Hi, I'm looking to do my first drive over in early July. I'll have the dog with me so looking at taking the from Folkstone to Calais then onwards to Santa Comba Dao (central north Portugal).
Has anybody any advice on routes, times, tolls (and costs). Tolls are not a problem but obviously if there are just as quick free toll free roads as alternative in places fine. But main objective is ease of drive and time taken.

My partner is happy to drive as well but is not the most confident, so we may need to brake it up with a stopover fine. So decent hotels for a family (with dog) on route if anyone can suggest?!
Also any advice on different motoring laws (I know hi-viz jackets & triangle for PT). But will look up on AA as well.
Many thanks
Jez

Laws: France, watch your speed! Spain, I believe you need two triangles and a spare bulb kit(so my wife has always told me for our visits over the border)

Never done the drive myself yet but friends came over to see us last year and they tok one stop in France near Bordeuax then another at the France/Spain border on west coast San Sebastian then from there down to us in nrth of Portugal, perhaps 1 more stop would suit you in Salamanca?!

You may find this blog very useful:
Driving to Portugal

Hi from the France forum! You might do well to ask on the Spain and France forums. Those who drive down (and up) regularly can give you hints about dog-friendly hotels, etc....
Hi-viz jackets and triangle are also compulsory in France, and you should find out about the "priority to the right" and roundabouts regulations before leaving the Port in Calais!

Having travelled with our dogs we found that motel groups such as Campanile and Ibis accept dogs and have designated rooms (usually on the ground floor) for pet owners. They are usually reasonable price, clean and plenty of hot water!

for the link