Spain
- Miles cycled: 856
- Feet climbed: 47,176
- Cycling days: 18
- Non-cycling days: 8
Rating (1-10) and comments:
- Road – condition: 9
(Almost without exception in very good condition) - Road – shoulders and cycle lanes: 9
(A few cycle lanes (usually in the more touristy areas), virtually always a good shoulder) - Road signage: 9
(Even the smallest junction is well signposted with each turn-off listing the villages in that direction) - Drivers: 9
(Equally as polite and patient as the Portuguese) - Campsites – Availability: 7.5
(Outwith touristy areas campsites can be scarce) - Campsites – Facilities/Value: 7.5
(Sometimes a bit overpriced but generally pretty good) - Hotels: 8
(Look for “Hostals” – these are cheaper hotels, not hostels) - Shops: 8
(Most towns have a pretty good supermarket – remember the siesta though!) - Food: 8
(Fantastic value for money menu del dia – 3 course meal with bread, wine and water for 8-12€) - People: 8
(Probably helped by being able to speak some Spanish) - Cost: 7.5
(Very good value for western europe. Menu del dias are excellent value.) - Scenery: 8
(Very good, great veriaty of terain, something for everyone) - Cultural interest: 9.5
(Fantastic moorish and medieval towns)
Overall: 8.3
General tips:
- If you want to eat out cheaply ask for menu del dia (often you will just be handed the a la carte menu)
- Get used to and work around the siesta
- Spaniards tend to eat a big, late lunch (2pm to 5pm) as the main meal of the day
- Don’t expect to eat out in the evenings before 9pm!
- Before 9pm go to a bar with tapas on the counter and order a beer – you’ll be given a free tapas with it