The Iberian Peninsula to the North Sea
This route from Faro to Ghent crosses the Iberian Peninsula's central plateau, where the A6 highway climbs to over 700 meters near the Spanish border, before descending into the river valleys of northern Spain and France. The drive covers approximately 2,100 kilometers, transitioning from Mediterranean scrubland to Atlantic coastline, then through the rolling hills of Aquitaine to the flat plains of Flanders. You'll encounter varying toll systems: Portugal's Via Verde, Spain's manual payment booths on the AP-6 and AP-71, and France's Liber-t electronic tags. For planning assistance, consider this resource on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.
A Three-Day Driving Schedule
This Faro to Ghent itinerary 3 days balances driving with exploration. Day 1: Depart Faro at 8:00 AM via IP1 north, reaching Évora by 10:30 AM. Visit the cathedral (entry €4) and Roman temple, then continue on A6 to the Spanish border, arriving in Salamanca by 6:00 PM. Overnight near Plaza Mayor. Day 2: Leave Salamanca at 8:30 AM on A-62, stopping at Burgos Cathedral (90 minutes) before crossing into France via the A63. Arrive in Bordeaux by 7:00 PM, with evening at the quays. Day 3: Depart Bordeaux at 9:00 AM on A10, with lunch in Tours (2 hours), then continue via E17 to Ghent, arriving by 8:00 PM. This schedule answers how long to drive Faro to Ghent with meaningful stops.
Recommended Places to Visit
For those considering the best stops Faro to Ghent, Évora offers the Roman Temple of Diana and the Chapel of Bones at the Church of St. Francis, both accessible within a 2-hour visit. In Salamanca, the Plaza Mayor, built between 1729 and 1755, and the University's facade, completed in 1529, require at least 3 hours to appreciate. Bordeaux's Place de la Bourse, with its water mirror installed in 2006, and the Cité du Vin museum, opened in 2016, deserve a half-day. Additional things to do between Faro and Ghent include the Mérida Roman Theater in Spain (45 minutes off A-5) and the Cognac distilleries along the D731 in France.
Route Details and Practical Information
| Segment | Highways | Distance | Driving Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Faro to Évora | IP1, A6 | 215 km | 2h 15m | Tolls start after Aljustrel |
| Évora to Salamanca | A6, AP-6, A-62 | 385 km | 3h 45m | Border crossing at Caia |
| Salamanca to Bordeaux | A-62, A63 | 640 km | 6h 10m | French tolls begin at Bayonne |
| Bordeaux to Ghent | A10, E17 | 860 km | 8h | Belgian road tax applies |
Total driving time without stops is approximately 20 hours. Fuel costs vary significantly: Portugal averages €1.65/liter for diesel, Spain €1.55, France €1.70, Belgium €1.60. The A6 in Portugal has service areas every 50km, while the A-62 in Spain has fewer facilities between Salamanca and Burgos.
Continue Your Adventure
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth driving Faro to Ghent?
The drive offers geographical variety and cultural contrasts, from Portugal's Alentejo region to Flanders' medieval architecture. However, the 2,100km distance requires commitment. Alternatives include flying or taking trains with connections in Madrid and Paris.
What are the border formalities?
Portugal-Spain border at Caia has no checks for EU citizens. France-Belgium border on E17 is similarly open. Non-EU travelers must carry passports. Vehicle documents (registration, insurance) should be accessible.
When is the best time to make this trip?
April-June and September-October avoid summer heat on the Iberian plateau and reduce tourist crowds in Bordeaux. Winter driving requires caution on the A6 in Portugal and A-62 in Spain due to possible fog.
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