Can anyone say what the other way is like,which way do you go,most go from Santander/Burgos/Madrid/Ocana/Malaga/Marbella to Gibraltar,whats the ruta de plata like,and where are the best stops and places for nose bag.Is the route new in some places,mixed with the old route.?
The “new” road down to Algeciras is superb and will save you a good hour.
From Santander folllow the A67 to Palencia -
Palencia - Salamanca A62 -
Salamanca - Sevilla A66 (this road is now finished all the way down) -
Sevilla - Algeciras A4 / A381.
If you use the AP4 south of Sevilla to Jerez the toll is €11.90, the National is free, but puts about 15 minutes on the journey.
Total driving time approx 12.5 / 13 hours.
Most people will get off the boat at Santander and take breaks as follows:
Santander to Km 225 (A62) 4.25 hrs. (Prior to this a good stop is Km177 Siete Iglesias, or if you are running faster than most just after Salamanca at Arapiles Km 348).
Then Either Km 494, Km 657, Km 700 (Fuente de Cantos), Km 730 (Restaurante Leo).
I recommend the food at Arapiles just south of Salamanca, thats my 1st break and the parking, showers, food and security at hotel leo is superb.
That sounds a much better route.Good nose bag,vino tinto,rose,or blanco,with free expresso`s with the menu,what else do you want,no KFC in sight. 