Algarve to Belgium Advice Wanted

[Smallers]

Hello All,
I'm planning a ride from the Algarve to Belgium this year. I live in Portugal, so I know it well. In 2012 I rode from central Portugal through Spain and France to Cherbourg, going via Salamanca, Vitoria, San Sebastian and then a more or less straight line north to Cherbourg.

This time, riding from the Algarve, I want to ride the flattest (if that's possible) and most direct route through Spain. I was considering heading around the south of Madrid and then towards the coast south of Barcelona, taking the coast road towards Perpignan.

Any advice and ideas will be most welcome.

Andy

 

[Weston7610]

Barcelona to Perpignan is very hilly on the coast road around the border but the views are insane. Well worth it.

 

[MarkF]

Are you pushed for time? Even so, pursuing "flat" in Spain is only going to lengthen the ride a lot, the central meseta is actually mountainous and it's ringed by mountain ranges.

The coastal roads north of BCN are horrible although there are some (slow) beach promenade routes, I'd do what you did before tbh, a lot quieter and a more relaxing ride.

 

[jonny jeez]

I'm interested to know ...why Belgium?

Not that there is anything wrong with it, sounds like an amazing ride. But Belgium doesn't spring to mind as an obvious destination/ finishing point, for such an epic tour.

Do you have family there,,or are you planning on seeing the Flanders tour at the same time...or something like that.

I'm intrigued.