Northern Spain/Portugal

Northern Spain is very different to mediterranean Spain, characterised by wild sandy beaches, big surf and quiet out of the main season. Major places like San Sebastián are worth a visit as is Bilbao (Área de Autocaravanas de Kobetamendi has spectacular city views) but they’re obviously east of Santander, so may not fit your itinerary? I’d be inclined to make my way west along the Costa Galicia towards Santiago del Compostela stopping where your fancy takes you at lovely little coastal villages like Cudillero and San Bartolo. Praia das Catedrais (Cathedrals Beach) is a must see, but make sure you arrive at low tide. South West of Santiago there are some completely unspoilt quiet places like Moros with fabulous beaches and lots of marine sightings to be had. The area doesn’t attract too many brits so don’t expect mushy peas! 

The Portugal coast and hinterland just beyond the Spanish border isn’t anything special, a bit scruffy in places, but does improve as you progress south. Vila Praia de Ancora is a nice place to spend a few days. Vila Cha is a good camping stop for visiting Porto. You can get the metro into Porto from a nearby retail park. Porto is a great city, the area around the river and Dom Luis Bridge on the River Douro is very vibrant with plenty going on, particularly at the weekends. My trip took me further south after Porto so can’t comment on your plans to make tracks NE, but having got this far, Lisbon is worth doing if you can. Make sure you understand the Portugal toll system before you go, on your route you’re likely to enter on a minor route which may not warn you to register before entry.