Can you imagine waking up every morning to the sound of the Atlantic, making a coffee while gazing at an estuary from your window, and deciding on the fly whether today is for the beach, a medieval village, or fresh seafood? That freedom is what a 15 days in Galicia by camper van offers. But it’s also true that planning such a long trip can be overwhelming: where do I start? where can I sleep? which roads are suitable for my vehicle?
Don’t worry. We’ve prepared this 15-day itinerary so you only have to worry about enjoying yourself. We’ve traveled along the Galician coast from north to south, selected the best stops, the safest overnight areas, and the spots you can’t miss. This 15 days in Galicia by camper van is designed for you to travel calmly, without rushing, knowing that each day brings a new landscape and an authentic experience. And the best part: everything adapted to life on wheels.
Why is Galicia the ideal destination for 15 days in a camper van?
Galicia is one of the best-prepared destinations for itinerant tourism in all of Spain. The region has more than 170 public camper van areas, according to the Galician Camper Van Association, and the town councils continue to invest in expanding this offer because it’s strategic: it’s a year-round type of tourism, with high economic capacity and respectful of the environment.
What’s more, the distances are perfect for a 15-day route. You can travel along the coast from south to north or vice versa without long drives, allowing you to enjoy the scenery without rushing. The main roads are free (tolls are exceptional) and the gastronomy is abundant and reasonably priced, two factors any camper van traveler appreciates.
That said, you should be aware of the regulations: in Galicia, as in the rest of Spain, “camping” is prohibited, which includes putting out an awning, table, or chairs outside the vehicle’s perimeter. For that, there are private areas or campsites. For overnight stays without camping, there are many free options in car parks and designated areas.
15-day itinerary through Galicia by camper van: from Baiona to Noia
This itinerary starts in southern Galicia, in Baiona, and moves up the coast to the Costa da Morte. It’s the route many travelers have followed and is designed for you to enjoy the best of the Rías Baixas in 15 days. You can do it in reverse if that suits your starting point better.
Day 1: Baiona – First European town to learn of America
Start your 15 days in Galicia by camper van in Baiona, a town with a fascinating history: it was the first European town to learn of the discovery of America thanks to the arrival of the caravel La Pinta in 1492, a replica of which you can visit in the port.
Explore its old town, declared a historic-artistic site, and stroll through the Monterreal Fortress, now a Parador hotel, with impressive views. If you’re cycling, the bike path runs along the entire seafront to Santa Marta beach. Don’t miss the Virgen de la Roca at sunset: there’s a camper van parking area next to the viewpoint where you can spend the night with spectacular views.
Day 2: Vigo and the Cíes Islands
From Baiona, take the coastal road towards Vigo. Galicia’s largest city greets you with the energy of a major port. Head up to Monte do Castro for a panoramic view of the estuary and the Cíes Islands. The old town is small and easy to explore in a few hours: don’t miss the Mercado da Pedra, where oyster lovers go wild, and the Co-cathedral of Vigo.
Vigo doesn’t have a public area, but 5 km from the centre there’s a guarded car park for camper vans with all services for about 10 euros, ideal if you want to leave the vehicle and visit the Cíes Islands by ferry from the port. Book the boat well in advance, though, as demand is high in summer.
Day 3: Nerga Beach and Cabo Home
On the way to the O Grove peninsula, stop at Nerga beach (Cangas), a wide beach with turquoise waters surrounded by dunes and vegetation. You can overnight behind the dunes alongside other camper vans, in an area with bars where you can eat well.
If you have time, drive up to the famous Caracola de Cabo Home to watch a spectacular sunset. Bear in mind that the car park is small and very busy, so go patiently or park below and walk up.
Day 4: Pontevedra – Historic centre and octopus
The capital of the Rías Baixas awaits you with one of the prettiest old towns in Galicia, declared a Historic-Artistic Site. Pontevedra has a public camper van area next to the Lérez River, 1 km from the centre, with free water filling and emptying services.
Stroll through Plaza de la Leña, Plaza de A Ferrería, the Basilica of Santa María la Mayor, and the Ruins of Santo Domingo. And for food, don’t leave without trying the octopus at Casa Fidel O’ Pulpeiro. Be patient, though, as there’s always a queue. Ask for your “turn” in advance and take a walk while you wait.
Day 5: Combarro – The village of the hórreos
Just 10 minutes from Pontevedra, Combarro is one of the most photographed villages in Galicia and a must-stop. Its more than 60 hórreos (raised granaries) facing the sea, its cruceiros (with the peculiarity that the Virgin faces the sea and Christ faces the land), and its cobbled streets make it an open-air museum.
The camper van area is public (from the Poio Town Council) and is in a green area with a children’s playground, 1.3 km walking from the centre. It has free emptying and filling. Take the chance to play with the children to find the one cruceiro that has Christ facing the sea and the Virgin facing the land. There’s only one!
Day 6: Sanxenxo and Autocamper
Sanxenxo is the tourist hotspot of the Rías Baixas, especially in summer. The Portonovo area is the prettiest: Canelas beach, a turquoise bay, is perfect for a swim.
On this stretch, an excellent option for overnight stays is the private area Autocamper Sanxenxo, right on Canelas beach itself. Grass pitches, wifi, electricity, clean showers, laundry, and a very family-friendly atmosphere. It’s pet-friendly and has a children’s bouncy castle. In the mornings, the baker and fishmonger come by.
Day 7: La Lanzada, O Grove, and the mussel route
On the way to O Grove, stop at La Lanzada beach, one of the best beaches in Galicia with over 2.5 km of sand and protected dunes. There’s a good spot to park in front of the beach with a children’s play area.
In O Grove, the port is the heart: fishing boats leave from here, as well as the tourist boats to visit the mussel rafts. Don’t miss the “mussel route”, a catamaran trip with an underwater view, an explanation of the cultivation, and a tasting of mussels and Albariño wine.
You can overnight in the port of O Grove, behind the market, in a large area with views of the estuary.
Day 8: A Toxa Island – Spas and the shell hermitage
Cross the white bridge connecting O Grove to A Toxa Island. This small island is famous for its thermal hot springs and for the Hermitage of San Caralampio, also known as the Shell Hermitage, because it’s completely covered in scallop shells to protect it from humidity. It’s the only chapel in the world with these features. You can also visit the shop of the famous La Toja soap.
To park the camper van, there’s a large area where buses usually park, at the island entrance.
Day 9: Cambados – The capital of Albariño and the shellfish gatherers
In Cambados, the capital of Albariño, you can walk through the fishing quarter of Santo Tomé near the port, with its narrow streets and low stone houses. Don’t miss the ruins of the church of Santa Mariña Dozo, with its characteristic arches, and if you fancy, take a tour with the shellfish gatherers to learn about their tough work, an experience offered in the area.
The port of Cambados is a good option for overnight stays.
Days 10 and 11: Arousa Island – Beach paradise
Spend a couple of days on Arousa Island, a true paradise. Cross its 1,980-metre bridge and park in the designated car park next to Bao beach, ideal for overnight stays with beach views and a children’s playground.
On a bicycle, cycle along its bike path to Xastelas beach, a virgin beach in a natural park where vehicles and dogs are prohibited. In the afternoon, drive your camper van up to the Punta Cabalo Lighthouse to watch the sunset. Park at the beach bar in the area (if you consume) and enjoy the best views of the estuary.
Day 12: Granbazán Winery and a real “furancho”
In the heart of the Rías Baixas, visit the Granbazán Winery, a beautiful estate with a neoclassical building with blue tiles. The guided tour and tasting of their Albariño wines is highly recommended.
And for a meal, an authentic experience: a “furancho”. These are private homes that sell their own wine and home-cooked food. Portions are large, cheap, and high quality. However, they only open from December to June (or are regulated that way); some have become restaurants but retain the essence. Furáncho Rey Abal (near Granbazán) is an option.
Day 13: Boiro, Corrubedo, and the mobile dunes
Leave the province of Pontevedra behind and enter A Coruña province. You reach Boiro, with more than 30 km of coastline and impressive beaches. But the most spectacular thing is the Corrubedo Natural Park and its mobile Carregal and Vixán dunes, a unique protected ecosystem in Galicia.
The beaches here are wild and not crowded, perfect for disconnecting. The Boiro camper van area is well located.
Day 14: Noia – Medieval town and historic cemetery
Noia is a medieval town with a charming old town, but its great attraction is its historic cemetery, with more than 500 medieval and Renaissance tombstones, many of them guild-related, showing symbols of the deceased’s trade (shoemakers, carpenters…). It’s a unique catalogue in Europe.
There’s a camper van car park next to the seafront, near the centre and the cemetery.
Day 15: Muros – The final touch
End your 15 days in Galicia by camper van in Muros, a fishing village with a spectacular port and an old town declared a Historic-Artistic Site. Its authentic atmosphere and streets with arcades will give you a calm finale with the essence of the real Galicia.
From here, you can start your journey home or continue north if you have more days.
Frequently asked questions about the 15-day route through Galicia by camper van
Is it easy to find camper van areas on the 15-day itinerary?
Yes, Galicia is one of the Spanish regions with the most camper van areas. On the 15-day itinerary, we’ve included municipal areas, authorised car parks, and some private areas, all with good reputations. However, in high season (July and August), free areas fill up quickly, so try to arrive early or book a private one. The Park4night app is your best ally for finding options and checking other travellers’ reviews.
How much does a 15-day trip to Galicia by camper van cost?
The cost varies greatly depending on your travel style. The Galician Camper Van Association estimates that a camper van traveller spends an average of 60 to 70 euros per person per day if they cook in the vehicle, and up to 100 euros if they eat out. Fuel is the biggest expense. Over 15 days, for two people, you can budget between 1,800 and 2,500 euros, although reducing meals out and staying in free areas can significantly lower that figure.
What practical tips should I keep in mind for the route?
Always bring toilet paper, wet wipes, rubbish bags, and a first-aid kit. Manage your water well: for two people, calculate about 25 litres per day if you shower quickly and wash dishes carefully. Don’t flush paper down the toilet to make the waste water tank last longer. And very importantly: be organised, check everything is closed before setting off, and on narrow roads (there are many in Galicia), drive slowly and use Google Maps in satellite mode to anticipate the width.
Your 15-day trip through Galicia awaits
Driving along the Galician coast in a camper van for 15 days is an experience that will change the way you travel. The freedom to move at your own pace, the variety of landscapes from the Rías Baixas to the Costa da Morte, and the authenticity of its villages and people make this trip special.
If you don’t have your own vehicle, don’t worry. At Autocaravanas Camperdadi, we offer a camper van rental in Madrid service with vehicles prepared for this type of route. We’ll advise you on the most suitable model and give you personalised tips for your trip. Call +34 91 082 06 32 or send a WhatsApp to +34 639 266 865 to resolve all your questions. Or write to us at info@autocaravanascamperdadi.com and we’ll help you design the perfect route.