Hi folks.
Anybody have any advice about biking across the Southern part of Spain? Travelling all along the coast from Gibraltar to France.
The A-level highways have a paved shoulder, but it's a highway, and it might actually be illegal, not to mention unsafe. I can't find any shouldered roads down west of Carboneras, in the national park there called Cabo de Gata. Is there a set of Spanish cycling routes across the South?
Any guidance appreciated.
Cheers
I wouldn't travel down the Mediterranean on the coastal roads - they are fast and link towns related to solely mass tourism and international living. You are not going to get a decent impression of Spain by doing this. There are only half a dozen places along this coast which have any natural habitat and are free of development. You would be much better to loop inland at various points to get the full flavour of the country. This way you get the best coast and the inland highlights. You needn't go far in land. It just depends how much time you have and what time of year you are travelling.
OK, but that really isn't my goal, to see the natural. I have plenty of natural here where I am from. I don't mind the development and I do want to stay close to the coast. Spain is just one of several countries, so running about a single country would not be in the books. I am thinking of going in the Spring sometime.
I would like to have a route from Gibraltar to Perpignan, France. I am also needing to avoid the heat. My basic idea would be to ride North as the cool Spring arrives in Europe. Any suggestions?
Cheers
Any up to date decent motoring atlas will get you from Gibralter to Perpignan - you don't have much choice - just follow the signs. Where you come across dual carriageways which are classified as autovias you may be banned from cycling on these. Look out for prohibition signs. There are usually alternative routes running close by, usually the old road they have replaced. Where you have to cycle on the autovia this is what you can expect. Also main roads which have not been upgraded. and here:
Hi
This is Pablo from Seville, south of Spain.
I completly agree that the east coast is a really horrible choice. Much better would be the west coast, riding up Portugal and then north of Spain. I have done much of it and I can tell you is MUCH, MUCH better. There is a book that perfectly describes you the route that goes up Portugal by the coast. I don't remember the name but should't be difficult to find it by internet.
Good luck
OK, thanks for the notes. One of the reasons I'm doing this trip is to do the Canal du Midi. That runs from the Med to Toulouse, and continues along another canal to Bordeaux.
Ah it looks like my reply earlier on today did not post.
I'm changing my route based upon the replies I've had in here. I will be travelling from Madrid to Saragossa, Lerida, then Barcelona, then North. Any suggestions along that way?
Cheers
Sorry Rich
I don't know anything about this route but for sure will be a better choice than the first one.
Good luck!