Santander to Aranjuez, South of Madrid

Graemebf
Graemebf Forum Participant Posts: 22
edited April 2016 in Overseas Campsites & Touring #1

We've always cut over to Burgos and used the A1 then swung East of Madrid down to Aranjuez, for a couple of nights, after coming off the ferry. However, we sailed into Bilbao the last time, after a couple of years break and now the info we're getting is
throwing up some new routes from Santander (or ones we never noticed before) that seem to save 30 minutes or so but only in clear traffic. We're very tempted to stay with what we know but are a bit curious too.

Has anyone towed from Santander to Madrid via Valladolid and Segovia, if so, what's their opinions, please note, we only use motorways?

Also, we've read there's diversions at the ferry, any problems finding your way out of town?

Comments

  • Tammygirl
    Tammygirl Club Member Posts: 7,957 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2016 #2

    I can't help with this but I am interested in any replies you get, as we are travelling to Southern Spain from Santander very shortly. Hope this bumps it up for you.

  • commeyras
    commeyras Club Member Posts: 1,853 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2016 #3

    Can't help on the route as we went via Burgos last year.  But Tammy can recommend Aranjuez as a base for visiting Madrid, there is only one site there within walking distance of the town..  Regular and cheap trains right into the centre of Madrid - get a return ticket to Sol - and you can park your car for free at or very near the station.  Aranjuez itself worth a couple of days.  Very cheap fuel in the town at Leclerc and another place, the site will advise!

  • Tammygirl
    Tammygirl Club Member Posts: 7,957 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2016 #4

    Can't help on the route as we went via Burgos last year.  But Tammy can recommend Aranjuez as a base for visiting Madrid, there is only one site there within walking distance of the town..  Regular and cheap trains right into the centre of Madrid - get a
    return ticket to Sol - and you can park your car for free at or very near the station.  Aranjuez itself worth a couple of days.  Very cheap fuel in the town at Leclerc and another place, the site will advise!

    Thanks for the info, we definately want to visit Aranjuez, we missed it when we came back in November as the weather was against us then, so hoping for better this time. Not sure yet what route we are going to take going down, again weather will dictate.
    If its cold we will go straight down to Southern Spain then do the visiting on the way back up as it warms upWink I've taken notes off various blogs
    so hope fully we shouldn't go far wrong.

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited April 2016 #5
    The user and all related content has been Deleted User
  • oldagetraveller
    oldagetraveller Forum Participant Posts: 142
    edited April 2016 #6

    We've always cut over to Burgos and used the A1 then swung East of Madrid down to Aranjuez, for a couple of nights, after coming off the ferry. However, we sailed into Bilbao the last time, after a couple of years break and now the info we're getting is
    throwing up some new routes from Santander (or ones we never noticed before) that seem to save 30 minutes or so but only in clear traffic. We're very tempted to stay with what we know but are a bit curious too.

    Has anyone towed from Santander to Madrid via Valladolid and Segovia, if so, what's their opinions, please note, we only use motorways?

    Also, we've read there's diversions at the ferry, any problems finding your way out of town?

    We have towed parts of that route and also driven parts solo.  Easy going all the way.  Rather than heading due south from Valladolid drive west  a bit further to Tordesillas then south. 
    El Astral in Tordesillas is a good site if you want a stopover here, and also a good place for a few days exploring the castles of northern Casille.

    As you get closer to Madrid why not divert to El Escorial, where there is
    another good site    .  From here you can do an easy day trip to Segovia, and closer to hand is the Escorial Palace and the Valle de los Caidos.

    From here is is an easy (ish) battle round one of Madrid's many ring roads to Aranjuez, which as has been said, has a super site in an excellent position.

  • Tammygirl
    Tammygirl Club Member Posts: 7,957 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2016 #7

    TG 

    Which area of Southern Spain are you heading for?

    I have described the route and halts we use when heading for the Cadiz area
    here     . It is from France rather than Santader but the route is common from Burgos onwards.

     

    Cheers David, yours was one of the blogs I took notes fromWink

    OAT yours was another one, hope you guys don't mind, shame not to use all that wonderful information.

  • oldagetraveller
    oldagetraveller Forum Participant Posts: 142
    edited April 2016 #8

    TG 

    Which area of Southern Spain are you heading for?

    I have described the route and halts we use when heading for the Cadiz area
    here     . It is from France rather than Santader but the route is common from Burgos onwards.

     

    Cheers David, yours was one of the blogs I took notes fromWink

    OAT yours was another one, hope you guys don't mind, shame not to use all that wonderful information.

    That's what they are there for Tammygirl.  Glad you found them useful.  Watch out for a new one starting in a couple of weeks.

  • chasncath
    chasncath Forum Participant Posts: 1,659
    1000 Comments
    edited April 2016 #9

    Did someone mention
    Aranjuez     ?

  • GyynNorma
    GyynNorma Forum Participant Posts: 69
    edited April 2016 #10

    We have planned Aranjuez as our second stop after Burgos, so this post has been very informative. It is also near Toledo, does anyone have information on visiting there?

  • commeyras
    commeyras Club Member Posts: 1,853 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2016 #11

    On Chasncath's link the pic of the train is on the campsite where it overnights.  If you ask the driver nicely he will give you a lift into the town but he is really too late for the train into Madrid. 

  • oldagetraveller
    oldagetraveller Forum Participant Posts: 142
    edited April 2016 #12

    We have planned Aranjuez as our second stop after Burgos, so this post has been very informative. It is also near Toledo, does anyone have information on visiting there?

    we did Toledo as an easy day trip from Aranjuez.  It is well worth the visit. See the description and pictures here, in the part of our blog
    which covers the trip to Aranjuez, Aranjuez, Madrid, Toledo and Chinchon.

  • chasncath
    chasncath Forum Participant Posts: 1,659
    1000 Comments
    edited April 2016 #13

    Did someone mention
    Toledo     ?

  • GyynNorma
    GyynNorma Forum Participant Posts: 69
    edited April 2016 #14

    chasncath

    Thank you both for Toledo and Aranjuez. Toledo has been the same for us, never seemed to be  able to fit it in.

    oldagetraveller

    Another excellent blog, will make our trip more enjoyable.

     

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