Northern Spain

[Beethree]

I’ve organised a few European roadtrips to the usual suspects (France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland) and am now thinking of trying Northern Spain/Andorra.
I’d also like to check out one of the deserts in that area.

Any tips for routes and best time of year to go?

Thanks!

[Ussrcossack]

I'd go May onwards, passes in the pyrenees will be closed in winter months

[Beethree]

Ussrcossack said:

I'd go May onwards, passes in the pyrenees will be closed in winter months

Do you know when they start to close in the autumn/winter? We’re thinking mid-October as a possible time for this trip

[hiccy18]

I went over the Pyrenees twice this year, the May route had to be altered because it was snowing, the early October trip had no such concerns but the road we came over had snow the week after we got back. There's plenty of route options so I wouldn't worry about not making a stopover, but I suspect September would be a safer option.

N260 is meant to be awesome.

[POIDH]

Some brilliant roads around the Picos de Europa and Basque country when I was there a few years ago.

[seefarr]

Beethree said:

Do you know when they start to close in the autumn/winter? We’re thinking mid-October as a possible time for this trip

Pasted from another Spain thread - we've always gone at mid to end of October as that's when by birthday is and there has been no chance of snow. I can confirm all the various bits of the N260 are amazing.


We've done three proper road trips from the UK that have taken in Northern Spain and we love it! It's driving nirvana with glorious empty roads and the food and wine are our favourites in the world.

If you want to see the best roads in the region, I think the Pyrenees has more to offer than the Picos. Jaca is a great base to hit some of the best roads. My favourite is this route up the pass to France:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ArvgJ76Qu7HxmdaW7



Between the coast and Logrono (you should stay in Logrono or the Rioja more generally!), there's a mesa thing with a couple of delicious roads (NA-718 & NA7130):

https://maps.app.goo.gl/q5BnH2dPJ3d6EgTR8



I've done up trip reports with maps if you're interested:

Latest in the Aston:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Cayman was Picos down to Portugal:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

R8 a few years ago:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[Beethree]

This is awesome! I will consume it all in the coming weeks, thank you!