Ferrari Sporting Tour of Spain

24 April—5 May 2024

The Sporting Tour of Spain is a chance to get all the way to the South using some of the brilliant driving roads we have been researching for years. Our first run to the South with the Ferrari Owners Club was in 2007 and we are definitely due for a return

Late April is a perfect time to visit as the countryside comes alive with wild flowers and blossom before the baking heat of Summer. We start with an afternoon ferry from Plymouth (much shorter crossing time than Portsmouth) and arrive in Santander before a spectacular drive over two mountain passes in the Picos de Europa to the C17th Ducal Palace at Lerma, just outside Burgos. After a night overlooking the Plaza Major we head off for Toledo, past Segovia and on a superb mountain pass to the wonderful city—it’s a world heritage city. The view from the hotel is breathtaking. After a quick explore we head south for the Sierra Nevada, through rolling countryside and over the gorge at Despenaperros on the road in the sky
Our wine hotel in Durcal is splendid. We have been using it for years and they always look after us. It’s about an hour to the circuit which is in the middle of nowhere—so no noise restrictions. If you plan carefully you could pull in a visit to the Alhambra in Granada on the way back

When the fun in the Sierra Nevada is over—we have another two night stop at Cordoba, the old Arab city sleeping next to the River Guadalquivir. One of the things the Moors left behind after the reconquest was the Mezquita, an amazing mosque which feels like an indoor forest. It’s a must-see visit.

Our drive to Oropesa will be one of the great driving days as Ferraris blast past Guadalupe on the EX118 headed for Navalmoral de la Mata and then Oropesa. Smooth roads, lots of exciting corners and views, it’s a driver’s paradise. At the end, drive through the archway tunnel into the Castle keep at Oropesa—a wonderful stop. From Oropesa to Segovia there is more brilliant driving with some quite high mountain passes and brilliant views (again). The hotel in Segovia is modern and it sits frowning over the edge of town, but the views from it are stunning. Spacious and airy, it’s a great spot and a five minute cab ride into town

And then onto our last stop at Limpias, they talk about Spanish Plains—we’ve tried to miss them as mountains are much more fun for driving and whilst there is a bit of plain at the start, there are a number of great route options over the Picos de Europa to get to the little palace at
Limpias. We finished our first tour there and it’s a super place to finish a tour before the short hop to Santander for the ferry home