Bilbao to Central Portugal

carol25singer

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We're now planning to go over to Portugal, probably arriving at Bilbao on 16th February and cutting across Spain into Portugal. Can anyone tell us the 'best' way to go to Portugal at that time of year, what to expect for weather, if we should avoid the mountains and go via the coast instead?? Any advice gratefully appreciated
 
carol25singer said:
We're now planning to go over to Portugal, probably arriving at Bilbao on 16th February and cutting across Spain into Portugal. Can anyone tell us the 'best' way to go to Portugal at that time of year, what to expect for weather, if we should avoid the mountains and go via the coast instead?? Any advice gratefully appreciated
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Where in Portugal are you going? If its the Algarve we always go via Burgos,Madrid,Cordoba,Seville.
 
Sorry, no we're going to explore Central Portugal, don't really want to go to the Algarve as we've been there before (not in our van). We thought of going as far south as Lisbon but inland, perhaps from Evora southwards, we're looking for somewhere warmer than here!
 
There is a small risk at that time of the year on both inland or coast routes but more likely inland dont forget to visit Bilbao before or after your trip a good wild site is in Algorta close to the beach either in the old port or the marina both about 1k from metro to Bilbao its approx 12 km from the port by road or 4km if you use transporter bridge from Portugalete to Las Arenas
 
Hi,
If you get down as far as Lisbon, go and stay (wilding) at the Barragem Salamar (Pego Dam). It is just East of Setubal, the Barragem is Horseshoe shaped, so can't miss it on the map. Water, toilets and a shower is available here (free), on the right hand side as you approach the Dam. Lots of Motorhomes here, some for months on end! It's a good stop off point when travelling South. Just pick the right spot for the evening sun! Down by the water is good, fishing from the deckchair/BBQ.
If you stay here visit Lisbon, I enjoyed the Military Museum down by the Dock Road if your interested in that sort of thing, a lot of Portugese history in here.
Enjoy your holiday, we are not going this year:( The climate is certainly warmer than here, but gets chilly around 4pm ish.

Happy Camping:)
 
seamusog said:
Where in Portugal are you going? If its the Algarve we always go via Burgos,Madrid,Cordoba,Seville.
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Hello, we are planning to head to the algarve after arriving into Bilbao. Are you able to give any tips on Aires in the cities you mentioned above or where to stay with our van? Any advice much appreciated!
 
There is always the risk of snow at that time of year as you climb up onto the plateaux but the Spanish are very good a clearing the roads. The campsite at Burgos is quite nice with good facilities and further south there is both an aire and a campsite at Caceres. The aire can fill up in the afternoon, but there is almost always space at the campsite which has good facilities and free wifi.
 
Lyat8283 said:
Hello, we are planning to head to the algarve after arriving into Bilbao. Are you able to give any tips on Aires in the cities you mentioned above or where to stay with our van? Any advice much appreciated!
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Might be worth investing in the Portugal and Spain Aires book......
 
Head for Vitoria Gasteiz from Bilbao, then Palencia , Casserres ,Zafra and on to Valverde de Camino,then on to Castro Marin on the Algarve, good free Aires in all of these places and great towns and Cities to explore this is our usual route to the Algarve , no toll roads free motorways and great dual carriageways and super scenery all the way.Easy mileage daily too.
Worth getting all the Aires Spain and Portugal from Vicarious books .

Google Maps
 
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Pioneer said:
Hi,
If you get down as far as Lisbon, go and stay (wilding) at the Barragem Salamar (Pego Dam). It is just East of Setubal, the Barragem is Horseshoe shaped, so can't miss it on the map. Water, toilets and a shower is available here (free), on the right hand side as you approach the Dam. Lots of Motorhomes here, some for months on end! It's a good stop off point when travelling South. Just pick the right spot for the evening sun! Down by the water is good, fishing from the deckchair/BBQ.
If you stay here visit Lisbon, I enjoyed the Military Museum down by the Dock Road if your interested in that sort of thing, a lot of Portugese history in here.
Enjoy your holiday, we are not going this year:( The climate is certainly warmer than here, but gets chilly around 4pm ish.

Happy Camping:)
Click to expand...

Some good information. Thanks
 
carol25singer said:
Sorry, no we're going to explore Central Portugal, don't really want to go to the Algarve as we've been there before (not in our van). We thought of going as far south as Lisbon but inland, perhaps from Evora southwards, we're looking for somewhere warmer than here!
Click to expand...
You could go via the Douro Valley in Portugal, lovely trip, free Aires and stopovers to be used.

SDC10003_zpsrfdivmga.jpg Photo by vindiboy1 | Photobucket

PORTUGAL DOURO 2 by vindiboy1 | Photobucket
 
carol25singer said:
We're now planning to go over to Portugal, probably arriving at Bilbao on 16th February and cutting across Spain into Portugal. Can anyone tell us the 'best' way to go to Portugal at that time of year, what to expect for weather, if we should avoid the mountains and go via the coast instead?? Any advice gratefully appreciated
Click to expand...

It could be like this but not a problem,COLD START by SUGARBABY1 | Photobucket
 
Be prepared for cold, damp weather, anywhere north of Lisbon. Feb is the last Seriously Winter month,it gets better by March.

Us Algarve softies, usually stay south of Lisbon 'til April.

Loads of info on the WC forums ,have a look through them.
Have a great trip.
 
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