Road tour of Spain
Discussion
I'm tentatively planning to do a road trip to Spain for a week or so next year, and would be very grateful for some input. The initial route would look something like this:
http://goo.gl/maps/7WBsn
It does need a fair bit more editing, mainly to catch some better driving roads. My train of thought goes something like this:
Be in Folkestone Thursday night to catch very early Eurotunnel train to Calais in the morning.
Friday: Calais to Spanish border. Long slog, suck it up and get it over and done with.
Saturday: Blat through the Pyrenees.
Sunday: More blat through national park and into Spain around Tarragona.
Monday: Slog down to Cartagena.
Tuesday: Slog to southern tip of Spain, but via Sierra Nevada national park to break up the boredom.
Wednesday: Slog to Zamora.
Thursday: Blat up to Lugo.
Friday: Coastal road and then drop down via more national parks to end up in Vitoria.
Saturday: Vitoria to Bordeux, swinging past the Pyrenees again if time allows.
Sunday: Bordeux back to the UK.
Monday: Recover!
Ambitious? Oh yes, and don't I just know it! My trouble is that whilst I'm happy with the plan on paper, I wonder if I'm really just trying to do too much. I really want to see the south of Spain, but at the same time I want to drive the Pyrenees and as many cracking roads in Spain as I can. I don't want to spend too long in France (despite the Pyrenees thing) as I've done a fair bit of exploring there already, but would I be better just concentrating fully on northern Spain and ignoring the south? Or vice versa perhaps?
I know there's some long days in there where I'll be sat on a motorway for all of it, but that doesn't really bother me so long as the destination is worth it. Whether that's in terms of the scenery or the driving the next day, I'm not fussy. Last year I did LEJOG in one 14 hour stint, and whilst the motorways in England were dull it was so worth it for when I hit the glorious roads in Scotland. I enjoyed he whole trip, so the thought of this doesn't bother me. I don't have any more days spare so extending the trip is a non-starter, and I'll be taking the 911 so comfort is a given. Timing will likely be around the end of April to catch the first bank holiday in May on the Monday as my recovery day without using more leave than I need.
Any advice or e-slaps to the face for a bit of sanity would be much appreciated chaps
http://goo.gl/maps/7WBsn
It does need a fair bit more editing, mainly to catch some better driving roads. My train of thought goes something like this:
Be in Folkestone Thursday night to catch very early Eurotunnel train to Calais in the morning.
Friday: Calais to Spanish border. Long slog, suck it up and get it over and done with.
Saturday: Blat through the Pyrenees.
Sunday: More blat through national park and into Spain around Tarragona.
Monday: Slog down to Cartagena.
Tuesday: Slog to southern tip of Spain, but via Sierra Nevada national park to break up the boredom.
Wednesday: Slog to Zamora.
Thursday: Blat up to Lugo.
Friday: Coastal road and then drop down via more national parks to end up in Vitoria.
Saturday: Vitoria to Bordeux, swinging past the Pyrenees again if time allows.
Sunday: Bordeux back to the UK.
Monday: Recover!
Ambitious? Oh yes, and don't I just know it! My trouble is that whilst I'm happy with the plan on paper, I wonder if I'm really just trying to do too much. I really want to see the south of Spain, but at the same time I want to drive the Pyrenees and as many cracking roads in Spain as I can. I don't want to spend too long in France (despite the Pyrenees thing) as I've done a fair bit of exploring there already, but would I be better just concentrating fully on northern Spain and ignoring the south? Or vice versa perhaps?
I know there's some long days in there where I'll be sat on a motorway for all of it, but that doesn't really bother me so long as the destination is worth it. Whether that's in terms of the scenery or the driving the next day, I'm not fussy. Last year I did LEJOG in one 14 hour stint, and whilst the motorways in England were dull it was so worth it for when I hit the glorious roads in Scotland. I enjoyed he whole trip, so the thought of this doesn't bother me. I don't have any more days spare so extending the trip is a non-starter, and I'll be taking the 911 so comfort is a given. Timing will likely be around the end of April to catch the first bank holiday in May on the Monday as my recovery day without using more leave than I need.
Any advice or e-slaps to the face for a bit of sanity would be much appreciated chaps
You need to speak to a man named Jasper Gilder. I think he posts on here as Swiss Tony (due to an uncanny resemblance to the Fast Show character of the same name).
Jasper organises motoring tours abroad and his speciality is Iberia.
I've done most of the eastern portion of your route on one of Jasper's tours. A few thoughts:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/profile.asp?h=0...
Jasper organises motoring tours abroad and his speciality is Iberia.
I've done most of the eastern portion of your route on one of Jasper's tours. A few thoughts:
- The E15 (Barcelona to Cartegena) is pleasant enough as a motorway, but it's just one long dual carriageway down the entire coast. It's not a driving road in any way, shape or form, but I'm not sure there are any interesting alternatives that far east
- You can't go far wrong in the mountains above Barcelona. We stayed near Vic at one point and took a good road down to the coast, I can't remember if it was the C17 on your map or one of the more minor roads in that area, but it had some great sections down through the trees. The Parador at Vic Sau is worth contemplating as an overnight stop too
- It's worth detouring to the GI-682; the coastal road between Lloret de Mar (just up the coast from Barcelona) to Sant Feliu de Guixols - this is the archetypal Mediterranean coastal road and it's seriously twisty
- I think we did the A21 from Vitoria to Pamplona too. It had some nicer than average scenery, but no spectacular bits of road. If you're after a full on hoon it might be worth heading north into the Pyrenees earlier? The only half decent road we found in that area was the latter half of the A127 from Sadaba to Sos del Ray Catolico, but it's a bit out the way. If you do find yourself in the area there's another good hotel in Sos del Ray
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/profile.asp?h=0...Edited by Chris71 on Tuesday 18th December 11:00
Lovely, thanks for that Chris. I've just found out that one of my friends owns a house down on the east coast too who has pretty much agreed with everything you've said there. Like you say though, it's a struggle to find decent enough roads when you're trying to cover a large amount in a good time.
I'll try and grab some more time this evening and tweak the route some more, then I'll give Jasper a nod for some advice. Thanks again
I'll try and grab some more time this evening and tweak the route some more, then I'll give Jasper a nod for some advice. Thanks again
if you want to miss the french motorway bit, how about the ferry to bilbao or santander.
used it a fair bit with the wagon, and the boats are pleasant enough.
there is a cracking road out of santander, to burgos, (sadly i found it when in the lorry) but in the right vehicle it would be cracking.
used it a fair bit with the wagon, and the boats are pleasant enough.
there is a cracking road out of santander, to burgos, (sadly i found it when in the lorry) but in the right vehicle it would be cracking.
I looked at it, but the trouble is twofold. First there's the cost of the ferries, and then there's also the timings of them which don't really fit into any of my plans as they stand today. It's a shame, as I'd probably prefer to do it that way too, but I can't see it working for me sadly. Thanks for the thought anyway.
Have adjusted the route a bit on the advice above and from a mate so it now looks a bit like this:
http://goo.gl/maps/3OCsK
Even better is the fact I've now got the full on go-ahead to do this from the missus, so it's just become a little more real.
Have adjusted the route a bit on the advice above and from a mate so it now looks a bit like this:
http://goo.gl/maps/3OCsK
Even better is the fact I've now got the full on go-ahead to do this from the missus, so it's just become a little more real.
I don't know about you, but I usually try to make my return route different to the outbound. For that reason, have you considered routing from Vitoria, to Millau (for the bridge) and then to Calais. Vitoria to Millau is 6:22 and Millau to Calais 8:46.
Have you read: www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=48...
Could be some additional ideas in this thread.
Have you read: www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=48...
Could be some additional ideas in this thread.
Chris71 said:
Shame the ferry doesn't work for you. That's what we did and it was a surprisingly civilised way to travel - reasonably comfy cabin, decent food and a well-stocked bar up on the deck (with time to sleep off the effects).
Best of all, it avoids the french which is a massive bonus.Ekona said:
I looked at it, but the trouble is twofold. First there's the cost of the ferries, and then there's also the timings of them which don't really fit into any of my plans as they stand today. It's a shame, as I'd probably prefer to do it that way too, but I can't see it working for me sadly. Thanks for the thought anyway.
Have adjusted the route a bit on the advice above and from a mate so it now looks a bit like this:
http://goo.gl/maps/3OCsK
Even better is the fact I've now got the full on go-ahead to do this from the missus, so it's just become a little more real.
just had a look at your route, its a blinder, imho.Have adjusted the route a bit on the advice above and from a mate so it now looks a bit like this:
http://goo.gl/maps/3OCsK
Even better is the fact I've now got the full on go-ahead to do this from the missus, so it's just become a little more real.
well, once the 1st day is over, and that is a fair old slog on your first day. i've done most of your route on the spanish bit, in 1 way or another over the years in the wagon though.
you are going to, and through some lovely places, you'll really enjoy it.
the coast road down to barcelona can sometimes get busy, but worth it.
there are so many new roads in spain, and it changes all the bloody time. i havn't done any euro work this year, start again in feb, can't wait, and i know they'll be yet more new roads when i go next.
its a shame your not going just abit further than tarragona, could have told you about a blinding restaraunt in cambrills.
when your in spain, you'll notice the n roads, a roads, and now alot of ap roads.
n, are a mix of single and dual carriage, and used to be the main routes.
alot of the a's, are like upgraded old n roads, sort of dual carriageway/motorway ish.
ap roads, appear to me, to be privately built and funded toll roads.
on the whole, i try and avoid the ap's, mainly like a dull motorway with british style, crap and expensive service stations.
i always try and stick with the a roads, as they are often old national roads that have been upgraded, that are a much nicer drive, they are free, and you'll find a host of excellent stop offs and restaraunts and hotels on this routes, all doing a mean coffee and bocadillo for a very fair price. most of these stops are right on the a road, or just off it, and all are signed well, but you see most as your passing.
alot may also have, "CLUBS" next to, or near to restaraunts etc. you'll notice them more at night, with all the neon. they may not be what you think
the whole of spain, imho, is a great place to discover by road even in a truck, let alone a decent drivers car, i'm not jealous at all.
all the coast routes are great, the bit up through the park from algeciras is cracking, you will have a great trip!
Dare I ask about the 'clubs'?!
Cheers for the positive comments, it's good to know I'm on the right track. Looks like I'm going to have to take it a bit later in the year now to avoid clashes with others taking hols at work, but I reckon that just means I'll get the better weather instead Think I'm going to grab myself a GoPro or similar and get some footage of the trip, will prob need a stack of memory cards...
I'll start a list soon of stuff I'm going to take with me, just in case. How easy is it to get hold of 98ron once you stray off the main routes?
Cheers for the positive comments, it's good to know I'm on the right track. Looks like I'm going to have to take it a bit later in the year now to avoid clashes with others taking hols at work, but I reckon that just means I'll get the better weather instead
Think I'm going to grab myself a GoPro or similar and get some footage of the trip, will prob need a stack of memory cards...I'll start a list soon of stuff I'm going to take with me, just in case. How easy is it to get hold of 98ron once you stray off the main routes?
You will take loads of photos.
Not sure on the fuel, should be ok, but I only ever stick diesel in!
Remember you'll need 2 I think breath test kits now in France, and I'd take 2 spare headlight bulbs and a warning triangle as musts, also a fire extinguisher and 1st aid kit, not sure if they are a legal requirement, but I just would!
Clubs hmmm, think nightclub ish populated by mainly eastern European women, where any man would pull
Forgot to say, hi viz for each person in car aswell now in spain
Not sure on the fuel, should be ok, but I only ever stick diesel in!
Remember you'll need 2 I think breath test kits now in France, and I'd take 2 spare headlight bulbs and a warning triangle as musts, also a fire extinguisher and 1st aid kit, not sure if they are a legal requirement, but I just would!
Clubs hmmm, think nightclub ish populated by mainly eastern European women, where any man would pull
Forgot to say, hi viz for each person in car aswell now in spain
I did a European road trip in October. We went from Calais over to Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, then southern France and down to where my parents live, 30km from Cartagena. The east coast road down Spain is not great. Once we spent a few days at our parents, we drove up through the middle of Spain to Santander to get the ferry home. We were very pleasantly surprised by the drive, especially the areas around Santander (Pedrena especially nice) and the semi-arid desert once past Teruel (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teruel) which is a stunning place. We really enjoyed the drive that was essentially the last leg of our holiday and was a real pleasant surprise.
I guess what I'm saying is to not rule out using the Santander/Bilbao ferry completely, it was a good way to relax after all of the driving (we did 3700 miles in 2 weeks). Once you weigh up the cost of fuel through France, along a route you have already done on the way down (according to your google map route), plus any overnight stops, is it that much dearer? I'd definitely recommend the places I mentioned if you can shoe-horn them in somehow, I really believe the East coast road down Spain (the main motorway anyway) doesn't have much interest other than going inland from Valencia.
I guess what I'm saying is to not rule out using the Santander/Bilbao ferry completely, it was a good way to relax after all of the driving (we did 3700 miles in 2 weeks). Once you weigh up the cost of fuel through France, along a route you have already done on the way down (according to your google map route), plus any overnight stops, is it that much dearer? I'd definitely recommend the places I mentioned if you can shoe-horn them in somehow, I really believe the East coast road down Spain (the main motorway anyway) doesn't have much interest other than going inland from Valencia.
Edited by davejones81 on Friday 21st December 12:50
I agree with the turuel bit, cracking, and from there up to Santander is lovely aswell, and perfect for the ferry home
East coast of Spain, I'd avoid the motorway and jump on the n340 between Barcelona and Valencia, used to be the main road before the motorways, it's a nice drive, and plenty of places to stop.
East coast of Spain, I'd avoid the motorway and jump on the n340 between Barcelona and Valencia, used to be the main road before the motorways, it's a nice drive, and plenty of places to stop.
Hmmm, that Tereul bit does look a bit tempting I must say.
Thinking about the ferry a bit more, is there someone else to use other than Brittany Ferries? I only ask as they want nearly £300 for a trip, which is why the £60 Chunnel + £150 fuel still works out cheap enough to make it a better option for me. That's ignoring the dates, of course.
June now looks the favourite month for this, hopefully I should avoid the summer holiday folks if it's at the start of the month.
Thinking about the ferry a bit more, is there someone else to use other than Brittany Ferries? I only ask as they want nearly £300 for a trip, which is why the £60 Chunnel + £150 fuel still works out cheap enough to make it a better option for me. That's ignoring the dates, of course.
June now looks the favourite month for this, hopefully I should avoid the summer holiday folks if it's at the start of the month.
Ekona said:
Hmmm, that Tereul bit does look a bit tempting I must say.
Thinking about the ferry a bit more, is there someone else to use other than Brittany Ferries? I only ask as they want nearly £300 for a trip, which is why the £60 Chunnel + £150 fuel still works out cheap enough to make it a better option for me. That's ignoring the dates, of course.
June now looks the favourite month for this, hopefully I should avoid the summer holiday folks if it's at the start of the month.
i'm not 100% but think those ferry routes are all sewn up by brittany these days.Thinking about the ferry a bit more, is there someone else to use other than Brittany Ferries? I only ask as they want nearly £300 for a trip, which is why the £60 Chunnel + £150 fuel still works out cheap enough to make it a better option for me. That's ignoring the dates, of course.
June now looks the favourite month for this, hopefully I should avoid the summer holiday folks if it's at the start of the month.
they always had the santander route, but bilbao used to be p&o's, but they let it go.
the bilbao was known as the party boat, (well if your a lorry driver it was) and i've had many a good crossing on it.
a few rough ones too, as the bay of biscayne can be a b
h when it wants.the roads in june should still be ok, july and august are the main ones to watch.
Just to update this, I've now actually gone and booked everything up so barring a massive disaster, this is now on
I've altered the route again a fraction to take in some more epic roads down near Marbella/Ronda as recommended by someone else, and I've also found out that some interweb friends of mine will be at their house in Cartegana at the same time so that's at least one decent meal I've got planned!
Am very nervous at the very thought of a massive undertaking on my lonesome to be honest, and I guess it'll only take one puncture to completely mess the trip up, but I'm still quite excited too. I'm leaving on the 30th of May bright and early on the Eurotunnel, hopefully should be back home by midnight on June 8th.
I think I'm going to need a serious amount of memory cards for the cameras for this...
I've altered the route again a fraction to take in some more epic roads down near Marbella/Ronda as recommended by someone else, and I've also found out that some interweb friends of mine will be at their house in Cartegana at the same time so that's at least one decent meal I've got planned!
Am very nervous at the very thought of a massive undertaking on my lonesome to be honest, and I guess it'll only take one puncture to completely mess the trip up, but I'm still quite excited too. I'm leaving on the 30th of May bright and early on the Eurotunnel, hopefully should be back home by midnight on June 8th.
I think I'm going to need a serious amount of memory cards for the cameras for this...
Undecided!
Hopefully my 997 C2S, but if something happens to that then I'll pinch the other half's blobeye STi. If that fails then ill ask my brother very nicely if I can take his Cayman R, and if every pan falls apart and I literally have no alternative to walking then ill take the stripped mk1 MX-5 track slag and suffer in a big way!
But yeah, the plan is to take the 911. I can't think of a better car to do it in really, should soak up the motorways with ease but still be awesome on the twisties.
Hopefully my 997 C2S, but if something happens to that then I'll pinch the other half's blobeye STi. If that fails then ill ask my brother very nicely if I can take his Cayman R, and if every pan falls apart and I literally have no alternative to walking then ill take the stripped mk1 MX-5 track slag and suffer in a big way!
But yeah, the plan is to take the 911. I can't think of a better car to do it in really, should soak up the motorways with ease but still be awesome on the twisties.
hope its the porsche.
don't be nervous, once you're over the water, you'll soon get into the groove and have a blast, i'm just a tad jealous. the day you go, is the day we should be getting back into england, on en-route from zagreb to sheffield.
if things go to plan, i'll save this year, and hope that next year i may treat myself to a bmw, e34-m5.
looking forward to the pics from your trip, as i would want to do something very similar in the future
i fancy going out and doing the ring, onto munich, out of germany into austria, do the brenner into italy, to pop down to modena and its attractions then down to genova, so the ventimiglia into france, quick stop at monaco, then on and do the coast road around spain, finish up marbella area, then head north, to get the ferry home out of santander or bilbao.
shouldn't cost to much in fuel
don't be nervous, once you're over the water, you'll soon get into the groove and have a blast, i'm just a tad jealous.
the day you go, is the day we should be getting back into england, on en-route from zagreb to sheffield.if things go to plan, i'll save this year, and hope that next year i may treat myself to a bmw, e34-m5.
looking forward to the pics from your trip, as i would want to do something very similar in the future
i fancy going out and doing the ring, onto munich, out of germany into austria, do the brenner into italy, to pop down to modena and its attractions
then down to genova, so the ventimiglia into france, quick stop at monaco, then on and do the coast road around spain, finish up marbella area, then head north, to get the ferry home out of santander or bilbao.shouldn't cost to much in fuel
Edited by chilistrucker on Tuesday 15th January 14:39
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