7 Scenic Road-Trip Routes from the UK to Winter-Sun Destinations in Spain & Portugal
7 Scenic Road-Trip Routes from the UK to Winter-Sun Destinations in Spain & Portugal
Driving from the UK to Spain or Portugal in winter is easier than ever with an Emovis Tag for French, Spanish and Portuguese toll roads. If you’re craving sunshine, good food, and a change of scenery, a road trip south offers flexibility, freedom, and some of Europe’s most stunning routes.
With an Emovis Tag fitted to your windscreen, you can breeze through toll stations without stopping: no tickets, no cash, just smooth, stress-free travel. Here are seven scenic winter-sun routes to inspire your next adventure.
1. UK to Valencia – via the Millau Viaduct
Highlights: Channel crossing – Loire Valley – Millau Viaduct – Mediterranean coast
Cross the Channel via Eurotunnel or ferry to Calais, then drive through the rolling vineyards of the Loire Valley. The spectacular Millau Viaduct offers breathtaking views of southern France. Continue through Perpignan and across the border into Spain before following the coast to Valencia, where palm-lined beaches await.
Toll Tip: Your Emovis Tags let you glide through French and Spanish toll stations, ideal for long motorway stretches on this route.
2. UK to Lisbon – the Atlantic Adventure
Highlights: Normandy – Bordeaux – Basque Country – coastal Portugal
Sail from Portsmouth to Caen or St Malo, then take the A83 and A10 south past Bordeaux’s wine country. Continue through the Basque region and cross into Portugal via the A24 or A28. Follow the Atlantic coast to Lisbon for mild days, ocean views, and vibrant neighbourhoods.
Toll Tip: Portugal’s network includes free-flow toll roads with no booths. Your Portuguese-compatible tag takes care of all charges automatically.
3. UK to Málaga – the Mediterranean Odyssey
Highlights: Champagne region – Provence – Costa del Sol
Drive via Folkestone and the A26 past Reims, then follow the A7 Autoroute du Soleil. Stop in Provence before crossing into Spain via Girona. Continue past Valencia and Granada to reach Málaga, where winter temperatures often top 18°C.
Toll Tip: Avoid delays on busy A7 and AP-7 motorways by using your tag in the “Télépéage / VIA-T” lanes.
4. UK to the Algarve – across Iberia
Highlights: Loire Valley – Madrid – Seville – Algarve beaches
Take the A10 south through central France, then head for San Sebastián and onwards to Madrid. After an overnight stop in Seville, you’re just a few hours from the golden sands of the Algarve.
Toll Tip: Spanish and Portuguese toll systems are seamlessly covered by your Emovis Tag, no need to slow down at the border.
5. UK to Barcelona – the Pyrenean Route
Highlights: Burgundy – Pyrenees – Catalonia
Drive south via Dover–Calais, then follow the A6 and A7 through Burgundy’s vineyards. Skirt the Pyrenees for mountain views before descending into vibrant Barcelona, perfect for winter culture, tapas, and sunshine.
Toll Tip: Some Pyrenean tunnels and bridges have separate tolls, your tag will cover these where applicable.
6. UK to Porto – the Wine Country Drive
Highlights: Loire Châteaux – Bordeaux – Douro Valley
Enjoy a mix of history and gastronomy. Drive through Tours and Bordeaux, then cross into Portugal via Vigo. The road to Porto follows the Douro River valley, home to port wine and warm hospitality.
Toll Tip: In Portugal, electronic tolling is widespread, your tag ensures easy access on routes like the A28 and A29 near Porto.
7. UK to Seville – the Cultural Route
Highlights: Loire castles – Biarritz – Northern Spain – Andalusia
This route winds through western France and northern Spain, with stops in La Rochelle, Biarritz and Salamanca before reaching Seville. Expect palm-lined plazas, Moorish architecture, and plenty of winter sun.
Toll Tip: With your tag, you can focus on the scenery, not the toll booths, from France to Spain’s southern highways.
Why Take the Car?
Driving to southern Europe means freedom, flexibility, and comfort. You can pack what you like, stop where you please, and avoid airport queues. With an Emovis Tag, your journey stays smooth from start to finish: one account and seamless travel across France, Spain and Portugal.
Ready to Plan Your Road Trip?
Wherever your journey takes you, from the vineyards of Bordeaux to the beaches of the Algarve, travel stress-free with an Emovis Tag and enjoy the open road.
Buy your Emovis Tag today: https://www.emovis-tag.co.uk/