Trip to the South of Spain

[Coolie]

Hi

New to this part of the forum, but havin got myself a 1200gs - its time to stop focusing on the technical, and turn my attention to the adventures Now the reality is - young family and all that, means once a year for a european trip.

In March next year, the family are off to stay with relatives 40mins from Alicante in Spain - i can't go for the two weeks (they are flying), but i've offered to bike down - 7days in total away from the Uk

So the plan, get a ferry from UK to Santander, then ride down to the Alicante area - stay a couple of days, and ride back again. Not really wanting to use m-way on that route, how long would it take to cover that journey (getting into some twisties etc) - is 2days enough? Stay in Alicante area for 2days, then take 3days to return to Santander.

Some questions for those with experience pls
- best ferry route for bikers
- what sort of accomerdation works well (en route)
- can someone suggest a good route down to that area, and then perhaps some roads round the south coast and back towards Santander
- is bike security a problem in spain?
- will pretty much regular spring/autumn uk biking wear work ok in March - will i get too hot in the south?

sorry if thats a bunch of questions - just looking for some basic tips really, and avoid obvious mistakes from those who've been there.

ta

 

[bumble beemer]

Done that trip many times a few years back but always to Bilbao (docks early in the morning ) and in August. Easily doable to Alicante via motorways in one day.

I have been back since, to the Picos de Europa and Pyrenees.

Santander ferry is now relatively new and is far better than the one to Bilbao. Only problem is that some crossings dock at midday which leaves 7 to 8 hours day time to ride down.

My preference, if you have time is to take two days. I have found the North far more picturesque with great A and B roads ( Picos and Pyrenees are highly recommended).

Far hotter in Southern Spain than North. Although I doubt that North Spain will be any warmer than England in March.

Plenty of accomodation available in March.

Enjoy.

 

[Glyno]

Due to your shortage of time the quickest route is Santander to Zarragosa then A23 to Teruel and onto Valencia where you will joint the A7. Be mindful of speed cameras on the A23 though. Total time to Alicante would be about 9 hours or thereabouts.

 

[Coolie]

thanks, thats helpful. i'll take a look at that - might be along with some other questions.
ta

 

[MikeP]

The time of year may limit your ferry options. I'd start there before thinking about routes across Spain as Santander may not be an option because Brittany Ferries sometimes don't resume their service until April. The P&O alternative will eat into your available time as it's a two-night crossing.

 

[markie_wales]

The P&O ferry to Bilbao has ended, so the "arrive early morning" option is not there anymore. Only BF go to North Spain now, so agree with the comment above - start with the ferry options first.

cheers

Markie

 

[t'other dave]

Re ferries, check the sail times, you want to idealy get of the boat in the morn and return late afternoon. The Portsmouth- Bilbao is a quicker ferry so will maximise time on the road, I did Bilbao - Portsmouth this year and it leaves about 6pm and is about 25 hours the guys I were talking to said the Santander docks at 12pm. So outbound Portsmouth -Santander inbound Bilbao- Portsmouth. Brittany ferries.
For the riding I'm not familier with the Spanish routes but get a paper map and have a look at the roads it should be easy to plan,. Never had problems abroad on a bike most hotels/campsite have been good enough to either let me put the bike in garages,binsheds, under my window, in their own garden or where ever.
Enjoy

 

[MikeP]

If the OP lives at his given location, Plymouth - Santander might be a better option (straight down the M5/A38), if the ferry is running.

Brittany Ferries Plymouth to Santander departs around 1600 and arrives around 10.00am these days.

 

[malcopopolo]

Hi

New to this part of the forum, but havin got myself a 1200gs - its time to stop focusing on the technical, and turn my attention to the adventures Now the reality is - young family and all that, means once a year for a european trip.

In March next year, the family are off to stay with relatives 40mins from Alicante in Spain - i can't go for the two weeks (they are flying), but i've offered to bike down - 7days in total away from the Uk

So the plan, get a ferry from UK to Santander, then ride down to the Alicante area - stay a couple of days, and ride back again. Not really wanting to use m-way on that route, how long would it take to cover that journey (getting into some twisties etc) - is 2days enough? Stay in Alicante area for 2days, then take 3days to return to Santander.

Some questions for those with experience pls
- best ferry route for bikers
- what sort of accomerdation works well (en route)
- can someone suggest a good route down to that area, and then perhaps some roads round the south coast and back towards Santander
- is bike security a problem in spain?
- will pretty much regular spring/autumn uk biking wear work ok in March - will i get too hot in the south?

sorry if thats a bunch of questions - just looking for some basic tips really, and avoid obvious mistakes from those who've been there.

ta

Hi!

I am thinking of doing the exact same trip in late March (after 18th). Never been before but my mum lives 5 miles from torrevieja (50 mins from Alicante Airport) I intend to go for two weeks on my 1200GS. If you wanted a companion for the outbound trip - let me know.

 

[gspod]

Food for thought.

Inland from the Costas, Spain is one of the most mountainous countries in Europe. Out of the summer season these mountain areas can be very cold and snowy, there are also vast plateaus at altitude that can be very windy (hence the large number of wind turbines). Beautiful areas to ride through on your way, such as the Cuenca mountains, can be covered in snow until April.

For what it's worth I advise to prepare well and build flexibility into your itinerary.

Oh and don't forget a ride report (with photos of the snow )

Enjoy

 

[Crackshot]

I'd also be interested in knowing how you get on as my wifes family are from in between Valencia and Alicante....

 

[Coolie]

Hi!

I am thinking of doing the exact same trip in late March (after 18th). Never been before but my mum lives 5 miles from torrevieja (50 mins from Alicante Airport) I intend to go for two weeks on my 1200GS. If you wanted a companion for the outbound trip - let me know.

Hi Mal

Sorry it's been a little since I've looked at the post , I'm planned to go on March 7th, if that timing works for you - than happy to hook up for the journey down.

Looks like the trip will need planning around the mountain areas given other comments helpfully posted, otherwise we might need snow shovels!!

I'll book before December closes, and take advantage of that ferry discount offer posted up on here

 

[malcopopolo]

Hi Mal

Sorry it's been a little since I've looked at the post , I'm planned to go on March 7th, if that timing works for you - than happy to hook up for the journey down.

Looks like the trip will need planning around the mountain areas given other comments helpfully posted, otherwise we might need snow shovels!!

I'll book before December closes, and take advantage of that ferry discount offer posted up on here

Apologies for not being in touch: had a few personal problems. having to fly now - hope you enjoy your trip

 

[Happy Bear]

GS Heaven

I know this might sound a bit loony if you already have the GS but have you thought of renting one down there as that is a long way to go for 7 days.

GSHeaven in Malaga rent 2010 GS1200 adventures and the service is exceptional. If you get a cheap Easyjet flight to Malaga they pick you up and take you back to the guest house (lovely place) where they sort you out with pannier/seat configurations and send you on your way.

The route to Alicante through the southern Sierra Nevadas is stunning and you will get 4 good biking days in as well as spending more time with the family.

Might not work out much more expensive either.

I can't recommend GSHeaven highly enough and I'm off early Thursday for my 9th trip. 4 days of fun in the sun and back in time for work on Monday morning.

Have fun whichever way you go.