AP7 Spain

[Rds559]

As anyone drove down the AP7 from the French border at la jonquera to Alicante, if so was it free all the way down.
Thank you.

 

[Edenside]

Haven’t driven all the way down buy yes it’s free.

 

[Darloman]

Did it last week. A couple of small tolls around Barcelona presumably for the tunnels.

 

[Fulham Dave]

Question about AP7 if I may?

Is this route easily passable in Nov/Dec or are we better using the AP8/Irun at this time of year? Thinking of going to Alicante/ Malaga for sum winter warmth.

TIA, Dave

 

[Al n Val]

Question about AP7 if I may?

Is this route easily passable in Nov/Dec or are we better using the AP8/Irun at this time of year? Thinking of going to Alicante/ Malaga for sum winter warmth.

TIA, Dave

We did it last December coming home and it was sunshine all the way

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[Fulham Dave]

We did it last December coming home and it was sunshine all the way

Fab, thanks, having not driven that route, was not sure if it were more susceptible to snow than the AP8!

 

[dunnah01]

We did it last December coming home and it was sunshine all the way

Also looking to do it November so thanks for info

 

[Emmit]

Fab, thanks, having not driven that route, was not sure if it were more susceptible to snow than the AP8!

The AP7 basically follows the coastal area of the Med and therefore has the benefit of a Maritime climate and a relatively low altitude.

On the other hand, once you have left the Irun area, one has to climb onto the plateau of Spain which is at an altitude of 2000ft. Snow is normal 'up there' but the Spanish are very good at keeping the roads clear.

 

[jumar]

AP 7 remains passable during the winter months...

 

[Reusables]

Had snow last February but no real problems.. Always cleared quickly.
Winds can be a bit of a problem..seen many lorry's laying on their side.

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[namwaldog]

We've done both Irun and La Jonquera...

Favour Irun for the scenery but La Jonquera for the weather.

Having said that we have 'laid up' on the Canal du Midi a couple of times to avoid very strong winds coming off the Med.

The non-toll routes Perpignan to La Jonquera is a tad tiresome as you seem to go round in circles and every point of the compass. The French toll section from Perpignan is simple but not for those who suffer from vertigo with a couple of elevated sections.

Our first non toll visit to La Jonquera blew our minds.... after a twisty turn mountain pass you suddenly arrive on Blackpool promenade!!

 

[Lenny HB]

Are there any problems with the motorway bandits around Barcelona these days?

 

[namwaldog]

Are there any problems with the motorway bandits around Barcelona these days?

With your FLT reputation Lenny, they would probably pay you to pass through unhindered

 

[EuroTrotters]

Are there any problems with the motorway bandits around Barcelona these days?

Not had one since 2005. But I don’t take that route anymore

 

[Burgo]

Are there any problems with the motorway bandits around Barcelona these days?

You should be OK, as the EU (and UK) wide shortage of HGV drivers qualified for tanker & hazardous content work has led to a shortage of the huge, industrial, amounts of gas needed to temporarily knock out Rolex wearing campervan drivers and relieve of them of their Faberge egg collections while parked up at the back of motorway services between the bins and the entrance to Club Happy Finish.
Edited to add in case of unintended offence.

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[Wingman123]

Not had one since 2005. But I don’t take that route anymore

Is there a safer route then for going south towards Portugal from south east France?

 

[EuroTrotters]

Is there a safer route then for going south towards Portugal from south east France?

I would still take the route if I needed to.

Just have your wits about you.

simple things to bear in mind.

Hide money in the van
Travel from France with a full tank
Keep some cash / card handy if you need to fill up
Watch out for being shadowed
Vary your speed
Travel during daylight may be better
Don’t stop for anyone who tries to pull you in anything but a police car

 

[Wingman123]

I would still take the route if I needed to.

Just have your wits about you.

simple things to bear in mind.

Hide money in the van
Travel from France with a full tank
Keep some cash / card handy if you need to fill up
Watch out for being shadowed
Vary your speed
Travel during daylight may be better
Don’t stop for anyone who tries to pull you in anything but a police car

Thanks for advice. We were in the same area in 2016 and unfortunately stopped in a small Aire for a short comfort break. Within 1-minute of locking up the car someone smashed the passenger door window in search for wife's handbag, phone etc. Had to drive another 100 miles to get the window replaced. So won't stop in that area again!

 

[EuroTrotters]

Thanks for advice. We were in the same area in 2016 and unfortunately stopped in a small Aire for a short comfort break. Within 1-minute of locking up the car someone smashed the passenger door window in search for wife's handbag, phone etc. Had to drive another 100 miles to get the window replaced. So won't stop in that area again!

When are you traveling ?

 

[Fulham Dave]

Thanks for advice. We were in the same area in 2016 and unfortunately stopped in a small Aire for a short comfort break. Within 1-minute of locking up the car someone smashed the passenger door window in search for wife's handbag, phone etc. Had to drive another 100 miles to get the window replaced. So won't stop in that area again!

Where was the aire? Which route were you travelling?

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[Wingman123]

When are you traveling ?

We are planning to take the ferry from Dover to Calais next Monday morning for travel swiftly through France if poor weather with final destination near Ayamonte just before the Portuguese border.

 

[Wingman123]

Where was the aire? Which route were you travelling?

The incident happened on the A7 motorway on our way to Roquetas De Mar between Murcia and Almeria. I remember it was a bright and sunny day at 11 in the morning and there were a few people already in the Aire. Nobody saw what happened when a car suddenly parked alongside ours and a young thug lept out with a hammer! It was all over in a matter of seconds and the car screeched away!

 

[Fulham Dave]

The incident happened on the A7 motorway on our way to Roquetas De Mar between Murcia and Almeria. I remember it was a bright and sunny day at 11 in the morning and there were a few people already in the Aire. Nobody saw what happened when a car suddenly parked alongside ours and a young thug lept out with a hammer! It was all over in a matter of seconds and the car screeched away!

Wow, well I am glad you were both safe and nothing was stolen

 

[Wingman123]

Forgot to mention the wife's nice Radley leather handbag, phone and about €30was nicked in a flash. Add that to the cost of repairs to the break-in et cetera total cost about €450. Didn't bother with insurance as didn't want a claim. (See next paragraph)
Also didn't mention a few days before this happened getting off the ferry within 30 minutes of driving at night unfortunately hit a deer that sprang out from the ditch in front of me. That was a £2000 insurance claim?