Cycling Santander to Granada via the Portuguese Coast.

[Katejwb]

Hi all, it's my first post so I apologise in advance for any errors in etiquette.

I'm looking into cycling from Santander to Granada along the north coast of Spain then along the Portuguese Coast and then along the south coast of Spain and inland to Granada. I will be riding my specialised tourer which is built for such an undertaking. I have been searching online for advice from people who have cycling this, or a similar route before, as I haven't cycled on the continent before.

I can't seem to find any websites with route maps and only scattered articles on cycling a similar route. Is there anyone who can help?

Kate
=)

[ernycb]

Your best bet will be to use the Camino de Santiago routes.
- from Santander you could use the Northen route to Santiago.
- from Santiago you could use either the Portuguese coastal route or the Via the la Plata route to head south.

I have done some of these routes and they will give several advantages :
- More or less marked routings, gps trakcs, etc.
- Abundance of accomodation and camp sites, etc.
- Scattered cycle shops along the route.

If you do a search for Camino de Santiago you will find many sites with maps, gps coordinates, etc.

Good luck !

[MarkF]

Are you fixed on following the coast? Gijon on to Galicia and around is hard work and Cadiz up to Malaga is horrible.

[iviehoff]

Are you fixed on following the coast?

Extended bits of the Portuguese coast aren't very great cycling either, more particularly the northern half. Lots of people and eucalyptus plantation. It gets better as you approach Lisbon. The interior of Portugal is very interesting, but be warned that it can be a bit like cycling the Alps, as deep river valleys cut through much higher land.

[megilleland]

How long have you planned to do this? Just a rough calculation Santander to Granada direct 850km and 2500km around the coast. The difference between the two nearly three times as long. My experience of cycling around coasts is great but it can become a bit monotonous. Just think of the variety of landscapes you could discover by travelling inland much more. Also plenty of interesting places and you would have time to explore them.

I haven't cycled in Portugal, but looking at the map for more variety Santander to Santiago, Porto across to Salamanca, Caceres back to Lisbon down to Faro across to Seville, Cordoba and Granada.

[tonylopez82]

Hi I have been pondering a similar route to yours myself, My dad is from Ortiguiera which is a small coastal town you would likely pass through on such a route, I have visited the galician region many times and can tell you it is quite hilly and covered in eucalyptus forest however it is very beautiful with many interesting sites and features, If I were to get round to doing this route I would be inclined to venture a bit further inland, there is a national park area called the Fragas do Eume which i have briefly visited but is very picturesque and certainly worth exploring more, also the city of Coruna has sights such as the Torre de Hercules and several interesting museums. I would love to here of you experiences when you have completed your tour,
Tony L

[eileithyia]

Unless you really want to hug the Southern coast and Gibraltor, I would go in land from Seville / Jerez Frontera and take in Antequera / Ronda / Granada..... the coast road is very busy, and can involve some 'motorway' stretches... you are allowed to ride on these and are directed on to cycle routes where you cannot..... I have ridden Gib to Marbella on the main road... it is ok but you get little views of the coast, as much of the land inbetween the road and the coast is built up.... inland is lumpier but the area around Antequera / Ronda is stunning.

Can't comment on other areas of your trip.