Not done it on a bike but know the Algarve pretty well. You used to sail into Bibao but I think it's Santander now. Then you've got about 650 miles to the Algarve. The ferry takes about a day and a half apparently. The reason I know this is because my brother moved to Lisbon a few years ago and did this route from Portsmouth if I remember correctly. Hope this helps Phil (Wide Load)
I've done the Algarve to Lisbon on the toll in just over 2 hours and it cost about 20€. The roads have changed on the Algarve now and the Motorway from Faro through to Lagos is now a toll too. I think it's the 125 road that runs next to it that's free. Takes a little longer but worth it. Because of the charges, none of the locals use the motorway really so they stick to the lower roads. So if it's speed you want, the motorways are pretty clear down there. Watch out for the GNR as they'll have you but don't worry to much about Police Local as they're useless and can't be arsed! 10 hours roughly to the Algarve from Santander but you will do it faster I'm sure Phil (Wide Load)
Can sail to either Bilbao or Santander, both with Brittany Ferries. 24 hours Portsmouth - Santander/Bilbao, 20 hours Plymouth - Santander (yes I am a sad bastard who likes boats). The P&O boat used to have the best atmosphere on board but it bobbed about like fuck in the Bay of Biscay in poor weather. :thumbsup:
I've holidayed there a few times stopped in alvor and praia de rocha There's a couple of campsites down there and the beaches are Stunning .I was told by a taxi driver that the toll road detectors can't pick up English reg plates so you can travel for free along it !
They don't tend to bother with English plates as it's too much like hard work to do the paper work lol Phil (Wide Load)
As per mark. The quickest route is via Santander , but don't go down through mid Spain it's mainly A roads. Think motorways ! At the port , turn left and ride over the pico mts to wards Burgos and a place called Potes. Amazing roads. Head west to the Portuguese border and follow down from here , if you can drop into Santiago compostela , this place is a huge cathedral town, reaped high in history amazing buildings ......on the algarve, I've been to portimao race track You still looking for maddie ?
Superb track, so is the karting track next door. Seen WSB and GT racing there too. The road up to the track is pretty amazing too Phil (Wide Load)
stayed in alvor for two weeks really nice place and the beaches in Portugal are something else, food is good people friendly. keep meaning to go again.
Leading myself into an onslaught now.........the golf is excellent as well. Oh dear, what have I done....... Phil (Wide Load)
its the best track ive ever been on .... i too watched the WSBKs there , i couldnt beleive the entry speed there were doing into the final right hander that links to the straights ...incredible .. we had a fantastic wkd there ..alsorts going on in the night time too ,, on the friday we were sat in a bar in and two ducati 999s just rode in !!! rode round the bar then rode out !!! MAD then on the saturday night some fukas asked us if "we would like to buy a little kid " nah mate we said .....hang on a min !!!!!
i love the algarve, ive stayed in alvor too, i go to a small village called olhos de agua every year, i love it, its like going back in time, we stay in a small apartment nestled between orange fields and piri piri restaurants with hand painted menus outside them. Old farmers ride past on tractors that look like they have been dragged from the sea and dogs roam the streets in the blistering hot sun. I love it. Would love to do it on a bike.
Got some great pictures from paddock too. We were errrrr given some very nice tickets lol by some errrr very nice friends over there Phil (Wide Load)
pfffftttttttt taking a ball for a walk, what a waste at least when I go on the golf course at the back of my house its to take the dog for a walk. lol (fkin smiley not showing).
