Re: Driving north to south spain
 

Hi John, we went to Merida last year and the Roman remains there are truly amazing and a lovely drive from Ayamonte, regards Bryony

Re: Driving north to south spain
 

[QUOTE=BobD;11824072]This site lists all the legal requirements:
Driving in Spain | RAC
It's a good idea to contact your Insurance Company before you go, to see if they offer a "green card". If you have Comprehensive Insurance, this will get you covered in the EU at that level, rather than the normal third party (depending on your Insurance Company). You may need to pay a premium for this (I don't with Prudential).
It's also a good idea to have European Breakdown Insurance - you can get it for just the length of your visit from some specialist providers (I used QDOS - Google them)
The other essential I found was to buy a windscreen internal sun mask for when out of the car (you can get cheap ones from the Chinese shops). Never used it in the UK, but wouldn't have been without it in the hot sun of April/May in Spain.[/QUOTE


The only thing I would add is have a really good service before you start - see to those little things you think will just about last a couple more thousand - sod's law says they won't. Obvious things like tyre condition - Spanish law says you must have the same tyres on the same axle - tourists probably won't be challenged but if you need a replacement for an unusual make then you could be stymied

Re: Driving north to south spain
 

Some added information:

Brittany Ferries are the only company sailing to both of these ports.


Last year we had several parties of guests arriving via Gijón. The ship sailed from Saint Nazaire, France. I say sailed because it looks as even this service has ended.

You have to have proof of your insurance with you. Green cards are not obligatory. More information via the AA website in PDF
The information about the same tread patten on the same axle is only enforceable with Spanish registered cars.

If you fancy getting some wine for your vacationon the way down then how about a stop off at either Bilbao or La Rioja on the way towards Madrid?

Re: Driving north to south spain
 

Hola All
Thanks again for all your info it has been so helpful, we really appreciate all your responses and tips.
We are now busy looking and planning routes and hopefully be arranging this at the end April/May.
If you think of anything else that might help us please keep posting!
Happy New Year
D&K

Re: Driving north to south spain
 

Yes a pack of sea sickness pills?
There is no national public holiday at the beginning of May this it is only is some areas. That will ease the traffic then.
Here is a link in Spanish I an sure you will get the idea of what is what. If not just ask.
http://ep01.epimg.net/economia/image...cia_normal.png

or click this link for a larger version

Re: Driving north to south spain
 

A word on headlights. I see the RAC advice is that headlight deflectors must be fitted. This is not necessarily the case. The requirement is that your dipped lights must not dazzle an oncoming car. It's true that older UK cars and cars with conventional halogen lights have an assymetric beam pattern - ie the dipped beam kicks up on the left (to illuminate the kerb). These lights will require a deflector of some sort to block this part of the beam.
However, many modern cars have a symmetric beam pattern, especially Xenon HID lights, which don't need the deflectors.

Re: Driving north to south spain
 

You are so lucky to have so many great options! How about a 'circular trip' come down through Spain then go back through Portugal perhaps taking the Alentejo coast to Lisbon and Porto then upwards through Galicia, on your return... Picking up a bootload of the excellent wines along the way.

Whatever you will have fun!!


Jon

Re: Driving north to south spain
 

I am a momber of Brittaby ferries if anyone needs a 10% off code for crossing

Re: Driving north to south spain
 

Just a word to the wise Brittany Ferries do monitor this website. A friend has had his membership suspended and even his son could not use his friend facility until his post was removed. He was told it was against the t&c's and he lost his own privileges with no recompense.