Exeter to Ribadesella Road Trip: Hidden Gems & Practical Guide

The route from Exeter, England, to Ribadesella, Spain, spans approximately 700 miles (1,126 km) and crosses three countries, connecting the green hills of Devon to the dramatic coastline of Asturias. A quirky fact: the route passes through the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site for its cultural landscape, yet many drivers speed through without stopping. Driving time is roughly 12-14 hours, not counting breaks and ferries, making it a two-day journey at a comfortable pace. This guide answers the questions: is it worth driving Exeter to Ribadesella? Absolutely, for the ever-changing landscapes from English moors to French châteaux and Spanish cliffs.

Motorway quality is excellent with good night illumination on major routes (A10, A8). However, sections of the A1 in England and the A-8 in Asturias lack lighting in rural areas. Drive with caution on wet roads, especially in Asturias where rainfall is frequent. Toll booths on French and Spanish highways are well-marked; accept credit cards.

• Family stops: Nausicaá in Boulogne-sur-Mer (the largest aquarium in Europe) is a 10-min detour from the A16; Futuroscope in Poitiers (theme park) off A10; and the Jurassic Museum of Asturias in Colunga (15-min detour from A-8) with life-size dinosaur replicas.
• Pet-friendly stops: Rest areas along French A10 have dedicated dog walking areas; in Asturias, the beach at Santa Marina (Ribadesella) allows dogs in winter. Cafes like La Maquina in Llanes (pet-friendly terrazas).
• Fatigue management: Key nap spots – rest area “Aire de la Pointe de l’Armorique” on A10 near Rennes (quiet picnic area); parking at the Mirador de La Boriza viewpoint near Ribadesella (safe overnight parking with ocean views).
• Hidden off-route spots: The abandoned village of Anoy (near La Robla, Spain) is a 5-min detour from the A-66 (if you detour to León); the hamlet of Bárcena Mayor (in Saja-Besaya Natural Park) – a beautiful isolated village with stone houses, 10 min from A-8.
• Rest zones: French rest areas (aires) every 20 km with toilets and vending; Spanish áreas de descanso less frequent but safe. The A-8 has several scenic miradores perfect for a short break.

The most efficient route uses the A1 from Exeter to London, then the M25 and M20 to the Channel Tunnel at Folkestone. After the tunnel, take the A16 and A28 in France, then the A11 and A10 toward the Loire Valley. Enter Spain via the AP-8 from Irun, then the A-8 along the Cantabrian coast to Ribadesella. This route avoids central London congestion and uses motorways (M20/A16/A10 in France, AP-8/A-8 in Spain).

• Estimated driving time: 12-14 hours net, plus ferry/tunnel crossing (35 minutes via Eurotunnel, 90 minutes via ferry).
• Fuel costs: approximately €150-€200 depending on fuel efficiency and prices (diesel more common in Europe).
• Toll roads: French A10 and A28 have tolls (~€30 total); Spanish AP-8 and A-8 have tolls (~€20 total).
• Fuel stations: well-spaced on motorways every 20-30 km in France and Spain; fill up before entering national parks or remote stretches in Asturias.
• Road quality: excellent on motorways; regional roads in Devon and Asturias may be narrower and winding.

The geographical shifts are dramatic: from Devon’s rolling green hills and red sandstone cliffs to the flat plains of northern France, then the vineyard-covered slopes of the Loire Valley, and finally the rugged, green Picos de Europa foothills of Asturias. The D-Day beaches in Normandy (a short detour off the A16) offer somber historical landscapes. In Asturias, the dramatic coastline with the iconic Ermita de la Virgen de la Guía viewpoint near Ribadesella is a must.

• Natural highlight: Picos de Europa National Park (60 min detour from Ribadesella) – limestone peaks and wild Cantabrian brown bears.
• Cultural commerce: Loire Valley wine cellars (e.g., Vouvray near Tours) sell directly to drivers; Spanish sidrerías (cider houses) in Ribadesella offer traditional Asturian cider poured from height.
• UNESCO sites: Along the route, the Loire Valley (Sully-sur-Loire to Chalonnes) is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its cultural landscape. Near Ribadesella, the Cave of Altamira (UNESCO, ~100 km detour) has prehistoric paintings.
• Climatic conditions: Northern France can be rainy and windy; the Loire Valley enjoys moderate climate; Asturias frequent rain and mist, creating lush green scenery – best sunsets from the coastal cliffs near Ribadesella in late afternoon.
• Local delicacies: In Asturias, buy Cabrales blue cheese, Fabada (bean stew), and cider from roadside markets in Llanes or Arriondas.