Advice for trip down to Algarve from Bilbao.

[Fluffmeister]

Hi Folks

Next year the family is heading off to a villa in the Algarve for a week, I plan on giving myself a few extra days off and riding down there. The Pompey to Bilbao ferry fit's my dates best, and so was hoping to do the Picos on my meander down.

I can afford to take my time, 3 - 4 days to get down there, but on the way back, need to get back from the villa in 48 hours, so will be looking for a more direct route back, but still hoping to stay off Motorways wherever possible, unless necessary.

I was just going to wing it on the way there and back, with the tent, or just look for something en route rather than try to plan stops.

I will be travelling solo, because I have no friends

I've got a Garmin Zumo, but prefer to just wing it with a few placenames to head for or road numbers, and resort to the garmin if I really have to.

Can anyone suggest a good route down, with "must see" stuff on the way, and a more direct route back? Are my timings realistic? Anything I need to be aware of with regards to the trip / camping etc etc. Any and all advice is gratefully received. I've done loads of miles in the likes of France / Germany / Holland / Poland / Czech Republic, but never ventured into Spain at all, or indeed Portugal (Never even done a package deal piss up their either).

Cheers
Fluff'

 

[Simon W]

The Picos are stunning. Head to Riano - if you have time, the triangle of roads between Potes, Canas di Onis and Riano is sublime.

In central Portugal is the Serra da Estrela national park, which contains a road known as the Portugese Stelvio - the N232. I was meant to ride it this year but work got in the way... You'll have to find out for me if it's as good as the Portugese bloke who recommended it says it is!

There are plenty of good roads in the south of Portugal as well. The area around Faro and up into the Serra de Monchique mountains was used for the KTM 990 SM-T launch - loads of superb twisty roads, the majority with really good surfaces.

Route? You could try something like this (sorry for the long link):
https://www.google.com/maps?saddr=S...1,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23&t=m&z=7

 

[Roberto]

Couldn't disagree with Simon's comments above and that route doesn't seem half bad 3-4 days gives you an awful lot of scope on the way down, perfect; did the same in May.

The Picos is very pretty and over the San Glorio Pass from Potes to Riano is excellent. When are you going? If you're going out of season it may be weather affected- there was still snow up there in mid-May but it was passable.
The run further down to Mirana do Douro is nice and there are plenty of good and reasonable places to stay there. Then a run south on the N221 and along the Duoro valley is a good one.

I'd also endorse the Sierre de Estrela as Simon does. The N338 West of Guarda is super on the way in. I stayed in Manteigas at a hotel recommended by a fellow tosser. The N232 from there and run into Gouveia even though it takes you back a little North is outstanding.

I changed tack the next day to see Sintra which wasn't the best from a biking perspective though great to see although getting that way towards Lisbon was OK. Heading South over the Tagus Bridge from Lisbon was quite memorable but getting a hotel in Setubal not so much. I took an ferry from Setubal across to the peninsula which led to an interesting to ride down the coast and onwards to the Algarve.

Around Monchique is indeed very good too when down South.

Coming back in 48 hours certainly possible but you'll have to put in a shift and mix it up a bit roads wise.

I'll be going back again next year all being well- terrific countries for the bike.

 

[westride]

Algarve

We went down through Spain from Santander, 18 days away from home,2nd of June this year - 2013. Only had 10 mins of rain. Keep La Alberca ( 3,000 ft above sea) in mind, cheap hotel 32e for room for the two of us. Placencia, south west of Madrid, lovely small walled town, cheap tapas, cheap good wine. I have travelled down through Spain to the Algarve, 3 times now!! Evora in Portugal is lovely, fantastic night there, hotels not expensive, fantastic food, one of the most interesting restaurants ever. Look, just ask if you need more info. Have a great trip.