Touring Spain in January

vosenekid · L Plate Warrior Joined: 26 Oct 2012 Karma :

I am taking some time off work in January 2013 and am considering taking my bike over to Spain via the ferry to do a full clockwise circular mainly coastal tour of Spain and Portugal. I have toured Spain and other places abroad before, but not at this time of year. I was just hoping to get an opinion of the temperatures at that time of year (sticking to the coast as it will be slightly warmer). Will it be comfortable riding? Also I am considering taking the tent to save some money here and there on accommodation. Do the campsites tend to be open all year round in Spain?

Any info will be greatly appreciated!

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

Plenty of options for wild camping to save money.

Do expect it to be cold - might be about ok on the coast, but a bit inland and you can expect to find snow. Just up the road from the 'costa del sol' you've got Granada which has the Siera Nevada mountains - a ski resort.

..... · Quote Me Happy Joined: 15 Jan 2005 Karma :

Yeah I imagine it will be cold, when me and Tatters were riding through Spain in April we had snow and freezing rain. It wasn't pleasant.

fraser2312 · Nova Slayer Joined: 10 Jun 2012 Karma :

If its sunshine your looking for why not just burn straight through Spain and get the ferry over to Morocco Thumbs Up

John933 · Crazy Courier Joined: 01 Mar 2005 Karma :

barrkel · World Chat Champion Joined: 30 Jul 2012 Karma :

..... · Quote Me Happy Joined: 15 Jan 2005 Karma :

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

Yea; I was just thinking that it can still can get pretty chilly in Morocco, especially in the mountains.

yen_powell · World Chat Champion Joined: 22 Jun 2008 Karma :

vosenekid · L Plate Warrior Joined: 26 Oct 2012 Karma :

Thanks to everyone who has posted so far. I'm beginning to think it won't be much fun in Spain in January! I toured the Extremadura region in May 2011 and it was absolutely fantastic. It won't be the same without the sun! Back to the drawing board.

The problem I have is if I fly somewhere warmer instead, the cost of motorcycle hire is so expensive, unless you guys can give me any further inspiration and ideas?!

fraser2312 · Nova Slayer Joined: 10 Jun 2012 Karma :

What's your budget?

fraser2312 · Nova Slayer Joined: 10 Jun 2012 Karma :

What's your budget?

vosenekid · L Plate Warrior Joined: 26 Oct 2012 Karma :

I could spend a maximum of three grand to inlude flights, accommodation, bike hire, fuel and food/drinks - basically everything!

fraser2312 · Nova Slayer Joined: 10 Jun 2012 Karma :

3k!!! Have you thought about touring India on an Enfield?

vosenekid · L Plate Warrior Joined: 26 Oct 2012 Karma :

Must admit I never really fancied India. I'll take a look at the tours though and won't rule anything out yet. NZ would be my ideal but the flight and bike hire cost is a killer!

John933 · Crazy Courier Joined: 01 Mar 2005 Karma :

Reading through all this, there are questions to ask.

First off , it look's like you are after the sun and in January that not going to be easy to find. A cheap way is to stay in the EU that way your insurance will be good. No flapping around getting extra insurance.

So that's leave's you one or two place's and that is just go as far south as you can and hope for the best. The three place's I have in mind is Spain/ Gib area, Greece the south part, or Sicily. It is going to be a pain in the azz getting there at that time of the year on a bike. You will need to wrap up as warm as you can. And as you get more and more south, you will be takeing kit off as it get's warmer and warmer. That kit you will need to pack away some place. For the trip back.

And after saying all that. You may not get good weather at the end of the day. If you are going to do this kind of trip. Look to see if you can go some time in the midle of May. Prices are still cheap, and the weather has more chance of being what you are looking for.
John933
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