Northern Spain

[Spud]

Can anybody recommend a route from Santander along northern coast( some of which we did last year) over to west coast then back inland or vice versa

 

[KernowLad]

We're currently in Galicia; we hugged the coast then dropped down almost to the Portugal border. I'd dip into the Picos mountains too.
First stop should be La Paz camping near Llanes; epic site!

Shout if you need any more info.

 

[Larkrise]

Thanks for that, we are looking for our first stop off the ferry...Will check it out. Chris

 

[briwy]

Have a look at this thread as well for sites around the Picos.
viewtopic.php?f=49&t=6281

BTW. The Spanish police are now VERY strict on speeding. Apparently 1kmh over the limit and you're nicked, no leniency and speedcamera warning kit is also a big nono so make sure it's turned off if you have it on your GPS.

 

[Larkrise]

We are visiting friends in Oviedo last week of September for a couple of days- any recommendations for sites? Some on the coast seem to close mid September...

 

[KernowLad]

The nearest we stayed was here (approx 50km) but it was very nice!

http://www.campingcudillero.com

 

[Larkrise]

Unfortunately Campsite Cudillero closes on 15 September...

 

[KernowLad]

Unfortunately Campsite Cudillero closes on 15 September...

Oh darn!

We also stayed here - very nearby (about 7 miles). Extremely Spanish, fairly basic but a great atmosphere and right next to a nice beach. I can't seem to find out when it closes for the year though!

http://www.bahinas.com

 

[estresao]

I've just had a look ti the webpage and looks like they never closes.

Maybe it coild worth for you have a look at this http://www.furgovw.org/mapa_furgoperfecto

Right at this moment I cannot provide information, I'll do tomorrow. Just let me know where are you now, where are you approaching and for how long

 

[estresao]

At Santander county there are lots of places to visit. I recommend you, besides of enjoy the food and the people, pay a visit to the following places:

- Santander city (or course)

- Cabárceno Park: That's an amazing "zoo" made in a former mine extracting iron open sky.

http://www.parquecabarceno.es/default-en.php


- Potes: A small village with an impressive look:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potes




- Santillana del Mar: a medieval village

http://www.santillana-del-mar.com/english/guide.htm



- An old fishermen's refuge, San Vicente de la Barquera offers one of the most picturesque sights on the Cantabrian coast:

http://www.spain.info/en_GB/que-qui...tros-destinos/san_vicente_de_la_barquera.html



- Comillas: The town of Comillas is one of the northern Spanish region of Cantabria’s most symbolic places and one of its most interesting from an architectural point of view

http://www.turismocomillas.com/english.html



- Cave of El Soplao: It is considered unique for the quality and quantity of geological formations (speleothems) in its 17 miles length, 6 of which are open to the public

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cave_of_El_Soplao



(NO MORE URL ALLOWED: So just wrote the links as plain text)


- Castro Urdiales (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castro_Urdiales)




- Pas valley: Amazing landscapes (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pas_and_Miera_valleys)




I hope you enjoy... Let me know whether you would like info about other counties (Asturias?, Galicia?).

 

[Larkrise]

Great, thank you- who needs a guidebook with recommendations like this- where are you based? We've been looking at areasac.es but not drawn to parking in unattractive Motorhome stopover places- but this looks interesting- what do you think: www.areasac.es/v_portal/apartados/apartado.asp?te=3332 ?

 

[estresao]

I'm based at Norwich.

This area looks very nice, according to the web page the view is amazing. "Angliru" it's a very famous mountain slope because "la Vuelta" bicycle race pass through here and looks like it's very steep.

There is a "Furgo Perfecto" near there, but it's no so good as this area you mentioned.

http://www.furgovw.org/index.php?topic=13208.0

Look like it's an small rest/picnic area that it's free, but you have no services (water, toilets, etc...). Good to stop and have a stroll

 

[Larkrise]

Ah, interesting! We wondered if toilets might be left open...

 

[estresao]

According to the page you've attached (I've never been at this motorhome area) the Angliru camp have a restaurant/cafeteria where for sure there are toilets (at Spain all restaurants, pubs, bars, etc... have to have toilets compelled by the law).

Additionally loos like there are a spot to drop dirty waters (don't know how this is called properly in English).

Sleep and change water (drop grey/black water and get fresh water) = 5 EUR
only change waters = 3 EUR

It's banned here to camp and deploy camp artifacts (awnings, etc...)

When the parking sports are full it's possible to park at the cars side.

I think this area it's pretty convenient and cheap.

 

[estresao]

I'm sorry Larkrise, I cannot read PM because I'm not authorised to read private messages. I don't know why, but I guess is because I'm not a VIP member yet (I'll do as soon I get me new and first Cali)

 

[Larkrise]

Does anyone have experience of Camping Lagos de Somiedo? Our guide says access is spectacular and suitable for 4x4 and small powerful campervans...I think we might just qualify on the second point...but sounds a bit scary!

 

[Fourier]

We were there this April, and had this campsite

http://www.campingcabuerniga.com/?lang=en

completely to ourselves - nice little village a mile or so away but otherwise really quiet and peaceful.

Altamira caves we really enjoyed too - much of it is a very well-executed replica next-door, the original caves having been damaged by the earth and moisture from thousands of visitors, but it has an excellent museum and explanation of neolithic life - some of the objects are so small and intricate, others larger, and the replica cave paintings are remarkable - it draws you in to imagining life as a hunter-gatherer! They could have covered more ground with a California though!

 

[snowy55]

Hi Larkrise
We stayed at Lagos De Somiedo a few years ago, we were 2 up on a HD Sportster with camping gear.The approach is very spectacular but easy do able in a Cali make sure you are in a low gear! ! Are they open late in the season? It's at a high altitude but a stunning location it will be cold at night. Don't let the beware of the Wild Bears put you off they are rare lol.Nice facilities on site.

Website says it closes 30th September

 

[Larkrise]

Open to end September... sounds tempting!

 

[snowy55]

Larkrise
Are you in Spain now.

 

[Larkrise]

No, we travel out on the 22 Sept...

 

[snowy55]

We're going out Sunday 14th September Plymouth Santander return Monday 29th to Portsmouth so we will overlap. Our Cali is silver with a black awning I'm sure if we see another Cali on the road we will be waving like eejits!

 

[Larkrise]

Yes! It's a major event if we ever see another Cali, full stop!

 

[estresao]

I'm sorry Larkrise, I cannot read PM because I'm not authorised to read private messages. I don't know why, but I guess is because I'm not a VIP member yet (I'll do as soon I get me new and first Cali)

BTW.... now I can