at the gateway to the Picos de Europa, spanned by the famous Roman-looking bridge over the Sella. A great base for walks, with a lively market too.

child-friendly
Website
10 km · 8 min
17
Sight

Santuario de Covadonga

The chapel carved into the rock and the neo-Romanesque basilica form a spiritual centre of Asturias. This pilgrimage site sits spectacularly among the mountains and marks the start of the drive up to the lakes.

0 € child-friendly
Website
9 km · 7 min
Camper stop

Área Autocaravanas Cangas de Onís

The pitch near the centre of Cangas de Onís is a convenient base for two mountain days. From here, you'll set off early the next morning to the Lagos de Covadonga.

12–18 € / night child-friendly
Website
Day 12 · Mon 14/06 3 hr

Lagos de Covadonga and a mountain walk

Mountain day, part two

Set off early — it's quieter up there in the morning and often clearer. Bring warm clothing and sturdy shoes, as the weather changes quickly.

18 km · 14 min
18
Nature

Lagos de Covadonga

The two glacial lakes, Enol and Ercina, lie over 1000 metres up amid green pastures grazed by cattle. Easy to moderate walking trails circle the lakes, with wide views of the surrounding peaks.

0 € child-friendly
Website
1 km · 2:30 hr
19
Activity

Ruta de los Lagos

The marked circular route PR-PNPE 2 links both lakes and the viewpoints over roughly five to six kilometres. A family-friendly mountain walk with moderate elevation gain and stunning scenery.

0 € child-friendly
Website
Another night: Área Autocaravanas Cangas de Onís
Day 13 · Tue 15/06 1:12 hr

Cares Gorge and farewell to the Picos

A spectacular walking day, then onwards towards Burgos

The mountain roads are narrow and winding; drive steadily in the motorhome and use passing places.

57 km · 43 min
20
Town

Potes

The mountain town of Potes lies in the Liébana region at the foot of the Picos, with stone lanes and towers. Known for Orujo spirit and as the starting point for the Fuente Dé cable car.

child-friendly
Website
19 km · 14 min
21
Activity

Teleférico de Fuente Dé

The cable car climbs almost 800 metres in a matter of minutes, reaching 1823 metres at the El Cable viewpoint. From the top, a magnificent panorama opens up over the heart of the Picos de Europa.

18–20 € / person child-friendly
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

19 km · 14 min
Camper stop

Área de Autocaravanas Potes

The pitch on the edge of Potes sits nestled among the mountains of the Liébana. A peaceful night before continuing towards the Meseta and Burgos.

12–16 € / night child-friendly
Website
Day 14 · Wed 16/06 3:36 hr

Across the Meseta to Burgos

Gothic cathedral and the Camino de Santiago

A slightly longer driving stage, leaving a relaxed afternoon in Burgos.

4 km · 40 min
22
Sight

Burgos Cathedral

Burgos Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, impresses with its delicate spires, ornate portals and the tomb of El Cid. A highlight of Spanish sacred architecture along the Camino de Santiago.

9–12 € / person child-friendly
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

· 8 min
23
Food

Old Town Burgos

Around the Plaza Mayor and the riverside promenade along the Arlanzón, tapas bars invite you to linger. A regional speciality is the Morcilla de Burgos blood sausage.

15–30 € / person
Website
148 km · 2:45 hr
Camper stop

Área Autocaravanas Fuente del Prior Burgos

The pitch by the Arlanzón river sits within a green strip, from which a cycle and footpath leads straight into the old town. Handy for parking the large motorhome outside the centre.

10–15 € / night
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Day 15 · Thu 17/06 6:54 hr

Back through France

Return journey, stage one

Around four hours' driving, at the upper limit for a day — take deliberate breaks along the way.

Long stage — build in breaks.

549 km · 6:52 hr
Camper stop

Aire Camping-Car Park Toulouse

The pink brick city of Toulouse on the Garonne, with the Basilique Saint-Sernin and lively squares, makes for a lovely stopover. The guarded pitch is well connected to the centre.

12–18 € / night
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Day 16 · Fri 18/06 9:18 hr

Via Lyon and the Jura back to Freiburg

Homecoming

The drive from Toulouse back to Freiburg is too long for a single day. We recommend an overnight stop in Mâcon and covering the final stretch the next day, if your schedule allows.

If you need to drive it in one go, build in generous breaks and take turns at the wheel.

Long stage — build in breaks.

503 km · 4:40 hr
Camper stop

Aire de Camping-Car Mâcon

If the stage feels too long, Mâcon on the Saône is a lovely stopover in wine country. From here, Freiburg is easily reached.

10–15 € / night
Website
369 km · 4:37 hr
24
Town

Freiburg

This is where your tour comes to an end. After the green north coast and the Picos de Europa, you're back in the Black Forest.

Website

See tickets on WeGoTrip(affiliate link)

This trip is planned for 03 Jun – 18 Jun 2027.

Copy it and move it to your own dates.

Free account, no credit card. Copying, moving and adjusting are included.