Hi,
We are allowing up to 1 week late May 2008 to get from Madrid to Barcelona. What route options would you recommend? I am open to any suggestions.

I don't know the geography but would travelling along the coast be a good option or are there locations inland that are worth a visit?

We would like to avoid tourist traps, just to casually make our way to Barcelona where we will spend a few days and take in the attractions there.
We don't plan to book any accomodation in advance, just take it as it comes!

Cheers

Hi Ember,
the two options are either going through the coast (via Valencia) or inland (via Zaragoza).
Through the coast Valencia si really worth seeing and, instead of going directly to Valencia from Madrid you could go through Cuenca (UNESCO Heritage) and on the coast you could stop in Tarragona.
The other option is going through Alcalá de Henares, just outside Madrid, Sigüenza, Zaragoza.
I wouldn't know wich itinerary to suggest... just have a look at the pages and pick your favourite (in my opinion Alcalá de Henares should not be missed, but it's an easy daytrip from Madrid, and Valencia is my favourite ever).

Hi Ember,
Agree with both the Valencia and Zaragoza choices, but do be a little wary of not having accommodation booked in Barcelona (it is a city renowned for its enormous number of trade fairs and fashion shows) and if you manage to arrive on the date when one of these events is on, you can find yourself travelling miles in search of a Hotel.
Zaragoza is also the home to the World Expo this year and consequently accommodation will be at a premium if the amazing success of the event in Sevilla in 1992 is anything to go by. Probably definitely worth a visit!

Michael

firstly i agree with Michael on those dates, better have something secure.
then for the trip , the quickest from Madrid to Barcelona is to take the NII road, you will pass by Alcalà de Henares which i agree is very nice, then Guadalajara, and Siguenza ,Calatayud ,Zaragoza (great city with a beautiful El Pilar cathedral), Lleida , Vilafrance del Penedes (sparkling wines region) to reach Barcelona.

you can also take a more coastal way by taking the NIII toward Valencia, there you pass by Arganda, sidestep on the N400 to Cuenca, pass Teruel, down on the N234 to Sagunto (phoniciens origins) just north of Valencia and head up the coast on the A7 passing Castellon de la Plana, Tortosa, Tarragona, Vilanova i la Geltru pass the airport into Barcelona center.

great ride and plenty of choices along the way.

Thankyou for the prompt replies. I will have a closer look at the map and do more research on the loactions you all mentioned. It appears it will be best to have Barcelona accomodation organised.

Thanks again

Mario

Hello Mario;
Last winter we travelled the route from Valencia to Toledo and found it to be pleasant and generally "untouristy". South of Toledo is windmill and castle counntry. If you fancy a quixotic experience visit the area around Consuegra.

Also we found visits to bodegas in the Almansa (another castle with fine views)and Jumilla areas to be rewarding.

A walk up the "rock" at Calpe rewards one with great views along the coast. We found the small city of Elche (Elx) with its parks to be delightful. Here you can purchase your "boots of Spanish leather". It is the shoe-making capitol of Spain with outlet stores.

Valencia city of arts and sciences is a marvel. The market, Turia park, and silk exchange are all great to visit.

As you travel towards Barcelona a side trip to Tarragona with its ruins is worth the effort.

A couple of suggestions. We found it best to avoid the traffic of Madrid and Barcelona. It might be better to pick up a rental car in Toledo and drop at the Airport in Barcelona (or Tarragona even and take the train in) rather than contend with the congestion in the city centres and on the ring roads. Check to be sure drop off charges in destination cities are not exhorbitant. If you are not familiar with left-hand drives the smaller centre presents a less hectic place to practise.

For a special stay consider a night at a Parador. Check their website for deals and apply for their Amigos loyalty program. Alarcon is worth a detour. Check out the virtual visit at their page. We've found meals in the Paradors can be hit or miss. Generally better value for money can be had in comparable restaurants outside the Parador.

Have a fine trip.
Dennis

Hi,
I have decided that We will go to Barcelona via Zaragoza and have taken your advise, securing accomodation in Zargoza & Barcelona.
We decided to slip a few days in Toledo after we leave Madrid.

Thaks all