South of Spain Trip

When?

Based on the average temperatures in the south of Spain and the ferry crossing timetable from Portsmouth, I'm proposing 14th to 23rd September inclusive. I've added some average annual temp charts for the north, middle & south of Spain and the Brittany ferry timetables for September sailings.

Option - Flight & Motorcycle Hire

There's also a flight and bike hire option that some may want to consider. The LMRC group run regular trips to the south of Spain, flying to Malaga and using a local bike hire company. The hire company can collect you from the airport. But this may only be an option for groups. Depending on when you fly, return flights from London to Malaga can be as low as £100. Motorcycle hire company https://motohirespain.com Alternative hire company https://marbesolbike.com

PLEASE NOTE: This trip will run from 17 to 20 Sep to allow the riders group to arrive and depart the south of Spain. You can organise separate accommodation to extend your trip.

Bike Hire Example

Average temperatures in Spain - North to South

North

north

Middle of Spain

middle

South

south

Brittany Ferry Crossing Timetables for September 2025

Outward - UK to Spain

Portsmouth to Santander

ports to santander sep

Portsmouth to Bilbao

port to bilb sep

Plymouth to Santander

ply to sant sep

Return - Spain to UK

Santander to Portsmouth

sant to port sep

Bilbao to Portsmouth

bilb to port sep

Santander to Plymouth

sant to ply sep

Must Haves!

I'm putting this section upfront so it's not missed. I'll update this as we go. If you have any suggestions please let me know. Use this Bennetts guide for details https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/news-and-views/features/travel/how-ride-motorcycle-europe?form=MG0AV3

If riding your own motorcycle:

You need to have full European breakdown cover, which includes recovering your bike and yourself to the UK and/or repairs to get you moving again. The group will do everything possible to assist you get going again, but if we cannot help and your only option is to be recovered by your breakdown service, then you will need to continue on your own. I use RAC for breakdown - RAC European breakdown https://www.rac.co.uk/breakdown-cover/european-breakdown-cover
You need full European motorcycle insurance cover. The Green card is no longer required, just ensure you carry your insurance certificate and that your insurance covers you for EU riding. Please don't fall foul of the Spanish police (Guarda Civil), who just don't like people
In Spain you need to display a UK sticker for a UK registered motorcycle

Other:

EHIC/GHIC - If you don't have one, apply for your new Global health card here (this takes about 2-4 weeks to arrive) https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-uk-global-health-insurance-card-ghic/
ETIAS Visa Waiver - I believe this is not starting until the end of 2026 to visit the EU. So not required for our trip

Where?

2 nights in the middle of Spain - most probably staying around Madrid - check out Avila, Salamanca and Segovia. 4 or 5 nights staying the South of Spain at my place in Salobrena. Trips to Nerja (Ayo's amazing paella place on the beach); Rhonda (check out the gap); Apujarra mountain villages (ie. Capileira); southern rides along the coast.

Other POI's en-route to the south of Spain - Potes, N621 road from https://www.adventurebikerider.com/motorcycling-in-northern-spain-and-portugal/

Weather?

Will update depending when we go.

How much?

Cost Estimate: £1,500 per person (includes ferry, food, fuel, and 2 nights’ accommodation in northern Spain) Add £150 if taking the Plymouth to Santander ferry

Transport

Return ferry (1 night on the ferry) - Plymouth to Santander. £625 per person. With motorbike & shared cabin

Return ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao (approx £500 per person with a motorcycle and shared cabin). Ride from Bilbao to Salobrena in the south, which is around 600 miles depending on the route.

London to Portsmouth - 80 miles London to Plymouth - 225 miles

Staying

2 nights accommodation needed in the north of Spain (1 night each way). The remaining 4 or 5 nights will be at my apartment on the beach in Salobrena, which will serve as our base. There'll be no cost for this. You'll just need to cover your food and drink at local cafes & bars. I can accommodate 5 people. If there are more than 5, local accommodation will need to be rented at additional cost.

Route from Bilbao to Salobrena (do this over a 2 day ride to take in some of northern/central Spain). Day trips from Salobrena to places such as Rhonda, Capileira, Sierra Nevada and beaches on the south coast via some great roads, of course