Is it safe for a girl to drive from Lisbon, Portugal, along the coast, to Barcelona? How many days to allow?

Question

My sister and I are interested in renting a car in Lisbon, driving along the coast to either Valencia, or on up to Barcelona, Spain, where we'd take a flight home. Is this a safe idea? A fun idea? How long will it take me (including stops/sightseeing, etc) to either destination? And is there anything wonderful along the way we absolutely should NOT miss seeing? Or any great places to stay or eat along the way? Open for all tips - first time to Europe! Thanks alot, hannahdav

Answer 1

You do not mention whether you want to drive round the south or the north, but in both cases it will be safe enough.
I would guesstimate that you can drive it in 24 hours of continues driving, because I compared it with a distance I do know.
You will want to take at least a week, better to take longer. Several friends of mine have toured the south of Spain only and have taken 2 weeks, and had more than enough to fill their time.
The coast south of Lisbon is known as touristy destination, because the weather is often good, the nature beautiful and the people friendly.
When you have rounded the corner you get into one of the area of Spain that are know for beautiful buildings, with Sevilla, Grenada and Cordoba. The coastal towns there are more touristy, but famous too. And there is Gibraltar, and the narrowest crossing to Africa.
The east coast of Spain is know as many different holiday destinations. Still many nice towns, but also a lot of places to party if that is your scene.

Barcelona, your destination, is one of the best towns in Europe. When you ask the people here what their favorite town is, they often name it.
Plan at least 3 days in town, maybe even more.

Roads will be plentiful and of good quality.
Many places to stay underway, as almost all the coast is tourist destination.

Going round the north you would have a less touristy route, but there is Santiago de Compostella, which is the destination of a famous pelgrimage. Many of the roads in the North of Spain lead to Santiago.
The area near the Pyrenees is known as Basque country, and not as peaceful as most of Europe.
That (or should I say them,) is the only real consideration on safety in Spain.
I guess that you will need as much time traveling round the north as round the south, and if the towns you meet are less world famous, most are really worth a visit.

Take a good guidebook. (I always advice the Lonely Planet series, but if you travel by car you might prefer a guidebook written for that kind of travel.) And enjoy your trip.

Added:
You may need to post a separate question for the practical travel information as I can not add it to this answer. It is already too long.
I have never heard the south of Spain would be more dangerous than any other destination, and I assume that there are horror stories about every place on Earth.

Answer 2

Im Valencia visit the Aquarium. The best of the best.....
Buy a book "Michelin" on Spain and will tell you the nices place to visit. And yes is safe to go around, dont drink too much so you ll be aware of what is going on .

Answer 3

A word of caution. That area is known for robberies. The bad guys will come up behind your car, bump it, and when you pull over, the rob you at knife point. I know a couple of lady friends that this happened to twice this year on the road in two different parts of spain.

Answer 4

Congrats! And don't worry about the high % of catholics - I had 3 family members serve in Rome Italy mission & loved it & the people!

Answer 5

Take care, it's obvious that you have never been outside your north american continent.... It may be dangerous: terrorism, assaults, distances and speed in kilometres and not miles, foreign cooking habits and above all these people who don't speak american. What an adventure !

Answer 6

i am so jealous your going. i just got back from portugal!! i am a young girl as well. i am going to spain next summer!! wow you are going to have so much fun. idk about spain, but portugal was SOOOOO safe, one of the very safest european countries. umm if you and your sister like nightlife, then defeneitly go to algarve.... it is amazing!! go to the beaches too have fun!!!!!!!!