Central Spain roadtrip + Barcelona and Porto, am I nuts?

Nuts? I don’t think so. At the very least, it won’t be exceedingly hot driving in February, compared to summertime!

More than 20 years ago, three of us rented our car in Portugal, and returned it in Spain, saving a lengthy backtrack to return the car, but incurring a hefty one-way, multi-country car rental fee. And you’re both renting and returning in Madrid, so that’s not an issue.

I do wonder if you’ve considered renting/returning the car at the Madrid Barajas airport, rather than the Atocha station, avoiding driving within the city of Madrid?

Not a bad plan, but you don't plan to visit the amazing Douro River Valley. You can take the train up the valley from Porto, the train runs along the north side of the river.

Also, driving in Toledo, does the hotel have parking?

The drive between Toledo and Ávila is probably closer to 2 hours, but all rural roads so there will be light traffic. Ávila can be seen in a couple hours. A nice overlook to see the town from is Cuatro Postes, about a half mile away. From Ávila you need to go right past Salamanca so you could stop there on the way to Porto. Then, on the return from Porto you you take a slightly more northern route and return to Madrid via Zamora. The drive from Zamora to Madrid is just under three hours so not much different than returning from Salamanca. I suggest the alternate route so you are not doubling back on the same road.

February is a wildcard as there’s no way of predicting the weather. I traveled to Ávila and west to Guarda, Portugal in April years ago and there was snow, so remain flexible with your plan.

When we were in Porto in 2024 we stayed at Hotel NH Porto Jardim. It has its own parking garage and was easy to get to. Two hotels we’ve stayed at in Toledo with parking are the Parador (just outside of town) and Hotel María Cristina. From it, it’s about a 15 minutes walk to the historic center.

With a rental car, remember the driver needs an IDP. Finally, drive at or below the speed limit. A couple kilometers per hour over the limit can get you a ticket and there are plenty of cameras.

Initially when I looked at it, I thought, yes, nuts. Then I thought about our recent road trip vacation from Minnesota to Washington state over almost two weeks. That had more drive time that your plan. I think your plan is well thought out and you've taken some time to use a map.

If it were me, since you've been to Madrid, I'd take at least one of those days and add it to Porto area. I would use that time to explore the amazing Douro river area.

The kids will love walking the walls in Avila. Agree with taking a day from Madrid and adding to Porto or, perhaps, Barcelona. Looks like a wonderful trip. Enjoy!

I'd consider spending the night of Day 11 in Segovia.
The Douro valley has been suggested but I would not prioritize it in February, it will not be at its best (far from it).
Otherwise, the route looks good. Toledo to Porto is an extremely quiet drive.

It looks fine. Just a couple of suggestions
- I might take a day off Madrid where you've already been and add to Salamanca. It is a beautiful city and rather than just two half days, those plus a whole day is worthwhile
- If you are using one of the major hire car companies, you might consider dropping it off when you arrive at Salamanca and then taking the train to Madrid later on. You won't need a car in Salamanca and driving in Madrid can be grim. I haven't checked the cost implication of this, however.

Thank you everyone for your thoughtful replies. It gave me a better insight (and a little calm) regarding this trip. We'll take out a day in Madrid and spend some extra time in Salamanca. Hopefully it doesn't snow (mid February) during that time. We're looking forward to the trip!

Ordinarily I am all for full, busy schedules, and trying to see and do as much as possible if one has the energy, stamina and budget.
I have traveled around Spain for weeks and weeks, and driven everywhere as well as taken plenty of trains, (and hitchhiked in my younger days) so more or less I have no problem with your itinerary.

Probably my main concern is just worrying about your children--they are rather young, probably not understanding too much of Spanish history and culture, may become bored with long car rides, or could get ill and interrupt your schedule

Your itinerary sounds quite adult-oriented, and Spanish winters can be very chilly and gray. You will also have more limited daylight hours. You should decide what exactly you want to see and do in these various cities, and why they are on your route. I also recommend you research some activities specifically for children.

The important thing is to create great family memories without wearing yourself out or trying to check different places off a list. Sometimes smaller, simpler things that you do together can be the most enjoyable (chocolate y churros).

Here is the official Spanish tourism website. Have fun planning! ¡Buen viaje!

https://www.spain.info/en/