Spain is one of the most mountainous countries in Europe. Not far inland from any of the popular beach areas in this sun-spilled country you’ll find a “sierra” waiting to be explored. In winter, this often means winter sports, which – in turn – translates to driving in the snow. You'll want to read this article on road safety tips for snow because winter requires the fitting vehicle preparation if you want to make it back home safely.
Trip pre-planning, revision and set-up of your vehicle, and information on the state of the traffic are all vital aspects to your winter adventure – in addition to a cautious driving style. When choosing to look up some snow activities in Spain, you have to be well prepared. Let’s start with your vehicle.
Road safety tips shouldn't leave out maintenance for winter. Correct maintenance improves safety and extends the life of your vehicle. To withstand the cold there are a series of basic rules:
There are a number of safety tips that can be followed to improve safety even before setting off:
Spain gets snowfall in a vast part of its territory, which is why there are so many ski resorts throughout the country. Even in the Canary Islands you can exchange the black volcanic beaches for a touch of white on top of the country’s highest peak, El Teide volcano, located on Tenerife.
But from the southern heights of Sierra Nevada (Granada) to the majestic border massive of the Pyrenees and the astonishing Picos de Europe, passing by Madrid’s unexpected Sierra de Guadarrama or Gredos, you can enjoy enough mountain fun for a lifetime!
The options for outdoor and cultural activities in all these destinations are endless. In sorts, they’re all similar; in winter, they include all the snow activities you can imagine – skiing, snowboarding, snow shoe hiking, even dog sled riding in the north. But the beauty of Spain exists in its cultural diversity, meaning each destination will give you a completely unique experience.
One potential wintertime Spanish road trip is to drive an hour outside Madrid, ski at Puerto Navacerrada until you’re famished, and then enjoy some “judiones” and “cochinillio” in the royal town of La Granja de San Ildefonso or the roman aqueduct of Segovia. Another option is to head south to Andalucia and mix some snowboarding in Granada with a visit to the wonders of the Alhambra palace.
If you prefer a more high-end version of winter sports, why not pay a visit to Baqueira Beret, the Spanish royal family’s favourite option. And just outside of northern Spain you can head to Andorra, a tiny country nestled in the Pyrenees mountains that’s famed for its snow sports.
In any case, Spain has lots of snow – at least during the winter months. Enjoy the snow while you still can, and if you need ideas for outdoor activities and adventure tours in Spain and Portugal, check out Olé Outdoors. Our last tip for road safety would be to get the proper insurance for when those inevitable winter accidents happen. Read our car insurance guide:
If you are searching for car insurance in Spain, Caser Expat Insurance has the right policy for you! |