The best road trip in Spain in 5 steps

Thanks to the quality of the Spanish road network, one of the best in Europe, organizing a road trip across Spain to explore the countryside and discover breathtaking landscapes by car is very easy. Your only challenge: choosing from all the possible destinations and stops.

Discover Spain while traveling through Catalonia

At the heart of Catalonia, Barcelona is a vibrant and dynamic capital. But many of the region’s attractions are found further north, along the coast toward the French border.

Rent a car in Spain and start your adventure from Girona, uncovering the hidden treasures of Catalonia. Spend your first morning in Cadaqués, a white medieval village near Girona. Dive into history as you stroll through its cobbled medieval streets. The historic buildings are remarkable, and don’t miss the view from the Santa Maria Church. You can also spend a day traveling from Girona to Besalú, Catalonia’s best-preserved medieval town. Along the C-66, take a moment to stop near Serinyà and explore its prehistoric caves, a hidden gem. If you have more time, venture along the small roads south of Girona toward the Costa Brava. In Begur, admire the turquoise bay of this small fishing village, where you can taste local specialties.

A road trip in Spain tracing the footsteps of the Moors

For centuries, the cosmopolitan cities of southern Spain have been crossroads for great travelers. Today, the influences of the ancient Arab civilization are still visible.

Start your journey in the magnificent city of Granada, with its iconic Alhambra fortress standing against the surrounding mountains. Off the beaten path, discover hidden gems like the tranquil oasis of the “Carmen de los Mártires” gardens. Leaving Granada, take the N-432, a slower but picturesque route through mountainous plateaus to Córdoba. Stay overnight to fully enjoy exploring the city’s historic streets the next day. Admire the rich blend of Catholic and Moorish styles, especially in Córdoba’s famous Mosque-Cathedral. Continue your trip by taking the highways of northern Andalusia. The road from Córdoba to Seville is a smooth journey, perfect for road trip enthusiasts! As the afternoon heats up, stop for ice cream at “La Abuela” in the hamlet of Écija. From there, the road to Seville is peaceful. End your trip in this city of flamenco, filled with exotic scents and a vibrant atmosphere.

From mountains to the sea: exploring the Spanish Basque Country

Planning your route through the Basque Country is easy, as the road network remains excellent even in the mountainous areas.

Start your journey in the coastal city of San Sebastián, where you can enjoy some “pinchos” – Basque tapas – at “Borda Berri,” one of the best local gourmet spots. Then drive east toward the French border and follow the N-121-A. This winding road leads through the green mountains of the Aiako-Harria Natural Park. Continue to Pamplona directly or take a detour through the Baztan Valley to discover charming flower-filled villages and white stone houses typical of this beautiful mountainous region. Finally, visit the Zugarramurdi Witch Caves, stopping on the way for a meal at the traditional bar “Txokoto” in Elizondo, before heading back to Pamplona to complete your journey.

If you’re looking for a dream beach vacation with exciting outdoor activities and spectacular natural landscapes, planning a trip to Minorca is the perfect choice for you.

In less than an hour and a half by car, you’ll find yourself in the heart of the historic city and its medieval walls. To fully enjoy the Basque city, you can easily park in downtown Pamplona, except during peak season when the famous Pamplona festivities and bull runs take place.

Gran Canaria: a road trip in Spain that stands out

For a unique road trip in Spain, nothing compares to the island of Lanzarote. Driving through the extraordinary landscapes of Timanfaya National Park feels like a journey to the moon.

About 15 minutes from the upscale seaside resort of Playa Blanca – ideal for a seaside breakfast – you’ll enter a desolate landscape where the road winds through black volcanic rocks. Plan to arrive early to enjoy a peaceful drive to the summit. Once there, you can park in a supervised lot. A restaurant awaits, offering unique and delicious grilled dishes cooked on volcanic rocks! Leaving the park, enjoy panoramic views of the island. In a 50-minute drive, you can cross the island to explore the volcanic caves of Cueva de los Verdes. Alternatively, you can dive among colorful reefs in Puerto del Carmen, just 20 minutes away.

By car through the heart of Spain: destination Madrid

If there is one place to discover the true eternal Spain, it would be in the heart of the Castile and León region. To find it, you must leave the highways and take the roads of the Spanish hinterland.

From Salamanca, you can easily reach some of Castile’s hidden gems by road. Take the SA-210 – a narrow but easy-to-drive route – toward the Sierra de Francia, offering breathtaking views! Stop in the small village of La Alberca for a glimpse of traditional Spain: wooden houses, cobbled streets, and undeniable charm. Stock up at the traditional grocery store “Despensa del Solano.” Nearby, the picturesque villages of Mogarraz and San Martín del Castañar are also worth a visit before heading to the majestic towers of ancient Ávila and its imposing walls, a perfect spot to stretch your legs. Leaving Ávila, drive west through the scenic landscapes of the Cuenca Alta del Manzanares National Park to the gates of Madrid, the symbol of contemporary Spain and the final destination of your Spanish road trip.