Northern Spain by Motorhome – 10 Days Between Desert, Vultures & Forgotten Mountain Villages
Northern Spain by Camper Van – 10 Days Between Desert, Vultures & Forgotten Mountain Villages
Northern Spain by camper van had long been on our wish list. While many holidaymakers head straight for the Spanish coasts, this time we were drawn to the Navarra region. Here, travelers can expect impressive gorges, huge vulture colonies, abandoned mountain villages, and the Bardenas Reales, a landscape that is more reminiscent of the Wild West than Europe.
Our camper van trip through Spain begins with a long journey, takes us to spectacular viewpoints, and brings us to places that many tourists never get to see. The first few days alone show why Northern Spain is one of the most exciting regions in the country for us.
Table of Contents
- The Journey to Northern Spain
- Finally Arrived in Lumbier
- The Foz de Lumbier and its Vultures
- Mirador del Iso – Griffon Vultures over Navarra
- The Abandoned Village of Iglesia de San Miguel
- Adventurous Drive into the Bardenas Reales
- Castildetierra – The Landmark of the Desert
- Overnight Stay in Arguedas
- Conclusion of our First Days in Northern Spain
- Click here for the corresponding YouTube video
The Journey to Northern Spain
As often happens, our journey began with a significantly longer drive than planned. We already lost valuable time in Germany due to several traffic jams. Around Paris too, progress was slow, and we were repeatedly stuck in stop-and-go traffic.
Kilometer by kilometer, we worked our way towards Spain. Such days are part of a camper van trip, but eventually you just long for the first quiet pitch.
Finally, around 10 PM, we reached our overnight stop in La Poste. The pitch wasn't spectacular, but pleasantly quiet. After a long day behind the wheel, that was exactly what we needed. While we relaxed into the evening, our anticipation for the coming days in Northern Spain grew.
Finally Arrived in Lumbier
After about 1,600 kilometers, we finally reached Lumbier in Navarra. The relief was great, as two long days of driving lay behind us.
Lumbier is primarily known for the famous Foz de Lumbier. Upon arrival, we could already see the impressive rock formations that characterize this region. The first major highlight of our trip was already planned for the next morning.
We wanted to explore the famous gorge and hoped to encounter the numerous griffon vultures that live here.
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The Foz de Lumbier and its Vultures
The next morning, we set off for the Foz de Lumbier.
The gorge is one of the most impressive natural experiences in Northern Spain. Massive rock faces rise several hundred meters high on both sides, forming an imposing backdrop.
After a short time, we spotted the first griffon vultures. High above the rocks, the huge birds silently circled through the thermals. Again and again, they glided directly over our heads.
For us, this was one of the most beautiful moments of the trip so far. The combination of untouched nature, steep rock faces, and the majestic birds of prey makes the Foz de Lumbier an absolute must-see for anyone exploring Northern Spain by camper van.
We spent significantly more time here than originally planned and enjoyed every minute in this impressive landscape.
The Abandoned Village of Iglesia de San Miguel
Another highlight awaited high up on a mountain.
Our destination was the abandoned village of Iglesia de San Miguel. We had to cover the last few meters on foot, as the path became increasingly steep.
Once at the top, a fascinating sight unfolded. The ruins lie abandoned in the landscape and look almost like a film set.
Many buildings are heavily dilapidated, but that's exactly what gives this place its special character. As we walked through the remains of the village, we kept wondering what life here must have been like in the past.
Of course, the drone had to take off. Only from the air did it become visible how spectacular the location of the village actually is. For us, Iglesia de San Miguel is one of the most exciting lost places of our camper van trip through Spain.
Adventurous Drive into the Bardenas Reales
After visiting the abandoned village, we headed to one of the highlights of our Northern Spain trip: the Bardenas Reales.
However, the drive wasn't entirely problem-free. Multiple times, the navigation system sent us onto dirt roads that were simply unsuitable for our camper van.
More than once, we had to turn around and look for a different route. Such situations cost time, but are somehow part of every road trip.
Finally, we reached the famous semi-desert. The first impressions were already impressive. The landscape looked completely different from anything we had seen in Spain before.
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Castildetierra – The Landmark of the Desert
In the middle of the Bardenas Reales rises Castildetierra.
This distinctive rock formation is the most famous landmark of the region and one of the most popular photo opportunities in Northern Spain.
When we arrived, we could hardly believe we were still in Europe. The landscape was more reminiscent of Arizona or the Wild West than Spain.
This is where the first photos and video recordings of our trip were taken. At the same time, we realized that the Bardenas Reales are much more than just a quick photo stop. The region offers countless tracks, viewpoints, and landscapes waiting to be discovered.
For many camper van travelers, the Bardenas Reales are among the greatest highlights of a trip through Spain – and we could immediately understand why.
Overnight Stay in Arguedas
For the night, we drove to Arguedas.
The town is considered an ideal starting point for visits to the Bardenas Reales. A new large camper van pitch is currently being built here, as the previous one is regularly full.
We spent a relaxed evening. After the many impressions of the day, we enjoyed the peace and quiet and looked back on the first days of our trip.
Vultures, gorges, abandoned villages, and the first impressions of the desert had already exceeded our expectations.
Conclusion of Our First Days in Northern Spain
Our first days in Northern Spain by camper van could hardly have been more varied.
From the impressive Foz de Lumbier and the numerous griffon vultures to the abandoned village of Iglesia de San Miguel and the fascinating Bardenas Reales, it had everything.
Anyone looking to discover Spain by camper van away from the well-known coastal regions will find a region full of nature, adventure, and extraordinary landscapes in Navarra.
For us, this was the perfect start to a journey that promised many more highlights. The coming days would lead us even deeper into the fascinating world of Northern Spain.
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