Spain - any good?
Discussion
The British road trip idea gave me another thought: Maybe the best way to go for a driving holiday without spending any time (or at least as little as possible) on boring roads is to get a ferry straight to somewhere more interesting?
I've never visited Spain (unless you count Lanzerote
) but I vaguely remeber some of the magazines - and indeed the TVRCC! - heading off there at various points. Could you roll off the ferry, spend a few days hooning around (possibly over the Pyrenees into France...) and then back onto the ferry without having to spend too much time on motorways? And, if so, where?
I've never visited Spain (unless you count Lanzerote
) but I vaguely remeber some of the magazines - and indeed the TVRCC! - heading off there at various points. Could you roll off the ferry, spend a few days hooning around (possibly over the Pyrenees into France...) and then back onto the ferry without having to spend too much time on motorways? And, if so, where?Have a look at the ferries to Northern Spain (Brittany Ferries Plymouth/Portsmouth to Santander and P&O Ferries Portsmouth to Bilbao).
If you arrive at Santander you have great mountain roads just inland from the coastal motorway esp if you head west towards Asturias. There, within minutes of getting off the ferry, you'll have fabulous mountain roads along deep ravines in the beautiful Picos de Europa mountains. One of Spain's best kept secrets - a bit busy in July and August as it's full of Spanish people who really know where's best to go.
You can get high up the mountains on some very decent and challenging roads and even stop at the Fuente De cable car and get up to >6,000 feet for some hiking.
If you prefer,and you're closer if you disembarque in Bilbao, you can head east to the pyrenees. I don't know the Basque pyrenees much but the Huesca and catalan pyrenees and the adjoining French parts are great for roads and loooong under mountain tunnels if you like the sound of your exhaust. Otherwise use the old mountain passes that where there before the tunnels were built for some great roads. Again avoid in July/esp August unless you don't mind going slowly behind all the French/Spanish holiday makers.Makes for some epic overtaking, mind
Had some great blats along these roads over many years. I liked it best June or October when the crowds have gone,but have also enjoyed July/Aug as well when been with the kids in summer hols-just more hassle and less fun driving
If you arrive at Santander you have great mountain roads just inland from the coastal motorway esp if you head west towards Asturias. There, within minutes of getting off the ferry, you'll have fabulous mountain roads along deep ravines in the beautiful Picos de Europa mountains. One of Spain's best kept secrets - a bit busy in July and August as it's full of Spanish people who really know where's best to go.
You can get high up the mountains on some very decent and challenging roads and even stop at the Fuente De cable car and get up to >6,000 feet for some hiking.
If you prefer,and you're closer if you disembarque in Bilbao, you can head east to the pyrenees. I don't know the Basque pyrenees much but the Huesca and catalan pyrenees and the adjoining French parts are great for roads and loooong under mountain tunnels if you like the sound of your exhaust. Otherwise use the old mountain passes that where there before the tunnels were built for some great roads. Again avoid in July/esp August unless you don't mind going slowly behind all the French/Spanish holiday makers.Makes for some epic overtaking, mind
Had some great blats along these roads over many years. I liked it best June or October when the crowds have gone,but have also enjoyed July/Aug as well when been with the kids in summer hols-just more hassle and less fun driving
Edited by Ullevi on Monday 20th December 15:16
It's all hypothetical at the moment, but given my temprate disposition and the lack of air con I think it's safe to say I won't be driving through spain in August any way. 
Coincidentally I did look at the TVRCC one and it looks epic. I'm sure it's worth every penny, but it is a bit out of my price range currently and I probably won't be able to get the car properly ready by March.
Coincidentally I did look at the TVRCC one and it looks epic. I'm sure it's worth every penny, but it is a bit out of my price range currently and I probably won't be able to get the car properly ready by March.
Driven all over Spain for work and pleasure and cannot recommend it enough, nothing better than just heading off on an adventure. The roads,facilities and the people put the UK to shame.
Agree with the comment about Huesca and the Pyrenees, head up through Riglos and carry on into the Ordessa Park area, stunning stuff. Plenty of welcoming small motels and bars, some of the best wine I have ever drunk was from these bars and made on the premises!!
Agree with the comment about Huesca and the Pyrenees, head up through Riglos and carry on into the Ordessa Park area, stunning stuff. Plenty of welcoming small motels and bars, some of the best wine I have ever drunk was from these bars and made on the premises!!
Have a look on here;
http://www.bestbikingroads.com/
Loads of fab roads in the Pyrenees and Northern Spain, which is mountainous.
http://www.bestbikingroads.com/
Loads of fab roads in the Pyrenees and Northern Spain, which is mountainous.
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