Fancy touring the Basque Country in a campervan? The north of Spain has a host of charming places, and this autonomous community has landscapes for all tastes.
You will find the greenest mountains and forests, but also sublime beaches and wild cliffs. You choose the view you want to wake up to every morning. Alava, Vizcaya and Guipuzcoa are the three provinces, but each has its own personality, traditions and destinations that are well worth visiting. And if you like to eat well, a stop in Bilbao or San Sebastian is a must. Our recommendation: Don't leave without trying all the pintxos you can find or the bacalao al pil-pil.
One of this region’s strong points is that its road network is in very good condition, and it is also easy to find areas ready for you to spend the night in the Basque Country with your campervan.
Basque Country in a campervan: route along the coast from Bilbao to San Sebastián
If you are more of a beach person than a mountain person, one of the best routes you can take is the one that follows the Cantabrian coast. It starts in Bilbao and ends in San Sebastian, a total of 62 miles of roads that wind between beaches, cliffs and small fishing villages.
You can start wherever you prefer, but we suggest you go from Bilbao. Take the opportunity to visit the famous Guggenheim Museum, the Old Town and enjoy a good round (or two) of pintxos in the Plaza Nueva. From there, head towards the coast and make your first stop in Plentzia or Sopelana, perfect spots to enjoy the sea or surf.
If you continue your route through the Basque Country by campervan to the east, you have to visit:
- Bermeo, a picturesque fishing village.
- San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a hermitage on top of an island connected to the land by an impressive stone bridge.
- Lekeitio.
- Zumaia.
- San Sebastian, the last stop on the route has many options for good food and the iconic Playa de la Concha.
Route through the interior of the Basque Country
If you prefer to head further inland or you are already familiar with the Basque coast, we suggest a campervan route through Ávila. It is the least visited province of the Basque Country, but the reality is that it is home to medieval villages, natural parks and a wine culture with centuries of history. The Rioja Alavesa area is perfect to enjoy the good weather, take a drive through the vineyards and even sleep under the stars.
It begins in Vitoria-Gasteiz, the capital of Alava. Visit its historic centre (very well preserved), the gothic cathedral and a very quiet atmosphere. From there, head south and explore the Rioja Alavesa; you have to stop in Laguardia and Elciego.
Laguardia is one of the most beautiful villages in northern Spain and it cannot be missing from your route through the Basque Country in a campervan. It has walls, cobblestone streets and wine cellars for wine tasting. In Elciego, in addition to the wine, you will find the Hotel Marqués de Riscal building, designed by Frank Gehry. And if you like a good walk, there are well marked trails that connect the vineyards and villages.
It ends in the Izki Natural Park, a less touristic environment, but a great spot if you are looking to disconnect. What’s more, there are areas where you can park your campervan.
Campsites and areas to spend the night in the Basque Country in a campervan
One of the great advantages of travelling around the Basque Country in a campervan is that you will have no problem finding places to sleep safely and, above all, legally. The community welcomes mobile tourism, so there are campsites and specific areas for motorhomes. Take note:
- If you take the coastal route, Camping Itxaspe, near Deba, is a good option. It overlooks the sea and is very close to the Basque Coast Geopark.
- Around Vizcaya, Camping Sopelana is one of the best. It is ideal if you feel like enjoying the beaches and surfing.
- In San Sebastian, Camping Igara has good facilities and a perfect location to park the campervan and move around the city.
Heading inland, you can find municipal areas for campervans in towns including Laguardia and Vitoria-Gasteiz. Most are free or inexpensive, and usually include basic services such as water filling, tank emptying and electricity connection. In Tolosa, for example, there is an area that should be on your radar because it is very well valued and only a few miles from the centre.
Want to discover the Basque Country by campervan? It's one of the best decisions you can make for your trip, because all you need to do is rent your campervan with OK Mobility in Bilbao. You can discover all that the city has to offer and take the route that best suits you.
post