Head north from Valencia and everything changes: the weather, the landscape, the food. In a week and a half you cross the landscapes of Aragón, medieval cities and the vineyards of La Rioja, and end up on the Atlantic coast, where green hills break off above the ocean. People go to the Basque Country for the food, and that reason alone covers the 600 kilometres to the coast. This campervan route is a loop: north via Teruel and Zaragoza, back via La Rioja. The total is around 1,600 km, so the unlimited-mileage option pays for itself on this northern Spain campervan trip. Best time: May to September. We drove this route ourselves in August 2024, and every detail here is checked first-hand.
Day 1: Valencia — Teruel (145 km)
We leave on the A-23 into the mountains. An hour and a half later, Teruel: Mudejar architecture protected by UNESCO, brick-and-coloured-tile towers, and a cathedral whose painted ceiling is the Sistine Chapel of the Mudejar style. This is also where the legend of the Lovers of Teruel comes from. In the evening, Teruel cured ham — Spain's first ham with a protected designation of origin — and local wine. Overnight: area de autocaravanas Teruel, free, 15 minutes' walk from the centre.
Day 2: Teruel — Albarracín — Zaragoza (220 km)
Morning: 40 minutes to Albarracín, one of the most beautiful villages in Spain — pink houses hanging above the gorge and a labyrinth of lanes inside the medieval wall that climbs the hillside. Arrive at opening time, before the tourist coaches. After lunch, drive to Zaragoza. At dusk, the Basilica del Pilar on the banks of the Ebro, with the domes reflected in the river during the blue hour. Overnight: area de autocaravanas Zaragoza (Valdefierro).
Day 3: Zaragoza — Pamplona (175 km)
Morning, Zaragoza: the Aljafería Palace (an 11th-century Arab palace that inspired the architects of the Alhambra), the Mercado Central and the El Tubo tapas quarter. After lunch, 2 hours to Pamplona, the city of Hemingway and San Fermín. Walk the encierro route — the path the bulls run in July, from the corrals to the bullring. Plaza del Castillo and Cafe Iruña, where Hemingway used to sit. Overnight: area Trinitarios by the river, 15 minutes' walk from the old town.
Days 4-5: Pamplona — San Sebastián (80 km)
One hour across the green hills of Navarre and you reach the Atlantic. San Sebastián: La Concha bay, the belle epoque promenade and an old town with the world's highest concentration of pintxos bars. Two days minimum. One day for the city (morning swim, Monte Urgull, pintxos tour through Parte Vieja in the evening — start at Gandarias, continue at La Cuchara de San Telmo: one pintxo and one drink per bar, then move on). Another day for the surroundings: Zurriola beach for surfers, or the fishing village of Getaria, birthplace of Balenciaga and home of the charcoal fish grills. From Monte Igueldo you see the whole bay. Overnight: area Berio — in summer, book online a month in advance.
Days 6-7: San Sebastián — coast — Bilbao (100 km)
Don't go direct: the coastal road through the fishing villages takes longer and pays you back. Zarautz (the longest beach in the Basque Country, surfing capital), Lekeitio (a harbour with an island you can reach on foot at low tide), Gaztelugatxe — the Game of Thrones staircase rock: 241 steps to the chapel; ring the bell three times and make a wish (in summer a free online booking is required). Bilbao greets you with the titanium curves of the Guggenheim — even if modern art leaves you cold, Gehry's building and Louise Bourgeois's spider are worth the visit. Overnight: area Kobetamendi on the hill, with a panoramic view of the city.
Day 8: Bilbao — La Rioja (130 km)
An hour and a half south, the vineyards of La Rioja, Spain's wine capital. Base yourself in Haro or medieval Laguardia on its hilltop (motorhomes are not allowed inside the old town; park beside the walls; the village is honeycombed with wine cellars). Wineries with tours: Marqués de Riscal (the building is also by Gehry), López de Heredia in Haro, or small family bodegas, where the tasting is quieter and cheaper. Important: wine tasting is for passengers; the driver tastes in the evening at the stopover. Overnight: area Haro or Laguardia.
Day 9: La Rioja — Soria — Calatayud (250 km)
A long but beautiful stage across the Castilian mesetas. Lunch in Soria, a quiet city on the Duero, immortalised by Antonio Machado. If energy remains: the monastery of San Juan de Duero with its surrealist arches. Overnight: area in Calatayud.
Day 10: Return to Valencia (230 km)
A gentle descent from the mountains towards the Mediterranean. At noon you are back in Valencia — time for a last paella before returning the vehicle. Option for 12 days: add a day in San Sebastián (you will never regret it) and a day in La Rioja visiting the monasteries of San Millán — the birthplace of the Spanish language.
Practical tips
- 1Budget: a 10% long-stay discount applies for 10 nights. We recommend the unlimited-mileage option: with 1,600 km to cover, the peace of mind is worth it.
- 2Weather: northern Spain is not the Costa Blanca. Even in August, evenings are 15-18 degrees and rain is possible. The motorhome has heating; bring your own warm clothes.
- 3Stopovers: campervan culture in Euskadi is highly developed — there is an area in every town, most free or 5-10 euros. Every spot is on Park4Night.
- 4Dimensions: do not drive the motorhome into Albarracín, Laguardia or the old town of San Sebastián — all three have parking beside the walls.
- 5Fuel: diesel is cheapest on the A-23 and AP-68 motorways at fuel stations attached to supermarkets.
Ready for the adventure?
Book your campervan in Valencia and start the adventure.
Our McLouis Yearling 89G is made for long routes like this one: efficient diesel, heating for the cool northern evenings, a full kitchen and a solar panel for self-sufficient nights among the vineyards.
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