Gaucin, Spain - Driving
 

Hi All,
I have read some old posts about Gaucín, Spain and am a little 'curious' about driving in the area. Has anyone been to the area recently and are the roads really as scary as some people say? We're going in April and are renting a car at Malaga airport and driving to Gaucín. We are hoping to make a day trip to Ronda, and an overnight to Granada (although we will probably take the train from Ronda for that trip).
Any tips or advise would be really welcome!

Thanks
Rena

Well people drive like spaniards (too close behind), but the roads are relatively sensible. There are "bandits" who point at your car on the motorway and when you (stupidly) stop they mug you but this very uncommon, you just need to be aware.

I'd say not scary.

It's been a few years since we've driven that highway, but it wasn't bad. We'll be back there again in a couple of weeks and will let you know if something's different.

Bilbo & Robert, many thanks for your reply. Have driven some hairy roads on the Greek islands so maybe it just depends on the driver - think I'd dread the vertiginous drops more than the muggers!!

I think by scary you mean in the quality of the roads.

In the main many of the roads which were poor 20 years ago have been upgraded, I remember when the dual carriageway from Malaga to Antequerra ended abruptly without warning just before Alaro. Within 50 yards it became a dust track as the EU funding ran out.

The most frustrating aspect of the roads north of Gaucin is the fact hat have been built on the cheap, without bridges or tunnels and so you have to negotiate one hairpin bend after another. Driving for an hour can result in around 10 miles progress.

The roads around Ubrique and Grazalema have a legendary status in our family.

We spent several days in Gaucin a couple of years ago and I don't recall that the roads were at all remarkable either coming (from Seville) or leaving (to Malaga). The views from the place we stayed in Gaucin were truly remarkable.

Hi All,
Thank you for your replies, really looking forward to the trip now!

We recently did the drive from Ronda to the coast, the A-397, which is a bit more challenging than the road to Caucin. The only issue was the truck traffic and the lack of passing lanes.

I spent a few days in Gaucin,in a rental property, in fall of 2012.

We arrived in Gaucin from Sevilla, via Ronda, and after or stay in Gaucin, drove to Malaga.

Driving in the area is fairly easy, but you should be aware that there may be fog along some routes. Parking in Gaucin might be tricky without prior arrangement. I am more than happy to offer more detailed info at your request.

Please see my trip report for details...