Travelling in Spain Tips

By Paul Rolfe

In Spain, like most other European countries, they drive on the right. This may seem a bit obvious but wait until you come to your first roundabout or 'T' junction!
The motorways are dull and in my experience very windy, but consider using them for their purpose, getting from point 'A' to point 'B' in the shortest amount of time.
The majority of Spanish motorists are 'biker friendly' and will usually give you plenty of room and a signal to overtake them, it's generally good manners to acknowledge this once you have passed.
Spanish bikers are something of a rarity. Although bike shops exist in large cities, and have a good supply of larger bikes, it is rare to see them out in the countryside. When you do, however, the 'British Nod' is replaced by an extended left arm gesture directed towards the road, the closer the 'cooler' it seems.
Speed limits in towns and villages should always be adhered to. Not just for safety, you will usually find a group of police standing at some point in the village just watching the passing traffic. Also a good proportion of towns display some sort of 'radar' warning for motorists.
Many petrol stations are still attended service but a few, mainly in larger towns, are slowly changing over to 'autoservicio'.

Hotels can be difficult to find even in major cities where your concentration needs to be on the road and other road users. Most motorway service stations have a place to sleep and they are well signposted. In fact, unlike the UK, the service stations can sometimes be a collection of hotels, petrol stations and restaurants, not all under one roof but as a mutual collective for passing trade.
If you do have to stop in town and can't find a hotel, don't be put off by the 'Hostel' signs. We stopped in one that was very 'cheap and cheerful' a bed for the night and hot and cold shower.
As in the UK hotels range in price and quality, but in my experience all are clean and welcome after a long days ride.

Your average Brits experience of Spanish cuisine is paella and chips in Benidorm. The further from the 'holiday coast' that you get, the more unrecognisable the food, but travelling as a 'fussy' eater, we always managed to find something.
There is a distinction between cafes and restaurants. Cafes are normally coffee shops that may do crisps and 'finger rolls' of cold meat, whereas restaurants offer a wider, more expensive menu.
If all else fails, the major towns all have McDonalds and Burger King where the menus are in English?

I found the Spanish people very hospitable and helpful, they are usually polite but be aware that the further away from the tourist traps that you get the less likely English will be spoken, not even a single word!
Learn some Spanish. Especially if you have certain food allergies. Something that looks like red meat could turn out to be seafood.
Spanish people are more likely to treat you right if you have bothered to learn at least a few words. I went there with 'Holiday Spanish' I could basically order a beer. After a week I could get a full tank of unleaded without sign language, get a nice cup of coffee how I like it and a plate of steak and chips. (Next time I'll find out what 'well done' is!).