TxParents

We are leaving for Spain in 3 weeks and need information on the best (most scenic) route from Granada to Ronda. In looking at our Spain road map, it looks like we could go due south from Granada on Hwy E902 to Motril on the coast and then take Hwy N340 along the coast all the way to just past Marbella and then go north to Ronda at San Pedro de Alcantara. How is this coastal highway as far as scenery goes and how long will the drive take to Ronda? Are there any other routes you would recommend over this one? We want to drive along the ocean but we could also take Hwy A92 west from Granada and then go south on N331 and come into the coastal highway at Malaga. Any advice or suggestions will be greatly appreciated. First-time travelers to Spain

Tammy

Sorry, I don't have an answer but I have the same exact question. I'm going to Spain in October and planning on driving from Granada to Ronda. Not only looking for the most scenic route, but about how long the drive will take. I'm thinking about 4 or so hours, or am I way off base?

TxParents

Tammy, I haven't actually added up the mileage on our map to see how far it is from Granada to Ronda but I think you are probably right about the travel time. Hopefully, some of the Spain regulars on this board will see this message and give us some advice on the best route.

Bob

You want to go west from Granada and then south to <BR>Ronda. 340 is almost like Ft. Lauderdale, all condos. The mountain road to Ronda now has guardrails, but is still a challange. we took the mountain road back home to Marbella and it was difficult. It was 40 miles of hairpin turns, steep cliffs and no guardrails. My wife was so scared she cried. And we live in New York! Stay on the main highways. The drive should take 2.75 hours.

Maribel

For TxParents and Tammy, <BR>The most scenic route is indeed the first one-down through the mountain pass (Suspiro del Moro) to Motril, then west past Nerja, on to the superhighway above Malaga then north at San Pedro de Alcantara to Ronda. This is the route I drove last June. Parts of the E902 from Granada to Motril are under construction. It appeared that they are actually trying to carve a new superhighway through the mountains to make the trip to the coast less serpentine and quicker. It took us about 1 1/2 hrs. to reach the coast at Motril, and driving wasn't bad even with the construction. The coastal route from Salobrena to Nerja is very pretty (and Nerja certainly rates a stop-go all the way up to the Balcon de Europa for lovely views-there's a public underground lot in the center of town where you can stash the car). The superhighway E 15 (make sure you take this road, NOT the old N340), will take you above Malaga, and by taking the "autopista" (toll road) you'll miss the congestion of Marbella, and it will take you down to San Pedro in no time. <BR>The A473 from San Pedro up to Ronda is extremely scenic and does have seemingly never-ending curves but it's wide, with passing lanes, and in very good condition. It's not a frightening driving experience at all; just quite serpentine but also beautiful. Remember that it is a major bus route so it's kept in good shape and wide enough for tour busses and truck traffic. I did this driving myself and felt fine with it. The San Pedro-Ronda portion should take you a bit over an hr. <BR>I can't give you an accurate time, as we spent the night in the foothills of Marbella and from Granada we made stops in Nerja, Frigiliana (for shopping) and Puerto Banus along the way. <BR>I would estimate about 4 hrs. total. (Tammy, that does sound right). <BR>The second, shorter, inland route should take only 2 1/2 hrs. <BR>You can get your estimated driving time from www.michelin-travel.com <BR>www.euroshell.com <BR>www.mapquest.com <BR>www.mappy.com <BR>(I think the Michelin and Euroshell times are the most accurate.) <BR>Hope this helps.

Tammy

Thanks for all the great info! Now, I guess I need to decide, what's best, a beautiful scenic drive (which may not be the best for those of us who get car sick), or a quick drive.