Southern Spain in February/March

Quote-----My wife and I have got to the age where we are thinking of spending February/March in Southern Spain in our caravan. We would appreciate any advice from fellow members regarding the following items.

If it's at all possible for you to change your plans I would suggest that you will find better weather before Christmas than after.   For lots of years I've spent from end of October till end of February in southern Spain, and I've always found that to be the case.

In December we stood overlooking one of the reservoirs and were appalled to see it was only 22% full.   Now I read in the local paper that because of the recent rains they've had, it now stands at 35%.

My expenses for this past winter for four months was £2386 for ferry, site fees, diesel for towed miles, insurance and tolls.   You can see the expenses for other years at the ends of my blogs.

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Great blogs and photographs Jaydug, lots of useful information in your trip of this year, thanks.

peedee

Going the high route through France at that time of year risks snow and ice. Better the route via Bordeaux & Toulouse ( le Trek)

as above, which route depends on many factors....toll, weather, limited speed (towing or larger MH) etc...

for comparison, Michelin plots Bordeaux to Benicassim as follows...(toll allowed) 

1. via Irun, Pamplona, Zaragosa 8h 41m, 510m, total cost €95

2. via Toulouse, Perpignan and east coast, 8h 57m, 557m, €132

3. via Pau, Somport, Huesca, Lleida 9h 28m, 468m, €97

1 is quickest, cheapest, 2nd longest and (probably) 2nd for 'weather' (our preferred route)...

2 is almost as fast, but the longest and most expensive...best for 'weather'

3 is slowest, but shortest, almost the cheapest but possibly worst for 'weather'

all much of a muchness and each will have their favourites....

I have just returned from Spain and can tell you that the A68 North of Zaragoza is undergoing a major upgrade which will benefit us all when it is completed, however, at present it is reduced to 2 very narrow lanes (one each way) for about 20 miles.   It might be worth using the AP68 for this stretch.   If I had known how long these roadworks were, I would have crossed to the toll road.

BillC

Thanks, Bill

there was a bit going on last autumn, but easy to slip by it as you say....
been a bit hamstrung following eye surgery which means I haven't been able to drive for several weeks but (hopefully) get sign off from consultant tomorrow..
a couple of weeks here (other commitments) and then 'on the road'

Good luck for tomorrow BB and hope you can get away soon.   We had to return a month early due to a med appt for the wife, which was yesterday and it was good news, pity we cant just pop back as the weather is just settling down.    29c and 32c two days last week, in the shade!

I didnt get to cycle up the CV147 but a friend took 6 of us up to the restaurant at the top and we had a fantastic afternoon and a great meal.

BillC

Hi Bill thanks for that...ill have to have the other one done some time, it's not too bad so can choose a date to fit it in with touring...it's the non driving bit that's the most bother....

been keeping an eye  on the forecast of late and looks pretty good, although it may be we only go to the south of France and then Spain in the autumn....

I cycled out to the restaurant you mentioned last time I was 'up the mountain' and the views are terrific...

continued best health to you both  

Where did you get your toll charges.   From Pamplona to Zaragozza shouldn't be more than around 28 Euros.   The A23 is toll free.