Spain Santander

[wayne_5041799]

Hi

Looking for some advice on a campsite in the Noja area called Playa Joyel for next July/August, how does this site compare with French sites in the Brittany/Vendee areas.

What are the surrounding beaches like,suitability for cycling and walking, how is the driving with van on tow from ferry at Santander.

Any recommendations on other sites in area welcome as this will be our first foray in to Spain with van.

Also what is the ferry from Plymouth to Santander like for the 18hr trip are the cabins up to the mark for the long trip, any comments welcome as we are a little unsure following some wonderfull holidays in France.

 

[Lutz]

I can't compare the Noja site with very many French campsites but we were very satisfied with our stay there, albeit in May when things are quieter. The only thing that bothered us a bit was the unrest on days when a ferry arrived at Santander. However, the beach is nice and sandy but it's best to take a bike to the shops as it's some way off from the town centre.

To get some idea of what it's like have a look at http://www.cantabria.com/playajoyel/index.htm

 

[James3]

Ferry Plymouth to Santander (Pont Avon) is excellent, cabins very good. Plenty of choice on eating - kids can use the swimming pool - some entertainment - 18 hour crossing seems to go quickly much better than the previous boats or on P & O circa 30+ hours.

 

[Ken_5040834]

We are aiming to go to Green Spain with our 'van next summer, so i am watching this thread with interest. We toured this area a few years ago staying in several Paradors and fell in love with The Picos de Europas region. Anyone know and recommend any caravan sites in the Potes area, or will we be better staying nearer the coast?

We will book the Bilbao crossing route which does take longer, but the good news is that we will have enough Tesco vouchers to pay the whole ferry cost which is around

 

[TheSleuth]

We stayed at Camping La Paz, Vidiago (East of Llanes) in late May this year which was great - www.campinglapaz.com . Terraced pitches connected by steep roads (they'll tow you to selected pitch) overlooking superb private beach. Loads of walking from the site.

At that time of year there was plenty of room on the couple of sites we passed nr Potes which both looked OK, altho I foolishly didn't note their names. Maybe worth booking a night or two at La Paz and just take the vehicle up to see? Maybe no good if you're going in high summer tho' as I'm told things get pretty busy then like France.

We're going to the Italian lakes area June 2006 - anyone got suggestions for there and/or Umbria? Must accept dogs.

 

[BigAl1]

Hello Wayne

The North Staffs Centre of The Caravan Club may be running a rally to this site next August. If you have not yet booked or have still not decided this may be of interest to you.

 

[Nidge1]

Hi, Wayne.

See my posting 3.12.05 Camping Playa Joyel- Noja.

I can't comment on the ferry however as we drove from Calais and stopped on various sites en-route (which was great if you have the time).

Hope this helps.

Regards Nidge

 

[AdifferentJim]

We travel down to SW France most years on the Plymouth - Santander ferry. The new ferry ( spring 2004 ) is more like a cruise ship than the older type of ferries. We usually stay at Bidart near Biarritz and getting in and out of Santander is easy. The motorway now goes most of the way across Northen Spain and is a doddle and the scenery is quite spectacular. The only campsite I've stayed at in the area was 2 nights at the municipal in Santander. Avoid it at all costs. It's dire.