Are you thinking about taking a road trip to Spain but are unsure where to go? You’re in the right place, though, because I’ll be sharing some of the greatest road trips in Spain in this article.
Spain, formerly known as The Kingdom of Spain, is a magnificent nation with incredible natural beauty, landmarks, food, and culture. Spain is the largest country in Southern Europe, and its sheer size makes it an ideal destination for cross-country road excursions. There are many amazing options to explore this nation at your speed, from hiring a car to taking part in exclusive tours of Spain.
I had never truly considered Spain when making holiday preparations. However, as soon as I realized how much diversity the nation had to offer—from charming cities and majestic mountain villages to charming small towns and a picture-perfect coastline—as well as the enormous amount of historical and UNESCO sites located within its borders.
We wanted to make the most of our brief visit, so we decided that the best approach to see the major attractions as well as a few smaller cities would be to rent a car and take a road trip through Spain.
If you love the great outdoors, small towns and villages, or beaches, this post will help you come up with some amazing road trip ideas in Spain for your bucket list.
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Table of Contents
Plan for Road Trips in Spain
To have a great road trip, there are a few things you should plan and prepare for before you leave on your journey.
Flight
Depending on where you live, traveling to Spain by plane can be necessary. Think about the airports around the starting point of your road trip. Occasionally, you may be able to get a flight to a nearby city for less money. Therefore, be flexible about where you pick up your rental car, and confirm your arrival airport’s information before making your reservation.
Hire a car in Spain
Renting a car in Spain is an efficient and inexpensive method to tour a significant portion of the country in a short amount of time. Because many visitors drive in Spain, the rental car industry is competitive, so you can typically find a good offer.
When selecting an automobile, there are two major factors to consider: transmission type and vehicle size. Manual cars are significantly more common in Spain, making it more difficult to find an automatic car to rent. Furthermore, you should hire a small automobile that is easy to park on the street and can traverse tight rural roads.
Road Trips in Spain Itinerary
Looking back at our itinerary makes my head spin! We traveled almost every day and covered a lot of the country, but by breaking up the large drives into shorter trips, we still managed to see some intriguing little villages.
Spanish roadways are quite easy to drive on, and the scenery is always magnificent, no matter where you are in the nation. As a result, driving never seems tedious; it’s all part of the experience. There are many options and itinerary combinations when exploring Spain by car. I’m not suggesting my road trip is the best in Spain, but it’s tried and true.
Picos de Europa National Park
This wonderfully diversified National Park includes three autonomous communities: Cantabria, Castile and León, and Asturias, making for a genuinely adventurous road trip. Pick yourself a car in Santander, a bustling port town, then travel along the winding beautiful road to the historic village of Potes. Explore this charming city and the neighboring town of Fuente Dé.
Leave early in the morning for Caín de Valdeón. If you have time, visit the two popular passes, San Glorio and Mirador del Oso. Hiking the 12 km path connecting the mountain villages of Caín de Valdeón and Poncebos is the day’s highlight. This difficult climb takes you into small caverns and offers steep and breathtaking views of the Cares River Gorge. Sleep at the small settlement of Caín de Valdeón as the walk is out and back.
Take a morning stroll across the Old Roman Bridge before leaving the Picos de Europa National Park. Don’t worry, there’s still one more stop in one of Spain’s most picturesque communities, Santillana del Mar. Wander the lovely cobblestone streets and see the picturesque village. Finally, return to Santander and enjoy the local tapas scene.
Highlights
Distance: 400 KM
Duration: 4-5 days
Best time to visit: May – October
Where to Stay:
- Potes: Hosteria Picos de Europa
- Cangas de Onis: Pension Labra
Things to do:
- Medieval Villages of Potes
- Hiking at Picos de Europa and Ruta del Cares
White Villages of Andalusia
Undoubtedly one of the greatest road trips in Spain is a journey through the white villages of Andalusia in southern Spain. It’s an experience of a lifetime. If this is your first trip to Spain, I would highly suggest seeing the lovely region as it’s among the top destinations for visitors.
Beginning your tour of the “Pueblos Blancos” is the charming whitewashed village of Frigiliana, which has a stunning view of Nerja and Maro’s coastline, two of Malaga’s beautiful areas. There are many activities in the vicinity of Frigiliana, such as hiking in the surrounding mountains, snorkeling in Maro’s pristine waters, and visiting the Nerja Caves.
After that, proceed to the quaint village of Salobreña in the province of Granada, where you may enjoy the sun on one of Andalusia’s best beaches. Enjoy the stunning coastline, meander along the cobblestone alleyways lined with flowers that cascade down the whitewashed walls, and pay a visit to the Moorish castle perched atop a hill.
Proceed towards the village of Lanjarón, the location of the famous bottled water. From there, pass Granada and on to Loja, which is your next stop. You can proceed to Osuna in the province of Seville from there; it is easily identifiable by the medieval castle that looms over the settlement.
Arcos de la Frontera will be your next stop. With amazing vistas and a wonderful atmosphere, this whitewashed village is perched atop a cliff and is one of the most striking. From there, drive to Tarifa for the breathtaking beaches, then continue through the seaside village of Conil de la Frontera, walk the love road in Vejer de la Frontera, and see Los Caños de Meca. You can stop at the hilltop village of Mijas Pueblo from Tarifa before driving to Malaga to finish your Andalusia road trip.
Highlights
Distance: 740 KM
Duration: 5-6 days
Best time to visit: Spring / Autumn
Where to Stay:
Things to do:
- Royal Alcázar of Seville
- Seville Cathedral
- Alhambra in Granada
- Setenil de las Bodega Caves
Northern Spain
San Sebastian, the culinary capital of Spain, is a great place to start a road trip. Here, you may spend the evening trying different bars to find the greatest pintxos or the region’s take on tapas. Because of the excellent waves, San Sebastian is also one of the top surfing locations in Europe.
Locals taking advantage of the cool sea at Playa de la Concha will be in large numbers if the weather is good. On the other hand, Bilbao, which has an abundance of city charm, is a fantastic place to stop for half a day on the route to the Hermitage of Gaztelugatxe, which is located in the Bay of Biscay and is well-known as a GOT filming location. Don’t miss a visit to the Guggenheim Museum, where the collection is just as fascinating as the structure itself.
Cantabria’s capital, Santander, is another charming seaside town. Though less well-known to the general public, it’s a beautiful area to explore and stroll through. Make use of it as a starting point to explore the charming Santillana del Mar, also referred to as the “city of the three lies” because it isn’t the place of Saint Santa, it’s not on a plain, and it’s not near the sea. It is near the Altamira Cave Museum, a fantastic recreation of the Altamira Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is home to a charming monastery.
Traveling along the coast will lead you past charming towns like Cudillero and Luarca, all the way to As Catedrais Beach, which is renowned for its unusual rock formations and is among the most stunning beaches in Europe. To enjoy a stroll on the beach, aim to go there early in the morning, before the tide rises.
Santiago de Compostela, the ultimate destination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, will be your last stop. Facing the enormous Obradoiro square, the Cathedral is the most striking feature of the town. Due to the large number of pilgrims who are nearing the end of their trek, the atmosphere in town is always joyous.
Highlights
Distance: 800 KM
Duration: 5-7 days
The best time to visit: July
Where to Stay:
- Bilbao: Tayko Hotel
- Ovido: Soho Boutique Oviedo
Things to do:
- Game of Thrones filming location Gaztelugatxe Hermitage
- Villages of Asturias
- Beaches of Galicia
Barcelona to Madrid
Begin in Barcelona, one of Spain’s most interesting cities. Barcelona, the capital of the autonomous Catalonia region and the country’s second-largest city after Madrid, is authentically Spanish and provides an excellent introduction to many of the characteristics that make Spain so special, including great architecture, stunning beaches, and delicious cuisine.
The trip’s next stop is Lleida, one of Catalonia’s oldest cities and a great site to learn about the region’s history. I recommend staying in the city for the first night. The second day begins with a tour of Zaragoza. Zaragoza’s architecture incorporates Gothic and Islamic forms, including the famed Nuestra Señora del Pilar basilica.
On the final day, go to Acolea del Pinar, another beautiful Spanish village. At the end of the day, it is time to discover Madrid. Spend at least two days touring Madrid’s outstanding landmarks, including the Prado Museum, lovely parks, and the Royal Palace.
Highlights
Distance: 975 KM
Duration: 2-3 days
Best time to visit: All year around
Where to Stay:
- Madrid: Hotel Puerta America
Things to do:
- Prado Museum
- Explore Gaudi buildings in Barcelona
- Beaches of Galicia
Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is a little island off the African coast with such diversity and breathtaking vistas that it is aptly referred to as a miniature continent. Weather is one of the main reasons to visit Gran Canaria, with approximately 320 days of sunshine every year.
Start your driving adventure from Gran Canaria Airport to Maspalomas. Maspalomas is a protected natural reserve spread across 1000 acres of wind-sculpted dunes. It is also a popular coastal resort on Gran Canaria. With so many things to do, you could easily spend a day or two in Maspalomas. Enjoy the Sand Dunes walking track, which begins at Playa des Inglis and ends at Faro Maspalomas, a nineteenth-century lighthouse.
Drive to the beach communities of Puerto Rico and Puerto Mogan. Enjoy some beach time or participate in water sports. Alternatively, get lost in the lovely white-washed streets of Puerto de Mogan. Drive to Roque Nublo, a volcanic rock that serves as Gran Canaria’s defining feature. Roque Nublo is a moderate 3-kilometer linear hike with otherworldly scenery of ravines.
Highlights
Distance: 175 KM
Duration: 5 days
Best time to visit: Spring / Autumn
Where to Stay:
- Tejeda: Parador de Cruz de Tejeda
Things to do:
- Maspalomas Sand Dunes
- Explore Volcanic rock – Roque Nublo
- Beaches of Galicia
Aragon
Begin your journey in Zaragoza, a large city with a lovely medieval core and an international airport that is ideal for travel to Northeast Spain.
From Zaragoza, continue north to the picturesque town of Huesca, where you can find more old buildings, delicious tapas, and an amazing planetarium. Nearby, the Castle of Loarre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Huesca is located in the foothills of Los Mallos de Riglos, a sandstone formation popular among rock climbers. There are numerous hiking and cycling opportunities in the province of Huesca, which is about a half hour from the city of Huesca.
In addition, there are water-based pursuits like white-water rafting in the rivers that originate in the Pyrenees and swimming in the Huesca valleys. After you’ve experienced enough adventure, travel a few hours south to Teruel.
Teruel, like Zaragoza, is well-known for its Mudejar architecture, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Because it blends Christian and Moorish elements, Mudejar architecture is exclusive to Spain.
Highlights
Distance: 575 KM
Duration: 4 days
Best time to visit: Summer
Where to Stay:
- Huesca: Hostal El Centro
- Teruel: Hotel Reina Cristina
Things to do:
- Castle of Loarre
- Teruel Cathedral
- Saviour of Zaragoza Cathedral
Mallorca Road Trip
This four-day Mallorca road trip plan begins and ends in Palma de Mallorca and takes you to all of the island’s most stunning white sand beaches, quaint hilltop towns, and picturesque vistas. While there are many wonderful things to do in Mallorca, four days are the ideal length of time to see the island’s top attractions and take in its most stunning beaches.
Explore Palma de Mallorca, the capital city, first thing on your first day. The Santa Maria of Palma Cathedral, the Castell de Belver, and the Royal Palace of La Almudaina are must-see sights when visiting Palma.
Explore Palma de Mallorca, the capital city, first thing on your first day. The Santa Maria of Palma Cathedral, the Castell de Belver, and the Royal Palace of La Almudaina are must-see sights when visiting Palma.
It’s time to enjoy some beach time on the second day. Go to the southeast of the island to see the craggy coastline at Far de Cap Blanc, go swimming at Es Trenc Beach, see the famous archway at Mirador es Pontás, and explore some of the nicest calas (Cala Santanyí, Cala Figuera, Cala d’Or, and Cala Pi) on the island.
We’ll be exploring the island’s northern region on the third and fourth days. The Tramuntana mountain in Mallorca is home to numerous quaint villages, including Valldemossa, Deiá, and Sóller. Take a stroll through the quaint, cobblestone lanes and experience the authentic Spanish way of life.
Highlights
Distance: 430 KM
Duration: 4 days
Best time to visit: Spring
Where to Stay:
- Palma de Mallorca: Sant Francesc Hotel
Things to do:
- Explore Palma de Mallorca
- Villages of Valldemossa
- Swim at the most beautiful beaches.
Quick Tips
- Before you travel, get an international driving permit.
- Make your rental car reservation well in advance.
- Pick the smallest vehicle you can.
- Take your own GPS with you.
- To avoid using toll roads, plan your trip.
- Stay off the roads in the larger cities.
Things to pack for your road trips in Spain
Here are a few of my favorite must-have items for a hassle-free, safe, and comfortable road trip across Spain.
Travel Insurance
The item I never leave home without. SafetyWing is the recommended partner for long-term travel insurance when it comes to medical costs, accidents, travel delays, and similar situations.
Make sure you read the PDS before hiring a car to find out what coverage you currently have. It’s usually a good idea to get additional insurance, either from a supplier or the rental agent.
Travel Adapters
A universal adaptor will ensure that you are never caught off guard by the incorrect plug. With its four USB connections, this travel plug is multipurpose and can be used to charge multiple phones or iPads simultaneously.
USB Phone Charger
When driving, avoid letting your phone run out of battery. The USB car charger is compatible with standard charging cables. Most phones and iPads can use it.
Car Mount Phone Holder
Spain forbids using a phone while operating a vehicle. You must utilize a mobile phone mount if you intend to use your phone for navigation.
Water Bottle
In Spain, it’s very important to drink plenty of water, particularly during the summer. Most cities and towns have drinkable tap water. You can fill up your water bottle at the roadside freshwater springs as you drive through the mountains around the Sierra Nevada.
Coffee Cup
In Spain, you’ll most likely be consuming a lot of coffee. Having a reusable cup that you can use in the car is always a smart idea.
Wrapping Up
Traveling by car around Spain’s most fascinating locations is an experience of a lifetime. Every destination, including the wild splendor of Picos de Europa National Park, the picturesque White Villages of Andalusia, and the sun-kissed beaches of Gran Canaria, offers a distinctive experience. Arrange your fantastic journey, enjoy regional cuisine, and make lifelong memories.
FAQs
Why is Gran Canaria a special place to go on a road trip?
Gran Canaria is a versatile and fascinating destination for road trippers because of its varied landscapes, which range from golden beaches to mountainous terrains.
Is it simple to travel to the Andalusian White Villages?
Of course! The quaint White Villages are easy to navigate because of the well-connected road system, which lets you take your time exploring.
Are there any particular safety measures in these areas for traveling by car?
You must keep your car in good working order and stock up on necessary supplies. For a safe road trip, keep in mind the local traffic laws and the weather.
