Spain Self-Guided Motorcycle Tour

Nine nights across Spain, self-guided, staying in Parador hotels throughout, with the published schedule running to twelve days including the ferry at either end.

The Paradors are the point: a state-run chain of converted castles, monasteries and palaces, and every night of this tour is spent in one or in something of the same standard, which is unusual for a motorcycle holiday. The guided version of the same route costs rather more and adds two nights to it.

The ferry to Santander or Bilbao is arranged by the rider. The Picos de Europa come first off the boat, limestone peaks rising close behind the north coast, then Castile and Leon by way of Salamanca, and Extremadura through the Sierra de Francia. Andalusia follows, with Cordoba optional, then a free day for the ride to Ronda, which sits either side of a gorge. The Sierras de Cazorla come next with another free day, then Toledo by way of the Consuegra windmills, and the Picos again before the return crossing.

Nine nights of bed and breakfast at Parador standard, nine evening meals and the GPX routes are included; the ferry, fuel, admissions, tolls and parking are not. Self-guided here means the free days and the optional rides are entirely the rider’s own. Spring and autumn are the seasons, since Andalusia in high summer is punishing on a bike and the Picos can hold snow into May. The mountain riding at both ends of the route is the best of it, and the Picos in particular carry very little traffic for a range that good.