Galicia Campervan Itinerary
A water‑led family journey to the rugged coastline of Galicia.
Planning a campervan road trip to Galicia from the UK?
This 16-day Galicia campervan itinerary takes you from Plymouth to the wild Atlantic coastline of northwest Spain, through Cantabria and Asturias and deep into the rugged landscapes of Galicia.
This was our second northern Spain campervan trip, and this time everything revolved around the water — surf, open-water swimming, and campsites within walking distance of the sea.
If you’re looking for a slower, more immersive campervan route in Spain, Galicia delivers something different — quieter, wilder, and far less crowded than other parts of the north coast.
If you’re planning a longer route through northern Spain, don’t miss our previous Northern Spain itinerary covering the Picos de Europa, Santiago de Compostela and more.
Why this Galicia campervan itinerary works
- Easy ferry access from the UK to Santander
- Combines Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia in one trip
- Designed around surf beaches and wild swimming
- Longer stays in key locations (less packing up, more living)
- Ideal for families wanting a slower campervan road trip in Spain
We sail with Brittany Ferries — Plymouth to Santander, overnight, with the van. Our favourite way to do this trip. No slog through France, no airport chaos with surfboards and wetsuits. [Check routes, dates and availability here](affiliate link — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you)
16-day Galicia Campervan Itinerary
This route is designed to slow things down — fewer stops, longer stays, and more time in the water.
| Day | Location | Our Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ferry: Plymouth → Santander | Dolphin spotting; Sunrise and sunset from the rear deck; Pool, arcade and cinema for the kids |
| 2 | Camping Comillas | Sea views, cove access, Gaudi’s Capricho, short distance to Oyambre surf beaches |
| 3-5 | As Cabazas, Ferrol | Surfing at Playa Fragata, beach days, local town visits |
| 6 | Camping Balcobo | Dipping at La Hucha cove, Surfing and bodyboarding at Playa Balcobo, local restaurant dinner |
| 7 | Motorhome stopover, Lariño Lighthouse | Sunset views, beautiful beach, kids play area, cheap! |
| 8-14 | Camping Ancoradoiro | Two nearby surf beaches, sunrise yoga, morning swims, Galician food in nearby Muros, sunset crabbing, onsite restaurant, flexible stay (once you’re in!), onsite bakery, hiking up nearby Monte Louro for epic coastal views. |
| 15 | Camping Tauran | Massive pitch, stunning Asturian coastline, beautiful swim cove, pool & sauna, basketball court |
| 16 | Ferry: Santander → Plymouth | Spanish picnic on the rear deck |
Detailed Itinerary – Plymouth to Galicia & Back (16 Days)
Day 1 – Overnight Ferry: Plymouth to Santander
Boarding the overnight Brittany Ferries crossing always feels like the real start of the adventure. The 21-hour sailing drops you straight into northern Spain — no long motorway slog through France — and gives everyone time to properly switch into holiday mode.
In 2025, this crossing cost us around £1400 for a family of four with campervan and overnight cabin.
The Bay of Biscay has a reputation for rough crossings, but we’ve been lucky — four crossings, four smooth sailings. Still, it pays to come prepared.
- Overnight cabin booking is essential – we went for an indoor, 4 berth (cabins with windows are dearer)
- There is a small on board pool for the kids, and arcade/cinema and wildlife spotting talks & magic shows kept them entertained
- Sunset and sunrise at sea are unforgettable
- Chance of spotting dolphins and whales from out on deck (we’ve ticked off plenty of dolphins, but are yet to have seen any whales!).
➡️ Official site: Brittany Ferries
Essentials to bring on board: Overnight bag, Snacks and breakfast supplies, collapsible kettle, mugs + water, European plug adapter, seasickness tablets/sick bags, swim gear for the kids.
VanFam4 Tip – Sea Sickness
Avoid strong smells in restaurants or perfume shops if you’re prone to seasickness. Fresh air at the back deck works wonders.
Day 2 – Camping Comillas, Cantabria
Our plan had been San Vicente or Oyambre — but August had other ideas. Both were full, so we pivoted to Camping Comillas.
It’s a brilliant first stop after the ferry — but if you want one of the front-row sea-view pitches, it’s a race from Santander.
We didn’t book. You can just turn up — though in peak season there may be a wait.
A dramatic summer storm rolled through that evening, adding real Cantabrian atmosphere.
- Easy first stop from Santander (around 45 minutes)
- Sandy cove access from the top field, perfect for sunrise swims, and you might even catch a few waves on your board if the surf is up
- The front-row pitches have panoramic sea views
- Surf nearby at Playa Oyambre & Playa de Gerra
- Visit the town of Comillas (20 minute walk or short drive). Don’t miss El Capricho de Gaudi if you’re a fan.
➡️ Official site: Camping Comillas
Days 3-5 – Camping As Cabazas, Ferrol (Galicia)
On the drive west we detoured to Playa de Poo near Llanes — partly because of the name, partly because it’s genuinely beautiful — before pushing on into Galicia proper.
The first proper destination in our Galicia campervan itinerary was Camping As Cabazas. The site sits right behind Praia A Fragata in the Rías Altas, and oozes chilled surf vibes. We originally planned a shorter stay but extended to three nights — always a good sign.
The terraced pitches serve up great sunset views, we shared travel stories with our wonderful neighbours, surfed Playa Fragata, and settled into a slower rhythm of life – I think they call it manaña time!
- Direct beach access
- Surf-friendly coastline, and board hire available from the campsite
This was our first proper taste of Galicia — and it felt wilder and less polished than Cantabria
➡️ Official site: Camping As Cabazas
Day 6 – Camping Balcobo
We drove south on 15th August — a national holiday (Assumption of Mary) — fully expecting everywhere to be busy. We hadn’t reserved.
Camping Balcobo turned out to be a beautiful, family-friendly coastal stop with a strong community feel.
- Coastal setting near the main beach at Playa de Valcovo, and a short walk to scenic coves like La Hucha
- On-site restaurant serving incredible shrimp, padrón peppers + monkfish
- Easy seaside walking and viewpoints
This felt like a classic Spanish family campsite – relaxed, sociable and unpretentious.
➡️ Official site: Camping Balcobo
Day 7 – Lariño Lighthouse Motorhome Stopover
Our original waterfall stopover plan near Mazaricos (found on Park4Night) didn’t feel right on arrival — sometimes instinct matters. Full campsites elsewhere meant we needed a backup.
We found a simple motorhome area near Faro de Lariño (€15) — and it became one of our favourite nights. Pay at the lighthouse reception before opening the barrier.
Sometimes the unplanned stops become the most memorable.
- Incredible Atlantic sunset
- Huge white sandy beach with turquoise water (although take care of currents)
- Beach bar nearby
- Tennis court for the kids and plenty of space for them to ride their bikes
Days 8-14 – Camping Ancoradoiro, (Louro / Muros)
This was the place we wanted to stay forever.
Camping Ancoradoiro sits between multiple beaches near Louro and Muros — including Lariño and Area Maior — and feels deeply connected to nature.
It doesn’t accept reservations for short stays in peak season. Instead, you arrive early, take a numbered ticket, and return at 12:00 for pitch allocation.
We arrived early and were allocated number 6. After a tense wait, we got in! Such a relief!
Why we loved it:
- Two beaches within walking distance – even better by bike
- Powerful Atlantic surf when the conditions are right, but we also had super flat days, perfect for swimming
- Relaxed, nature-focused atmosphere
- Sunset crabbing with the kids
Trip highlights here:
- Sunrise yoga and morning swims at the beach
- Bodyboarding and surfing
- Wetsuit swims across the length of the bay
- Visiting Muros for Galician specialities like lumo and pulpo and wandering the old town
➡️ Official site: Camping Ancoradoiro
VanFam4 Tip – Campsite Booking
Arrive early in peak season for a queue ticket. It’s well organised but competitive. If you want flexibility, this system actually works — you just need to commit to the morning strategy.
Day 15 – Camping Taurán, Asturias
What was meant to be a practical final stop before the ferry turned out to be one of the most unexpectedly magical nights of the trip.
Camping Taurán is rustic in the best possible way — set amongst tall pine trees and perched high above the Asturian coastline. It feels less like a commercial campsite and more like a woodland retreat overlooking the sea.
Our pitch was enormous. Not just “decent size” — genuinely sprawling.
Exploring the campsite itself felt like an adventure.
Why It Surprised Us
- Massive, private-feeling pitches beneath the trees
- Cliff-top setting with sea views
- Woodland pathways that feel like you’re discovering hidden corners
- Basketball court where the kids immediately disappeared
- Outdoor pool
- Sauna (limited opening hours – sadly we ran out of time)
- Onsite restaurant and small shop for essentials
We skipped the restaurant and stocked up at the shop instead, cooking a simple dinner back at the van — one of those easy end-of-trip meals where everyone’s sun-tired and happy.
Later, Dan and I walked down to a secluded cove below the campsite. The water was deep green and impossibly clear. We climbed out along the rocks and jumped straight in — one of those spontaneous swims that stays with you long after the trip ends.
For a “transitional stop” before the ferry, it completely overdelivered.
It felt wild. Spacious. Slightly secret.
And far better than we’d expected.
➡️ Official site: Camping Taurán
Day 16 — Ferry Home: Santander to Plymouth
An easy 2.5 hour drive back to Santander and onto the overnight ferry home.
The rhythm of this route works beautifully: long stays where it matters, short transitions where needed.
➡️ [Book your return crossing with Brittany Ferries here] (affiliate link)
Galicia — Our Top 5 Highlights
- Fresh pulpo and local food culture
- Scenic coastal drives around Louro & Costa da Morte
- White sandy beaches backed by mountains
- Friendly, welcoming locals
- Mild, swim-friendly summer weather
Why This Trip Worked For Us
This itinerary naturally balanced:
- Surf sessions
- Open-water swimming and wetsuit training
- Family-friendly campsites
- Flexible travel without overplanning
We built the route around water access, which naturally slowed everything down in the best possible way.
Planning your Galicia campervan Itinerary
If you’re planning a campervan trip to Galicia from the UK, this route is perfect if you want to slow down and spend more time in fewer places.
For a shorter, more varied introduction to northern Spain, take a look at our Northern Spain campervan itinerary, which includes the Picos de Europa and Santiago de Compostela.
A few final tips:
- August is busy – arrive early at popular campsites.
- Keep backup stopovers saved.
- Be flexible — some of our best stops were unplanned.
- Don’t rush Galicia. The magic is staying longer.
Ready to book the ferry? We’ve done this crossing four times and would do it again tomorrow. [Check Brittany Ferries availability here] (affiliate link — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you)
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