Spring in Spain

[Jimsnap]

This is a route we're trying to plan for March/April. Does anyone have any campsite recommendations? Are we better booking all in advance or is it easy to find them en-route? Not been to Spain in van before so a little uncertain on best approach.
Thanks in advance.

Donostia-San Sebastian to Pau

www.google.com

 

[Guigsy]

A few years ago we were there in early March. We were planning on meandering down to the south across the middle of the country over a few weeks then circling back north along the Med coast. We quickly realised that away from the coast it was below freezing overnight. So we reversed our plan to beeline east to the Mediterranean coast, all the way around and headed back up the middle a few weeks later when it was much warmer.

 

[Jimsnap]

A few years ago we were there in early March. We were planning on meandering down to the south across the middle of the country over a few weeks then circling back north along the Med coast. We quickly realised that away from the coast it was below freezing overnight. So we reversed our plan to beeline east to the Mediterranean coast, all the way around and headed back up the middle a few weeks later when it was much warmer.

Thanks, we're going 28th of March to April 21st, so hopefully slightly warmer

 

[royandsharont]

Having looked at your actual route here are some places we’ve stayed before.

I haven’t checked the opening times & you have to be mindful Easter in Spain will likely be busy.

We have stayed at Camping Orio, in Orio, easy access via train to San Sebastián or Bilbao but a good walk to the station.

We stayed at camping La Playa actually in Logrono by the river. Easy walk into the town, over a footbridge & through the park, for the tapas.

The Fuentes Blanca campsite in Burgos gives easy access on foot into the old town.

We’ve stayed numerous times at the municipal campsite in Zaragoza. Easy bus ride into the centre which is really worth a visit.

We’ve stayed at Camping Terrier outside Pau. Reasonable walk to bus on main road into town

 

[Jimsnap]

Having looked at your actual route here are some places we’ve stayed before.

I haven’t checked the opening times & you have to be mindful Easter in Spain will likely be busy.

We have stayed at Camping Orio, in Orio, easy access via train to San Sebastián or Bilbao but a good walk to the station.

We stayed at camping La Playa actually in Logrono by the river. Easy walk into the town, over a footbridge & through the park, for the tapas.

The Fuentes Blanca campsite in Burgos gives easy access on foot into the old town.

We’ve stayed numerous times at the municipal campsite in Zaragoza. Easy bus ride into the centre which is really worth a visit.

We’ve stayed at Camping Terrier outside Pau. Reasonable walk to bus on main road into town

Thanks Roy, that's helpful.
We're finding it difficult to work out a route and find convenient campsites as well as deciding how many nights to spend at each.

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[royandsharont]

When actually touring we tend to work out what we want to do/see. Arrive, first night sorting out transport etc, next day visit and spend 2nd night. Then off or add more nights X how many other days sightseeing we think is accessible from there.

E.G Zaragoza we would do 2 nights, arrive, day in city then off.

Orio do 3 nights, arrive, train to San Sebastian one day then opposite direction the next. Perhaps not Bilbao but Zarautz was a pleasant day to dine out on various tapas establishments.

But that can get to be a lot of time on the go and we then factor a days rest in between too.

 

[jumartoo]

The busy Easter period in Spain will be +/- 2nd to 9th April. Some places, (especially the coast), but not all, will be full. Inland could be deserted.

Outside the Easter period it isn't likely that booking anywhere will be necessary (some places won't open until Easter anyway).

 

[Jimsnap]

When actually touring we tend to work out what we want to do/see. Arrive, first night sorting out transport etc, next day visit and spend 2nd night. Then off or add more nights X how many other days sightseeing we think is accessible from there.

E.G Zaragoza we would do 2 nights, arrive, day in city then off.

Orio do 3 nights, arrive, train to San Sebastian one day then opposite direction the next. Perhaps not Bilbao but Zarautz was a pleasant day to dine out on various tapas establishments.

But that can get to be a lot of time on the go and we then factor a days rest in between too.

That sounds pretty much the same as how we're looking at it. We based the route on coastal drives, national parks and interesting cities. You can spend an inordinate amount of time planning and researching to the point where it stops being enjoyable. We've decided it's more about the journey than the destination, just travelling in the van and stopping randomly to explore without it having to be a 'destination' is enough, but it's nice to have a campsite booked to avoid stress.

 

[jumar]

What a lovely Camperstop we have to ourselves just now...10 large pitches with utter tranquility, good biking and walking...totally free...suits us for a few days as we enter the later recovery days from Covid....we been alone and looks like we will be again tonight. Not contagious anymore....so if a French van arrives it can park in the next bay, without fear of catching anything or getting a tongue lashing...

 

[Mike123]

Looking at the map -

Aire at Bilbao (great views over the City) book in advance max stays 48 hours. Bus stop outside, or 45 mins walk into the City.

Gran Camping Zarautz, great views and nice restaurant, though very steep walk to the beach via coastal steps. Sunsets are awesome….

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[Brendan + Kath]

Are you only considering campsites? They are often much further out of town than Aires or camperparks which there are loads of now in Spain

 

[jumar]

Another well chosen overnight stay....not too busy, 6€ a night for this fenced area in small out of the way/crowds situation...toilets, shower, Hook up also if needed...another Gem that this region provides for its visitors..

 

[Roby2008]

I agree with the other funsters, Camping Ciudad de Zaragoza is nice for a stopover, you can arrive at ungodly hours and be let in, and when the pool is open its a nice place to relax, cant help other parts of the route.
Have you considered going through Andorra? It`s pretty, the shopping has its advantages - finding hiding places for about 10ltrs of spirits was fun, and there is a free stellplatz behind one of the shopping centres.

 

[jumar]

Stellplatz.... please use common terminology for Andorra...Aire de Service or Camperstop...

 

[Roby2008]

Stellplatz.... please use common terminology for Andorra...Aire de Service or Camperstop...

On my Stellplatz app it`s a Stellplatz and my navigation assistant and Stellplatz finder refers to them all as Stellplatz....I have a German wife, if I start using different terminology for the same thing, then life gets complicated, after 15+ years we still have losses in translation.......

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[PhilandMena]

Take plenty of warm clothing. The North Spanish coast is likely to be very chilly that time of the year ! Most of the Aires and campsites that are open will have loads of space. Enjoy.

 

[garry55]

If you have time for a small detour take the road from Logrono to Soria - it passes through a mini "Grand Canyon" and it's stunning. I did it many years ago when I was touring on my motorbike (although I went from Soria to Logrono). So good, I turned around and rode back to Soria!