Mikeandthewife Posted March 4, 2018 Share Posted March 4, 2018 Hi all We are driving in our camper through France then through Spain onto Gibraltar, over a few days with help from the satnav and great advice via the Forum, my question is: Over time, I've read the odd comment/remark about Spain regarding safety/theft etc, I appreciate you have to take care everywhere nowadays, it's unfortunately a sign of the times. However, is there anywhere along this route we need to be more cautious of or keep away from while camping/stopping/parking/sightseeing. I know I've not detailed our exact route, so not an easy question to ask, but any advice would be appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike88 Posted March 5, 2018 Share Posted March 5, 2018 Be careful driving along the motorway (A7 and AP7)before and through Barcelona to Taragona where occasionally there are episodes of attempted hijacking. It also happens less often around Madrid and elsewhere. A car will pull alongside you or throw something at your motorhome with the occupants signalling you to stop suggesting there is something wrong. If you stop you will be robbed. An attempt was made on me several years ago around Barcelona. It doesn't happen so much nowadays but just be aware. Otherwise Spain is no less safe than other countries. This should not stop you from going as Spain is a great place to visit with a motorhome. LIke everywhere else just be alert. http://maverickwriter.co.uk/driving-to-spain-how-to-tell-the-cops-from-the-robbers/ https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g187497-i44-k6570830-Carjacking_and_robbery_around_Barcelona_AP_7_to_France-Barcelona_Catalonia.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andytw Posted March 5, 2018 Share Posted March 5, 2018 Do some research re vans on Gib. I know Gib well, but haven't been with a van. It appears there are no official stops, roads are narrow, looks like most van owners park up in Spain and hike over. You'll find stuff like this on the web http://forums.motorhomefacts.com/134-spain-portugal-touring/48442-gibraltar-morrisons-parking.html Gib has good buses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sshortcircuit Posted March 5, 2018 Share Posted March 5, 2018 Forget Spain, my biggest worry is between Gretna and Dover as there are a lot of bandits on that route. Never had any problems or fears in Spain and as usual.if you are not happy, move on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yoko8pups Posted March 5, 2018 Share Posted March 5, 2018 The other scam in Spain (and I know it and they caught me) is to wait outside motorway services till you come back to your car/van and then watch you open it and approach you with a map asking you to show them where somewhere is. Meanwhile the accomplice opens you door (easy with central locking) and pinches stuff. This often happens on the coast road south from Barcelona. When we reported it the local police station they had all the paperwork ready in English, that's very unusual in Spain. I think the safest route is down to Valladollid then to Seville and down. The roads are great and lots of historic towns to see on the way down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keninpalamos Posted March 5, 2018 Share Posted March 5, 2018 I live between Gretna and Dover and will be “ moving on “ in about a year. Do you think I’m save for now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Kirby Posted March 5, 2018 Share Posted March 5, 2018 First, assuming you'd travel via the Tunnel or via Calais, to Gib, I don't think you'd be going via Barcelona. Your best (most direct) route would be via Rouen, Bordeaux, San Sebastian, and Madrid. Second, your chances of being hi-jacked or robbed will depend on which roads you take, and the time of year you are travelling. If you go in the peak season, and travel on the most popular routes, you might be picked out. But, by avoiding that time of year and the most popular routes, why should you be? Thieves and hi-jackers aren't likely to camp out on, or keep cruising, the less busy roads and filling stations, in the "off" season looking out for the odd stray motorhomer. If you use motorways for speed, driving 09:00 to 16:00 with a one hour rest break for lunch the distance is about 1360 miles and it will take just under 4 days. If you avoid motorways, driving for the same times each day, the distance is about 1370 miles and it will take you just under 5 days. If you avoid motorways and put the money saved into overnighting on campsites, you would be quids-in on cost, you will have greater overnight security, but it will have taken you a day longer. I'd probably take longer still, break up the trip more, visit a few interesting places en route, mostly avoid dual carriageways and main roads, and make the journey into a tour. That way, your chances of getting robbed en route are about as low as they can get. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laimeduck Posted March 5, 2018 Share Posted March 5, 2018 Mike - as you know from our blog, we did this trip last year.I agree with Brian and would add that if you avoid the main tourist routes eg the coastal strips you will most likely avoid the hoodlums who are, from reports, more likely to be Romanians, Czech's, Albanians & other Eastern Europeans etc rather than Spanish. If you have the time, why sit on a motorway looking at embankments? Use ordinary road & see the country. The hoodlums won't be on these roads. We found the local Spanish, off the tourist beats, to be honest, helpful, lovely people.We ventured briefly along the coast at Estepona and again in Portugal near Albufeira - never again. McDonalds, Subway, KFC, Casinos are not our thing - but are probably magnets for undesirables who will fleece unwary tourists. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snail Posted March 5, 2018 Share Posted March 5, 2018 MikeyPikey - 2018-03-04 11:07 PM Hi all We are driving in our camper through France then through Spain onto Gibraltar, over a few days with help from the satnav and great advice via the Forum, my question is: Over time, I've read the odd comment/remark about Spain regarding safety/theft etc, I appreciate you have to take care everywhere nowadays, it's unfortunately a sign of the times. However, is there anywhere along this route we need to be more cautious of or keep away from while camping/stopping/parking/sightseeing. I know I've not detailed our exact route, so not an easy question to ask, but any advice would be appreciated. Hi never had any problems anywhere but one tip I was given, especially if your van is rhd if approached by someone gesturing to pull over point you camera or phone at them when alongside they will soon clear off if upto no good! Have a good trip Snail Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikeandthewife Posted March 5, 2018 Author Share Posted March 5, 2018 Some great advice, thanks everyone Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikeandthewife Posted March 5, 2018 Author Share Posted March 5, 2018 Going begining of May for about 8 weeks, I'm ok with route France but not sure Spain, made note of your suggestions though, only really like driving for about 4hrs at a time and will use campsites as suggested, I'm not panicking regards to safety but don't want to chance anything, thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.