Off to Portugal (1 Viewer)

[Goldenoldies]

We are going to Portugal at the end of November, (first time in Europe with motorhome), till the end of January. Any advice on best routes and stopovers will be great.
We are not sure which is the best crossing, wife does not like traveling on water but would consider an over night ferry, (Santander crossing is to long). Ideally we would go Euro Tunnel but are concerned about problems that way. As for the ferry our motorhome is very low slung and with a 2mtr overhang at rear. I have not driven in mainland Europe since 1986 that was with a long coach and then we had to worry about grounding, so not sure what the situation is now.
I thank you all in anticipation for your advice.

 

[Mikey RV]

We are booked on a ferry beginning of November Poole to cherbourg about 4.5 hour crossing.getting off the ferry and heading south to Portugal through France and Spain no set route no set plan so would also be interested in routes others have done. And places to see and things to avoid like big mountain passes tunnels etc. We are also very low at the rear so hope ferry is flat to get on otherwise there will be a big que forming behind where I will be refusing to board unless they legal it out. Not going to risk damage to motorhome.

 

[Tea Bag]

Hi.
If you are coming direct to Portugal,we come via Rouen/Poitier/Bordeaux/Bayonne/Palencia/Salamanca/Guarda.
Only done it up to now as a straight run,no sightseeing,but we are happy to stay at a mix of Aires, Buchy,Futurascope Poitier 2 euro from 18.00hrs -08.00hrs next morning.(6 euros ? for 24 hrs?) Palencia,then home or wherever we end up near.
You will be on holiday,so there will be hundreds of Aires you can use,those above are ones where we are happy to pull into,above all enjoy your trips. BEWARE ! The French and Spanish now operate the latest Radar equipment,and allow very little tolerances if you are sinning.Happy and safe miles/kms.
Tea Bag
PS. If you are in"Hot pursuit" module to Portugal,it can be done with one stop,if the devil is behind you and you hot seat it,it can be done in one hit.
Tea Bag

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[Mikey RV]

Thanks for info Tea Bag we are in no rush as hope to be away for four months, just interested in different routes folk have done. Sorry golden oldies not trying to hi jack your thread just that it's very much like a thread I was going to post. More info from anybody greatly received. Thanks in advance.

 

[Tea Bag]

Hi MikeyRV.
There are new dual c/ways up through the P/nees ,even the Renault managed it "Fully Freighted LOL" When in holiday module touring France,there are many lovely sites/Aires all down the coastal areas,stayed near Niort ? " Green something area in french,loads of canals/water etc,watched huge otters/beavers? in the canals after tea,walking the growler,further down on the coastal strip,super aires sites,along the coast,all within a walk of the locations.A trip out we have made from here is the River Duero valley. If you come off for Zamaro ,this will take you to the head of the valley,we stayed in an hotel near Pinhao ?. You can take boat trips from here on the river up and down the vineyards,in the height of the season,you can go by train down to Porto and do Porto and the big Port houses. In Pinhao? cross the bridge into the town,turn left,don't go to far and there is an access to a bridge/tunnel that will take you to the river bank that side,and you could picnic ?...... perhaps through the hours of darkness..... local trip boats run up and down on joy rides daily only a short walk away. South of Porto,AVOID!! Praia de Mira!! ...... Reason? I want it all to myself OK!
Portugal is super,wild camping,yes,sites,"Orbitur",very good value,you will never leave.
Tea Bag

 

[TerryL]

We always use Eurotunnel (Tesco vouchers - no brainer) and generally head south, south west stopping off where we feel like it. Although many aires in France are technically "closed" at that time of year, we only ever found one actually closed off and thus always managed to park up. Typically the water is turned off (and electric if fitted) but you can usually get rid of grey/black water. Tip: empty cassette first then use the grey to flush.

However it will be cold until you get well south and even in Spain/Portugal don't expect warm & dry - you need to get down to the Costas/Algarve for that. Snow can be expected in the Pyrenees and northern Spain although they are pretty good at keeping the traffic moving.

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[Tea Bag]

Hi. Word of caution.
Winter can be very WET in Northern Portugal,this years winter was very dry,rivers are low,but last year it rained for 3 months....
So,have a plan "B" ready,it is not far into Spain,so keep your eyes on the weather forecasts and your compass, LOL. Funsters on here will let you know how they,"Flip,Flop" in between the two countries,good game!
Tea Bag.
PS. I use, Yr.no for weather in the area,not far out as a rule.

 

[Mikey RV]

Some great advice, thanks for all the info. Always good to see what others have done.

 

[laurieash]

Portugal last year in January was cold at night, woke up to frost on lots of mornings.
But will not stop me going will be there in January again this year.

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[chaser]

@JJ was talking of an escorted tour a while ago, but he seems to have disappeared lately