Santiago de compostela to San Sebastian the northern route by car

Just returned from a 10 day driving trip across northern Spain following the Camino Frances from just outside Pamplona (Olite) through La Rioja, Burgos, Leon, and on to Santiago de Compostela. Roads in Spain, even the smaller secondary roads, are maintained better than you will find in most of the US. Their autopistas (like our interstate highways) are excellent. Signage gives you plenty of advance notice when your exit is near. We actually preferred driving the national roads (marked with N followed by a number) such as the N-634 leaving Santiago de Compostela to the northern coast, because they offer more opportunities for impromptu stops to explore towns and villages along the way. You will have no trouble with Spanish drivers. I wish US drivers were as courteous and conscientious. Just remember to keep out of the left lanes except to pass. Speed limits are strictly enforced, but at 120 kph limit (75 mph) on the autopista, why would anyone want or need to go faster? Most of the national roads have a limit of 90 kph (56 mph) since they carry local traffic. Have a safe trip!

Agree with the road info. Worked our way from Santiago to France last summer with stays in Cedeira (Hotel Herbeira, excellent, modern, friendly English-speaking owner, about 80 Euros per nt incl. good breakfast), Cudillero (Casona de la Paca, excellent, 19th c. mansion, terrific bkfst, same price), Collia in the mountains (Posada del Valle, stunning countryside, wonderful dinner & bkfst, 80-ish again, dinner extra but worth it), & Santillana del Mar (La Casa del Organista, historic mansion, 90 E., fine bkfst). All towns chosen for smallness/character/scenery. Cedeira & Cudillero are fishing towns, Santillana is gorgeous old stonework & the cave paintings of Altamira. One caveat is Cudillero's layout: seriously steep - the whole town spills down to the harbor, & Casona de la Paca was up top, a long climb; nice hotel but I'd stay in town if we went back. Other hand, up top is quieter, & your legs will be in great shape after the Camino!

Santiago de Compostela http://www.costavella.com/
Day 1 - Santiago de Compostela to Oviedo via Lugo (walled city)
http://www.barcelo.com/BarceloHotels/en_US/hotels/Spain/Oviedo/hotel-barcelo-oviedo-cervantes/general-description.aspx
Day 2 - Oviedo to Santander via Picos de Europa (mountains) and Santillana del Mar (charming historic town)
http://www.jardinsecretosantander.com/lang/en-en/
Day 3 - Santander to San Sebastian via Bilbao (Guggenheim)
http://www.hotellagaleria.com/en_hotel-rooms-sansebastian.htm
Total distance is about 700km - 3 days minimum to do this route justice.

Hank,

Great advice about the driving route from other posters above. Don't forget to obtain an International Driving License. Your local AAA office should be able to help you. You will need passport sized pix.

Thank you to all your replies. This part of the trip sounds wonderful. We will arrange for the car here in the US and enjoy the coast of Northern Spain. Hank Novato, CA