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Northern Spain tips and attractions | Traveling with the camper (14)

After our blogs about the east and the south of Spain, of course, the north cannot be left behind. Below we share the sights and tips of our motorhome trip through northern Spain. We have come full circle for us, we have seen and done a lot in fantastic Spain and we have spent most of our motorhome trip here so far. We were curious about the north of Spain, are you? Then read on quickly.

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The Unity Way

You may have seen them in the Netherlands or abroad, the yellow arrows and/or the scallops that refer you to the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. You can start a Camino (walk) from different countries. If you walk at least the last 100 kilometers you can get a 'Compostela' in Santiago de Compostela, a kind of pilgrim's certificate. I (Laura) can tell you that this one is very beautiful! Last year I walked a Camino from Tui (Portugal) to Santiago de Compostela. I experienced the camino as a very beautiful and special journey.

Now that we drove the camper in this area and we encountered more and more yellow arrows and pilgrims (the hikers), it tickled me to go for another stage. No sooner said than done. Stefan dropped me off with the camper at the beginning of a stage and picked me up again later that day at the end point. Once again I was able to taste the 'Camino vibe', fantastic!

Walking a leg of a Camino | Tips and sights Northern Spain
Walking a leg of a Camino | Tips and sights Northern Spain

Santiago de Compostela

A few days later we visited Santiago de Compostela together. We parked the camper at a camper place, which can be found via Park4Night (ID # 224516). From the motorhome you can walk the last 6 kilometers (with the pilgrims) to the square near the cathedral. Another option is to go to Santiago de Compostela by bus. The bus stop is a few hundred meters from the motorhome. Per person, one-way ticket costs €1.

We chose to walk to the cathedral together with the pilgrims, so Stefan could also taste the atmosphere. We sat in the sun for a while on the square near the cathedral and where the pilgrims come in. It is so beautiful to see the relief, pride and other emotions of the pilgrims!

If you are in Santiago de Compostela: stroll through the cozy streets, sit down on a terrace, take a look at one of the many souvenir shops, visit the cathedral and absorb the joy of the pilgrims!

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral and Square | Tips and sights Northern Spain
Santiago de Compostela Cathedral and Square | Tips and sights Northern Spain

Senda del Oso (bear route)

Parking area

This route is in Asturias (Location here). It is an old railway line which is now a walking and cycling path. At the beginning of the route is a parking lot where you can also spend the night with the camper. The parking lot can be found via Park4night (ID # 277708).

Bike rental

Teverastur bicycle rental is located around the corner from the parking lot. Here we rented two mountain bikes to cycle the route. The terminus (according to the bike rental) is 17 kilometers away. At the end point you can be picked up again by a van from the bike rental. You can also choose to cycle back. You will then cycle slightly uphill the entire route. The route from the starting point to the end point goes down slightly. The cost for renting a mountain bike including helmet and transfer back to the starting point is €22 per person.

You cycle through a beautiful area! We thought it was a nice outing, once on a mountain bike. To be honest, at one point we thought it was 'much of the same' in terms of route. We do realize that we see so much beauty, that we might have looked at this route differently if we had not seen so much and / or were in the area for a short(er) time.

Senda del Oso (bear route) mountain biking | Tips and sights Northern Spain
Senda del Oso (bear route) mountain biking | Tips and sights Northern Spain

Somiedo National Park – Ruta circular de los Lagos de Saliencia

This is an incredibly beautiful area! By driving many bends through this beautiful area, you can eventually arrive at a parking lot where the Ruta circular de los Lagos hike starts. The parking lot is called Alto la Farrapona and can also be found via Park4Night (ID # 65071). Please note, staying overnight is not allowed here! Make sure you are on time at the parking lot. It's not very big and it's a popular place.

If you are going to walk the above route, it is about 7 kilometers from the parking lot. You will not encounter any catering establishments along the way, so it is wise to bring some food and drinks. Good walking shoes are recommended. It is a route where, except for a bit in the beginning, you do not have to climb any further. During the route you walk along several lakes. We thought this was a really beautiful hike and the area is so diverse!

Ruta circular de los Lagos de Saliencia | Tips and sights Northern Spain
Ruta circular de los Lagos de Saliencia | Tips and sights Northern Spain
Ruta circular de los Lagos de Saliencia | Tips and sights Northern Spain
Ruta circular de los Lagos de Saliencia | Tips and sights Northern Spain

Before and/or after the hike you can spend the night with the camper at the parking lot mentioned at the bear route or at a (camper) parking lot that can be found via Park4Night (ID # 26827). The parking spaces are close to each other and are free.

San Sebastian

Parking space for the camper

What a pleasant city San Sebastian (Location here)! To begin with, we parked the camper and also spent the night at the camper parking lot that can be found via Park4Night (ID # 6580). There are not many options for campers (at this time of year) to park / spend the night in official places. We were positively surprised by this place. You pay €24 per 3,30 hours and you can stay here for a maximum of 72 hours. Payment is made via a parking meter. This parking lot is not very big. Come between 9.00am and 10.30:XNUMXam for the best chance of getting a spot.

There are garbage cans and camper facilities, emptying gray and black water and filling water. It was a quiet place to stay, great for visiting the city!

Motorhome parking San Sebastian | Tips and sights Northern Spain
Motorhome parking San Sebastian | Tips and sights Northern Spain

Center San Sebastián

Around the corner from the parking lot you can get on the bus that will take you to the center. You can also cycle or walk to the city. The center of San Sebastian is located on a beach with beautiful, clear blue water along a boulevard. The city is diverse in our opinion; a day at the beach, shopping, grabbing a drink or seeing some culture, it's all possible!

Beach San Sebastián | Tips and sights Northern Spain
Beach San Sebastián | Tips and sights Northern Spain


pintxos

Famous in San Sebastian are the pintxos. This is a form of tapas from this region. Often they are slices of baguette that are beautifully decorated with the tastiest ingredients. In San Sebastian there are plenty of restaurants and bars that serve Pintxos.

Boulevard Gelateria

If you are an ice cream lover or still have a spot after the Pintxos, go get an ice cream at Boulevard Gelateria! The ice cream is incredibly good! They have many and delicious flavors. And the ice balls are very big! Trust us, you don't want to miss this ice cream…

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We travel together

Hi! We are Stefan (29) and Laura (28) and have been a couple for over 12 years, so true childhood sweethearts! We have sold our house, have (partly) resigned from our job and are traveling with our motorhome for an indefinite period of time. Are you curious about our adventure? Then take a look here regularly, see you soon!

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