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Mountain Driving

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We are picking up car in Bilbao with drop off in Lisbon 12 days later. Was looking at a couple of three days in and around Santander, Potes, Leon before driving west and into Portugal. Suggestions welcome but main question is what kind of road grades are we talking? We have both done 99.99 percent of our driving in a city at sea level. And haven’t driven a manual transmission regularly in 25 years. So are we possibly a danger to ourselves or others? Does the answer change if we add driving from Leon into northern Portugal via Verin?

Thanks

Jan

Posted by
7160 posts

If you’re gong straight from point A to point B, it’s all interstates, so it’s like driving on any interstate in the U.S. When looking at any map, all the A, AP, (blue signs) and E roads (green signs) are interstates. The P stands for peaje; toll. You’ll have no trouble on them. If you decide to venture off those main roads, then most roads will be 2-lane and go through all the towns. The N roads (red signs) are generally in very good repair. Beyond those, are the small rural roads that begin with 2 letters denoting the province you’re in, followed by 3 or 4 numbers (green, yellow, and orange signs). The more numbers, the more rural the road, the a greater likelihood it may need some repair (but will still be in moderately good repair.) The rural roads will wind more through the mountains. You’ll have no trouble driving in Span. Just remember to have your international driving permit and drive as close to the speed limit as possible. Speed cameras are used extensively on the highways and small towns.

Posted by
3 posts

Thanks for the explanation of the road system, that’s super helpful when looking at driving directions. I was checking drive times and routes on the Michelin site. There were several sections with “steep upwards” and “steep downwards” many times in a row. So I got a little concerned. I want to enjoy the drive and not underestimate any issues or overestimate my abilities ;)

Posted by
28090 posts

The Picos de Europa area is very scenic. I traveled through part of it on a one-day bus tour, so I wasn't driving. The roads were two lanes and curvy. I don't drive manual transmission cars, so I have no idea whether the terrain would be particulaly challenging. I don't tnink you'll cover that ground fast, however.

Santander has a beautiful beach but not much historic architecture due to a huge fire in the 1940s. I thought Leon was much more interesting. in fact, I thought just about everywhere else in Spain was more interesting.

Have you checked with the car-rental company about its international drop charge? Based on posts here, I'd expect it to be hundreds of euros.

Posted by
1029 posts

Hi Jan,

You can rent automatic, takes the concerns about manual transmission off the table.

Sandy

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