Six of the Best Road Trips in Spain

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Top Five Spanish Road Trips (+ an extra!)

Spain is a fantastic country for road tripping. From the green north and the mountainous interior to the gorgeous coasts, you’ll find all the best Spain road trips here.

From the lively attractions of Barcelona and UNESCO World Heritage Sites to the historic cities of the interior and endless summer days in Andalucia, Spain is a seriously great country for road-tripping.

We’ve spent months on the road in España and our Spain road trip ideas will help you decide whether you want historic cities, gorgeous landscapes, beaches and sun, or something a bit different. Use our detailed guide and travel tips to find our pick of the best Spanish road trip routes, itineraries, and places to see along the way.

Getting to Spain

Whether you’re taking a north of Spain road trip in a car, motorcycle, campervan or motorhome, self-driving is absolutely the best way to explore this spectacular part of the Iberian Peninsula.

You can stop whenever you want, try new activities, visit places you see along the route, and have the freedom to change plans at the last minute.

Spain is an easily accessible country from the UK and most of Europe, with a direct ferry route from England to Santander or Bilbao, and an established network of autovias to help your road trip across the country. Plan getting to Spain as part of your trip and could enjoy an epic road trip to Spain, followed by one in the country itself!

RELATED POST: Driving from UK to Spain – Routes & Tips

Best Time to Visit Spain

Spain has varied weather and different climate systems, depending on where you are in the country.

Spring

One of the best times to road trip around Spain is in late spring (April to May) or early autumn (September to October). The temperatures across the country will be pleasant, although wetter in the north. There will be fewer people, better accommodation offers, and cheaper tours and attractions, making this the perfect time to plan an epic Spain road trip.

Summer

Summers can be punishingly hot, especially in the south, and there will be a greater influx of European tourists heading to the popular beach resorts and historic cities. Lower temperatures in the north make it a great option during the summer if you are worried about the heat as you drive Spain.

Autumn

Similar to spring, fall sees milder temperatures and fewer visitors, making it a great option for a post-summer break.

RELATED POST – 20 Stunning Autumn Destinations in Europe

Winter

Winter temperatures are where the extremes really show. Northern Spain may see snow and Madrid in winter can be super cold (but gorgeous), just as Malaga is one of the hottest winter destinations in Europe with sea warm enough to swim in!

Castille-Leon

Madrid – Segovia – Salamanca – Zamora – Leon – Valladolid – Penaranda del Duero – Madrid

This fantastic seven to ten day road trip through the land of frontier castillos and roads that stretch into the distance for miles will take you across the high plateaus and rugged mountains of central Spain. This is a road trip for those that want the real Spain.

It will be unbearably hot in summer and bitterly cold in winter in this part of Spain. This road trip in Spain should be taken in spring when the fields are carpeted with colorful wildflowers, or in autumn/fall for the late summer sun and the beautiful ochre and red of the Duero vines.

Pick up your hire car at Madrid airport and spend a day in Madrid seeing the most important attractions, before heading to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Segovia, a walled city with grand squares and mansions from its days as a royal holiday resort. 

RELATED POST – Madrid in One Day – Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide

Next up, visit Salamanca, known as the Golden City because of the prolific use of honey-colored sandstone in the civic and religious buildings of the city. Salamanca is beautifully graceful, with learning at its heart, and the most elegant Plaza Mayor in Spain.

Zamora is your next stop. With its Romanesque churches and charming streets and squares of the old town, this makes a good stop for an overnight stay. Onwards to Leon, a sociable city with a fabulous casco antiguo, packed with great architecture and atmosphere.

Valladolid, your next stop is high on the mesta (plateau) and has been lived in by many of Spain’s famous historical figures. Despite that, it is a more modern town than its neighbors. You’ll find restored plazas and churches along with some excellent museums.

To the east, Penaranda del Duero is deep in lush rolling vineyards, where some of the best wines in Spain are produced. This gorgeous town sits beneath an impressive castle and is a popular weekend getaway for Madrilenos.

Spain is famous for its history and if you have an extra day at the start or end of your road trip, visit Toledo, an hour’s drive to the south of Madrid. Known as the Imperial City, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has one of the most well-preserved old towns in Spain and more historical sites per square meter than Rome! 

Highlights

Where to Stay

Madrid ⇒ Only You Hotel Atocha for its hip vibe, contemporary luxe decor, and fabulous public spaces.

Leon ⇒ Hotel Real Colegiata San Isidoro for its superb location, complete uniqueness, and fabulous history.

Valladolid ⇒ Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine for sheer luxury, fabulous restaurants, and an incredible spa. A hotel for the perfect end to your road trip.

Catalonia, Aragon & the Basque Country

Barcelona – Tarragona – Zaragoza – Pamplona – Donastia-San Sebastian

This seven day Spain road trip from Barcelona takes you through two of Spain’s most distinctive regions, both fiercely independent and with unique identities.

From Barcelona to Tarragona, you’ll find variety and diversity along with fantastic regional foods and traditions on this Costa Brava road trip, before heading through the foothills of the Pyrenees into the fascinating Basque region.

We start on the Costa Brava in Barcelona, Gaudi’s city and home to the sublime but unfinished Sagrada Familia cathedral. Head for the Gothic quarter and while away an evening bar hopping in this most lively of cities.

RELATED POST – One Day in Barcelona – Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide

If you have time, try hiking Montserrat, just an hour from the city. Famous for the cliff-hugging monastery and distinctive serrated rocks, you don’t even have to hike, you can get a cable car to the top! And if you drive one hour north of Barcelona, you can stay on the Costa Brava at Hostal de La Gavina, one of the most romantic hotels in Europe.

Head south along the coast to Tarragona, stopping at Sitges if partying is your thing…but be prepared to party hard, the town is famous for its’ nightlife.

Tarragona is beautifully situated on a rocky hill above the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. With a fine medieval town and a scattering of Roman ruins, this is a great place to spend the day.

Head inland to the enjoyable city of Zaragoza, an ideal halfway house between Catalonia and the Basque Country.

The drive from Barcelona to San Sebastian can also take a more northerly route through the ancient mountain town of Ainsa with its fabulous views and summer music festivals.

In the northern Spain foothills of the Pyrenees, Pamplona is a town with a compact and enticing casco antiguo and a hulk of a citadel to visit. From its powerful fortress city history to the modern-day Fiestas de San Fermin (running of the bulls), this city is as swashbuckling and red-blooded as they come.

Visit in early July for the festival and nine days of riotous partying and entertainment, but book early as thousands of visitors descend. 

On to San Sebastian, the jewel in the crown of the Basque resorts. A picturesque city with fabulous beaches, San Sebastian is perhaps best known as a foodie town, with some of the finest restaurants in Spain here.

Highlights

Where to Stay

Barcelona ⇒ B Hotel for its handy location between the airport and the city, glitzy rooftop terrace with pool, and welcoming staff.

Zaragoza ⇒ NH Ciudad de Zaragoza for its excellent location, modern style, and superb breakfast.

San Sebastian ⇒ the Lasala Plaza Hotel for its La Concha bay location, supremely stylish decor, and rooftop pool.

RELATED POST – Europe Road Trip – 16 Incredible Routes

Andalucia

Malaga – Marbella – Ronda – Cadiz – Jerez da la Frontera – Seville – Cordoba – Granada – Malaga

Andalucia in southern Spain is the quintessential Spanish region and is home to some of the most colorful and vibrant cities in the whole of the country.

This southern Spain road trip starts on the Costa del Sol, in the lively city of Malaga, and takes you to all the major attractions on a fabulous loop through the stunning Andalucian landscape, including the spectacular Sierra Nevada mountains.

This is very possibly the best road trip Spain.

Highlights

Where to Stay

Malaga ⇒ the Hotel Molina Lario for its perfect location, buzzy rooftop bar, and incredible cathedral views.

Seville ⇒ Case del Poeta for its perfect Santa Cruz location, live Spanish guitar gigs, and stunning roof terrace views.

Granada ⇒ the Hotel Santa Isabel la Real for cozy rooms, spectacular Alhambra views, and a really special cooked breakfast.

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Spain Road Trip Planning Resources

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Valencia & Murcia

Valencia – Xabia – Altea – Alicante – Cartagena

This delightful and easy seven day trip down Spain’s eastern Mediterranean coast bypasses the worst of the high-rise excesses and explores the best of the Costa Blanca.

Valencia is a seriously underrated city and is preferred by many Spaniards to Barcelona. The city is much less touristy than Barcelona but has the cultural variety of Madrid and the charm of Seville. Alive with noise and color, the city will surprise and delight you. 

Visit Valencia during the fabulous Las Fallas when the city erupts with bonfires, music, and life. Don’t forget to sample to traditional drink of horchata (made from tiger nuts) when you’re in Valencia, it’s not to be missed!

Head south and make for La Albufera, a huge lagoon separated from the sea by a sandbank and surrounded by rice paddy fields, still irrigated by systems installed by the Moors.

An important wetland and the stopping-off point for thousands of migratory birds, the area is also where paella originated, due to the perfect growing conditions for rice.

Check out the ‘paella’ villages, Perel-Lonet is probably the best to get a taste of the real thing, not with seafood but with chicken, rabbit, and snails. 

Next up is the old port town of Denia, less touristy and ex-pat, and the closest departure point in Spain for the Balearic Islands. From here, you can sail to Ibiza, Formentera, and Palma, to start your Mallorca road trip (if you have a few extra days!).

There’s more to Denia than the port though. Home to a modern marina surrounded by cool bars and an old town lined with fish restaurants and Spanish fusion food, this is a wonderful place for an overnight stop. Check out our favorite, Els Magazinos, for street food Spanish style.

Xabia (or Javea), is a pretty seaside resort close to Cabo de la Nao, a beautiful rocky promontory where you’ll find hidden coves and beaches. Lively in the evenings in summer, you’ll also find a beautiful sandy beach and a pretty old town.

For the best beach in the area, head south by around 5km to Playa la Barraca, a shingle beach with perfect turquoise water and a fantastic seafood restaurant. 

Altea is your next stop, a small resort that sits below a historic hilltop village, which has incredible views. The old village is gorgeous with bougainvillea and jasmine in bloom, alongside alleys lined with alfresco dining and interesting boutiques and gift shops.  

Bypass built-up Benidorm and head for the very Spanish city of Alicante, with its wide and spacious esplanades and seafront paseo. The renovated old town is a perfect place to stroll and people-watch, especially in the early evenings. You’ll also find good tapas restaurants and bars in this area. 

Swing by the pink lake at Torrevieja. Las Salinas Torrevieja is a real sight, with its bubblegum pink water and fascinating history of salt production.  

Head south, ignoring the outskirts of Cartagena, and make for the medieval narrow and twisting streets of the old town. The city will surprise you with its eclectic architecture, historic sites, and modern feel. 

If you have a few extra days, extend your east coast of Spain itinerary and continue south to the unspoiled and undeveloped resorts of Aguilas and El Puerto de Mazarron or make for the wild and beautiful Almeria, one of the driest places in Europe and home to some weird and wonderful landscapes and coastal rock formations, both on dry land and in the surrounding sea.

The Cabo de Gata particularly is a scuba diving hotspot, kayakers and hikers paradise.  

Or head inland from Alicante to Guadalest, justifiably one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region. Getting there is also one of Spain’s scenic drives, through twisting mountain roads with stupendous views.

Highlights

Where to Stay

Valencia ⇒ One Shot Mercat 09 for its historic location, rooftop pool, and hip vibe.

Alicante ⇒ Melia Alicante for its stunning views, casual style, and excellent service.

Cartagena ⇒ NH Cartagena for its central location, contemporary style, and welcoming feel.

Spanish Travel Inspiration

North of Spain

Bilbao – Comillas – Oviedo – A Coruna – Santiago de Compostela

This northern Spain road trip will take you through the beautiful and lush, aptly named Green Spain, hugging the north coast along the Atlantic Ocean.

From Bilbao through Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia, you’ll see some of the most picturesque landscapes in Spain, enjoy amazing food and crisscross the famous Camino de Santiago.

Start in Bilbao, home of the incredible Museo Guggenheim and backed by beautiful green mountains. The museum itself is a work of art, with beautifully curved and sweeping architecture.

Bilbao now rivals San Sebastian as one of the top coastal cities in Spain, with its vibrant restaurant and bar scene, and offers fine Basque cuisine and freshly caught seafood in its atmospheric restaurants and bars.

Head west to the stunning Santillana del Mar, known as the town of the three lies. Not holy (santi), not flat (llana) nor by the sea (del mar). This medieval town is well-preserved and worth a meander before you make your way to Comillas, further along, the coast.

Traditionally low-rise, you’ll find a lovely beach, a tiny fishing port, and a charming cobbled casco antiguo here. If you have a few extra days, head into the Picos de Europa National Park for excellent hiking in the beautiful peaks of this small, but a perfectly formed mountain range.

Oviedo is the next stop and the starting point of the lesser-known Camino Primitivo (the oldest Camino). This compact and elegant city is another foodie delight, with a vibrant gastronomic scene.

Home to Spanish cider, you’ll find traditional sidrerías along Calle Gascona, known as cider boulevard. Visit in September for Fiestas de San Mateo, a live theatre and music spectacular. If you go in October, you’ll be in the middle of the apple harvest in Asturias, a region in which you could easily spend several weeks.

A Coruna is up next, passing by the spectacular Playa de Las Catedrales en route. A Coruna is a dynamic city that is home to a busy port, a relaxed beachfront resort, and an atmospheric old town.

The seafood here is some of the freshest and most delicious in Spain, with seafood tapas being a specialty. Take a walk out to the Tower of Hercules, a lighthouse that looks nothing like a lighthouse!

Finally, you’ll reach Santiago de Compostela, the end point of the famous Camino de Santiago, and your last stop. As you enter the city, you’ll see pilgrims covering the final few miles and proudly displaying their vieira, the scallop shell badge that you’ll have seen along your route. 

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Santiago de Compostela is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, full of labyrinthine alleys, dramatic squares, and historic religious buildings.

There are too many must-sees to list, consider a walking tour with a local to make the most of the time you have in this gorgeous city.

It’s a hop and a skip from here into tiny Portugal, another amazing country with incredible coastlines and vibrant cities. A Portuguese road trip makes the perfect complement to visiting Spain! 

RELATED POST – North Spain Road Trip: Itinerary, Route & Tips

Highlights

Where to Stay

Bilbao ⇒ Hotel Tayko for its minimalist style, hip location, and excellent restaurant.

Oviedo ⇒ Barcelo Oviedo Cervantes for its laid-back vibe, modern decor, and smooth service.

Santiago de Compostela ⇒ Parador De Santiago de Compostela for its history, traditional decor, and HUGE breakfast buffet.

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Fiestas

Right across Spain, from the largest cities to the smallest villages, fiestas (parties) are an important annual marker and a great excuse to celebrate life.

Usually held to mark a religious day, these riotous parties are one of the greatest pleasures of traveling in Spain.

The streets are adorned with decorations, street food is prepared, wine flows, and live music is played as people come together. Everyone is welcome; to visit Spain and not join a fiesta is to miss the ethos and spirit of this country entirely.

You can find a fiesta calendar here to help you plan your trip and coincide your visit with the best of them!

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Epic Spain

Madrid – Salamanca – Santiago de Compostela – San Sebastián – Barcelona – Valencia – Alicante – Granada – Malaga – Cordoba – Seville – Madrid

If our five great driving tours of Spain have whet your appetite but you have a bit more time and want to experience all that Spain has to offer, why not try this combination of all our Spain road trips together?

Stop in the major cities on this eclectic itinerary, and take day trips as you go to see the main attractions along the route. Enjoy local gastronomy, learn about regional customs, and marvel at the variety that Spain has to offer.

From coast to mountains and taking in all the major cities and must-see places, this ultimate Spain road trip will give you the drive of your life and show you Spain in all its wonderful guises. 

Driving in Spain

Car travel in Spain is easy, with a good network of Autovias (A) and Autopistas (AP). The latter were toll roads until 2020 when many (but not all) became toll-free.

Fuel and parking are some of the cheapest in Europe making Spain a really cost-effective place to take a road trip. 

Touring Spain by car in rural and mountainous areas can take longer than you think although the standard of non-motorway roads in rural areas is generally good. Allow time to get off the beaten track and experience the real Spain as you tour this fabulous country.

Whether you’re driving your own vehicle to Spain or you’re in a rental car, follow our driving in Spain tips;

• You must have at least three months remaining on your passport (issued in the past ten years) at your intended date of departure from Spain.

• You must have at least 3rd party insurance for your vehicle.

• Citizens of non-EU third countries may require an IDP, you can check here.

• You must carry two warning triangles for the front and rear. These warning triangles are now being phased out and from 1st July 2021, a new law requires that a V16 flashing emergency light is used, although both means of advising other traffic will be legal until the end of 2024.

• You must also carry a reflective jacket (for the driver and all passengers) and a spare wheel and the tools to change a wheel or a tire repair kit.  

• If you wear glasses you must also carry a spare pair in the vehicle.

• UK cars will need headlight beam converters to be fitted (unless they adjust automatically).

• The use of winter tires in Spain is regional. Look out for traffic signs indicating that winter tires or snow chains are compulsory where you are.

• Anything with a screen (television, video, DVD, etc.) which could distract you when driving should be positioned where you can’t see it. This doesn’t apply to a sat nav but you must not touch or program your sat nav unless parked in a safe place.

• Using radar detection equipment is prohibited under Spanish law and new regulations from January 2021 mean that it will also be illegal to be in possession of such equipment.

• On roads with single carriageways, the speed limit established may not be exceeded by more 20km/h when overtaking.

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