South and west

[twofat]

Hi folks,
I've been a forum member for a while, but haven't posted in ages.
The missus and I will be leaving Perth in Western Australia on Sept 4 for Barcelona. We are hiring a GS for 25 days to do a tour around the south and west of Spain via, hopefully, some interesting bendy roads. The intention is to do a loop, west as far as Tomar in Portugal, then returning to Barcelona for few days off.
The research is on in earnest, but if anyone has any suggestions about particular roads or budget accommodation, we would really appreciate it.
Cheers,
Gav.

 

[gspod]

There is so much

Heading south from Barca:
Nacional park of Montsant - amazing tarmac and fabulous wines - esp Cava.
" " Cuenca - a very remote area with lots a nature stuff.
The area of Aragon really suprised us with it's diverse geography - one minute barren plains next lush green river valley.
Extramadura - the most sparsely populated region of Spain, it has a very unusual atmostphere which is hard to describe + the best ham in the world (IMO).
The South has so much too - i'll leave to others.
If you google 'The Spanish Biker' he has lived in Spain for years and is the oracle on Spain - on and off road - a very nice and helpful chap to boot.

Enjoy the trip.

 

[twofat]

Gracias

Cheers mate, I'll have a look and see what he has to suggest.
The missus has had her foot in plaster for the last 8 weeks and has been busy on the net, the Michelin map and the guide books, but as we have found in the past, it is better to get the story from someone closer to the scene.
Cheers,
Gav.

 

[Rockred]

Hi Gav, September is a good month to come over, as the roads start to get back to normal after the Summer. In the south try and see the Alhambra in Granada it's fantastic and not to be missed imo, on the coast of the province of Granada there is Nerja a lovely small town with a great ambience and beaches with Frigiliana just 3 miles inland voted the best white village in Andalucía, then you could move along and stay around Ronda some really good rides around there and stunning scenery, then there is Gib it has lots to see, and if I'am free I will give you a tour round. I hope this helps.

 

[CJ.]

Hi Gav, well, where to start, there is so much to see, and so many good roads. We went to the moto GP in Jerez in May, and stayed nearby in Arcos de la Frontera, with a beautiful old town centre, can recommend, usually use booking.com and trip advisor to select our accommodation, which caters for all price ranges. Treat yourselves to a night in a Parador, can recommend the one at Cuenca, on the edge of the ravine. Cordoba is beautiful, visit the Mesquita. Can second Granada and the Alhambra Palace, but book tickets in advance on-line. The El Chorro Gorge, north of Malaga and west of Antequera is worth a visit, from here you can travel west to Ronda. Further North, Segovia is worth a visit, with it's Roman aquaduct.
Your choice of good biking roads is almost unlimited, get yourself the Michelin maps of your chosen areas and pick out the green routes.
Travel safe, and enjoy.
Chris.