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