The "red roads" on Michelin Maps were not bad to ride on. However, the "yellow roads" are better. I think it is a matter of what you are used to, and where you are going. We never planned our routes more than a few days ahead, and just picked a road that would take us to the cities we wanted to see.


I actually found the coast to be as interesting as the interior of southern Spain. It was definitely a lot cooler (30-35C vs. 43C), which is not an issue for you. As part of our route from Lisbon, we travelled across to Valencia, and the north along the coast to France.



Between Cordoba and Valencia. Not much shade!



Search for information about Eurovelo Route 8. This trip was 6 years ago, and the route was not completed or marked. They may have done some work on it since then. http://www.eurovelo8.com//stages/cadiz-elche

The Spanish coast, north of Valencia.