Driving to Sant Carles de la Rapita from Santander early February

[kashurst]

As the title says I will be driving from Santander potentially across/down to Sant Carles and then south to Alicante early February. I usually go Santander - Madrid - Alicante but there are quite a few very big hills in the way and there will be snow all around Madrid which I hope to avoid a much as possible.
So thinking drive Santander - Bilbao - Zaragoza - Sant Carles and then follow the med coast down hopefully avoiding inland or mountainous snow. Any better ideas for February crossing of Spain by car ?????

 

[Hurricane]

As the title says I will be driving from Santander potentially across/down to Sant Carles and then south to Alicante early February. I usually go Santander - Madrid - Alicante but there are quite a few very big hills in the way and there will be snow all around Madrid which I hope to avoid a much as possible.
So thinking drive Santander - Bilbao - Zaragoza - Sant Carles and then follow the med coast down hopefully avoiding inland or mountainous snow. Any better ideas for February crossing of Spain by car ?????

I'm driving out on the ferry that leaves Portsmouth on the 15th Feb so it may be later than your trip.
We always go from Santander to Bilbao (or from Bilbao if thats where the crossing terminates) then head south to Zaragoza on the AP68.
After Zaragoza the AP68 becomes the AP2.
We leave the AP2 at Junction 3 go through Bujaraloz to Caspe.
Then head for Gandessa and eventually down the Ebro valley to Tortosa/Amposta.
If you are not planning on actually visiting Sant Carles, you would probably be best turning right at the end of the AP68 (Zaragoza)
And going down the A23 to Valencia - I think the signposts are to Castellion.

In answer to your question, most of the AP68 runs across the flat plains.
But there is a steep section of about 20 miles from Bilbao up onto the plains.
Lots of us do that trip during the winter months.
I will be towing a box trailer and I don't expect any problems.

However, be aware of the pirates.
They are renowned for stopping you (often using an excuse) and when you are least expecting it, they rob you.
I've also heard of them riding past on motor bikes and stabbing tyres with spikes from their boots.
Then offering to help you change your tyres.
Mostly round the ports but be very aware.
This is happening throughout Spain.

The following notes were taken from a page that we have on the Sant Carles Marina Forum ( www.scmchat.com )

SCMCHAT
Recommendations for Driving in Spain and Europe

Over the years since moving our boats to Sant Carles Marina, many of us have experienced trouble on the roads throughout Spain. It seems that there are groups of people operating on the Spanish roads with the specific aim of robbing motorists of their valuables. The Spanish Police are now addressing the situation but care should be taken when driving in Spain.

Generally speaking, motorists are safest whilst they are moving so the first advice is to drive on busy main roads and don’t stop.

As berth holders, most of the time we drive our own cars or hire from the airports. Both these types of cars are targets for the robbers who use distraction techniques to catch us “off guard”. They operate in groups. One person will appear to be helpful and try to assist whist others will either damage or break in to the car. Most of the time, they are looking to easily snatch handbags containing passports credit cards and money. A particularly nasty trick involves one of them causing a tyre puncture. Others then offer to help and in the commotion caused, they will escape with valuables. Often, they are dressed in High Visibility clothing and will look genuine.

The following was taken from advice from the UK Foreign Office:-

Distraction is the most common technique used by highway robbers in Spain. They will try to worry you about the state of your vehicle, and then whilst they point out the supposed problem, an accomplice will rob you.

So be wary of anyone attempting to stop you when you are driving, or trying to point out a problem or offering assistance. They may not be the good Samaritan they appear to be.

If someone points out a supposed problem whilst you are on the road, keep going until you reach a service area. If you have to stop, make sure one person stays locked in the vehicle. Keep valuables out of sight and out of reach. If you do notice a problem with your vehicle, call your emergency breakdown service for help.

The most vulnerable time is when you stop, so when arriving at unmanned toll booths choose carefully which one to use and if necessary wait for the car in front to exit before entering. Be ready with the ticket, cash or credit card to save time.

If anything looks suspicious don’t stop.

If anyone tries to wave you onto the hard shoulder, DO NOT STOP. Keep a mobile phone handy and let them see you making a call. With any luck they will then make off at high speed in case the police arrive. If you really do have to stop, keep the car doors locked and lean on your horn whilst phoning until they leave.

These groups are more common near major cities and towns so avoid refueling near the big cities. If/when you need fuel, keep the doors locked and watch for anyone approaching.

In any emergency, call 112. To report a crime, including stolen property and lost or stolen passports, visit the nearest Policia Nacional, regional police (Ertzaintza in the Basque Country, Mossos d’Esquadra in Catalonia, and Policia Foral in Navarre) or Guardia Civil Station to make a police report (denuncia). If you have had belongings stolen, you will need to keep the report for insurance purposes. If your passport is lost or stolen, you will also need the report to apply for an emergency travel document from the nearest British Consulate and to apply for a replacement passport when you return to the UK.

 

[kashurst]

Thanks for the reply H, Our usual route will almost certainly be snow bound so will try your route this time.
We have been driving around Spain for @ 15 years now so well aware of some of the scrotes on the roads. Still good advice though.

 

[longjohnsilver]

I'm driving out on the ferry that leaves Portsmouth on the 15th Feb so it may be later than your trip.
We always go from Santander to Bilbao (or from Bilbao if thats where the crossing terminates) then head south to Zaragoza on the AP68.
After Zaragoza the AP68 becomes the AP2.
We leave the AP2 at Junction 3 go through Bujaraloz to Caspe.
Then head for Gandessa and eventually down the Ebro valley to Tortosa/Amposta.
If you are not planning on actually visiting Sant Carles, you would probably be best turning right at the end of the AP68 (Zaragoza)
And going down the A23 to Valencia - I think the signposts are to Castellion.

In answer to your question, most of the AP68 runs across the flat plains.
But there is a steep section of about 20 miles from Bilbao up onto the plains.
Lots of us do that trip during the winter months.
I will be towing a box trailer and I don't expect any problems.

However, be aware of the pirates.
They are renowned for stopping you (often using an excuse) and when you are least expecting it, they rob you.
I've also heard of them riding past on motor bikes and stabbing tyres with spikes from their boots.
Then offering to help you change your tyres.
Mostly round the ports but be very aware.
This is happening throughout Spain.

The following notes were taken from a page that we have on the Sant Carles Marina Forum ( www.scmchat.com )

We use the A23 quite regularly. When we returned to Spain in February last year we drove through snow and -2C for several hundred miles. Fortunately the road was kept open for cars whilst HGVs seemed to be kept in the car parks of the many service stations en route.

I was not aware of the gangs roaming the plains, maybe I’ve been lucky, but I can’t remember seeing anything remotely threatening. However, it pays to be cautious so I will be rather more aware of potential dangers when I drive back to Santander later this month.

 

[kashurst]

thanks for the info on the A23, I wondered about that as there is a ski resort in the area. I will probably go across to Tarragona and drop down the coast.

 

[Asm]

thanks for the info on the A23, I wondered about that as there is a ski resort in the area. I will probably go across to Tarragona and drop down the coast.

If the A23 to Valencia is not optimum, take Mike’s advice in leaving the AP2 at junction 3, don’t be put off by the C classification of the roads. I’ll be doing the same journey on the 5th Feb, I now never leave the car unattended at the motorway services, my tyres have been stabbed twice!

 

[Lloydroberts]

I have seen the bandits in action. Faking a road accident with casualties is not unknown.
I do doubt the stabbing tyres as the ride by.....this would be almost suicidal.

All said and done....caution is recommended.

 

[Asm]

I have seen the bandits in action. Faking a road accident with casualties is not unknown.
I do doubt the stabbing tyres as the ride by.....this would be almost suicidal.

All said and done....caution is recommended.

This doesn’t happen on the motorway, more likely in town (with a none spanish reg or when collecting a hire car at the airport) Two or three scooters ‘herd’ you into a position where you have to stop, then then one of them comes alongside and stabs the rear tyre, they then follow you till the deflated tyre forces you to stop. To keep a sense of proportion, it’s only happened to me twice in twelve years, however I am always vigilant (and often carry two spare wheels)

 

[longjohnsilver]

This doesn’t happen on the motorway, more likely in town (with a none spanish reg or when collecting a hire car at the airport) Two or three scooters ‘herd’ you into a position where you have to stop, then then one of them comes alongside and stabs the rear tyre, they then follow you till the deflated tyre forces you to stop. To keep a sense of proportion, it’s only happened to me twice in twelve years, however I am always vigilant (and often carry two spare wheels)

Where has that happened? And how trips a year do you make?

 

[Asm]

Where has that happened? And how trips a year do you make?

Two return trips. The ‘scooter’ incident was at Barcelona airport, as I left the europcar rental area they ‘appeared’, when I indicated to turn, one pulled alongside stopping the turn. Initially you just think it’s bad driving, but once you realise the tyre is flat, it dawns on you. The hire car didn’t have a spare wheel, so the car had to be recovered, this was made more complicated because at that point i didn’t know exactly where I was. They didn’t get anything, but I had to pay for a new tyre.

 

[Hurricane]

If the A23 to Valencia is not optimum, take Mike’s advice in leaving the AP2 at junction 3, don’t be put off by the C classification of the roads. I’ll be doing the same journey on the 5th Feb,

Yes - the part of the road between Gandessa and Tortosa is really beautiful - and often you are the only car on the road.
The road surface is perfect - hardly a bump and no potholes to be seen.

 

[davids0865]

To get a sense of perspective, I live in Valencia and do the return trip to the UK monthly all year round in a UK reg van, via A23 and through France. I have never had an issues of any sort nor seen any. Some of this info relates to a few years ago.It is correct that there is an emergency car park up on the high plains, but a quick check on ViaMichelin will confirm if the road is open. Enjoy your trip.