Nimes to Porto!

[benk]

Hi folks

looking for a bit of advice, I'm four weeks into an epic trip across Europe. Currently in Marguerittes just east of Nimes. I've got 10 days to get to a location just south of Porto for a yoga retreat that my girlfriend is running (feels a bit like the cannonball run!). There's various commitments during the route due to online work schedule so if it looks a bit mad there is reason behind it!
I'm happy with the route I've picked through the pyrenes going via Col du Pourtalet, however I'm not familiar at all with the north of Spain and was looking for a bit of advice on route choice.

My question is once we reach Spain is it worth heading north to the coast and driving the slightly longer coastal route through Asturias and Galicia or, is the google suggested shorter route through Castille and Leon still pretty special? Or does is there an incredible alternate route that you'd recommend. I think with work commitments we'll have around 7 days once we hit Spain to reach Porto, however only 4 or 5 of those will be driving. Obviously the suggested route by google is all motorways, we'd be stopping off in villages and towns on the way to take in the sights and do some walking or swimming if costal. It's a bit of a mad journey, I'd love to have more time to slow down and take our time but just spent a month in Italy doing exactly that hence the hustle!

 

[Boris7]

That’s an easy one, if you’ve prefer quite out of the way beaches and sea views with slower roads while driving most days take the coast option.

If you want to travel quicker and stay longer in more rural places take the direct route, but move away from the bigger roads for a few nights each time

 

[benk]

Thanks, yeah I think the costal route appeals to me more, was really just checking incase anyone had specific experience with either areas

 

[Boris7]

Great Aire, I’ll send you fut details tomorrow hopefully. Water, grey and black waste, completely free. Lovely walk to the beach. Takes 11 units, spent 3 days didn’t see another unit.

 

[hatifhafi3]

Hi folks

looking for a bit of advice, I'm four weeks into an epic trip across Europe. Currently in Marguerittes just east of Nimes. I've got 10 days to get to a location just south of Porto for a yoga retreat that my girlfriend is running (feels a bit like the cannonball run!). There's various commitments during the route due to online work schedule so if it looks a bit mad there is reason behind it!
I'm happy with the route I've picked through the pyrenes going via Col du Pourtalet, however I'm not familiar at all with the north of Spain and was looking for a bit of advice on route choice.

My question is once we reach Spain is it worth heading north to the coast and driving the slightly longer coastal route through Asturias and Galicia or, is the google suggested shorter route through Castille and Leon still pretty special? Or does is there an incredible alternate route that you'd recommend. I think with work commitments we'll have around 7 days once we hit Spain to reach Porto, however only 4 or 5 of those will be driving. Obviously the suggested route by google is all motorways, we'd be stopping off in villages and towns on the way to take in the sights and do some walking or swimming if costal. It's a bit of a mad journey, I'd love to have more time to slow down and take our time but just spent a month in Italy doing exactly that hence the hustle!

That sounds like an amazing adventure! Once you drop into Spain via Col du Pourtalet you’ve basically got two flavors of route:

• Northern coastal route (Asturias & Galicia): longer, but it’s stunning – think green mountains tumbling into the sea, dramatic cliffs, surf beaches, fishing villages, and plenty of opportunities for swims. It’s slower going (lots of curves and smaller roads once you leave the A-8), but if you want scenery and atmosphere it’s hard to beat.
• Central Castille & León route: shorter and faster, with big skies, high plains, and historic towns (León, Zamora, Salamanca). Less coastal “wow,” but still beautiful in a very different way – wide open landscapes, Romanesque architecture, and easier motorway driving if you need to keep pace with your schedule.

If you’ve only got 4–5 driving days, the inland route may be the practical choice to balance time and work commitments. But if you can spare an extra day or two, even dipping into the northern coast for a section (e.g., Santander → Oviedo → Lugo before dropping south into Galicia/Portugal) would give you that mix of sea and mountains.


Either way, Spain rewards detours – so if the motorways feel a bit relentless, ducking off into a small town for a tapas stop or an afternoon walk will make the journey feel less rushed.

 

[benk]

Thanks Jacquigem - great advice! I think the costal route wins, pitstop in pamplona tonight and the costal route starts tomorrow!
Cheers Ben

 

[benk]

That sounds like an amazing adventure! Once you drop into Spain via Col du Pourtalet you’ve basically got two flavors of route:

• Northern coastal route (Asturias & Galicia): longer, but it’s stunning – think green mountains tumbling into the sea, dramatic cliffs, surf beaches, fishing villages, and plenty of opportunities for swims. It’s slower going (lots of curves and smaller roads once you leave the A-8), but if you want scenery and atmosphere it’s hard to beat.
• Central Castille & León route: shorter and faster, with big skies, high plains, and historic towns (León, Zamora, Salamanca). Less coastal “wow,” but still beautiful in a very different way – wide open landscapes, Romanesque architecture, and easier motorway driving if you need to keep pace with your schedule.

If you’ve only got 4–5 driving days, the inland route may be the practical choice to balance time and work commitments. But if you can spare an extra day or two, even dipping into the northern coast for a section (e.g., Santander → Oviedo → Lugo before dropping south into Galicia/Portugal) would give you that mix of sea and mountains.


Either way, Spain rewards detours – so if the motorways feel a bit relentless, ducking off into a small town for a tapas stop or an afternoon walk will make the journey feel less rushed.

** thanks hathafi3

 

[jacquigem]

Thanks Jacquigem - great advice! I think the costal route wins, pitstop in pamplona tonight and the costal route starts tomorrow!
Cheers Ben

There is a small town called Elorrio , west of Pamplona, one of our favourites . Free , facilities ex electric , great views and nice old square with tapas bars.

 

[alcam]

There is a small town called Elorrio , west of Pamplona, one of our favourites . Free , facilities ex electric , great views and nice old square with tapas bars.

Thanks for that . Pretty sure I stopped there a few years ago but have made a note for future visit anyway