Driving to Spain

I recommend Bilbao to madrid via the a1 motorway

and the madrid-torrevieja via   (each leg is about 4 hours ttl about 4 hours)A-3 y A-31

So it's a 8 hour ttl trip aprox bio-torrevieja

A fairly straightforward run, I’d agree above comment with good motorways in A1, & A3 & then A31. Small bit traffic around Burgos & Albacete, bit more on the bypasses around Madrid Madrid especially if at rush hour. Can be done in 8 hours on what are very quiet roads and no tolls.  Barren enough in places but you’ll find plenty fuel & eateries stops. Fuel prices on the motorways are expensive but just off them can be very cheap. This link will hopefully be of help. Wishing you a safe journey. www.komparing.com/es/gasolineras/gasoil

https://www.viamichelin.com/ 

This is a fantastic site, wherever you are travelling.

Please be alert for being targeted by thieves as you will be in a foreign registered car. They may follow you from the ferry terminal as it is likely, depending on the time of the day, that you may stop shortly after leaving the ferry, either for an overnight hotel or for a meal. If you don't they may overtake you, trying to flag you down, pointing to the back wheels or something. DO NOT STOP. If you are at a service station just ignore anyone who approaches you with maps, for example, it could be a distraction burglary. A friend of mine had her handbag stolen with all her money, passports, phone, keys etc in this way. She was so mad at herself as she is quite savvy but it had happened before she had time to engage brain as she was already in holiday mode with time to help those who seemed in need.

Stay alert, as BoJo says and enjoy your stay.

Hi Wizzy

We have just drove down from Calais, I would be tempted to go Bilbao - Zaragoza - Valencia - Alicante route we had no tolls from leaving the Somport Tunnel and all motorway, I cant comment on the other route as I haven't drove it plenty services and fuel stops although we drove from Pau in France to Villamartin on 2/3 of a tank of fuel and thats with cruise control set at 80 most of the way

Enjoy the drive and your retirement.

Can I suggest that before you travel you have a look at the N332 website as they have an English version of the Spanish equivalent of the Highway Code on there.   The site, and their Facebook page (which at present keeps us up to date with regulations regarding the virus crisis), is run in collaboration with officers of the Guardia Civil for English speaking people.

Thank you for all your advice it is very helpful and we are now looking forward to our new life in Spain virus willing

Hi all. We are now only 6 weeks away from our new life in Spain everything crossed. However we are having difficulty trying to get a 6 month rental sorted out before we arrive on 9th Sept. we have had literally no response from the Spanish agents we have contacted who have properties advertised. Can anyone help or suggest anything. We are a retired couple active, non smokers no pets. We would like to be in Orihuela Costa, La Zenia, Punta Prima, Los Altos, Dona Pepa areas or inland around SAN Miguel de Salinas areas. 
2 bed outside space parking and access to a pool required. 

Any advice gratefully received

Wizzy

It might be better to start a new thread as only those already involved in this will get notifications.