cardew

I'm driving to the Algarve, Val do Lobo area, from friends who live near Biarritz.

Multimap suggests a couple of routes.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to the best way?

By best I mean the route with the most motorway, even if there are tolls.

Thank you.

brodev

If you wish to pay the tolls then come via Burgos, Valladolid, Salamanca, Lisbon.
Personally I would come Burgos, Madrid, Merida, Seville, Huelva. On paper this is about an hour and a half longer but as the roads in Spain are dual carriageway and are long, straight and empty then there is only a difference of about half an hour and the scenery is better and a better choice of roadside stops, plus a saving of about 40 euros on tolls. All a matter of personal choice.

cardew

Thank you for this.

What is the E 803 like as a road?

It seems to offer an alternative route to Seville after taking the E80 through
Valladolid.

Also, is there a good ring road around Madrid?

brodev

I have not driven the E803 for 10 years. If I remember correctly it was single carriageway. There are a couple of ring roads round Madrid including a toll road which I don't take as I KNOW the alternative, But I would suggest that you do. I would also suggest the toll road at the France/Spain border probably staying on it to Burgos as the alternative is single.

cardew

Thanks for that.

I will go via Madrid as you suggest.

A final query: the E5 via Cordoba to Seville looks to be a fast motorway, whereas the Merida Seville road will still involve part of the E803 as I read it.

Is the E5 an acceptable alternative?

brodev

You are correct E5 via Cordoba is better. I wasn't thinking when I put Merida. I don't know why. Probably a senior moment.

cardew

Thank you for that.

Senior moments...I know them well.