car tour spain

The Best Road Trips in Spain and Their Self-Drive Itineraries

March 11, 2021

From rocky volcanic coasts to medieval city charm, driving in Spain can be an absolute joy. After years on the road as a travel writer and resident, I bring you the best road trips in Spain, plus the ultimate Spanish road trip itinerary. Bucket lists at the ready? Let’s go!   Updated 2021.

Table of Contents

THE BEST ROAD TRIPS IN SPAIN

If walking is one of the best ways to see a city, then driving is one of the best ways to see a country. Driving in Spain has brought me deep, deep joy, rising through the red dust of Andalusia and plunging through the deep green of Galicia. 

You can find the separate road trip itineraries through Spain dotted throughout the article, but this article focuses on the best road trips in Spain. 

• Download your free road trip essentials list and road trip packing list.
• Download the road trip planner and toolkit here.

Recommended

I love sharing the best travel resources I can find. 

• I never book a flight without looking on Skyscanner first
• My favourite one stop shop for airport transfers, food tours & excursions is Get Your Guide
• Out of the big accommodation machines, I use Expedia and Booking.com the most
• I’ve hand-picked useful travel gear and tools for you in my Amazon shop . Never leave home without a travel adapter or collapsible water bottle . I’d also recommend these soft ear plugs and a sleep mask .
• Access all our planners and budget spreadsheets in the Travel Toolbox ©
• Plan the perfect road trip with our Road Trip Planner & Toolkit ©
• Use these packing cubes to make life so much easier on the road.
• Save on mobile phone roaming charges with an eSIM from Airalo .

TRAVEL SPAIN BY CAR

We start with the ultimate Spain road trip itinerary, taking in the mainland for first time visitors. But don’t forget Spain’s islands, not to mention delving deeper into the regions to find a richer, more authentic experience when you have more time. 

Whether you call it fly-drive, self drive or want someone else to help you travel Spain by car, this is the collection of the best road trips in Spain. 

Happy planning!

The Ultimate Spain Road Trip Itinerary

If all you have is two weeks, then this is the best Spain road trip itinerary for you. This two week self-drive Spain itinerary brings you the highlights of the country at a reasonable, but not relaxed, pace. 

However, I’d always advise that you take is slow if you can. It’s far more enjoyable to spend more time out of the car than in. With that in mind, check out some of the other regional road trip ideas below.  

Of all the places in the world, Spain is disinclined to rush. People here like to take their time and savour the joys of everyday life. Racing to fit your busy schedule does not usually rank highly in that regard.

The Ultimate Spain Road Trip Itinerary At a Glance

• Day 1: Arrive Barcelona
• Day 2: Barcelona
• Day 3: Girona and the Pyrenees
• Day 4: Valencia
• Day 5: Valencia to Madrid
• Day 6: Madrid
• Day 7: Madrid to Toledo
• Day 8: Toledo to Granada
• Day 9: Granada and the Alhambra
• Day 10: Alpujarras Mountains
• Day 11: Seville via Cordoba
• Day 12: Seville
• Day 13: Cadiz via Doñana National Park
• Day 14: Malaga to fly home

Historical city centres in Spain were designed for pedestrians and, at a stretch, horses. They were not designed for cars! Be careful when following SatNav instructions into steep, old towns. You can find yourself unable to make some tight turns and then somehow need to reverse backwards down a narrow road. Stick to the main roads in town!

Southern Spain Road Trip Through Andalusia

A road trip through Andalusia, Spain’s biggest region, unsurprisingly covers a lot of ground. This passionate place is the home of flamenco, jamon and sherry, as well as staggering, world-renowned monuments. 

You can easily fill two weeks with UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Alhambra in Granada, the Real Alcazar in Seville and the unbeatable mosque turned cathedral in Cordoba. 

But a self-drive road trip through Spain allows you to visit off the radar places and explore local traditions like joining the olive oil harvest in the mountains. From the beaches to the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada, driving through Andalusia really is one of the best road trips in Spain.

Andalusia Road Trip Itinerary At a Glance

• Day 1: Arrive Malaga.
• Day 2: Drive to Cadiz
• Day 3: Cadiz to Seville via Doñana National Park
• Day 4: Seville
• Day 5: Seville to Granada via Cordoba
• Day 6: Granada & Alpujarras Mountains
• Day 7: Back to Malaga to fly home. Find the complete southern Spain road trip itinerary here.
• Malaga is the biggest international airport but you can also fly into Seville and Granada with relative ease.

How about the Madrid to Seville drive?

With so many international flights arriving in Madrid, you may be wondering whether or not you should drive from Madrid to Seville or take the train instead. 

A Madrid-Seville Road Trip can pass through many off the beaten path destinations, like Zafra and Merida, but in my opinion, it’s not one of Spain’s best road trips. 

If you are short on time, I’d highly recommend taking the extremely fast and efficient Madrid-Seville train and then picking up your rental car in Seville to tour Andalusia.

It’s also possible to drive from Madrid to Granada by car, swerving up and down the Alpujarras Mountains, but again, I’d suggest picking up your wheels in Andalusia instead.

The Sanctuary of Dismembered Wax Body Parts

Northern Spain Road Trip Itinerary

Prepare to be surprised when you find out what makes this one of the best road trips in Spain.

The northern area of Spain swaps dry plains for rocky coves, and bull rings for lighthouses and salt marshes amid the green. Famed for its seafood and as the finishing point for the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route, this northern Spain road trip itinerary will show you a different side of the country.

• Want more detail? Explore this Galicia road trip itinerary.

Northern Spain Road Trip Itinerary At a Glance

• Day 1: Arrive San Sebastian
• Day 2: San Sebastian to Bilbao
• Day 3: Bilbao to Aviles
• Day 4: Aviles to A Coruña
• Day 5: A Coruña to Santiago de Compostela
• Day 6: Santiago de Compostela to Vigo
• Day 7: Back to San Sebastian to fly home

Recommended reading:  Road Trip Galicia, Spain; The Undiscovered Northern Coast

View above the clouds on El Teide in Tenerife

Road Trip Through Tenerife (Canary Islands)

As the largest Canary Island off the northwest coast of Africa, Tenerife is famous for its fly and flop beach holidays. But there are so many unusual things to do in Tenerife , from UNESCO World Heritage cities like Laguna to primitive biosphere reserves in Anaga. It’s a hiking paradise and if tight turns and steep roads don’t phase you, a great wild landscape awaits.

Driving through Spain takes on new and heady heights when you’re bounding over black volcanic stones and watching the clouds appear beneath you. This is one of the best road trips in Spain because it is also one of the most beautiful. 

It’s also easy to combine with staying in one place and organising a series of day trips around the island. So if packing and unpacking on a road trip becomes a chore for you, try this instead. 

Road Trip Through Tenerife at a Glance

• Day 1: Arrive and stay in UNESCO World Heritage La Laguna
• Day 2: Drive El Teide Volcano
• Day 3: Los Gigantes for a whale watching excursion
• Day 4: Hiking in Anaga National Park
• Day 5: Orotava, Icod de los Vinos and Garachico
• Day 6: Pyramids of Guimar
• Day 7: Explore La Laguna and fly home

Casa Mila: worth it on any Barcelona itinerary

Road Trip Through Catalonia (Catalunya)

Barcelona is the most famous part of Catalunya but to see more of the Catalan character, get behind the wheel and enjoy one of the best road trips in Spain.

Travel by car in Spain to discover the curious city of Girona, the sandy coast of Costa Brava and the smoky peaks of the Pyrenees.  

Costa Brava offers volcanoes, sleepy coves and some of the best restaurants in the world. That’s not a boast. That’s actually a validated claim (read more about that here. )

You’ll also find flamboyant artwork from local household name Salvador Dalí, a great spot for a hot air balloon ride and a renewed appreciation for the difference between Catalan and Castilian Spanish.

• How to spend three days in Barcelona, an inside guide
• Unusual things to do in Barcelona

Road Trip from Barcelona At a Glance

• Day 3: Barcelona to Girona
• Day 4: Figueres and Cadaques
• Day 5: Garrotxa Natural Park
• Day 6: Tarragona
• Day 7: Return Barcelona to fly home

Road Trip Through Central Spain

Treat yourself to a literary, gastronomic and thoroughly authentic journey through this central part of Spain, the region of Castilla La Mancha. It’s one of the best road trips in Spain for hidden gems and a sense of exploration. 

Take in Toledo, the former capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Search the hills for the windmills made famous by Don Quixote. Hike through one of the best bird reserves in the country. And relish taking your time amid small Spanish villages, far from the crowds. 

Road Trip Through Central Spain at a Glance

• Day 1: Arrive Madrid
• Day 2: Madrid
• Day 3: Madrid to Toledo
• Day 4: Toledo
• Day 5: Don Quixote Countryside
• Day 6: Hike through the Tablas de Daimiel
• Day 7: Return Madrid to fly home

Both islands have stunning coastlines (but this place is Menorca!)

Driving the Balearic Islands

One of the best road trips in Spain involves flying to one of her smaller islands and taking a laid back approach to plans and itineraries all together. Mallorca and Menorca are the two main Balearic Islands and each has a distinctive character. Mallorca has party spots, UNESCO World Heritage and wild hiking routes. Menorca specialises more in family beaches, quiet streets, small towns and an awful lot of gin.

• Menorca or Mallorca for your Balearic Island holiday?

Set yourself up with one home base for a week and take a series of day trips to explore either island.

One of the best things about Barcelona is that it leads right onto a sandy beach…

Road Trip Along Spain’s East Mediterranean Coast

Drive from Barcelona to Valencia to experience two of Spain’s most interesting cities and her sparkling coastline as well. Find the Roman amphitheatre at Tarragona and the rice fields that gave us paella outside Valencia. If you have more than one week to ten days, continue south to the Moorish fortress in Amería as part of a road trip through Andalusia. 

Road Trip Through the East Coast of Spain At a Glance

• Day 2: Barcelona and Girona
• Day 3: Valencia via Tarragona
• Day 5: Alicante and the Costa Blanca
• Day 6: Almeria and Cabo de Gata
• Day 7: Back to Barcelona to fly home (or to Malaga)

Road Trip Across Galicia

Decked out in deep green hues and bursting with salty seafood, a road trip through Galicia provides a completely different experience of Spain. 

With a coastline more reminiscent of the rugged, craggy inlets of Ireland than the white sand of the south,  it’s no surprise that Galicia offers seafood to make even the uncertain smile. Expect lighthouses, green fields, great walking routes and great food. 

• A Galicia Road Trip: Northern Spain’s Rugged Green Coast

Road Trip Around Galicia at a Glance

• Day 1: Arrive La Coruña
• Day 2: Pontedeume and Redes
• Day 3: Porto do Barqueiro &  Viveiro
• Day 4: Praia das Catedrais
• Day 5: Torre de Hercules Lighthouse & home

Road Trip Around the Basque Country

Link up San Sebastián, Bilbao and Santander for an epic road trip through Spain’s Basque country. Taste arguably the best food in the country in the pintxos bars in San Seb and take in the curls and swirls of the Guggenheim in Bilbao. 

Add in secluded coastal curves and surprise museums, like the Balenciaga museum in Getaria , and you will find yourself with an unforgettable Spanish Road Trip.

Road Trip Through the Basque Country at a Glance

• Day 1: Arrive Bilbao
• Day 2: Bilbao
• Day 3: Bilbao to Logroño via Pamplona
• Day 4: Logroño to San Sebastian
• Day 5: San Sebastian
• Day 6: Hiking in Getaria
• Day 7: Back to Bilbao to fly home

What to know if you travel Spain by car

Cars drive on the right and you’ll need a full and valid driving license.

Tips for Spain Road Trip Itineraries

If you book through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Cheers!

Typically, it’s best to pick up a vehicle at at the airport unless you have your heart set on exploring an historic city centre first. Bring your full driving license and book in advance. I’d highly recommend booking your car rental through Hertz.

Planning in Detail

I rely on the AA Route Planner to give me times and directions in Spain. Make sure you check for:

• Tolls (or factor them into your budget anyway)

What You Need to Drive in Spain

For a robust rundown of what you need to drive in Spain head to the Government website . From here you can check the latest recommendations and legal requirements, including information on an international driving permit.

Booking Hotels

Many smaller, boutique hotels in the centre of cities will not have parking options. It’s best to either park on the outskirts of town and walk in (in some places, such as Seville, taxis will struggle to get in as well) or if that’s too difficult for you then book a hotel on the outskirts of town and use their transport to travel in. 

Highlights of Driving in Spain

Travel Spain by car and you’ll find all the following benefits.

While the big cities can get the pulse racing, for the most part, driving in Spain is a beautiful experience. Here are five reasons why:

1) THE ROADS ARE EMPTY

Outside the main cities that is. Gleaming wide main roads covered with smooth tarmac are the rule rather than the exception. Drive from  Granada  to  Seville  or Segovia to Merida and you’ll hardly see another car for miles.

2) THE SCENERY IS STUNNING

Low swirling mist rising over olive groves, intense sunshine hugging the contours of rust-red rock. Sparkling coastlines and white-washed towns with church towers spiking out of scorched plains. The green cloaked mountains of Galicia, the almond-scented mountains of Alpujarras and the Catalan curves of  the eastern Pyrenees.  Unlike driving in some countries, these views are visible from the windscreen of the car – you don’t have to wait until you park and get away from the roads.

3) GIANT BULLS ON THE HORIZON

Not real ones, of course. But building-sized, black, one-dimensional bull cutouts. Apparently, these first appeared as part of an advertising campaign for sherry. They were due to be removed until people clamoured for them to stay. Now, they add to the fun, as you never quite know when the next one will appear.

4) FRESH TAPAS AT SERVICE STATIONS

Forget about crisps, biscuits and overpriced coffee. Most petrol stations along the road in Spain are family run affairs with a chef on site. Coffee costs less than a euro while a plateful of patatas bravas, chocos, gambas or more is only a few minutes away. And if you’re feeling too hot? Try refreshing gazpacho instead.

5) FREEDOM AND GETTING OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

For reasons I’ll never quite understand, Spain has a reputation as a sand-and-sea destination and that’s about it. Visitors tend to cling to the coast and never realise just what they’re missing. Hiring a car and hitting the roads is the first step towards fixing that. Stop off in one of Andalucia’s pueblos blancos, for example, and you’ll probably be the only foreigner in town.

And that’s just for starters.

What is the best way to travel across Spain? Road trip or by train?

Great question. And the answer is: it depends. 

Driving through Spain is an absolute joy, once you are out of the cities. Road tripping through Spain allows you to reach hidden villages and hike through unspoilt landscapes. It also makes life much easier if you are travelling with your children. 

If you mainly wish to city hop between the big cities like Madrid, Barcelona and Seville, then the train is the better option. If you want to get off the beaten track and explore, go for a road trip.

Tools & Planners for the Best Road Trips in Spain

You’re in road trip heaven here, as we have everything from a full list of road trip essentials to the Ultimate Road Trip Planner for people who love freedom and hate spreadsheets.

And just for fun, we have the best road trip quotes and some road trip questions and games to help everyone get along.

Also, check out our road trip planning series on YouTube:

• The 5 biggest road trip planning mistakes people make (and how to fix them)
• The 7 best road trip planning tools.

1 thought on “The Best Road Trips in Spain and Their Self-Drive Itineraries”

The scenery is stunning indeed. I didn’t have to go driving to notice that. It’s wonderful!

Comments are closed.

Join us in for the biggest classic car pilgrimage to Europe and be a part of the popular Circuit Historique de Laon, the largest and most popular event of its kind in Europe with over 700 cars attending this event every year.

JEC Club Tours

Call us to discuss your  next driving tour, 01732 879153, open monday to friday 9am to 5pm .

Spanish Tours

NORTHERN SPAIN & THE PICOS DE EUROPA

11 Days, 10 Nights - June & Sept

From beaches to mountains this region of Spain is a treasure trove of landscapes full of winding scenic roads, great cities and untouched villages

DOURO VALLEY RIVER CRUISE & THE PICOS DE EUROPA

16 Days, 15 Nights - July

Combine a spectacular Driving Tour of the Picos de Europa with a wonderful 6 Day Douro River Cruise on board CroisiEurope.

SARDINIA & THE PYRENEES

15 Days, 14 Nights - May 2024

Sardinia is an island full of allure and intrigue, boasting a rich history with an abundance of Neolithic sites and stunning cliff top coastal drives.

PICOS DE EUROPA & THE PYRENEES

17 Days, 16 Nights - June & Sept

Combine a touring holiday in Northern Spain and the Picos de Europa with 5 or 6 days in Andorra and the Pyrenees.

PAU HISTORIC GRAND PRIX & THE PYRENEES

9 Days, 8 Nights - May

Combine a spectacular touring holiday to Andorra and the Pyrenees with the Pau Historic Grand Prix.

THE SOLENT TO THE SAHARA DESERT ADVENTURE

24 Days, 23 Nights - Sept/Oct 2024

This incredible desert adventure takes you through Spain and  Morrocco with 3 Nights in Marrakech & 2 Nights in a Bedouin camp in the Sahara desert.

PORTUGAL, DOURO VALLEY  & THE PICOS DE EUROPA

12 Days, 11 Nights - June & Sept

Combine a touring holiday in Northern Spain and the Picos de Europa with 8 days in Portugal and the Douro Valley.

MAJESTIC MAJORCA & THE SPANISH PYRENEES

13 Days, 12 Nights - May 2025

The beautiful island of Majorca is packed full of awe-inspiring views, picturesque villages, incredible sights, secret coves and unbeatable coastlines.

Wander-Lush

The Ultimate Spanish Road Trip Itinerary: Barcelona to Seville

Plan your dream road trip through Spain with this epic Spanish road trip itinerary! I’ll show you how to spend a perfect 3 weeks in Spain travelling from Barcelona to Seville, plus everything you need to know about renting a car to self drive in Spain.

I was part-way through planning a six-week Eurotrip with my partner when I became fixated on visiting Spain.

Spain had never really factored into my travel plans. But as soon as I realised just how much variety the country has to offer – from majestic mountain villages and enthralling cities to romantic small towns and a postcard-perfect coastline – not to mention the sheer number of historical and UNESCO sites held within its borders – I decided we should spend a whole three weeks in Spain.

Wanting to pack as much into our short stay as possible, we thought renting a car for a Spanish road trip would be the best way to see the main sights plus a few smaller towns.

We were right – the action-packed Spain itinerary we devised saw us criss-cross the country from north to south, taking in most of the country’s top attractions .

Spain is one of the top places for a self drive holiday in Europe. Both rental cars and petrol are relatively affordable. Travelling in shoulder season (November), we were often the only car on the road. For the most part, parking is cheap, even in hot spots like San Sebastian.

Best of all, having our own transport opened up a lot of opportunities to visit smaller towns and squeeze more into each day than our slow travel style would normally permit. Our trip was certainly fast-paced, but it was worth it to get a good overview of Spain in a short period.

This tried-and-tested itinerary for a three week self drive road trip across Spain includes my top recommended activities for key cities, ideas for where to break the journey, some handy Spain driving tips, and much more.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Where to hire a car in Spain

Hiring a car in Spain is an efficient and affordable way to see a large part of the country in a short period of time. Since a lot of visitors drive in Spain, the market for rental cars is competitive, meaning you can usually get a pretty good deal.

We planned our Spain road trip from Barcelona, so we decided to rent our car on our last day in the city. I recommend collecting your car from Barcelona-Sants train station because it’s easy to get to using public transport, and easy to leave from to get to the highway.

There are two main things to consider when choosing a hire car: transmission type, and size of the vehicle. Manual cars are much more ubiquitous in Spain so it can be harder to find an automatic car to rent. In addition, you should prioritise hiring a small car that will be easier to park on the street and can better navigate narrow village roads (these were our two biggest qualms about driving in Spain!).

Discover Cars lets you easily browse and compare different rentals cars from a variety of international and local agents. It lets you choose the exact features you want, and offers a full range of price and date options so you can find the best value for money. Visit Discover Cars and plug in your dates to see what’s available .

At the end of the itinerary, I’ve included a few driving tips for Spain.

About this Spain itinerary

Looking back over our itinerary makes my head spin a little! We drove almost every day and covered a lot of ground, but by splitting the long drives up into smaller journeys, we still got to visit some interesting local towns.

Spanish highways are incredibly easy to drive on and the scenery is invariably stunning no matter where in the country you are. Because of this, driving never really feels like a drag – it’s all part of the experience.

We started our road trip in Spain from Barcelona and finished up in Seville. From there, we continued on to Tarifa by bus and caught the ferry to Tangier, Morocco. You can adapt this itinerary to create a loop, but I recommend paying the one-way car rental fee so you don’t have to backtrack. If your Spain trip ends there and you’re not continuing on to Morocco , you can fly straight out of Seville.

There are endless options and itinerary combinations for seeing Spain by car. I’m not saying mine is the best road trip in Spain – but I can tell you that it’s tried and tested. Of course there are some things missing (you can’t possibly see all of Spain in 3 weeks), but after I did this road trip, I felt like I’d seen the main highlights.

If I had my time again, I would extend our stay in Madrid by a few days.

A good way to save time is by taking advantage of the Spain day trips and tours mentioned in this itinerary. If you think there’s too much packed in, you can easily take out a few places and stay in certain locations for longer (Madrid and Granada would both be ideal places to extend your time).

How much time do you need to drive across Spain?

A Spain road trip can be as long or as short as you want it to be. As you’ll see from the map, we covered most of the country (apart from the north-west) in 21 days touring Spain by car.

Remember you don’t want to rush driving across Spain too much. Three weeks is the absolute minimum amount of time you need for a Spain road trip like this one – unless you’re prepared to seriously cut down on the number of places you visit.

This 3-week self drive Spain itinerary is fast-paced, but if it’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Spain that you’re planning, you probably won’t mind hustling to see as much of this beautiful country as humanly possible.

If you have less time in Spain, you can do a shorter itinerary that focuses on the North of Spain (Basque Country) or the South of Spain (Andalusia).

Spanish road trip route overview & drive times

Let’s start with a basic overview of our Spain road trip itinerary and the 17 cities, towns and villages we visited in Spain in 3 weeks.

Remember you don’t have to follow this itinerary exactly – you can use it as a Spanish road trip planner to pick and choose the destinations that most appeal to you.

• Days 1-3: Barcelona
• Day 4: Barcelona to Sos del Rey Católico via Zaragoza (400km; 4.5 hours of driving)
• Day 5: Sos del Rey Católico to Bilbao via Pamplona and San Sebastián (217km; 2 hours of driving)
• Day 6: Bilbao
• Day 7: Bilbao to Madrid via Segovia (400km; 4 hours of driving)
• Day 8: Madrid
• Day 9: Madrid to Toledo (72km; 1 hour of driving)
• Day 10: Toledo to Valencia via La Mancha (270km; 4 hours of driving)
• Day 11: Valencia
• Day 12: Valencia to Cartagena (270km; 3 hours of driving)
• Day 13: Cartagena to Lanjarón (330km; 3.5 hours of driving)
• Day 14: White Villages and the Sierra Nevada
• Day 15: Lanjarón to Granada (46km; 45 minutes of driving)
• Day 16: Granada to Córdoba (200km; 2.5 hours of driving)
• Day 17: Córdoba
• Day 18: Córdoba to Seville (145km; 1.75 hours of driving)
• Days 19-20: Seville
• Day 21: Depart Seville – or Seville to Tangier via Tarifa

This Spain itinerary covers a whopping 2,450km (1,523 miles). Remember that not all the driving is back-to-back, there are some rest days in between!

Spanish road trip map

Detailed self drive Spain itinerary

This section includes a detailed day-by-day breakdown of our 3 weeks in Spain, including the best things to do in each city, where to stay, and where to break up longer drives.

Vivacious Barcelona is the perfect place to start your Spain road trip itinerary. Capital of the autonomous Catalonia region and the second-largest city behind Madrid, Barcelona is quintessentially Spanish and offers a perfect introduction to many of the things that make Spain so great – incredible architecture, beautiful beaches, and fabulous cuisine.

On top of that, Barcelona is logistically the best place to start a trip through Spain. It’s home to an international airport, a train station with services from most other countries in the region (we arrived by night train from Geneva), and a ferry terminal.

I recommend spending at least 3 days in Barcelona to get a good feel for the city and see the main highlights. The city has a great public transport system, so you don’t need a car here – in fact, it would be a major burden.

I highly recommend picking your car up on the day you leave Barcelona. Most rental companies have offices at Barcelona-Sants, the city’s main train station. This is a good place to start as the traffic isn’t too hectic and you can easily get to the highway.

Where to stay in Barcelona

Barcelona is huge – where you stay can make or break your trip. Take some time to familiarise yourself with Barcelona’s inner-city neighbourhoods so you can make an informed decision.

Here are a few recommendations for where to stay in Barcelona – car or no car.

• Ayre Hotel Rosellón . Located in the shadow of the Sagrada Familia, you won’t find a better patio view anywhere else in Barcelona (just look at the pictures if you don’t believe me!). Parking at the hotel is guaranteed and only costs a modest 16 Euros extra per night.
• Barcelona Catedral Hotel . This modern boutique hotel has light-filled, spacious suites, a rooftop pool and patio, and offers free walking tours for guests. Note that secure parking costs a bit extra, and you’ll need to reserve a spot in advance.
• Motel One Barcelona-Ciutadella . Don’t let the name ‘motel’ fool you – this is a boutique hotel through and through. If you can tear yourself away from the trendy lounge-bar and rooftop terrace overlooking the city, it’s a short 20-minute walk to Las Ramblas. Private parking is offered at a nearby location and costs an extra 20 Euros.
• Unite Hostel Barcelona . My top budget choice in Barcelona, this boutique hostel offers dorms and private rooms, all bright, clean and minimally furnished. The yoga studio and co-working spaces are the cherry on top. Reserve on-site parking in advance for 18 Euros/night.

Things to do in Barcelona

In all honesty, planning a Barcelona itinerary can be a bit overwhelming. There’s just so much to see and do. I’m only recommending a few select activities and restaurants that we really enjoyed – know that there is a lot more out there!

Start by pounding the pavement on Sandeman ‘s free city walking tour . This will help you get your bearings while introducing you to some of Barcelona’s must-sees, including the Gothic Quarter and Barcelona Cathedral.

La Sagrada Familia , the grand cathedral designed by Gaudi, is the symbol of Barcelona. You should prioritise visiting on your first or second morning. Skip-the-queue tickets are essential – or else you risk spending hours waiting in line. Pre-buy your skip-the-line tickets for the Sagrada Familia online.

Gaudi’s other works in Barcelona, including the iconic Park Güell Monumental Zone (buy fast-track tickets here ) and Casa Batlló are absolutely worth a visit as well. Even if you’re not that interested in architecture, these buildings all capture the spirit of Barcelona and tell a fascinating story of Spanish and Catalonian history. The experience is even richer if you’re accompanied by a guide who can illuminate the symbology.

Ride an e-bike around the gorgeous Gothic Quarter to explore one of Barcelona’s most charming neighbourhoods. For a break from the hubbub, head for the hills and spend an afternoon wandering around the cactus gardens at Montjuïc . Take the cable car over La Barceloneta beach for fantastic views, and visit the beach itself if the weather is right.

Don’t skimp on the food, either! Barcelona is packed with incredible restaurants . We especially loved eating Spanish ‘ hamburguesas ‘ at Hamburguesería Bacoa and pigging out on homemade churros at Bar Churrería Layetana . If you’re a foodie, this market to table tour of Mercado de La Boqueria , Barcelona’s biggest produce market, is a must-do.

Take advantage of the free entry to Museu Picasso every Friday night – it’s busy, but it’s a wonderful experience. And for something truly memorable, try to see a gig at the Palau de la Música Catalana (we watched an unforgettable performance by the late, great Sharon Jones). If there’s nothing on, I highly recommend booking in for a short guided tour – it’s truly one of the most majestic buildings I’ve ever been in (aside from Sagrada Familia!).

Recommended day trips from Barcelona

If you decide to extend your stay in Barcelona, there are lots of fantastic day trip opportunities within a few hours’ drive of the city.

• Get your Game of Thrones on in charming Girona
• Visit family run wineries and taste tapas in the Penedès region
• Discover the mysteries of Montserrat solo or with a guide

No car? This 12-day journey around Spain by train , starting from Barcelona, takes in some of the country’s best cities and beaches.

It’s time to hit the road! After collecting your car in Barcelona, start heading due west towards the Bay of Biscay. The drive to Zaragoza takes 3 hours. If you want to make it in time for lunch, try to leave the city as early as possible (by 8am at the latest). That way you’ll also beat most of the traffic.

Zaragoza lies smack-bang in the middle of northern Spain. Capital of the autonomous Aragon region, it’s one of the country’s most underrated cities and an ideal place to break for lunch and a short walk.

On reaching Zaragoza, we stopped at a small tavern in the shadow of the Aljafería Palace and ate a bowl of fideos negros (black noodles simmered in fish stock). There are plenty of restaurants and gastrobars around the river, close to the historic centre. However, it might be tricky to find a car park, so I recommend heading to the city’s western fringe like we did.

Sos del Rey Católico

When I picture an archetypal Spanish town, the Sos is what comes to mind. This little village on the frontier of the Pyrenees is located another 1.5 hours’ drive north of Zaragoza, so I recommend leaving after lunch no later than 1pm to maximise your time in Sos.

Ferdinand II of Aragón, husband of Isabel I of Castilla and one-half of the most influential royal couple in Spanish history, was born here in Sos. The little town is loaded with history and packed with charm.

The town is petite and easily navigated during an evening or early morning stroll ; admire the flower boxes, pop in and out of charcuterie shops, and listen to the church bells toll.

We stayed a night at the Parador de Sos del Rey , which sits on a low rise overlooking the Sos’ ancient cobbled streets (you might recognise it from the 2017 film The Trip to Spain ) and had a very memorable meal at the Parador’s Cinco Villas-themed restaurant.

Where to stay in Sos del Rey: Hotels with parking

• Parador de Sos del Rey Catolico . It’s honestly worth the splurge to stay at this Parador. Set in a historic Aragonese mansion that overhangs Sos’s winding streets, it’s one of the most romantic hotels I’ve ever had the pleasure of spending a night in. Rooms are plush as, and the set dinner at the on-site restaurant is a must-try (I’ve never eaten so much food in my life). Parking on the grounds is free and easy.
• El Peiron . For a budget-friendly alternative, this hotel has a similar 17th century ambiance. Cozy rooms feature large beds and exposed stone walls. The location on Sos’s main street, close to some of the village’s best tapas bars, will make you feel like you’re part of the city (unlike the Parador, which makes you feel like absolute royalty). Free street parking is available near the hotel.

On your next full day of driving, break the 2-hour journey to the Bay of Biscay by stopping off in Pamplona for lunch. This will be your first taste of Basque Country tapas ! Pamplona is the perfect place to practice the art of ordering ahead of your arrival in San Sebastián.

Outside of the famous San Fermin (Running of the Bulls) cultural festival , which takes place in Pamplona every July, the streets are surprisingly peaceful and sparse. Bakeries and boutiques run the length of the main pedestrian drag and are well worth a browse.

San Sebastián

Most people head straight for San Sebastián’s pintxos bars , but don’t forget to take a stroll along the waterfront promenade , too. After a day’s drive, this is exactly what you need to stretch your legs and re-fuel.

We spent a few early evening hours in San Sebastián, and while I didn’t really fall head over heels for the town like I’ve known other people to do, it’s a worthwhile stopover on the way to Bilbao. If food is in your wheelhouse, you can easily switch your itinerary and stay in San Sebastián instead of Bilbao.

Bilbao and San Sebastián are only an hour’s drive apart, so you can plausibly stay in one city and visit the other as a day trip. If I had my time again, I would probably stay in San Sebastián instead.

The futuristic Guggenheim Museum is Bilbao’s main attraction, but I found the rest of the city a little bland. One full day is ample time to see the museum and explore Bilbao’s riverfront.

In 24 hours, you can discover the city by bicycle and tour a few of the key Game of Thrones filming locations around Bilbao. An in-depth Basque County gastronomy tour is worth considering if you’re particularly interested in food and wine (let’s face it, if you’re planning a trip around Spain, you probably are!).

Where to stay in Bilbao: Hotels with parking

• Hesperia Bilbao . These trendy self-contained apartments are a 10-minute walk from the city centre (just across the river from the Guggenheim) and feature everything you need for a comfortable stay in Bilbao. There’s even a Japanese restaurant and a rooftop terrace bar – because both those things are basically travel essentials nowadays. Secure parking can’t be reserved but is available at an extra charge.
• Ercilla Hotel . For something with a touch more old-world charm, this boutique hotel offers pretty rooms with herringbone floors and chequerboard tiles. The restaurant serves traditional Basque food, and there’s a panoramic bar here as well. Park on-site for 20 Euros (reservations essential).
• Parador de Limpias . If you don’t mind staying outside the city, this Parador is a 50-minute drive from Bilbao. The former summer residence of King Alfonso, the setting amongst private gardens and a protected woodland is just divine. Free parking is plentiful.

After a short but sweet introduction to Basque Country, it’s time to leave the coast and start driving inland towards Madrid.

Segovia is 100km shy of Spain’s capital city. Coming from Bilbao, you’ll naturally pass through it – so there’s no reason not to stop off and check out two of Central Spain’s most impressive historical sights.

Aqueduct versus alcazar – when an urban landscape is a battle between the most important Roman civil engineering work in Spain and a Moorish palace so beautiful that it’s instantly recognisable from pop-culture, you know you’re in for a treat.

Segovia is a complete contrast to Madrid. Park your car on the hill leading up to the aqueduct and ease your way into the capital by wandering around this charming town for a few hours first.

Climb the concealed staircase to the right of Segovia’s UNESCO-listed aqueduct for a different perspective on this feat of engineering. Visit The Alcazar , apparently Walt Disney’s architectural inspiration when creating Cinderella’s castle.

Between 10.30am and 4.30pm you can join a 60-minute guided tour of Segovia Cathedral , another of the city’s landmarks. This particular tour also allows you to climb the 500-year-old bell tower for a panoramic view of Segovia.

And as a reward for all that walking, treat yourself to a Pasteleria Limon y Menta , Segovia’s signature pastry. It’s lemony, it’s minty, and it’s wrapped in caramelised marzipan. Yum!

If you opt to drive straight into Madrid, you can always visit Segovia on a day trip.

Our first experience of Madrid was the nightmarish drive through the city at peak hour. Don’t make the same mistake we did – try to arrive in Madrid before nightfall!

Where to stay in Madrid: Hotels with parking

• Only YOU Hotel Atocha . The design of this jaw-droppingly beautiful hotel draws on the 19th-century building its housed inside. Deluxe rooms face onto an inner courtyard and are bright and airy as a result while still feeling private. There’s a cafe, bakery and lounge, and breakfast is served on the 7th floor with city views. The Prado Museum is only 900m away, making this a great choice for museum and culture lovers. Parking on-site is guaranteed and costs extra.
• Hostal Patria Madrid . Coming in at under $100 a night, this hotel is excellent value for money in Madrid. Rooms are basic but comfortable with Scandi-style furnishings, and the location on a popular cafe strip is perfect for hungry travellers. Parking (reservation required) costs a very reasonable 17 Euros.
• Parador de Alcala de Henares . If you want to avoid driving into Madrid (smart choice!), this Parador is 45 minutes outside of Madrid. The 16th-century convent building reminds me of a Silk Road Caravanserai. There’s an outdoor pool, and parking on the grounds costs a little bit extra.

Things to do in Madrid

An easy walk or cycling tour through the city is the best way to see central Madrid. Make sure you explore the gorgeous Real Jardín Botánico , wander through the bookstalls that line Cuesta del Moyano , and top it off with sunset at the Temple of Debod , an ancient Egyptian temple that was dismantled, shipped to Spain, and reassembled in all its glory on a hill in the city centre. A live flamenco performance is the perfect way to end your first day in Spain’s capital.

For a dose of history and culture, visit Madrid’s four most iconic landmarks: The Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas , the Royal Palace , the Plaza Major , and of course the Prado Museum .

Here are my top tips for exploring historic Madrid:

• Join a tour of Las Ventas to access some of the building’s hidden nooks and crannies.
• Take in the scale of the magnificent Plaza Major on a bicycle. This 3-hour small group tour takes in many of the city’s highlights.
• Let a professional guide show you around the Throne Room, Banquet Hall and Private Royal Apartments inside the Royal Palace. This 2-hour tour is excellent value for money.
• Skip the line by buying your Prado tickets online in advance through Get Your Guide .

Recommended day trips from Madrid

• Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cuenca , and its amazing ‘hanging houses’
• See the ‘three cities’, Segovia, Avila and Toledo, on a day trip (a good option if you want to condense your Spain road trip itinerary and stay longer in Madrid)
• Tour the wineries around Madrid and taste the local drop
• Cast your eyes on the surreal landscape of El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen

Leaving Madrid, start your journey to Southern Spain’s enchanting Andalusia region. Over the next 12 days, you’ll be driving from Madrid to Granada and Cordoba via some of the loveliest small towns and historical villages in the country.

The first of these, Toledo , is just an hour outside Madrid. After the chaos of the capital, it’s a salve. Toledo’s mix of old-world charm, literary heritage and multicultural influences makes it one of my favourite places in all of Spain. I highly recommend staying for at least one night.

Toledo is the first place where you can see, hear and smell the Middle Eastern/North African influence that becomes more and more pronounced the further south you travel. We had a wonderful introduction to Syrian and Turkish food in Toledo, which became our go-to cuisine for the remainder of our trip.

Where to stay in Toledo: Hotels with parking

• Hotel Santa Isabel . A great budget choice at under $40 per night, this charming guesthouse is right in the heart of Toledo. Private balconies overlooking the town rooftops and a central courtyard are terribly quaint. Rooms are a bit boxy, but nicely finished and clean. Reserve parking in advance for 12 Euros per night.
• Parador de Toledo . This is another great candidate for a little splurge. Set 4km from the centre of Toledo in a low-set historic building, rooms here are a bit more outdated than at other Paradors, but the outdoor pool and panoramic terrace are lovely. Parking is free.

Toledo is the spiritual home of Don Quixote , Spain’s literary legend. A great way to see the old town is by walking the Don Quixote Trail . Alternatively, let a Toledo local show you around on a private walking tour .

Fall in love with Syrian food at Posada El Cristo de la Luz , then down a sampler box of marzipan from Santo Tome (the signature sweets of Toledo).

For more Toledo inspiration, see this list of the top 10 things to do in Toledo .

Consuegra, La Mancha

I’m a huge fan of Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote , but even if you’ve never read the book, a quick detour through Spain’s iconic La Mancha landscape, with its towering windmills and patchwork fields, is an absolute delight.

Leaving Toledo and driving east, aim to arrive in the small town of Consuegra in the early morning before the tour buses pull in at around 10am.

Stop at one of the provincial bakeries for a quick bite. You can then drive all the way to the top of the hill and explore the windmills on foot.

Spain’s third-largest city, Valencia has all the charm of Barcelona and all the amenities of Madrid with a laid back, beach-town feel. This is the Orange Blossom Coast , and the streets of Valencia are lined with citrus trees (which you must pick and sample – luckily our Airbnb came with a juicer!).

Valencia is also the traditional home of paella and Spain’s signature beverage, horchata. While we weren’t all that impressed with the City of Arts and Sciences , we loved cycling through the elongated Cabecera Park that runs through the heart of the city. (Perhaps we should have opted for the rooftop wine and tapas tour instead!) If you’re an outdoorsy type, you’ll adore Valencia.

Driving in Valencia is relatively easy compared to Barcelona or Madrid, so you can stay in the city centre without having to worry too much about traffic or navigating the roads.

Where to stay in Valencia: Hotels with parking

• HQ Rooms Apartments San Vincente . Spacious and featuring all the mod-cons, this self-containted apartment sleeps up to 8 people and comes with a large private balcony. It’s 1.5km from the centre of the city, and there are bicycles available to rent for a small fee. Parking costs an extra 15 Euros.
• Palacio de Rojas . 350m from Valencia’s Central Market, it doesn’t get much more inner-city than this. The canary yellow facade, the indoor-outdoor living spaces, the high ceilings and the heavy doors… This must be one of the most beautiful hotels in all of Spain. Seriously. Palacial apartments sleep up to 9 people and all feature a full kitchenette. Underground parking is available for an additional 15 Euros.

Things to do in Valencia

You’ll probably be quite content hiring a bicycle and exploring Valencia at your own pace. If you want a deeper look, try joining a private walking tour with a local .

For a hands-on activity, I highly recommend taking a paella cooking class and learning just why Valencia is the birthplace of Spain’s most famous dish. Head to the Plaça de Santa Caterina to try a glass or horchata (or two) at one of the open-air cafes. Horchateria Santa Catalina is my personal favourite.

Three hours’ drive down the coast from Valencia, Cartagena is another of Spain’s most underrated cities. We rolled into the sleepy historic centre in the early afternoon and were greeted by a medieval festival, the annual Mercado Medieval (how’s that for timing!).

Catagena’s Roman amphitheater is one of the best-preserved in all of Europe, and exploring the state-of-the-art museum was honestly one of the most enjoyable ‘historical’ experiences I had in Spain. It’s fascinating to see how the city has been built-up around the ruins.

Cartagena is small so you only need a day or two at the most. Start by getting your bearings with a walk around the inner city. The food scene here is great, so I also recommend doing a gourmet tapas tour .

Where to stay in Cartagena: Hotels with parking

• NH Cartagena . Elegant rooms with a view of Cartagena port are the stand-out feature of this efficient hotel. It’s only 200m from the Roman Theatre but in a quiet corner of town, so you can still get a good night’s sleep. Reserve paid on-site parking at the time of booking.

The Sierra Nevada: Lanjarón and the White Villages

Leaving Cartagena behind, you’ll next be driving the coast of Spain (at least a portion of it) and dipping inland to visit one of Spain’s most beautiful natural landscapes, the Sierra Nevada.

Once you hit the mountainous Las Alpujarras region, you’ll realise what a blessing your hire car truly is. Navigating the windy, steep, narrow roads around the white villages was nail-biting at times, but I can’t imagine trying to get around any other way.

Base yourself in Lanjarón , the area’s most populous village and home to a number of quirky accommodations, including the healing retreat/yurt we stayed in.

Once a hippie mecca and still famed for its spring water and olives , Lanjarón is a gateway to the smaller villages of Pampaneira, Bubio and Capileira . If you can brave the altitude, add Trevélez (Spain’s highest settlement) to your driving itinerary.

Some of the villages take a good few hours to get between, especially in inclement weather, so I recommend setting aside at least two days to explore the area, more if you intend on hiking between the villages .

Where to stay in Sierra Nevada: Hotels with parking

• Hotel Alcadima (Lanjarón). Homely suites at this quaint little hotel are excellent value for money. Indoor and outdoor pools, plus a kids’ play area, make it a great choice for families. The restaurant specialises in roast lamb with cinnamon. Need I say more? Parking costs an extra 10 Euros.
• Enchanting Yurt (Lanjarón). One of the coolest Airbnbs we’ve ever stayed at, this whimsical yurt is set in an olive grove at the foot of the mountains. It’s absolutely magical, and the Israeli hosts are very kind and welcoming. Free parking is plentiful.
• Parador de Nerja (Nerja). Another town, another Parador! This one is a bit different because it’s set inside a modern building on a cliff top overlooking the ocean. An elevator ferries guests down to the nearby beach (how cool!). Private parking is available for an additional charge. Note that it’s a 60-minute drive to Lanjarón.

Granada boats a quixotic mix of Spanish and Moorish cultures. The Alhambra is an architectural triumph – if it’s not on your itinerary, you’re doing Spain wrong!

You need to buy tickets to the Alhambra and Generalife Palace and Gardens a day or two ahead of your visit (or a week in advance if you’re travelling in summer). The easiest way to do that is by booking online through Get Your Guide .

On the day of your visit, make sure you leave early to account for the time it takes to access the complex (which includes a long, beautiful walk through the forest if you’re using public transport).

Where to stay: Granada hotels with parking

• Eurostars Catedral . The exception location 70m from Granada Cathedral is only topped by the traditional coffered wooden ceilings inside some of the suites. Rooms are otherwise modern and luxurious with more subtle nods to the building’s history sprinkled throughout. Parking costs an extra 22 Euros per day.
• Anacapri . This 18th-century house turned boutique hotel wears its heart (and its history) on its sleeve. The inner courtyard is outstanding, and rooms are very comfortable. It’s even closer to the cathedral and just 20 minutes’ walk from the Alhambra, right next to the start of the pathway. No reservation is required for the off-site parking (an extra 20 Euros per day).
• Alhambra Palace . Just shy of the city walls to Granada’s iconic UNESCO attraction, this hillside hotel has spectacular views, Moorish-inspired decor, and of course, quick access to the Alhambra. Secure parking is off-site and costs 22 Euros.

Things to do in Granada

After the once-in-a-lifetime experience of The Alhambra, everything else pales in comparison! However, Granada has a lot more to offer, which is why I suggest staying an extra night (or even longer, if you can).

Discover the city’s most charming neighbourhoods , Albaicín and Sacromonte, on foot with a walking tour. Watch a traditional flamenco performance inside Albaycin, and treat yourself to an authentic Arabian hammam bath .

There is a secret sunset spot in the hills above Granada where you can watch the warm light bathe the entire Alhambra complex before someone flicks the switch and it lights up like a beacon on the hill. Don’t miss it!

From The Alhambra to Códoba’s Mezquita, a fascinating mosque-cum-church that is home to a set of much-photographed candy cane archways. Córdoba is an archetypal Andalusian city (my favourite in the region) and has many other offerings, including a pleasant waterfront and some incredible vegetarian restaurants.

Every year, Córdoba hosts the Patio Festival , which showcases the amazing indoor gardens that are a traditional part of every home here. Make sure you peek inside a few doorways as you’re wandering the town’s lanes. This is also a good place to catch a Flamenco/equestrian show – our pick is the Royal Stables of Córdoba .

Where to stay: Córdoba hotels with parking

• Hotel Boutique Patio del Posadero . This intriguing little hotel features bespoke rooms and a beautiful patio (as is the style in Cordoba). The outdoor swimming pool and terrace lounge are perfect for summer. Reserved parking costs extra.
• Hotel Cordoba Center . A bit further from the mosque, this ultra modern hotel sits on the city’s Golden Block next to the AVE Train Station. The 7th floor pool and Jacuzzi are particularly noteworthy, but it lacks the charm of some other Cordoba hotels. Non-reserved parking is located on site.
• Parador de Cordoba . It’s almost your last chance to stay in a Parador! Cordoba’s is a fine choice – another renovated summer palace, it’s located north of the centre and boasts a massive pool plus sprawling gardens (the grounds, Los Naranjos, are where the first palms brought to Europe were planted.) Rooms are extremely spacious and well-appointed. Parking is free.

Things to do in Córdoba

Join the official Mezquita tour (price includes entry) and see this incredible UNESCO mosque-cathedral up close. In the summer, cycle the waterfront on a bicycle tour , or visit seven of Cordoba’s most impressive patio gardens and learn about the history of the city’s courtyard tradition.

If you have an extra day, venture outside the city to see the impressive Azahara Medina .

An entire day can easily be spent inside Seville’s Alcazar complex , another incredible palace – this time in the Andalucian style – that mirrors The Alhambra in its layout and design. GoT fans will recognise the Alcazar as the setting for the Water Gardens of Dorne.

Seville is a sun-bathed walking city, and the Plaza de Espana , Barrio Santa Cruz and Parque de Maria Luisa are all worth a wander.

I found Seville a lot grungier than other places in Spain. The streets are filled with cool v intage stores and hip cafes , and the city has a great vibe.

We returned our rental car in Seville and got around the city very easily using public transport. I recommend you do the same.

Where to stay in Seville: Hotels with parking

• Hotel Las Casas de la Judería . If it’s atmosphere you want, look no further. This charming hotel is set with 27 traditional houses (yes, it’s big), all connected by courtyards and internal passageways. Traditional decor including antique furniture and French windows is straight from the history books, while the rooftop pool brings the property up to date. Some of the rooms are just spectacular – I couldn’t imagine a better way to end your Spain road trip than with a few nights here. The location in the old Jewish Quarter means there’s lots to be explored nearby, including the cathedral, which is just a 7-minute walk away. Off-site parking costs 24 Euros.
• Melia Sevilla . Modern, minimal and a complete contrast to the previous property, this hotel is centrally positioned off Plaza España. Twin hot tubs and a hamman round-out the ample services. Public parking near the hotel costs 24 Euro. Staff can help you coordinate, but I recommend you return your hire car before you check in.
• Hotel Rey Alfonso X . This trendy hotel features a summer pool that overlooks Seville’s oldest church. Business-like rooms are smart if not a little soulless. On-site parking costs extra (enquire at the time of booking).

Things to do in Seville

The Alcazar should be top of your list for things to do in Seville. This skip-the-line ticket includes a guided tour.

Marvel at Seville’s Cathedral and Giralda Tower , watch a flamenco show at Museo del Baile Flamenco (the birthplace of this Intangible Heritage icon), and walk through the gorgeous Santa Cruz Jewish Quarter (don’t forget your camera!).

If you want to get even further off the beaten path in Seville , I highly recommend this alternative market and walking tour .

Seville is a great place for a Spanish cooking class . This one shows you how to prep several popular Seville-style tapas , and includes bottomless sangria.

Recommended day trips from Seville

• The British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar is just a short drive from Seville
• See Ronda , a small town set on a dramatic gorge
• Village hop through the Andalusian countryside
• Visit the port city of Cadiz and the Moorish Jerez, two of Southern Spain’s most stunning cities
• Get another stamp in that passport! – take a full day trip from Seville to Tangier, Morocco

Quick tips for driving in Spain

Here are a few pointers to make your Spain road trip as smooth as possible.

Things to remember when renting a car in Spain

Obtain an International Driving Permit before you leave home. Most rental car companies require an IDP by law (you also have to carry your regular driver’s license).

Book your rental car well ahead of time , especially if you want an automatic transmission as they are in short supply. We could only find a few automatic cars available in Barcelona, and they were more expensive than manual. I highly recommend using Discover Cars to compare rental prices and reserve your car in advance .

Choose the smallest car possible. In between the narrow village streets and tight street parking spaces, you’ll want to go with the smallest car you feel comfortable with. Driving around Spain in a small car (a Hyundai or a Corolla, for example) is perfectly safe provided you stick to the highways and don’t go off-road.

Bring your own GPS (with maps for Spain and Portugal pre-loaded) to avoid the GPS rental fee. Alternatively, use your phone to navigate with Google Maps or Maps.Me – it works just fine, provided you have the map pre-downloaded for offline use or you have a Spanish sim card with plenty of data.

General driving tips & Spain road rules

Plan your route to avoid toll roads. Some tolls are very expensive – up to 20 Euros – but we managed to avoid most of these by taking indirect roads and alternate highways.

Avoid driving in the bigger cities , especially Madrid. Pick up and drop off your hire car from an office in the outer suburbs or the airport to avoid inner-city congestion.

Note the blood alcohol limit. If you plan on visiting any wineries while you’re driving across Spain, remember that the blood alcohol limit in Spain is 0.05% (or 0.01% if you’ve had your license for 24 months or less).

Tips for parking in Spain

Look for ‘Blue Zones’. If you’re visiting cities and towns for the day and need a place to leave your car away from your accommodation, you’ll need to get a grasp on how the street parking works in Spain. Blue Zones (portions of curb marked with a blue line) designate paid parking spots. Wherever you see Blue Zones, you’ll see a meter or automatic machine nearby where you need to register your car. Take the ticket and display it prominently on the dash, with the date and times face-up.

Yellow lines designate disable parking spots. You’ll need a displayed permit to park here. Other coloured zones vary from city to city but usually indicate Resident Zones. If you’re not registered to a nearby address, you obviously can’t park here.

Park during siesta hours. Depending on the city, metered parking is sometimes free between 2pm and 4pm Monday to Friday and after 2pm on Saturdays. If you want to save a buck, try finding a car park during siesta hours.

What to pack for your Spain road trip

A few of my favourite must-pack essentials to make your road trip around Spain comfortable, safe and hassle-free.

Travel insurance for Spain

The one thing I never travel without. When it comes to medical expenses, accidents, travel delays and the like, preferred partner for long-term travel insurance is SafetyWing .

When renting a car, make sure you read the PDS to see what you’re already covered for. I always recommend purchasing extra insurance just in case, either via the rental agent or through a provider such as Insurance4CarHire.

Handy gadgets

Travel adapters. If you carry a universal adapter, you’ll never get caught out with the wrong plug. This portable travel plug works in more than 150 countries (including Spain and the rest of the EU) and features 4 USB ports for charging multiple phones/iPads at once.

USB phone charger. Don’t let your phone run flat while you’re in the car. You can plug your regular charging cable directly into this Anker USB car charger . It works with most phones and iPads.

Car mount phone holder. Using a phone while driving is illegal in Spain. If you plan on using your phone to navigate around, you’ll need to use a mobile phone mount. This travel-friendly phone holder fits any phone or phone case, and has a 360-degree rotating cradle.

Lightweight cooler bag. An insulated bag to keep your drinks and road trip snacks cool is especially useful in summer. This simple family-size cool bag packs down into a neat, flat little bundle that you can easily squeeze into your suitcase.

Wine Wings. Whether you’re road tripping or not, these handy non-leak wine bottle protectors are one of my favourite travel items for Europe. Essential if you want to bring a few bottles of Spanish vino home with you!

Eco travel essentials

Refillable water bottle. It’s crucial to stay hydrated in Spain, especially in the warmer months. Tap water in most cities and towns is potable. As you drive through the mountains around the Sierra Nevada you’ll see fresh-water springs by the side of the road where you can fill up your water bottle (this was one of my favourite things about road tripping in Spain!). I highly recommend S’Well insulated bottles because they look good, stay cool for up to 12 hours, and they don’t sweat.

Reusable coffee cup. You’ll probably be drinking a lot of coffee in Spain. It’s always a good idea to bring a reusable cup that you can take with you in the car. This gorgeous gold barista-friendly travel mug is vacuum sealed (zero chance of a spill!) and will allow you to cut down on plastic and paper waste.

What to wear in Spain

Good walking shoes. Even if you’re on a Spain road trip, you’re still going to be spending a lot of time pounding the pavement (and cobblestone streets!). Comfortable walking shoes are absolutely essential. To cut down on luggage, we carry ‘stylish’ walking shoes in Europe that we can also wear out at night.

Sunglasses. Some highways in Spain are quite exposed – I guarantee you’ll be reaching for your sunglasses on the first day. Bring your favourite pair of polarized lenses, or pick up a pair of foldable travel sunglasses .

Loose, comfortable clothing. There’s nothing worse than feeling uncomfortable in the car. Pack a pair of travel leggings or yoga pants plus a few comfy t-shirts for longer driving days. A comfy travel cardigan like this one is a must-pack for winter in Spain.

Essential reading

A copy of Lonely Planet Spain. This essential guidebook for Spain is the perfect Spain road trip companion. As well as planning and logistics, it includes useful Spanish phrases and detailed information about Spain’s top tourist sites.

A copy of Back Roads Spain. This little book is a bit light on practical information, but it does contain some beautiful photos. Great inspiration for getting off the beaten track in Spain.

Spain paper map. Good for peace of mind if your sat nav fails you. Even if you don’t use it for navigating, you can still plot out your route and hold onto the map for a nice souvenir! This map is current for this year and covers both Spain and Portugal.

I hope you’ll agree that this is one of the best routes through Spain by car for first-time visitors who want to pack everything in. Are you planning a self drive Spain itinerary for your next road trip? Leave your questions in the comments!

Spanish road trip itinerary: Pin it!

50 Comments

This is such a great post, we did a very similar route over three months! We didn’t realise just how much we would fall in love with Spain.

Whilst in Spain, we were crashed into TWICE!!! both times when we were parked!! Although there is nothing we could have done to prevent this – I thought I would let you guys know! Spanish drivers can be crazy – even in a parking lot!!

Sorry to hear that Christie! Hope you still had a fun time!

Really love your post on spain. Just wondering if this will work also in winter in dec?

Hi Jaime, I don’t see why not – I was there at the start of winter and the weather was nice, roads quiet, etc. You might have to make some small adjustments for the mountain roads. Happy travels!

I travelled around Spain in a campervan from January to March this year and the weather was great. Even on the coldest days, the temperature was really mild and completely manageable. Bilbao was the only place that even felt remotely “wintery”, but with that being said, I’d take a Spanish winter over a Scottish winter any day!! I would 100% recommend visiting Spain over winter as it is not overcrowded with tourists and the weather is still good enough to do most outdoor excursions!

Looks wonderful! I recommend renting a car and driving off the road to get to know the culture and customs of people in the provinces. It is such a cultural and spiritual journey.

Amazing road trip! In Spain there is so many places to visit from the north with beautiful nature to the south with cultural impact. Love your style of writing.

Dear Emily, thanks for sharing your invaluable experience and tips. I’ve never been to Spain (but I will soon), except for the Canary Islands, so this thorough guide is just priceless while planning a trip. After seeing the super narrow streets on Tenerife, I can totally vouch for hiring the smallest car. We were lucky enough to hire a really small one while traveling around Tenerife. Otherwise, it would have been impossible to pass some of the roads, especially when there was a bus in our way.

Absolutely! We had a terrible (but also hilarious) experience with our car in Bilbao… Smaller is definitely the way to go in Spain!

Enjoy your trip!

Dear Emily, Thank you so much for sharing with us your great experience in spain, I’m very glad to read your trip report and happy to hear that you enjoyed it.

Regards, Hamid

Hey Emily, Love your travel blog. I was just wondering about the language barrier? My partner and I only speak English. Was it hard to communicate with people? Thanks!

You have nothing to worry about – English is widely spoken, even in small towns. For extra peace of mind, you could download Google Translate’s Spain module to use offline when you’re travelling.

I hope you have a wonderful trip!

Oh & We are planning to spend 2 days in Madrid and 2 in barcelona , which leaves us with 5 days for driving and moving around from madrid , throughout these Andalusian cities and reacb to barcelona. At what point do u think a train would be more convenient? Thanks again Emily 🙂

Wow your post was so helpful and informative! We are planning a 9-day trip to Spain. We will arrive in madrid and depart from barcelona. Starting in madrid , driving south (rent Car) to Toledo , Cordoba , Seville , Granada. We are not sure if we should continue driving from Granada towards Valencia then off to barcelona for the last 2 days. OR skip Valnecia all together, drop the car in granada and take a train to Barcelona. Do you habe any advice as to the best way to accommodate this itinerary? (In terms of making use of the beautiful towns and scenary, but not waste too much time on tje road!) thanks a lot , your input is appreciated.

Hi Marco, sorry for the late reply. I really enjoyed Valencia – don’t skip it! You can easily do the whole route by car and drop off your rental in Barcelona.

Enjoy Spain!

Your post information is very unique and useful for all readers.

Hi Emily! This is great! Thanks for putting so much effort !! What was you guys process for mapping the road and avoiding the tolls?

Hi John—if you Google ‘Spain toll map’ you’ll find a good road map with no toll roads marked out. We just planned our route according to that!

Hope that helps!

Great thank you! We have been traveling Europe for a little over a month now and going to finish the trip with a 10 day drive from Seville to Barcelona stopping a lot along the way! Will definitely use your post to help!

Sounds incredible! I’m very jealous. Enjoy—and please don’t hesitate to reach out if there’s anything else I can help with.

Great article! Thank you for sharing!

Hi Emily – thanks for this super helpful feature ! Just wondering what car hire company you used and if you have any recommendations on type of car Thanks 🙂

Hi Jess! Thanks so much for reading. I’m glad you found the itinerary helpful.

We were advised to go through Sixt—but unfortunately they didn’t have an automatic car available for our dates. We used Hertz in the end. We rented a regular sedan—we didn’t go off road at all, so it was fine. Even in the Sierra Nevada, you won’t need a 4WD as long as you’re sticking to the path.

I hope this helps! Emily

Thank you for your suggestion Emily!

Wonderful!road trip advice for Spain. Would you suggest me how much total cost to travel so that I would manage my budget accordingly. I would be grateful.

Depending on your travel style, I would recommend budgeting 50-120 USD/day.

I love your blog, I am traveling to Spain early May and currently preparing itinerary for a 16 day road trip. I will be travelling with my husband, we love to explore culture, local food and love nature and seneic places. As we will be little tight on schedule, we want to plan properly so that we can cover the most in 16 days. Please help me with your suggestions on the itinerary, we were planning to spend 5 days in San Sebastian + Bilbao. I am having second thoughts after reading your blog. We will fly in at Barcelona and fly out from Madrid. Below is the itinerary, let me know your thoughts

Night 1 : Barcelona – we will fly in late so not planing anything Day 1 : Roam around Barcelona Day 2: Leave for San Sebastein – stop over at Pamplona – night at San Sebstein Day 3: Explore San sebastein Day 4 : Leave for Bilbao, night at Bilbao Day 5 – Day 6 : Explore Bilbao and nearby. Is this too much for Bilbao? I found POIs that appeared seneic.. I am unsure if 3 nights is way too much for Bilbao Day 7 : Leave for Leon and stay there for a night Day 8 : Plan to spend 5 days in south to cover Seville, Gibraltar, Granda and fly out from Madrid

We are not very keen on Barcelona and Madrid. After reading your blog I am tempted to add Cordoba and Lanjaron to our plan..

I will be glad if you can help me here .. 🙂

Hi Namrata! Thanks so much for your message. Your trip sounds wonderful!

I personally thought Bilbao and SS were overrated—I much preferred Cordoba, and Lanjaron was absolutely beautiful. If you like scenery, you will love Lanjaron. I am less of a foodie so you will probably appreciate San Sebastian more than I did! I would spend less time in Bilbao, but that would just be my personal preference. I really encourage you to check out Cordoba—it was definitely a highlight of Spain for me.

I hope this helps! Have a wonderful time in Spain!

Wow! What a nice roadtrip, Emily. You did covered a large area of Spain and included areas that many travellers overlook. If you ever decide to do another Spanish roadtrip, I would recommend including Extremadura in your trip. It is the most unknown of all Spanish regions, totally overlooked by most foreign tourist, yet a fascinating area full of history, Unesco sites, the best ‘jamón’, castles, vast open spaces and empty roads. Cheers, Irene

Thanks, Irene! I just did a quick Google and Extremadura looks gorgeous! I will definitely keep it in mind for next time.

Cheers, Emily

We’re planning a 3-week trip to Spain this summer probably starting in early June. We are thinking of “winging it”. Flying into Barcelona, renting a car and just driving with an itinerary similar to yours. Do you think winging will be OK? We don’t want to plan staying in any one place for a specific number of days. If we come across a place we like we want to be able to stay there for as long as we want without affecting any reservations that otherwise would have been had. Do you think booking AirBnB’s on the fly will be an issue? With respect to car rentals, are we able to rent in Barcelona and return in Malaga for example? Thank you for posting your article. It’s a great help.

Hi Richard,

Thanks very much for your comment! Your trip sounds great. I wish we had more flexibility with our itinerary as there are spots we would have spent less time (Bilbao) and places where we would have loved to stay longer (Valencia, Granada).

I haven’t travelled in Spain during summer, but I would guess that things are a tad busier! With Airbnb, you should always be able to find something, even at short notice. The only restrictions will be your budget and the availability of car parking. We were on a tight budget, which is why we preferred to book in advance and secure rooms at a lower price. I have booked Airbnbs on the fly in other countries before without any issue—so it’s definitely possible. You may have to compromise on price and location, though.

We rented our car in Barcelona and dropped it off in Seville. There was no issue. We just had to pay a small premium for returning it in a different city, as is standard with most rental places around the world. So you shouldn’t have any problem with returning the car in Malaga.

I hope you have a wonderful trip! Please do let me know if there’s anything else I can help with.

Oh I keep rereading your report and seeing more each time. Thank you so much! We are going to Spain from 21st Sept until 17th Oct and driving three weeks of that. We’ve been to the major cities before (Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Granada) so we are concentrating on smaller places, Jerez, Cordoba, Toledo, Salamanca, Zaragoza (where we’ll catch the annual festival!) etc. Still a little concerned about parking though. How did you manage? We also love apartments so we can visit the local markets and cook some of our meals at home so we’d love you to share your advice about really good airbnb’s. We have one in Jerez so far – haven’t got very far as you can see – and have fortunately found a hotel in Zaragoza with free parking during the festival. We’d really appreciate any other advice along the way. Here’s the general order: start Jerez, check out the white villages from there, Cordoba, Ubeda, Toledo, Salamanca, Burgos, Zaragoza… then somewhere in between and end at Barcelona airport to fly home. Lots of other little places to check out close to these towns but I think they will be our main stops (think…). Would LOVE your comments.

Hi Kathryn, your trip sounds great! We had a few parking dramas in the bigger cities but nothing too bad. I’ve just posted a list of the Airbnbs/hotels we chose to stay at in Spain – some are no longer listed, but there are a few still going. I hope this helps!

https://wander-lush.org/spain-best-airbnb-where-to-stay-road-trip/

Safe travels! Emily

Hey Emily, I plan to make the same road trip you have done in Spain with my wife in January. In which month you did yours ? I am not sure if the weather January is not very convenient for such trip !?

thank you so much in advance

BR Redouane

Hi Redouane! Thanks for your comment. That’s very exciting – I hope you love it as much as we did!

We did our road trip in November. I’ve never been to Western Europe in January, but I can’t imagine the weather would be too drastically different. We prefer the cooler weather, which is why we chose that month. Everything was a touch cheaper as well given that it’s shoulder season.

I hope this helps with your planning! Enjoy!

Hi there! Thanks for a great blog! This is what I love – discovering places off the beaten track. We are doing a 5 week trip with 3 kids taking our own car by ferry in July! The only thing I have planned as yet is that we arrive in Santander….! Would welcome air bnb recommendations but will touch base wth you as I get planning to see what you recommend. Have noted your recommendation for Córdoba. X

Thanks Aabida! Your trip sounds great. Please do get in touch if you want specific recommendations for Airbnb – we stayed at some great places.

Hi Emily, I’m traveling in southern Spain at the end of July and have booked a rental car. I’m concerned about parking in Granada and Cordoba (Granada especially as I’ll be there for a few nights. Any parking recommendations? Thank you!

Thanks so much for your comment. Your trip sounds wonderful!

We stayed at Airbnb apartments with private parking in both Granada and Cordoba. From memory, Cordoba was a bit tricky because the streets there are quite narrow so I would definitely check with your accommodation in advance.

Granada, however, had plenty of street parking. We parked and took public transport to/from town and the Alhambra. I dug up the link to the Airbnb apartment we rented – there was a lot of street parking in this part of town: https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/726540

Best of luck with the rest of your planning! Please let me know if there’s anything else I can help with.

wow amazing road trip! and the photos you’ve taken are really incredible.

Hello Emily I’m thinking of travelling to Spain in May 2017. Thanks for all your information. I like your intinery and will probably follow some of your guides. Did you book your airbnb before you commenced your trip and further did you do it online? Any tips or websites would help? Thanks for any help. Peter

Hi Peter! Thanks for reading.

Yes, we booked all our Airbnb accommodation online before we started the drive. Some places were excellent – others weren’t so good. If you go to Cordoba (which you absolutely should), please stay with Maria and Xavier. They are probably the best hosts we’ve ever had, and their place is incredible: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/929791

We also stayed in one Paradore, which I highly recommend!

Have fun planning your trip and please let me know if there’s anything else I can help with!

Hi Emily We tried to contact these people on the AirBNB link and it says no longer available. do you know what happened ? Is there a way to contact then direct?

Hi Tom, which listing was it? I’ve recommended a few. If it’s not available, they may have taken the listing down. I don’t have direct contacts but if you let me know which one you were after, I can tell you the area and you can try searching for other properties nearby.

Oh my God! Spain is my dream. Soon I’ll visit this country. I’m really grateful for all this information. Unfortunately, I can’t be there all 21 days to explore everything you’ve write. But it’s an awesome purpose to return as soon as possible again. Thanks for sharing

Lovely photos. I stumbled upon your blog while researching itineraries for my next trip to Spain. My boyfriend is a huge fan of road trips and would very much like to drive down the coast, starting Barcelona and ending in Lisbon. I was just wondering whether or not you felt there was a significance cost difference between renting a car and taking local trains. Can you share your main reasons for choosing to drive through Spain? Also, I guess you were able to leave the car in a different city from where you began? Thanks 🙂

Thanks so much for your comment. I’m a huge fan of both trains and road trips – but I felt that having a car would be better for us because we wanted to check out some of the smaller towns and travel at our own pace. Spain is a perfect place to drive since the roads are very well kept and safe, and hiring a car was within our budget. I definitely recommend it!

Have an awesome trip, Emily

What a whirlwind trip to Spain. I’ve been to Madrid/Toledo/Segovia and Sevilla a couple of times. My husband and I are heading to Barcelona then Girona and small towns along the coast. I’m hoping to rent a car outside of Barcelona but am having a difficult time finding a reputable car rental company. Do you remember which one you used and were you happy with it? I’ve come across many complaints/scams.

Toledo is my favorite so far. Can you recommend any towns similar (southeastern Spain)? Thank you.

Hi Cindy, thanks so much for your comment!

A friend recommended Sixt – they have good rates and are reliable. But we had a bit of trouble finding a car at Sixt, because neither of us have a manual license (it’s difficult and more expensive to get an auto). So if you need auto, book ahead of time online. We went with Hertz in the end, and they were fantastic. We took our own GPS but the car had a built-in system as well.

As for towns in the southeast, Cordoba was my personal favourite. Don’t miss it! I would also recommend spending a night in Cartagena. There is plenty to do in Valencia – it’s a little bigger, but also lovely – and of course Granada.

Happy travels!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Subscribe to future posts

These 5 road trips will show you the best of Spain

Mar 13, 2024 • 7 min read

These road trips cover the best of Spain, from the coast of Catalonia to the mountains of Andalucía © Artur Debat / Getty Images

Explore  Spain ’s world-famous natural scenery and cultural heritage – and savor its acclaimed cuisine at every pit stop – with a road trip across this beautiful country.

Wherever you head, you can count on passing medieval castles and ancient cities, charming seaside towns, towering mountain ranges and coastlines that stretch for miles. In between the memorable monuments, Spain’s  pueblos (villages) offer the chance to recharge with traditional tapas (small plates) among warm locals.

Get into gear with these five outstanding driving routes, which will show you some of the best parts of Spain.

1. Costa Brava road trip

Best road trip for Catalonian history and cuisine – and all things Dalí Barcelona – Cadaqués; approx 246km (153 miles); allow 3-4 days

Spain is blessed with over 3000 miles of coastline, and one of its most spectacular stretches is the Costa Brava , along the Mediterranean on the northeastern coast of  Catalonia . This drive will reward you with long, sunlit beaches; historic cities; and picturesque fishing villages that inspired the region’s most famous artist, Salvador Dalí. 

Starting in  Barcelona , take the GI-682 road from Tossa de Mar to Sant Feliu de Guíxols, where there are designated viewpoints to stop and gawk at the spectacular scenery. Detour from the coastline for a pit stop at the ancient city of Girona  to take in its  iconic cathedral  (which has one of the widest Gothic naves in the world), and the archaeological treasures at Banys Àrabs (Arab Baths).

Art lovers will not want to miss the famous “Dalinian Triangle”  (formed by the municipalities of Figueres, Portlligat and Púbol), where you can immerse yourself in Salvador Dalí's outlandish world by visiting his former residences, now open to the public.

The road trip ends at the quaint seaside town of Cadaqués on the bay of the Cap de Creus peninsula. This was a favorite summer playground of iconic artists and writers, including Dalí, Pablo Picasso, Daphne Guinness, Man Ray, Frederico Garcia Lorca, Melina Mercouri and Marcel Duchamp, among many others. And now you.

Planning tip:  Girona’s  El Celler de Can Roca has been named the world’s best restaurant numerous times over the years, and it takes bookings up to a year ahead. So what are you waiting for? Get those reservations in now. 

2. Andalucía road trip

Best road trip for getting close to Spain’s Moorish past Malaga– Seville; 471km (293 miles), allow 5 days

Southern  Andalucía  is the only European region that has both Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines, linked by the Strait of Gibraltar. A drive through this fascinating region takes you along the justly popular  Costa del Sol .

Start in the sunlit coastal city of Málaga , and enjoy stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Head inland for the enchanting cities of Granada and Córdoba , where the imprint of the Muslim dynasties that ruled Spain until the 15th century is palpable.

No visit to Granada is complete without stopping at the  Alhambra , the ancient palace and citadel of the Nasrid Dynasty, which gloriously blends Moorish and Christian decorative styles. The same entrance ticket will get you into the nearby Palacio de Generalife , a summer palace for the Nasrid sultans. 

Córdoba is a captivating city that is home to the La Mezquita–Catedral de Córdoba (the Córdoba Mosque), the city’s shining jewel which, alongside the Alhambra, represents the apex of Islamic architecture in Spain. 

A 90-minute drive from Córdoba, the Andalusian capital of Seville offers an idiosyncratic and dreamy mix of horse-drawn carriages, citrus trees, a colossal Gothic cathedral , Mudéjar (Moorish) architecture and flamenco tablaos (flamenco performances). 

3. Northern Spain road trip

Best road trip for greenery and cuisine along Spain’s Atlantic coast San Sebastián – Santiago de Compostela; 750km (466 miles), allow 6–7 days

Because the north of Spain sees more rainfall than the rest of the country, its landscapes tend toward the verdant; on the road, you’ll be treated to a visual feast of lush hillsides, snow-capped mountain peaks and Atlantic Ocean views. This itinerary will take you across four autonomous communities of Spain, departing from the Basque Country , crossing Cantabria  and  Asturias , then ending in Galicia . 

A great jumping-off point is the gastronomic coastal city of San Sebastián, which has the greatest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants per square meter in Europe. It would be ideal to spend a day or two here to explore the city’s Parte Vieja (Old Quarter), and savor the endless array of pintxos (appetizers) that tempt you at every turn. 

Not too far away is the Basque islet of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe , which has become world-famous as the filming location for Dragonstone in  Game of Thrones . This breathtaking rocky precipice juts out into the Bay of Biscay, and is connected to the mainland by a long, winding stone staircase. Crowning the islet is a small chapel with a bell at its facade: tradition calls for visitors to ring the bell three times and make a wish.

Stretch out your legs on the spectacular golden sand beach, Playa del Sardinero , in the port town and Cantabrian capital of Santander . The whimsical oceanfront Magdalena Palace  was built in the early 1900s as a summer residence for the royal family. 

You’ll enjoy dramatic views of the Picos de Europa mountain range as you drive onward into Asturias. Stop by Oviedo  to explore the charming old town and try the traditional fabada asturiana bean stew. Finally, join pilgrims from all over the world at  Santiago de Compostela , the final destination of the thousand-year-old pilgrimage of the Camino de Santiago (Way of St James), where you could visit the Basilica of Santiago de Compostela , the reputed final resting place of St James the Apostle. Luckily, you won’t be tired from walking there.

Planning tip:  Most car-rental firms will gladly throw in a silla infantil (car seat) for an additional cost. You should always book these in advance, especially around holidays like Christmas and Holy Week (when finding a car to rent itself can be a challenge).

4. Castilla y León road trip

Best road trip for towns filled with medieval castles, churches and charm Madrid – Salamanca; 265km (165 miles), allow 2 days

This itinerary through central Spain takes you across plateaus with the dramatic backdrop of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range and into some of Spain’s most outstanding historic towns in the Castilla y León region. Look forward to walled medieval cities, fortified castles, Romanesque architecture, Gothic cathedrals and UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Just over an hour away from Madrid , your starting point, lies  Segovia , famous for its magnificent Roman aqueduct , Gothic cathedral and the 12th-century Alcázar of Segovia castle.

The next stop is the medieval-era walled town of Ávila , “the town of stones and saints,” known for having the most Gothic and Romanesque churches in Spain (and that’s saying something!). Spend a day walking its cobblestone streets and visiting the El Salvador Cathedral , San Vicente Basilica and the Convent/Museum of St Teresa , perhaps the town’s most famous native.

End your road trip in the charming university town of Salamanca , known as “La Cuidad de Oro” (Golden City), since its honey-colored sandstone walls glow with infinite golden hues in the late afternoon light.

Local tip:  Castilla y León is hot and sunny in summer – but winters can get cold. The climate is relatively dry, even in the cold months, which means it doesn’t snow very often – but temperatures can drop below zero overnight. Pack for proper winter weather.

5. Ibiza road trip

Best road trip for coves and beaches Ibiza Town – Cala d’Hort; 35km (22 miles), allow 1–2 days

Renting a car in Ibiza is the best way to explore the island’s stunning calas  (or coves): having your own wheels will save you both time and expensive taxi fares. While the island has a reputation as a 24/7 party destination, its timeless allure lies more in its natural attractions: think rugged cliffs, turquoise-colored waters and ancient archaeological sites.

Starting from Ibiza Town , drive over to Ses Salines beach at the southern tip of the island (only about 10 minutes away) to get a taste of glamorous beach life. It’s not uncommon to spot celebrities soaking up the sun or enjoying cocktails in one of the many beachside bars and restaurants. 

A fascinating contrast awaits at Sa Caleta  (Es Bol Nou), a more secluded beach tucked between rugged red cliffs. Take some time to hike up the ancient Phoenician civilization World Heritage site of Sa Caleta ruins, and pause for some fresh seafood at the cala ’s restaurant, with its shady Mediterranean garden bar. 

End your drive at Ibiza’s emblematic Cala d’Hort , featuring the mythical Es Vedrà island, which rises 382m (1253ft) from the glittering Mediterranean waters. Everything from UFOs to the Virgin Mary have reportedly been seen on this island, giving it its legendary status. While it’s a spellbinding sight at any time of the day, viewing it for the first time at sunset is an almost transcendent experience.

Local tip:  The Balearic Islands, including Ibiza, are pushing forward long-term projects to transform tourism into a more sustainable and less seasonal industry . Check out Illes Sostenible and Ibiza Sostenible  for information on ways you can get involved, from “ plogging ” to restoring corals.

This article was first published Sep 13, 2021 and updated Mar 13, 2024.

Explore related stories

Architecture

Jan 27, 2024 • 5 min read

Where can you go for a day trip from Seville? Majestic Moorish cities, beaches, sherry country and hilltop towns are all excursions within easy reach.

Jan 27, 2021 • 4 min read

Nov 16, 2019 • 6 min read

Sep 11, 2024 • 7 min read

Sep 3, 2024 • 9 min read

Aug 29, 2024 • 5 min read

Aug 29, 2024 • 7 min read

Aug 21, 2024 • 10 min read

Aug 20, 2024 • 7 min read

Aug 16, 2024 • 9 min read

10 Best Road Trips in Spain to Take in 2024

By: Author Stefania Guglielmi

Posted on Last updated: March 14, 2024

Categories Europe , Spain

Thinking of touring Spain by car? Look no further. Check out this selection of the best road trips in Spain (with itineraries and tips).

Whenever you think of Spain, what image comes through your mind? Cool cities like Barcelona or Madrid, historical sites such as the Alhambra, the charming villages of Andalusia, or the beaches? I know, it’s hard to think of just one thing as Spain offers a little bit of everything.

Spain is the perfect country to go on a road trip – it’s small enough that you don’t have to spend half your time driving, but it’s also big enough to keep you busy for a while. When you travel Spain by car you’ll want to stop every few miles as there’s so much to see, and it’s not a case that some of the best road trips in Europe are actually in Spain.

Together with some fellow travel bloggers, I put together this list of the best Spain road trips to take this year. It includes some of the classics like a road trip through Andalusia and one around the north of Spain and others a little bit more off the beaten path. What about a road trip through Galicia, or the heart of the country, or one mega loop around the whole country? Or how about visiting two countries at once, Spain and Portugal or Spain and Morocco?

Of course, these road trips are best completed by car , but if for any reasons you can’t or don’t want to drive, some of them can definitely be done by using public transportation (rail + bus + flights). In some cases, you’d have to tweak your itinerary a little, but this list can still be useful for finding inspiration.

➤ Do you know that from 2022, non-EU citizens of multiple countries will need to apply for an ETIAS, an authorization document to be able to travel to Spain and the Schengen area? It’s the same concept of a US ESTA document. Check out the ETIAS requirements in order to receive an approved travel authorization.

➤ To avoid problems and scams when I plan a road trip, I usually rent cars in advance by using Discover Cars , a site that compares rentals from all the major companies to find you the best deal. I’ve found the site to be reliable and there are often some very good deals. ➥ COMPARE PRICES HERE

This list is an incredible source of inspiration – there are road trips for all tastes and preferred duration (from 3 days to 3 weeks and more). Check them all out!

Table of Contents

Southern Spain Road Trip (Andalusia) from Malaga to Cordoba

If you’ve chosen to explore Southern Spain on a road trip, let me tell you: great choice! This part of Spain is oh so beautiful, and having a car will give you the freedom to explore the pueblos (villages) outside the cities.

Highlights of the trip: • Visit the Alhambra, a palace that looks from 1001 Arabian Nights. • Wander around the super Instagrammable pueblo of Frigiliana. • Enjoy some incredible views in Ronda. • Go for Tapas & Flamenco in Seville. • Visit the Mosque-Cathedral in Cordoba, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Start your Andalucia road trip in Malaga , a pretty coastal town. Calle Larios is considered one of the most beautiful streets in Spain, and of course you should take advantage of the beach while you can.

On day 2, you’ll drive to Granada where you’ll spend 2 nights. On the way, don’t forget to stop in Frigiliana , a village made famous by its Moorish, all-white architecture.

Granada has a ton to offer, from the cobbled streets in El Albaicin, the most traditional neighborhood in the Old Town, to, of course, the jewel of Andalusia: The Alhambra. This palace is straight out of 1001 Arabian Nights, and unmissable. Remember to book your tickets in advance!

The next day, get on the road early cause it’s time for some more pueblos. Setenil de las Bodegas is definitely a unique one with its houses built into the rock, and Ronda built on top of a gorge offers some incredible views. Looking for an instagrammable spot? Check out Juzcar , the all-blue town where the Smurfs’ movie was actually shot.

On your way to Seville, stop for the views in Zahara de la Sierra . Seville offers a lot, so make it a 2-day stop. Some unmissable things to do in Seville include visiting Plaza de Espana and The Royal Alcazar (they filmed Game of Thrones here). Seville is also the birthplace of Flamenco, so squeeze in a flamenco show and of course some gourmet tapas .

Last but not least on this Andalusian road trip, head to Cordoba . The jewel of Cordoba is undoubtedly the Mosque-Cathedral, but also wander around the San Basilio neighborhood with the traditional houses and patios.

Recommended length : one week.

Mallorca Road Trip

by Linn, Brainy Backpackers

One of the best road trips in Spain is along the Tramuntana mountain range in Mallorca. Dotted with cute villages, orange tree fields, and spectacular viewpoints, the narrow hairpin roads are perfect for a  Mallorca road trip .

Highlights of the trip: • Enjoy incredible views at Cap de Formentor Viewpoint. • Visit the monastery of Lluc. • Explore the charming villages of Fornalutx, Deia, Valldemossa, and Port Valdemossa. • Take the old-fashioned tram to Port de Soller.

You can easily get a rental car from the airport in La Palma and start driving up to Pollença and Port de Pollença for the first night to catch the sunrise at Cap de Formentor . This is a great natural area with dramatic cliffs vertically dropping into the deep blue sea below. If you are in the adventurous mode you might find paths leading down to secluded beaches otherwise only reached by boat, but be careful as these cliffsides can get very windy.

A few of the stops you should make sure to include on your road trip are Cap de Formentor Viewpoint, Lluc , which is the most sacred place on the island and a major pilgrimage destination, and of course the top villages. For passing by, Fornalutx, Deia, Valldemossa , and Port Valdemossa are great! Spend a few hours wandering around, have something to drink and to eat while you enjoy the medieval towns and remarkable views. For spending the night, you should stay at Soller and take the old-fashioned tram to Port de Soller on a day trip.

You should spend at least 3 days on this road trip, one of the best drives in Spain, to get the most out of it, though you can still see a lot on 1-2 days too as the villages are within short driving distance. If you are caught by rain, a good option is to see the caves of Mallorca . There are a handful of caves that are open to the public and while it rains, you’ll stay dry underground.

Recommended length : at least 2-3 days.

Classic One Week in Spain Itinerary – Barcelona, Madrid, Andalusia

Spain is such a beautiful country and one week is not enough to really get to know it. But if your time is limited, in one week you’ll still be able to see the highlights. You’ll love it so much that you’ll plan a second trip, guaranteed.

This Spain road trip from Barcelona can be easily done by car (it’s a total of 11 hours of drive), but in this case it might be even more efficient to take the high-speed train to move around, it’ll save you some precious time.

Highlights of the trip: • Get to know the Sagrada Familia and Gaudi’s art. • Enjoy wandering around Madrid, the cultural capital of Spain – art lovers will love it. • Eat tapas in Seville and watch a flamenco show. • Visit the Alhambra, a palace straight from 1001 Arabian Nights.

This classic Spain road trip itinerary starts in Barcelona , where you’ll spend the first 3 days. This city offers a bit of everything – you’ll visit the famous market of La Boqueria, you’ll have some beach time at la Barceloneta, and, of course, you’ll explore the modernist work by Gaudì such as Sagrada Familia and Casa Batllò. Barcelona is also famous for its nightlife, so no chance to get bored here.

With 3 days you also have time to check out a few off the beaten path spots in Barcelona such as the Gracia neighborhood (my favorite area in the city) and checking out the views from the Barcelona bunkers .

Then you’ll drive from Barcelona to Madrid , where you’ll spend 2 days wandering around the Retiro Park and visiting one of the most famous art museums in the world, the Prado Museum. Other must-do include eating tapas at Mercado San Miguel and visit Plaza Mayor.

It’s then time to head to Seville in Andalusia (Southern Spain), which again is an easy train ride from Madrid. If you decide to go by car, it’s a very scenic drive from Madrid to Seville.

One day in Seville will be enough to see all the highlights including Plaza de Espana and The Royal Alcazar where they filmed Game of Thrones, as well as eating as many tapas as you can and watch a flamenco show .

Your last day will be spent exploring the charming streets of Granada and the outstanding palace of the Alhambra, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World – you’ll see why. Check out the best Granada tours to book for your visit!

➤ You’ve got more time? You can transform this itinerary into a Barcelona to Malaga road trip by adding Toledo, Cordoba and Malaga in the itinerary.

The Heart of Spain Road Trip: Madrid & Castilla Leon

by Francisco, Francisco Ortiz

The same way the capital city of Madrid is overshadowed by Barcelona, Castilla Leon region is often overlooked in favor of Andalucia or Basquet Country. This doesn’t mean it is not worth a visit. In fact, in Castilla Leon you’ll find hundreds of incredibly beautiful, very traditional and charming small towns.

But this Spain road trip from Madrid is all about exploring the main cities in the center of Spain, full of history and architecture that will take you back in time. Palaces, cathedrals, walled old towns, museums, you’ll be amazed. Prepare yourself to see 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in just a few days, a few miles away from each other, when you go on this self drive Spain itinerary.

Highlights of the trip: • Wander around old town Toledo and get amazed by the moorish and mudejar architecture. • Explore the fabulous and lively university town of Salamanca, home of one of the first universities in the world. • Learn about the religious and royal history of Spain in Segovia. Don’t forget to visit the aqueduct, it’s ginormous and has been for almost 2000 years. • Visit the majestic Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, commonly known as Moasterio el Escorial.

Flying into Madrid airport, get your car, and go straight to Toledo . It’s just a one hour drive and you’ll be at your first WHS (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Toledo’s old town is a very interesting combination of different architectural styles that were predominant along history. There’s a reason the city is often called “Imperial city” and “The city of the 3 cultures” (Christians, Muslims and Jews).

One full day is more than enough and you can head out to Avila (WHS Nº2). This small city with less than 60 thousand inhabitants has a lot of interesting churches to visit, but the huge medieval town walls built in Romanesque style are by far the main attraction.

You can explore Avila in half a day and head to Salamanca . The Old City of Salamanca is one of the most impressive I’ve seen in 5 years of full time traveling, no wonder why it has been a WHS for over 30 years. I would recommend you to stay 2 days, just because it’s beautiful.

After having enough of Salamanca, you can continue towards Zamora . This city has the highest amount of romanic temples in all Europe. A Cathedral, 24 churches, a castle, walls, a bridge, 2 palaces, 9 houses, is that enough romanic architecture for you? It’s a history buff’s dream.

After 1 night in Zamora, head to Valladolid where you can keep learning about the history of Spain. Don’t forget to visit the cathedral and you can learn more about the discovery of the Americas in the Museum of Chistopher Colombus. One full day can be enough and then it’s time for Segovia, your fourth WHS.

Did you ever fantasize of feeling like Cinderella? You’ll be able to visit her castle in Segovia , named El Alcazar de Segovia. It’s hard to choose Segovia’s main attraction between the Fortress, the Cathedral and the Aqueduct, they’re all impressive.

Before heading back to explore Madrid, make a stop in El Escorial , your 5th WHS. This historical royal residence is incredibly well preserved and is visited by over half a million people a year.

Madrid , the capital city of Spain, is your last stop. I would recommend you to stay at least 2 nights. There’s a lot to see and do. Don’t miss the visit to Palacio Real (the royal palace and your final WHS of the road trip), enjoying some tapas at Mercado San Miguel, walking around Parque de El Retiro, visiting Plaza Mayor and the Museo del Prado, one of the most important museums in the world.

Recommended length : 8 days or more.

Northern Spain Road Trip from San Sebastian to Santiago de Compostela

by JB, Will Fly for Food

There are several ways to travel between San Sebastian and Santiago de Compostela in the northern region of Spain, but going on a road trip is the most fun – in fact, this is one of the best Spanish road trips. Touring northern Spain by car will it afford you the most freedom, but it’ll also give you the opportunity to explore the hundreds of restaurants along the Spanish coast.

Highlights of the trip: • Enjoy Basque-style grilled turbot and txacoli in Getaria. • Appreciate art and architecture at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. • Visit El Capricho de Gaudi in Comillas. • Enjoy some typical food from the Asturias region. • Walk along the Roman walls of Lugo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

On this Northern Spain road trip itinerary you’ll get to experience the magic of the Basque grill and the rich tradition of Asturian cuisine. You can explore architectural marvels like the Guggenheim Museum and El Capricho de Gaudi between hundred-kilometer stretches of scenic Spanish coastline.

Itineraries and stops vary by preference but these are a few highlights to look forward to on a north Spain + Basque country road trip: enjoying the beach and the waves of San Sebastian , paired with incredible Basque-style food in Getaria , exploring the incredible art and architecture at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao , and visting the El Capricho de Gaudi in Comillas , one of just three buildings Antoni Gaudi designed outside Catalonia.

You’ll also get to enjoy some incredible traditional food from the Asturias such as Fabada Asturiana, queso decabrales, and  carbayon in Oviedo , and explore some UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Roman walls of Lugo .

With less than 700 km to cover, you can potentially do this northern Spain road trip in under 8 hours but why would you want to? The northern coast of Spain is beautiful with many interesting towns and dishes to explore.  It’s best to spread it out over a few if you have the time. Like a good fabada , this is a drive you’ll want to savor and not rush through.

Recommended length : 3 days as a minimum.

Catalonia + Costa Brava Road Trip from Barcelona

Barcelona is an incredible destination, but the nearby region of Costa Brava is great too! On this Costa Brava road trip from Barcelona you’ll get to experience a bit of everything – beaches, villages, and beautiful landscapes. It’s definitely one of the best road trips from Barcelona.

Highlights of the trip: • Discover why Barcelona is such a popular destination. • Visit the Dalì Museum in Figueres. • Hike to the lighthouse in Cap de Creus. • Get lost in the alleyways of fairytale Begur. • Relax on the beach in Tossa de Mar and Lloret de Mar.

Fly to Barcelona . Spending 3 days in Barcelona would be great, but depending on how much vacation time you have, you can get to see the highlights in 2 or even one day in Barcelona . A few places you can’t miss are the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batllò, Las Ramblas, the Gothic Quarter and the traditional Boqueria Market. 

If you have more time, consider a few things to do in Barcelona off the beaten path such as a cool flea market or an helicopter ride, or going to the Bunkers del Carmel for a picnic and 360 degrees views of the city.

Your next destination on this 10-day Spain road trip will be Vic , a traditional Catalonian town in central Catalunya. Try and visit on Tuesday or Saturday, when you’ll find a huge farmers’ market where you can buy all kinds of gifts for your foodie friends. Continue you Catalonia road trip with a stop in Girona , a city that somehow resembles Florence . Walk around the old town and by the river and if you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you’ll be thrilled to know this was a filming location for the show!

Next day, stop first in Besalù , one of the most picturesque medieval towns in Spain. A few hours will be enough to visit it before heading to Figueres . Figueres is mostly known for being the birthplace of Salvador Dalì, and you should definitely visit the quirky Dalì Museum.

Now that you’ve had your fill of history and art, you might be happy to know that the next day will be all about nature. Visit Cadaques , a beautiful whitewashed village, and Cap de Creus Natural Park , a peninsula where you can hike and enjoy some incredible landscapes – islets, forest, and vertiginous cliffs.

The next day, head to Begur , a fairytale town with an 11th century castle and tons of colorful buildings and alleys – super charming and definitely instagrammable. The second stop of the day will be Calella de Palafrugell , another dreamy little town with its whitewashed buildings, fishing boats, and a beautiful bay.

Make Tossa de Mar your next stop on this road trip in Catalonia. This is one of the most popular destinations in Costa Brava, mostly for its nice sandy beaches and the fact that it’s an historical, 12th century walled town with beautiful clifftop views.

Unfortunately, it’s your last day – but don’t despair! Lloret de Mar , the last stop, is a great place to party if you’re into that, or to relax one last time at the beach. While Tossa de Mar is quite sophisticated, Lloret de Mar caters more to a younger crowd and to young families. If you still have time, stop in Blanes on your way back to Barcelona.

Recommended length : 7 to 10 days for the whole itinerary .

➤ If you don’t have enough time to see it all, you can easily shorten this Costa Brava + Barcelona road trip. For example, you can visit Barcelona and then go on a 3 day road trip from Barcelona that touches Figueres, Begur, Calella de Palafrugell and Tossa de Mar.

Spain and Portugal Road Trip

Maybe you feel like seeing more than one country – after all, Europe is pretty small! In two weeks, you can see the highlights of both Spain and Portugal- how does that sound?

This road trip in Spain and Portugal is fast and pretty packed, but you’ll get to see an array of very different cities, numerous UNESCO World Heritage Site, vineyards and castles, and you’ll get to eat some amazing food.

Highlights of the trip: • Visit the ancient city of Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. • Be mesmerized by the one-of-a-kind Alhambra in Granada. • Eat as many pasteis de nata as you can in Lisbon. • Take super instagrammable shots at Palacio da Pena in Sintra. • Explore the Douro Valley and go for a porto wine tasting or two.

This road trip is a loop that starts and finishes in Madrid, the capital of Spain, and it’s definitely one of the best road trips from Madrid you can choose. Madrid is a vibrant, exciting city, and art and culture lovers will love the array of museums and art galleries. Definitely visit the Prado museum, walk around the Retiro Park and the Gran Via (Madrid’s main street), and eat tapas at Mercado San Miguel.

On your way to Granada, make a stop in Toledo , a city whose historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This city is famous for being one where the Christian, Jewish and Muslim cultures blend together.

Granada is the most famous destination in Andalusia because this is where you’ll find the Alhambra, a unique Arabic fortress (remember that it’s mandatory to book your tickets in advance!). But once you’ve visited the palace, make the most of your one day in Granada as there’s more to see. Wander around the traditional Albaicin neighborhood and go on a DIY tapas tour in the Realejo area, for starters.

The next day, head to Cordoba . The city is smaller than Seville and Granada and is often overlooked, but its Mosque-Cathedral is another UNESCO World Heritage Site and the traditional San Basilio neighborhood is super charming.

Then drive to Seville . A few things to do in Seville are visiting the beautiful Plaza de Espana, watching a Flamenco show , and visiting the Alcazar Palace. Make sure to have a ton of tapas as Seville is famous for their tapas – for gourmet ones, I recommend heading to La Brunilda, one of the best tapas bars in Seville .

From Seville, drive to Lisbon in Portugal, one of my favorite countries in the whole world. There are so many things to do in Lisbon to keep you occupied, but let’s try and make the most out of your 3 days in Lisbon.

Some things that can’t miss on your Lisbon itinerary are the obvious Alfama neighborhood + St. George Castle and Belem where you’ll eat the best pasteis de nata and visit the Tower of Belem. Enjoy the views from one of the many miradoures, and check out the 25 de Abril Bridge hat looks like the Golden Gate in San Francisco.

The third day will actually be a day trip to Sintra , which is located only 30 minutes away (check out how to get to Sintra from Lisbon ). This town has become super popular because of the many Sintra castles and palaces , which are quirky and super instagrammable. Instead of doing it as a day trip, you could also spend a night here.

Your next stop will be Coimbra , famous for its ancient university which is actually another UNESCO World Heritage Site. And if you’re a Harry Potter fan, you’ll be happy to know that this where J.K. Rowling took her inspiration for Hogwarts’ uniforms – the students here wear cloaks!

The next stop, Porto , is as charming or even more charming than Lisbon. A few of the things you can do in Porto that need to be added to your 2-day itinerary are going on a sightseeing cruise, visiting the beautiful Livraria Lello (one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world), and finding the best azulejos (the blue tiles) in Porto . Head also to Vila Nova de Gaia to visit a few port cellars, and maybe enjoy a fado show as well.

The last stop before driving back to Madrid is the Douro Valley . You can plan an overnight here, or you can go on a Douro Valley day trip from Porto . The landscapes with the vineyards and the river are just breathtaking, and the best way to really soak them in is by going on a boat tour on the Douro river from Pinhao. Another unmissable activity is visiting one or two quintas, wineries, and enjoy a porto wine tasting.

➤ The best time for this Madrid to Porto drive is in spring and autumn, it’s really hot during the summer in Southern Spain.

Recommended length : 2 weeks.

Galicia Road Trip

by Inma, A World to Travel

If you aren’t familiar with Northern Spain, Galicia might not mean lots to you. Predominantly rural, kind of isolated from the country’s most well-known tourist hubs and a true paradise on earth, this North West Spanish region won’t disappoint visitors in love with stunning landscapes, great cuisine, and friendly people.

Highlights of the trip: • Explore the Sil Canyon and enjoy a glass of wine in one of its wine cellars. • Be charmed by the historical city of Santiago de Compostela. • Try glamping in one of many Galicia glamping spots. • Fall in love with Galician cuisine. • Go sailing, SUP boarding, or kayaking at one of Galicia beaches. 

Without further ado, these are a few things that should be included a Galician adventure trip.

Explore the Sil Canyon and enjoy a glass of wine in one of its wine cellars. This gorge is really impressive, and the area’s micro-climate create the ideal conditions for producing very good wines.

Visit historical Santiago de Compostela , which is the end of the Camino pilgrimage path, but not just that. You’ll find baroque buildings and a beautiful Cathedral – and did you know that the old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

To experience nature in a different way, why no camping in luxury? Take super instagrammable photos at one of the  Galicia glamping  spots that populate this land, and the word “glamping” will change its meaning forever.

Experience the tastiest dishes anywhere a street or two away from the town’s main square. The cuisine of Galicia is prety unique, and different from the rest of Spain.The Pulpo a la Gallega, Galician style octopus, is absolutely a must try!

Definitely don’t miss the chance to go sailing, SUP boarding, or kayaking at one of the beaches of Galicia. Stretching along 1500km finding the right one for you shouldn’t be difficult but for starters, check one of the following: A Lanzada for walking with a side of music and cocktails at sunset, Pantín for surfing and Rodas – in the Cies islands – for sunbathing.

Recommended length : 3 days to one week. A long weekend should be enough to explore 2 or 3 different highlights but of course, a week or longer will give you just enough time to fall in love with this wonderful land.

The Ultimate Spain Road Trip from Madrid

by Francisco, Viajando con Fran

Spain has so much to offer that it would take years to explore it all. There’s a reason why it is historically one of the most visited countries in the world. In this road trip (the best road trip in Spain if you have a lot of time available), you’ll be able to visit the country’s most important attractions in less than a month and get an idea of what Spain has to offer. You won’t be bored, that’s for sure.

Highlights of the trip: • Learn more about the incredible Art Nouveau movement in Barcelona and enjoy the beaches in Costa Brava. • Explore The Alhambra in Granada and enjoy tons of tapas. • Visit The Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba and the picturesque patios. • Immerse yourself in the Basque culture in Bilbao, one of Spain’s trendiest cities. • Get your fair share of museums and Spanish history in Madrid.

Fly into Barcelona and take a couple of days to visit the one-of-a-kind Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, La Pedrera-Casa Mila, Casa Batllo, the Palau de la Musica Catalana and other incredible examples of the modernism architecture in Barcelona. Walk down La Rambla, explore the Gothic Quarter, eat your way through the Gracia neighborhood , and check out the views from the Bunkers del Carmel .

After that grab our car and drive north to Girona , the heart of the Costa Brava region. Base yourself in the medieval city of Girona and take the car to explore the best beaches in continental Spain and some very beautiful small towns like: Peratallada, Pals, Cadaqués, Figueres, Tossa de Mar, among others.

After you had enough, go back to Barcelona and visit Montjuic, Mercado La Boqueria, maybe even attend a soccer match at the popular Camp Nou stadium, and walk along La Barceloneta, the city’s most popular beach. If you have enough time, definitely try and check out these unusual things to do in Barcelona as well.

It’s time to move, and the next destination is Spain’s third largest city, Valencia . Here you’ll find a combination of old and modern. Wander around the Old Town, visit the very modern museums and make sure not to forget enjoying the famous paella.

The next region to explore is the famous laid back, hot and friendly Andalusia. You’ll stop some night in the 3 major cities: Granada, Cordoba and Seville . You’ll find the very best of Moorish architecture. Andalusia was ruled by the Arabs for around 800 years, so you’ll see a big conjecture of cultures everywhere. The Alhambra in Granada and the Mosque-Cathedral in Cordoba are not only UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but also some of Spain’s main attractions.

There’s plenty of beautiful little towns in Andalusia to explore, but you’ll drive north to Caceres for a quick stop and then head to Salamanca . After a day getting lost in Salamanca’s picturesque Old City, haed to Burgos , home to one of Spain’s most iconic cathedrals.

From Burgos, drive north to Bilbao where you should stay at least 2 nights. Bilbao’s tourism growth in the last decades has been impressive. The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, designed by Frank Gehry has a lot to do with it. In Bilbao you’ll have access to beaches, mountains and the seafood is great.

Drive to San Sebastian to check out this trendy beach town full of great world-known restaurants. After you’ve learned about Basque culture and eaten enough pinxtos (how they call tapas in the north), make a quick stop in Zaragoza on your way to Cuenca , the city of the hanging houses. Yes, houses hanging over the edge of a vertical cliff. It’s crazy to see, but it’s not the only reason why Cuenca is another World Heritage Site, it’s full of historic places to explore.

If you haven’t had enough history yet, head to Toledo where you’ll find one of Spain’s prettiest walled old towns. It’s no surprise Toledo is another World Heritage Site, full of historic buildings that show the three cultures that represent the city: Christian, Muslim and Jewish. There are so many attractions that contrary to what most people do, I would advise you to spend 1 night there to be able to explore it with time.

From Toledo, drive less than an hour and end your trip in  Madrid . Here you’ll need 2-3 days to be able to fully explore all the world class museums and palaces. Don’t leave the city without eating at Mercado San Miguel and walking around Retiro Park.

After this driving tour of Spain you’ll have a good idea of what Spain has to offer. I can assure you, it’s not going to be enough and you’ll start planning your next visit before leaving the country 😉

Recommended length : 24 days or more.

Spain and Morocco Road Trip

If you’re looking for a different type of road trip, this is the perfect one. This road trip around Spain and Morocco will bring you to two very different countries and cultures. You’ll get to visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites, sleep in the desert, shop in the crazy busy souks, eat tapas and check out world-famous attractions.

Check out this video I made in Morocco to see why this is a one-of-a-kind road trip.

Highlights of the trip: • Explore the incredible museums of Madrid. • Visit the one-of-a-kind Alhambra palace in Granada. • Head to the British territory of Gibraltar for a day. • Glamp in luxury among the Sahara sand dunes in Merzouga. • Wander around the medina and shop in the souks of Marrakech.

Start your road trip through Spain and Morocco in Madrid , where you’ll spend the first two days. Madrid is the capital of Spain and the cultural capital as well – if you like art and museums, you’ll have plenty of choice here, but of course don’t miss the famous Prado Museum. Other things to do in Madrid include wandering around the beautiful Retiro Park and along the Gran Vìa.

Head then to Toledo , whose historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, Jewish, Islamic and Christian cultures coexist and are blended together. Check out the Cathedral, the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, and the Alcantara Bridge.

You next stop will be Granada , famous worldwide for the mesmerizing Alhambra Arabic fortress – remember that it’s mandatory to book your tickets in advance! After visiting the palace, spend another day here eating as many tapas as you can, wandering around El Albaicin (Granada’s Arab Quarter), and visiting the cave houses in the Sacromonte area.

Head to Malaga – this beach town is charming, but one day here will be enough to hit the beach and walk on Calle Larios, a beautiful street.

Day 7 will be about exploring a new country – Gibraltar ! Gibraltar is a British territory so everyone here speaks perfect British English.  Visit the Gibraltar Rock, where you’ll find plenty of macaque monkeys (no kidding!) and take the cable car to the Top of the Rock.

The next day it’ll be a full travel day, so wake up bright and early. Drive to the port of Algeciras where you’ll board a ferry to Ceuta, a Spanish territory in Africa. Cross the border with Morocco, and drive to Fez.

Fez , your first stop in Morocco, will be a shock to the senses. The chanting, the smells, the crowds… it’ll definitely be different than Spain. Spend two days here visiting the extremely stinky but fascinating Chouara Tannery, and wandering around the old town (called the medina) which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being one of the best preserved historic towns of the Arab world.

It’s time to head to Merzouga , which I bet is going to be the highlight of this trip for you – it definitely was for me! The drive from Fez to Merzouga will take 8-9 hours, so you’ll definitely want to spend 2 to 3 nights here. This is where you’ll find those giant, golden sand dunes you’ve been dreaming of. Stay in a luxury camp such as Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp where you’ll ride camels at sunset, go 4WD off-roading through the desert, witness the Milky Way at night and experience what luxury glamping really means.

If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones , or you’ve watched Lawrence of Arabia or The Gladiator , then you definitely know Ait Benhaddou . This is a fortified city that has maintained the look for centuries, and it’s another World Heritage Site. After a stop here, go back a little to Ouarzazate . Known as the Hollywood of Africa, this is a very scenic city and you can spend the night here. I’ve written more about these destinations in this post about the best day trips from Marrakech .

End your road trip in Marrakech where I recommend spending two days. A few of the best things to do in Marrakech are visiting the wonderful Ben Youssef Madrasa, getting lost in the medina and haggling in the souks, and having a real hammam experience.

➤ Avoid this road trip during the summer as you’d die of heat both in Spain and Morocco.

Recommended length : 15-16 days

Hopefully you’ll be inspired by this list of Spain road trip ideas and you’re already packing your bags. I guarantee you’ll love it!

OH WAIT, HERE’S MORE ROAD TRIP INSPO!

22 Incredible Road Trips in Europe to Take This Summer 7 Scenic Road Trips in Portugal Not To Miss 8 Balkan Road Trips for Your Bucket List 9 Epic France Road Trips To Take This Year

Stefania Guglielmi is the founder of Every Steph. Originally from Bologna, Italy, she's been traveling full-time since 2016 and has visited over 50 countries across 6 continents. She believes sustainable travel and luxury travel can go hand in hand and has been advocating for responsible tourism since 2014. Stefania's advice and travel experiences have been featured in important publications such as Business Insider, Refinery29, and Yahoo Money.

Sign me up for the monthly newsletter!

Spain Road Trip - The Ultimate 2 Week Itinerary

Start your road trip from barcelona.

With this road trip spanning the length of Spain, you can start at either end, but we often find ending in a hotter place more sun and sea works better.

The first few days you can take a bit more history and culture, visit sights and museums before heading for more relaxed scenery driving along the Costa del Sol towards the end of your trip.

Day 1: Barcelona - Fly in, sightseeing & seafood dinner

This epic Spanish road trip starts in the Catalan capital - Barcelona.

One of the best things about going on a road trip to Spain is the weather - check out the best time to visit Spain to pick your month of travel. Catalonia is beautiful and captivating all year round - so get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.

If you've arrived with your own car, our advice is to park it up for a few days at the nearest underground car park as you won't be needing it around town.

If you plan to hire a car, don't bother picking one up until day 3. While there is ample parking around the city, much like most of Spain, getting around on foot or using the relatively cheap metro system is a lot more convenient and relaxing.

Where to stay in Barcelona

There's a huge choice of hotels and villas to stay in when visiting Barcelona, some of them considerably more expensive than others.

A top tip is to stay somewhere within a short walk of the main sights such as La Rambla and La Plaza Real and near the old port - this is where you'll be spending a lot of your time and where the best restaurants in town are.

I would highly recommend the Onix Liceo - it's located in the Gothic Quarter, right near Las Ramblas, the city centre and the Old Port. It's really good value for money too - especially for somewhere so central. If you're looking for the perfect hotel to stay at in Barcelona, this is it.

The majority of car rentals are really close at the Placa dels Paisos Catalans so this is handy for getting your Spain road trip underway on day 3 as you can just walk across with your bags.

Having checked into your hotel and dropped your bags off, it's time to go see what this crazy (in a good way) city has to offer, so head on down towards the Plaça de Catalunya at the top end of Las Ramblas.

Walk along Las Ramblas and explore the Gothic Quarter

The two streets and the wide promenade in-between are the true heart of Barcelona. Street artists line the pavement, eager to do a caricature of you, while street dancers, human statues and various other forms of entertainment vie for tourists' attention.

The first day is always a great opportunity to relax before your Spanish road trip really gets underway so take your time as you stroll around.

Walk halfway down Las Ramblas until you get to the Liceu metro station and turn left into the Gothic Quarter, the ancient part of the city which forms the main part of the Old Town.

One of the first things you'll see is the Barcelona Cathedral. This majestic dark stone structure is a beautiful example of fine Gothic architecture and - miraculously - seems to be somewhat off the tourist radar, making the visit that much more peaceful.

As you wander around the twisting streets of the area, head towards the sea until you reach Port Vell. This marina used to be the busiest trade port of the region and today serves as a yacht harbour.

Here you'll see a large brick building which houses the Museu d'Història de Catalunya, which gives a somewhat unique perspective on the region's continuing fight for independence as well as the history of the Catalonia's relationship with other parts of Spain.

For a spot of late lunch just before you go into the museum, you can't do much better than walk into the small Barceloneta district right behind the building.

Here you'll find a large number of bars and restaurants with all manner of Catalan tapas on offer.

Grab dinner in Barcelona's Port Vell

Barcelona has a famously fabulous dining scene, and there's a multitude of outstanding restaurants dotted around the city to choose.

The majority of these are located within walking distance of Las Ramblas, with a few further afield.

If you fancy some fish and a romantic table in the cool evening sea breeze then return to Port Vell and pick one of the dozen restaurants serving the freshest seafood in town.

Day 2: Barcelona - More sightseeing, tapas & hiking

Visit the gaudi's buildings and sights.

I know you're probably thinking that it's time to get going on your Spain road trip, but Barcelona is worth spending a full day after your arrival - you'll be very glad you did!

Your second day in Barcelona is perfect for a stroll around town taking in some of Gaudi's most famous sights. The key sights are relatively close to each other and all of them are not too far from your hotel, so it will be an easy walk!

Begin the morning in style and find a traditional café on your way to Passeig de Gràcia.

As you make your way through town, you will notice that most street crossings in Barcelona form octagonal squares and these are the best place to equip yourself with some bakery produce and fresh orange juice. If you're feeling peckish, you can indulge in one of the famous crêperies.

The first stop on your route will be the Casa Milà on Passeig de Gràcia. This famous apartment building was designed and built by Gaudi.

Just as impressive on the inside as the outside, it's worth going in to see the layout of the skeleton-like structure and get a good view of Barcelona from the wavy rooftop.

Once you're back outside, head north east on Carrer de Provença. Keep going in a straight line over the Avinguda Diagonal and you will very soon see the Sagrada Familia.

This truly unique Gothic Cathedral is still under construction, with decades of work yet to be completed; nevertheless, it's one of the most unique and jaw-dropping cathedrals in the world.

The amount of detail on the facades is astonishing, and everything from the interior decoration to the columns, towers and the naves is unlike any other in the world. You won't see another cathedral like it on your road trip through Spain... or anywhere in the world.

It's worth sitting down in one of the nearby coffee shops for a moment or two to take in the magnificent sight and do a spot of people watching before carrying on with your Barcelona tour.

Your next stop is the famous Park Güell, which is just a short walk up the Carrer de Sardenya. It's free to enter, so be prepared for crowds if you plan to visit over the weekend.

Once you're inside, have a wander and explore all the bizarre ins and outs of the park. Everything from the asymmetrical houses by the main entrance through to a large pagoda inside was born in the mysterious depths of Gaudi's brain.

Indeed, he used to live in one of the houses on the Park's grounds and frequently relaxed here himself. Be sure to walk to the highest point for fabulous views over the city.

Lunch in Barcelona the Spanish way

You could spend hours discovering new bizarre things in Park Guell, but at some point your appetite is sure to kick in.

Lunch options are fairly broad around the area, with a number of great restaurants located nearby the park.

Alternatively, you can learn from the locals and stock up on some local Iberico ham, bread, olives and cheese and have a picnic in the warm sunshine somewhere within the park. Remember that Day 3 is when the Spain road trip properly starts and if you are going to stop for a picnic on the way to Valencia, plan ahead to not eat the same packed lunch two days running!

Walk up Mount Montjuïc

As the afternoon passes by and dusk approaches, it's time to head over to the last sight of the day - Mount Montjuïc, right across the other side of town.

The walk will take about an hour and a half, although the metro option is fairly straight-forward with a direct line from the Lesseps stop nearby to Poble-sec at the foot of the Montjuïc Park.

Take your time to climb to the top of the hill, where a number of monuments built for the Olympics are dotted around the green park.

The views over the city of Barcelona are spectacular from here, so spend a few minutes figuring out where you've walked and finding your hotel roof. If you walk on a little further, you can see past the Barcelona bowl and map out the route for your Spain road trip first leg towards the mountains in the distance.

On your way down, make sure you pass the Montjuïc Fountain to watch the water and light display that takes place every half hour starting from 7pm - it's worth it. Note that the shows don't happen Monday to Wednesday, so plan your route accordingly.

By the end of the display you will be ready for a hard-earned spot of relaxation before freshening up and heading out to town for food. Perhaps a hearty steak dinner?

Drive from Barcelona to Valencia

First stop on the way is Valencia - a historic trade city on the Costa Blanca.

Day 3: Drive from Barcelona to Montserrat to Valencia

Distance: 265 miles

Visit Montserrat Monastery to kick-start your Spain road trip

Wake up, have some breakfast and check out of your hotel. This is a road trip after all, and it's time to hit the road!

Once you've loaded your luggage and set up the GPS, drive inland. The first stop on your Spain road trip itinerary is the majestic Montserrat Monastery.

This unbelievably beautiful secluded establishment - home to Benedictine Monks - is perched atop a picturesque mountain in-between two peaks.

Here, you will see stunning interior decorations and a number of highly prized religious relics.

Driving-wise, you have a choice of going up the mountain and parking close to the Monastery, or parking at the bottom and taking the train.

The train provides great views down the mountain and of the Monastery itself, so that's our preferred option.

Beware that if you choose to park at the top, you will still have to walk a fair bit uphill to get to the monastery.

The drive from Barcelona to Valencia along the coast

The drive to Valencia along a toll road will get you there in around 3 and a half hours and is a perfect way to kick off the driving on your Spain road trip. If you want to stop for lunch along the way, your best bet is to stop in Tarragona soon after you get to the coast on your way south.

The majority of other towns along the route are fairly uninteresting, with a score of high-rise hotels lining the shore and a distinct lack of restaurants and views.

Tarragona, however, is an ancient city rich in history and culture. A decent range of restaurants in the town centre will offer plenty of choice before you jump back on the AP-7 on your way to Valencia.

If you have time for a detour, hop off the motorway (remember - you'll have to pay the toll!) and check out the Pont del Diable - the Les Ferreres Aqueduct is right by the Tarragona junction. If you head into the city, there is a large amphitheatre and ruins of a Roman Forum to see.

As you arrive in Valencia, you will notice that the city's Old Town is strikingly different to the rest of the city. The city centre is confined by a river to the west and a long green park that also used to be a riverbed before the river was diverted in the fifties.

As with most Spanish cities, vast numbers of affordable underground car parks are provided, so find one near your hotel and dump the car for two days as you won't be needing it to get around.

Where to stay in Valencia

Now that you're travelling by car, you'll want to pick a hotel with parking or somewhere nearby a car park.

Silken Puerta Valencia is a sleek and modern hotel with super comfortable rooms and the perfect location on the east side of Jardin del Turia. It is easy to drive to from the V-21 and it has FREE on-site parking, which is ideal for road trippers.

The rooms are super reasonably priced (especially compared to other hotels nearby) and the breakfast is truly outstanding.

Day 4: Valencia - Market, Old Town and aquarium visit

Explore valencia old town and visit the market.

With only one full day to be spent in Valencia, you really ought to get yourself out of bed at a reasonable hour and head into town for some traditional Valencian breakfast.

Make your way towards the Mercado Central in the heart of the city (it's a 30 minute walk or a 25-minute bus ride) and stop in a cafe along the way for a couple of churros (traditional doughnut-like treats) and a coffee or a large glass of blood orange juice.

The town of Valencia is miraculously unpopular with tourists - which makes it a very appealing Spanish road trip destination!

Compared to most other Spanish cities, you will rarely see a tour guide leading a stampede of visitors here.

The only ones who make it this far away from Granada and Barcelona can typically be found in a queue outside the Oceanogràfic first thing in the morning, which is exactly why the best time to go is later on in the day.

Despite its somewhat under-the-radar status, Valencia is one of the most beautiful Spanish cities. Its Old Town is full of narrow streets criss-crossing through a mix of architecture from across the centuries.

The market, one of the oldest in the country, sells a wide range of fresh produce and local delicacies. Our top tip is to try the dozens of varieties of ham and stock up on your favourite snacks for a picnic later on in the day.

Once you've purchased everything you want and are ready to move on, exit onto the Plaça del Merkat and pay a visit to the UNESCO-listed Lonja de la Seda across the street, which is free to enter.

This grand Gothic building once functioned as a Silk Exchange. Inside you'll see beautifully decorated walls, floors, ceilings and carved columns indicating the power and wealth of Valencia in the 15th and 16th centuries.

It's fascinating to see the sheer difference between the two historic trading hubs only yards away from each other.

To round off the morning, walk the short distance towards the Valencia Cathedral. This beautiful and - to a degree - austere structure can be somewhat tricky to find, as it's closely surrounded by buildings on all sides.

The Cathedral is known for holding the most likely true Holy Grail - the cup from which Jesus drank at the Last Supper.

We'd highly recommend you pay the €2 to climb up the Cathedral's tower, as the views that open up over the city and the busy harbour are truly stunning. It's quite a walk to the top (205 steps), so make sure you've done your stretches before you make the attempt. You can even plan the next leg of your road trip through Spain as you look towards the hills in the distance!

Have a picnic in the Jardín del Turia

The Cathedral is only a stone's throw away from the Jardín del Turia. This vast green belt around Valencia's Old Town used to be a river until the source was diverted following a flood in 1957.

Today this park has everything from a roller skating park to football pitches and large chess sets. This is exactly why you bought the picnic ingredients at the market earlier on in the day.

Not every part of our Spain road trip has to involve driving, so a stroll is in order. The gentle walk down to the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències will take you around 45 minutes, so you'll be able to pick the best spot for lunch on your way.

The park's chilled out vibe, away from the humdrum of the city, combined with the smouldering Valencian sunshine will make for a great meal alfresco.

Mingle with sharks at the Oceanogràfic

The Oceanarium is located on a large and relatively new site called the City of Arts and Sciences. The entrance is easy to miss as it is relatively small, with almost the entire structure buried beneath the ground.

Tickets are expensive but well worth it, as this is one of the best and largest marine parks in the world.

A major highlight of the attraction is a long tunnel that takes you through a tank, with various species of shark swimming alongside swarms of multicoloured fish. Dolphin shows are held regularly, so check the schedule when purchasing your ticket.

Closing times vary, with doors shutting at 6pm during the winter and as late as midnight during the summer months.

Where to go for dinner in Valencia

Once you've haddock a whale of a time, it's time to find a plaice for dinner (just couldn't resist the op-perch-tuna-ty for a fish pun!)

Your best bet is to head back into town and go towards the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. There is a very broad selection of restaurants in that part of the Old Town, with a large number of them specialising in the local specialty - fresh fish.

Of course there are other options around, but you would be doing yourself a real disservice if you do not try a good fish restaurant in Valencia.

Spain road trip arrives in Granada

Having seen the best of Valencia, it's time to scale some mountains and head towards the sunny province of Andalucia with its endless beaches and beautiful white villages.

First stop on the way is Granada - one of our favourite Spanish cities that just feels great on every single visit.

Day 5: Drive Valencia to Granada via the Sierra Nevada

The drive down from Valencia to Granada is almost a mini Spain road trip in itself. It involves following the coast south to Alicante, before heading west and going over the snowy peaks of Sierra Nevada to Granada on the other side. This may sound like an ominous route, but it's actually easy and relaxed.

Once you leave Benidorm in your rear view mirror (it's really not worth stopping for), and head past Murcia, you will suddenly notice an eerie silence.

Given that the next 70 odd miles are pretty much an empty desert on a mountain plateau, nobody other than you seems keen to drive along this route.

This complete absence of other people is perfect for a relaxing drive in some of Spain's most fantastic scenery. Contrary to any fears you may have had, the road is straight and great for driving. The snow-covered mountain peaks form a gorgeous backdrop, and you're likely to have the road almost to yourself all the way there.

Going on a Spain road trip and spectacular mountain views was maybe not the obvious association, but there are few things better for a relaxing drive.

Now we obviously do not condone speeding, but you're guaranteed to be pleasantly surprised by how quickly you get to Granada - just be careful to stay within the speed limit for the two speed cameras on the way. They're clearly marked by three separate signs, each indicating exactly how many metres separate you from a €400 speeding ticket.

We know that you might have already had more picnics on this trip than you did over the course of the last decade, but we promise that this is the last one.

Every now and then you'll come across a rest area by the side of the road which often coincides with a Mirador - a great view of some beautiful landscape.

Take your pick of the pit stops and park up to have your lunch at one of the wooden tables designed exactly for this purpose.

Where to stay in Granada

If you want to stay in central Granada, at the heart of the action, head to the boutique Hotel Palacio Santa Ines.

Tucked away in a narrow street in the historic centre, the Hotel Palacio de Santa Ines consists of two revamped 16th-century buildings designed in the traditional Mudejar style.

With its tranquil inner courtyards, lovely spacious rooms and super convenient proximity to the Alhambra fortress and the Granada Cathedral, it's the perfect place to rest for a few nights.

The only issue with staying in central Granada is parking.

Luckily, the hotel has thought about your Spanish road trip needs and has partnered up with two nearby public car parks, who offer a special rate just for their guests. Simply park your car and bring your parking ticket to the hotel (they'll even reimburse you for a cab ride if the car park is too far to walk).

The hotel will stamp your ticket with a lower daily rate (€19.50 for 24 hours). Simple as that!

Head out to enjoy a tapas dinner in Granada

After dropping off your bags, go out to enjoy the evening in this awe-inspiring city. We recommend a walk around the compact town centre, which is rife with cheap and cheerful tapas restaurants.

For a cosy, relaxed option, head towards Plaza de las Pasiegas. Here you will find a quaint and unassuming little restaurant called Rollo offering a number of quirky dishes.

Our tip? Try the crunchy pancakes made with tiny prawns... delicioso!

Day 6: Granada - Visit the Alhambra fortress

Spain has culture in abundance, so you simply can't ignore it! As one of the most famous and recognisable tourist attractions in Spain, the sprawling Alhambra palace is a symbolic icon of the country. It's positively enormous, so you'll need almost an entire day to see all the various sites around this old Moorish palace complex.

Spain road trip top tip : Be sure to book your tickets ahead of time (see the official Alhambra website for details) as during peak season the limited daily allowance can be sold out weeks in advance. You can't miss out on visiting the Alhambra.

There are buses that can take you to the Alhambra entrance, but the walk up the hill is not strenuous and will make for a pleasant 20-minute stroll.

Start at buy buying an ice cream on the corner of Plaza Santa Ana, where you'll find flavours ranging from marshmallow to kiwi fruit, and head up the Cuesta de Goméres through the park at the foot of the Alhambra walls.

Once you've made your way to the Alhambra's main entrance at the far side of the complex, head right past the queue of ticket hopefuls to one of the yellow machines, insert the card used in pre-booking, and walk straight in.

Pay attention to the time you selected for entering the Nasrid Palaces and be there around 25 minutes early to join the queue.

Other than that, take your time to explore the various sights and take pictures of the sprawl of Granada below you, with the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains in the background.

Enjoy (free) tapas for dinner

Spend your time relaxing in the evening. If you want a taste of typical local food, head for Calle Navas, right in the centre of the Old Town. This narrow street is home to dozens of small family-owned restaurants serving all manner of Andalucian and general Spanish cuisine. The tables in the street are great as the cool breeze and night sky will are a perfect compliment to your bottle of Rioja.

You will probably have tried a lot of tapas on this road trip through Spain, but Granada is known as the city of free tapas. This means you can eat very cheaply if you play your cards right. Most restaurants will give you a free tapa for each drink you order, with each tapa increasing in size as you go on.

To get the most bang for your buck, order a ca ñ a of beer (small glass) as opposed to a tubo (big glass). You'll finish the beer quicker, which means more tapas!

Day 7: Granada - Explore Old Town & Albayzin

Your second day in the city can be spent wandering around the medieval streets and seeing more of the 'real' Granada.

There are a number of distinct areas, with the west part predominantly devoted to typical high street shops. The area around the Cathedral has a large number of restaurants, so study the menus on your way around to pick out your evening meal.

Visit the Cathedral and Capilla Real

The north side of the Cathedral has a large spice stall offering every spice you've ever heard of and then some - this can be an attraction in its own right!

Once you're done smelling the various beans and roots, visit the Cathedral itself and the adjacent Capilla Real. These grand buildings are an archetypal example of southern Spanish church buildings - rich in history, with elements of the Moorish culture making their way into traditional European architecture.

Once you've done your sightseeing, head up the Calle Reyes Católicos towards Plaza Santa Ana - the town's main square, located directly beneath the Alhambra's walls.

Pay attention to one of the city's highlights: the green man traffic light at all pedestrian crossings. This green man is like no other, with a very unique moonwalk impression indicating when it's safe to cross the road.

Walk through the Albayzín neighbourhood

From Plaza Santa Ana, walk past the Church onto the Carrera del Darro. This street runs next to the river Darro, which is home to a large feline colony that spends its time roaming through the shrubs.

A little further along is a small square to your right lined with restaurants that offer a great opportunity for lunch. Take a break from tapas by ordering the fritto misto - a selection of various battered fish and seafood.

Next stop: the Albayzín, the quarter that runs uphill from this street on the opposite bank to the Alhambra.

Take your time to wander through this ancient part of Granada, which is home to a vast number of small artisan shops selling everything from unusual metal work to traditional Moorish clothing.

If you head all the way to the top, the Mirador de San Nicholas is a great place to take in the views and snap some stunning shots of the Alhambra.

Day trips along the Costa del Sol

This might just be the best bit of the entire road trip through Spain. Yes - you'll be visiting some of the most amazing cathedrals and historic cities in the world, but there are few things that put as wide a smile on your face as cruising along the Costa del Sol.

The majority of the Costa has two roads running along - the free slower road along the shoreline and the fast toll road further inland.

Unless you're in a hurry or driving back to the airport, I'd stick with the coastal road for the views.

First stop is Benahavis via Malaga.

Day 8: Spain road trip continues from Granada to Benahavis

Once you have retrieved your car after breakfast, it is time to plough on with the Spanish road trip and make the short journey towards Malaga.

Once again, you will find mostly empty roads until you get close to the costas. You will know you're close to the city once the road suddenly dives down at a steep angle, and lush green vegetation appears in place of the arid rocky landscape.

As you descend towards the sea, you'll notice that the weather on the coast is mild in comparison to the hot inland Andalucia. If you don't notice this the first time round, you definitely will when you visit Cordoba.

Have a wander around Malaga

As you're passing right through Malaga, you might as well stop and have a wander.

The two forts overlooking the city are the best place for a quick break. The Alcazaba is the best preserved Moorish fort in all of Spain, and it sort of feels like the Alhambra's little cousin. The Castillo de Gibralfaro is set slightly higher and also offers brilliant views of the city and the Costa del Sol.

Spend a few hours in the city of Malaga itself. It may have a reputation as stag do-central, but this historic settlement is worth seeing in its own right.

The city centre is a tangle of cobbled streets, secret nooks and crannies and countless restaurants surrounding the Malaga Cathedral.

With tourists often passing Malaga by in favour of the Costa del Sol's many other attractions, take advantage of the atmosphere and treat yourself to lunch overlooking the marina, with the sun shining above you.

Spend the night in the white village of Benahavis

Getting to Benahavis is relatively straight-forward. You have a choice of the toll road AP-7 and the free A-7. The free road is more than good enough and takes a much more scenic route once the two split at Mijas. It also benefits from frequent exits, allowing you to stop along the way when you see a spot you like the look of.

The village of Benahavis is set in the Sierra de las Nieves mountains rising up from Marbella.

With only a 10-minute drive separating you from the beach, you benefit from staying in the culinary capital of the Costa del Sol, while also getting away from the huge package holiday hotels in the large resorts down below.

The peace and tranquillity will make for an enjoyable few evenings, and the choice of great food will make you want to come back time and again.

Where to stay in Benahavis

The best hotel to stay in the quirky Amanhavis right in the centre of Benahavis .

Set around a traditionally designed courtyard, each room has a unique theme around medieval Christian and Moorish influences. There are a lot of steps in-between the rooms and you can have dinner in the best restaurant in town in the court yard by the pool!

You can park your car for free along a couple of streets 50 yards down the hill from the hotel.

Day 9: Day trip from Benahavis - Visit Nerja and Marbella

Day 9 is perfect for seeing what the Costa del Sol is all about so this is the day your Spanish road trip takes you up and down the coast.

After a late lie-in, get in the car, put your windows down (and roof if you've got a convertible) and head down towards the sea.

Turn east along the coast and make your way past Malaga to the town of Nerja. This beautiful town takes a prime spot on the Andalucian coast and is steeped in history dating back to pre-Roman times.

Wander inside the ancient caves.

One of the main sights is a set of caves discovered in 1959.

The Nerja Caves were home to some early humans and neanderthals, with skeletal remains found throughout the linked caverns. Visitors can observe archaeological finds inside ranging from natural rock formations to prehistoric fossils and paintings.

The town of Nerja itself is a charming spot to get out and explore. Be sure to head to the elevated Balcon de Europa - a viewing platform built on top of the Nerja cliffs - for sensational views of the coast.

Two old cannons standing here remind you of the town's historical past, and the benches are a great place to enjoy an ice cream.

Drive to Marbella: the playground of the rich and famous

A late lunch is a good idea in Andalucia, as dinner is traditionally eaten later on in the evening.

Once you've seen enough of Nerja, hop back in the car and make the return trip down the coast to Marbella. No road trip in Spain is complete without driving up and down the Costa del Sol so head on right back along the beachfront.

Getting back to Marbella will take around an hour and a half. This famous resort is well-known for its beaches and countless hotels, but the Old Town is great for a midday stroll.

Park up underneath Paseo de la Alameda and cross the road to get into the historic part of town. There is a broad selection of restaurants with tables on every square, so take your pick and have some lunch here. Some of the restaurants do amazing sizzling prawns if you fancy a bit of seafood.

A number of shops sell everything from furs (no, really) to beach accessories.

After having passed through Marbella, it's time to head to Puerto Banus only minutes away up the coast.

This is Costa del Sol's playground of the rich, with ridiculously expensive yachts in the harbour and an equally elaborate display of supercars parked next to them.

Top tip: Restaurants and shops here will sting your wallet, and the parking charges are insane. If you do want to grab some lunch, head to the west end of the marina (the one with the biggest boats) - there are a couple of spots that are less busy with reasonably priced menus.

Here's another insider tip for your road trip in Spain - park up for free at La Playa Fantastica - the closest beach to Puerto Banus.

Come back out of Puerto Banus and turn right onto the A-7 motorway towards Malaga. Stay right and take the right turn onto the N-340 towards Marbella.

As you come off onto the N-340, take the first turning right onto a narrow lane running towards the sea, then take the second street on the right and follow it down to the beach. You can park your car here for free for as long as you like and have access to one of the best beaches in the area with a great beach bar.

Puerto Banus is a mere 200 metres away, so you can stroll along at your leisure to have a closer look at how the other half live and inspect the exotic automobiles.

Spend the afternoon and early evening relaxing on the beach with the odd cocktail thrown in before making the 10-minute trip back up into the seclusion of Benahavis.

Enjoy dinner back in Benahavis

Freshen up in your hotel room before making your way through the narrow streets to select your restaurant for dinner.

Note that with many visitors coming from resorts up and down the coast, going out a little later can mean a less busy and more relaxed atmosphere.

Day 10: Road trip along the Costa del Sol to Casares and Ronda

Drive to casares - one of the most beautiful 'pueblos blancos' in spain.

Today shall be the day of the Mirador . This Spanish word encompasses everything we like about driving up into the Andalucian mountains, as there are frequent labelled roadside stops allowing you to take in the magical views.

You could break tradition and set off on this leg of your Spain road trip before having breakfast to get down to Estepona.

This relatively quiet resort town has a number of cafés and bars on the seafront where you can pause and indulge in a couple of waffles covered in chocolate sauce.

Be sure to fill up the car before heading off the main road and up towards Casares, as petrol stations off the coast are few and far between.

Casares is pretty much postcard-perfect, with neat white houses built into the mountains.

With a population of just a few thousand people, the town is definitely small, but it has a surprising number of nice restaurants and hotels to choose from.

When you arrive in Casares, park your car and head towards Plaza de España, which is the focal point of this small community.

To get some great views, make your way up the narrow street next to the Virgin del Rosario Chapel and keep heading uphill until you reach an old fort at the top.

If you walk a bit further along, you will come to a viewing platform set above a sheer cliff face. From here you'll likely see a number of falcons and kestrels up close and personal - and the views of the town below are simply spectacular.

Head to Ronda and walk along the bridge

Once you've got your snaps and feel that you've seen all there is to see in Casares, it's time to hop back in the car and make your way further inland to the majestic town of Ronda.

This unique Andalucian town is placed on top of two plateaus with sheer rock cliffs down to a river valley below. The scenery is incredible from every angle and the town itself is a real marvel too.

Parking can be troublesome, so grab any spot you see once you get near the centre. Large underground car parks are available further out, but are a fair walk from the centre - we like the Parking Martinez Astein - it's about 10 minutes' walk down the main shopping street, but easy to get in and out of.

The main attraction of the city is the Puente Nuevo - the newest and most striking of the town's three bridges across the Guadalevín gorge.

This unbelievably beautiful structure took 42 years to complete and is one of Spain's most famous sights. The view that opens up from the top of the bridge is impossible to describe and pictures do not do it justice - it's just one of those places that you have to see for yourself. If there's one place that makes your Spain road trip worth it, this is it.

Once you've gotten over the quiet gurgle of the river below and the amazing views, it's time to pay attention to the rest of the historic town and there's definitely a lot to see.

The ancient cobbled streets are home to a number of museums and a bullfighting ring which you can visit. There are also plenty restaurants that are perfect for a late lunch.

A few restaurants on the south side have rooftop or terrace seats with views over the gorge and the bridge, which can make your meal a lot more romantic.

Once you feel the need to get back and relax by the pool through the late afternoon, it's a comfortable drive along a stunning road through the mountains, which comes out almost directly at Benahavis.

Your last night on the Costa del Sol ought to be celebrated with a couple of cocktails and a fabulous dinner in the calming sea breeze.

Spanish road trip ends with Cadiz, Seville and Cordoba

The last stint of this journey will take you inland as you drive up to Seville and Cordoba via Cadiz.

Don't be fooled by driving north - this is going to be the hottest part of the drive so get some water in the car. Seville and Cordoba are only an hour apart but could not be more different. You'll see how Seville's grand wide avenues with a distinctly European feel compare to Cordoba's narrow winding streets and a Moorish style.

Day 11: Drive from Benahavis to Gibraltar, Cadiz and Seville

First on the menu is a spectacular drive along the coast, a quick detour into Gibraltar and a day full of amazing views.

Driving from Benahavis to Gibraltar is fairly straight-forward until you get to the narrow streets of La Linea de la Conceptión on the Spanish side of the border. Here, you will undoubtedly join a huge queue waiting to enter.

Many people choose to park up and walk in, but with the main part of town fairly far down, we'd recommend waiting in the queue which moves along swiftly enough and driving through.

Make sure that your passports allow you visa-free entry to Gibraltar as it is outside the Schengen zone.

Climb up the famous Gibraltar Rock

There are two distinct parts to Gibraltar and you can choose how to split up your morning.

The main town is a throwback to England of a few decades ago, which is a very unique cultural experience. You will notice a lot of expensive cars and shops selling watches and jewellery for the wealthy beneficiaries of Gibraltar's favourable tax system.

The town itself, however, is more shabby chic than flamboyant, complete with iconic British red phone boxes dotted around.

For the more adventurous types, the Gibraltar Rock is a popular destination, with a cable car taking you to the top.

At the highest point you'll find the remains of an ancient Moorish castle, with a series of linked tunnels below called the Galleries. Look out for the enterprising monkeys that populate the area and are particularly keen on anything shiny they can get their hands on.

Visit the ancient city of Cadiz

On your way up to Seville, you absolutely must stop off at Cadiz.

This radiant city is the oldest in modern Europe, with history going far back into pre-Roman times. The main part of the city is located on a thin strip of land stretching out to sea, with a stunning yellow stone Old Town centred around a Cathedral.

Oddly enough, Cadiz attracts virtually no tourists whatsoever, so you are free to roam at your own leisure and visit some genuine Andalucian shops and cafés without having to distinguish them from tourist traps.

Enjoy the views from the top of Cadiz Cathedral

We highly recommend visiting the Cathedral and climbing up the tower to get a great view over the town and surrounding water. Spanish road trips tend to involve climbing huge cathedral towers in every city you visit, but it's really worth it!

The Panorama from the top of the Poniente will leave you breathless and also give you the opportunity to plan your route towards the Santa Catalina castle.

The walk there is along a narrow route that comes off the beach and heads several hundred metres into the sea, towards the fort built to protect the city from English attacks.

While you can't enter the venue, which is used exclusively for social events and concerts, the walk itself is a great way to chill out in the cool of the Atlantic waves, get a great view of the city, and have a swim in the locals' favourite relaxation spot.

Drive to Seville in time for dinner

The final stint of day 11 of your Spain road trip is getting to Seville. This will take you just over an hour and you should comfortably arrive in time to unpack, find a place to park your car and scour the surroundings for a great restaurant.

We would highly recommend finding Calle Mesón del Moro for some of the best restaurants in town, although beware that some of these may be fully booked on Friday and Saturday nights.

Where to stay in Seville

Our pick for the very best place to stay in Seville is Posada del Lucero - an elegant 16th-century inn that's been refurbished with all the modern amenities you could possibly want.

This hotel is situated near all the best shopping streets, just north of the historic sights and right next door to Metropol Parasol - the iconic massive wooden structure that locals have nicknamed "the Mushrooms".

The stylish minimal exterior of the hotel contrasts with what you'll find inside: two beautiful courtyards flanked by marble columns and sleek arched doorways.

There's also an amazing roof terrace with a plunge pool and a bar where you can enjoy drinks with a view.

Navigating the streets of central Seville can be the toughest of this Spanish road trip The hotel doesn't have its own parking, but there is a decent public car park nearby just one block up the road so head there as you drive in.

Day 12: Seville - Walking tour of all the best sights

First stop: plaza de españa.

The grand architecture and wide streets of Seville are more reminiscent of major European capitals than Andalucia, giving the city a distinct allure.

There is a lot to see around town, so get yourself out of bed at reasonable time and head down to Plaza de España. This vast open space was built in the 1920s in the middle of the Parque de María Luisa in time for the 1929 World Fair.

The large exposition building is now chiefly used for Governmental functions, but you can still go up the grand stairs for a better view.

The square itself is a semi-circle with fountains in the centre of a large paved area. Be sure to check out the perimeter of the Renaissance-style square, which is lined with Province Alcoves named after each of Spain's regions, complete with a mosaic depiction of each province.

Visit Seville's Real Alcazar

The Alcazar is probably Seville's best-known attraction, famed for its unique fusion of Moorish and Christian architecture.

Originally built as a mudejar fort, it has been converted into a Royal Palace and comes complete with stunning internal courtyards, romantic baths and grandiose apartments.

Along with the Jardines Reales Alcazares gardens around the back, this palace is guaranteed to leave you speechless.

See the largest Gothic church in the world

Last but not least on your long excursion around the city is the Seville Cathedral.

As it's only a few yards away from the Alcazar, you might want to have a spot of lunch before going inside. We would recommend crossing to the other side of the Cathedral square and stocking up on traditional local black squid paella on Calle Argote de Molina.

The cathedral itself is a masterful example of Spanish Gothic architecture and is the third largest church building in the world.

The interior's opulence has traditionally been a symbol of the wealth and power of the Catholic church, so you simply must go in and take in the sight for yourself.

Note that much of the altar and surrounding parts were completely rebuilt at the turn of the 20th century after the main dome collapsed in the 1888 earthquake, but despite this, the Cathedral remains staggeringly beautiful.

Be sure to climb up the cathedral's famous main tower, the Giralda.

Day 13: Last full day of the Spain road trip - day trip to Cordoba

On we go with the last leg of our Spain road trip.

If you thought that Seville is hot during the summer months, wait until you get to Cordoba. The city boasts Europe's hottest summer climate, and you can expect to feel it hitting you square in the face as you get out of your air-conditioned car.

The city centre is fairly compact, so your best bet is to drive towards Avenida de la República Argentina/Paseo de la Victoria and park on the street.

Explore Cordoba's top attractions

The first stop on your Cordoba tour is the Cathedral of Cordoba - aka La Mezquita. This stunning piece of architecture is probably the most impressive sight on this road trip through Spain.

This unique cathedral in the centre of the city was built on the site of a grand Moorish mosque. When it was constructed, La Mezquita defied tradition, incorporating much of the Mosque's design into the Cathedral structure.

This melange of cultures reflects the history of Cordoba, which has been characterised by two religions living side by side for centuries.

The ancient city of Cordoba is surprisingly unlike any of the other major cities in Andalucia.

The ancient Moorish influences are considerably more evident here, the narrow streets, low-rise buildings and shops looking more like northern Africa than Spain.

Be sure to pass through the Jewish Quarter to see beautiful white-washed houses set out in an impossible maze.

Cordoba used to be Europe's biggest city in the early medieval period, and it was Spain's capital during the days of the Roman Empire.

This vast historical importance means there are dozens of sights and museums to visit all around town. Many of these focus on archaeology, although there are other culture-based ones such as the Casa de Sefarad in the Jewish Quarter, where you can learn about Cordoba's Jewish community throughout history.

How to spend your evening in Seville

At the end of your day out, hop back into the car and return to Seville for the last night of your road trip - Spain has been well and truly conquered.

If you feel like treating yourself, Seville has plenty of outstanding restaurants.

If you fancy some traditional local cuisine, look no further than the Eslava in San Lorenzo, which has the town's best choice of tapas. For something a little bit more exotic, try the Az-Zait - the food here is fantastic, but it is also one of the pricier options around.

Day 14: Seville - Eat a meal at the market & fly home

The last day of your stay is likely to be cut short by the need to get to the airport or get started on your drive back home.

Malaga airport offers the most flight options out of Andalucia so consider options from there. Madrid airport is over 5 hours away so it's not a great option.

If you've hired your car in Barcelona, all major car hire firms have depots right by the airport, so make your way straight there.

If you have a bit of time to kill before leaving, make sure you go and wander through Calle San Pablo and the surrounding streets for a bit of shopping and some great cafes.

For one last taste of authentic Spanish life, walk across the Puente de Isabel II bridge and head to the large market on the right. Here you'll find a great choice of cured meats and other traditional produce.

Pick up a couple of snacks and souvenirs to remind you of your lazy trip along Spain's Mediterranean coast!

Tips for your Spanish Road Trip

Almost all cities in Spain have a network of underground car parks right in the centre - don't be afraid to follow signs for the centre of the city and dip into one of the car parks to check out the sights.

The motorways and dual carriageways in Spain are some of the best in Europe - the surfaces are typically very good, traffic is generally sparse and you can literally pay to go faster (speed limits are higher on toll roads)!

To get all the details, read our Driving in Spain guide with a lot more about local rules, speed limits and general quirks.

Join our email list!

By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. Your email will not be provided to third parties.

Related posts

Already have an account? Log in

Spain Tours & Trips

• Choose from 600+ Spain tours
• 4,100+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
• 24/7 customer support

Table of contents

The best Spain tour packages

What people love about spain tours, most popular destinations in spain, travel spain your way, top operators in spain, best places to start your spain tour, discover spain tours for every budget.

• Spain tours for every group
• Tours for every traveler

Best time to visit Spain

Contact our spain travel experts.

Compiled by

Steff Spain travel expert at TourRadar

Spanish Delights, 7 days

“The Hotels and the meals provided on the tour exceeded my expectations. It was also nice because the people in our group were very nice.” Sharon Antonelli, traveled in November 2023

• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year
• Explore Caceres' medieval quarter
• Stroll around Ronda's White Villages
• Visit the Alhambra and Generalife

Discovery of Spain - 10 days

“The hotel accomodations and the food for the premium package were well chosen and worth the upgrade.” David Gutierrez, traveled in November 2021

• Tour the historic sites and streets of Toledo
• Visit the Roman amphitheatre in ancient Merida
• Discover Seville's charming Santa Cruz Quarter

Andalucia & Toledo, 5 days on Tuesdays

“All tour members bond well together just like a family. Well done VPT.” Tam Nguyen, traveled in November 2023

• Discover Granada's Alhambra and Generalife
• Explore Cordoba's Mosque and Jewish Quarter
• Stroll through historic Toledo's streets

Charming Spain - 9 Days

“We were pleased with the abundant food for breakfast and the hotels were all good.” Bea Blessley, traveled in October 2023

• Explore Madrid's bustling streets at night

Tenerife North & South, Self-drive

“The volcanic landscapes, especially around Mount Teide, were stunning and unlike anything I've seen before.” Cristina Costa, traveled in May 2024

• Stroll through UNESCO-listed San Cristobal
• Visit the volcanic landscapes at Las Cañadas
• Pick up your rental car at Tenerife airport

My tour finish in Barcelona with no set destination/drop off specified on the itinerary so when I asked the tour leader while on route he indicated when made aware of my prebooked accommodation that it was nearby. This was not the case & the bus pulled into a service station off a busy freeway where we quickly needed to grab my luggage before the buss continued on its way. Fortunately there was a taxi there refueling that was kind enough to take me to my accommodation. Not a good end to an otherwise good tour.

Enjoyed the tour. The overall area was quite large to see-a lot of road time. Luisa, the bus driver and the local guides were very nice and patient. A tour that focused on 2 or 3 metro areas with more local activites would be an alternative idea.

Great sites, a bit more driving than expected. I would suggest that you skip the night at the beach and ,instead, spend a night in Toledo.

Andalucia, Spain's southernmost region, is brimming with rich history, culture, and natural wonders. Explore the stunning Alhambra palace in Granada, attend a passionate flamenco performance in Seville, and relax on the gorgeous beaches of the Costa del Sol.

Southern Spain

From exploring Granada’s striking Alhambra palace and visiting the tri-culture city of Toledo to attending a fiery flamenco performance in Seville and relaxing on palm-fringed beaches, southern Spain offers something for everyone.

Northern Spain

Sweeping coastal views, lush greenery, and an inviting culture are just three reasons why Northern Spain should be on your list. Visit vibrant cities such as Bilbao, relax on the gorgeous beaches of San Sebastian, or unplug from the world along the Camino de Santiago.

The Pyrenees Mountains, bordering France and Spain, are dotted with sacred pilgrimage sites, dramatic gorges, and quaint towns. Visit the small country of Andorra, home to top-notch ski resorts, scenic hiking trails, and the highest capital city in Europe.

More exciting destinations:

Fully Guided

Select from our extensive range of 619 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Spain with our expert guides leading the way.

Find the perfect tour for your family, catering to all ages with over 619 family tours available in Spain.

An Explorer tour in Spain promises thrilling adventures and diverse landscapes. Spain's vast and varied terrain offers great opportunities for hiking, biking, and discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations, ensuring an exhilarating and unforgettable journey.

Choose from over 619 cultural tours and explore historical sites, local traditions and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Spain.

More travel styles:

"My family had a fantastic time on this tour. Our guide Carlos was helpful, attentive and kind... and he did his best to ensure everything ran very, very smoothly. The small tour format with just 10 people is fantastic! Much of our enjoyment from the trip was getting to know such a great group of people over the 10 days we were all together. All of us agreed that the planned activities were things that you'd likely not know about or wouldn't necessarily do on a self-guided tour. Everyone especially enjoyed the boat ride on Lake Garda and the gondola ride in Venice. The planned dinners together were all extremely enjoyable. All together it was just a wonderful time. Our only complaint was not a complaint at all -- just a desire to have spent more time with such great people in each city and town we visited. Highly recommend this tour for a taste of the south of France and northern Italy.

Click Tours is an expert in:

"The tour was generally very good and covered a lot of distance .It was disappointing not to be met by our guide at our first meeting , but by someone from from the office.Then we had a temporary , very young guide (Paulo?) who tried hard but it all seemed very disjointed. Marco and Carlos did a good job .The local guides were excellent. The first bus we had was excellent and spacious, but later we were put into a small bus which was substandard for the sort of tour we were doing and paid for . The seats were tiny and taller men had to have their legs in the aisle . I am small , but the aisle was so narrow even I had to walk sideways to get down it. Fortunately, itv was air conditioned . The drivers were excellent . Hotels were all good .

Eskapas is an expert in:

"Tour should be called 4 delightful days and 3 long days of road trips

VPT Tours is an expert in:

Choose the city in Spain you want your tour to start in:

Browse the best budget and luxury tours in Spain that will take you through unmissable places like Madrid and Seville.

Starting from

Spain tours for every type of group

Who are you traveling with?

Explore Spain on a pre-planned itinerary and meet like-minded travelers

• Itineraries between 3 days and 33 days
• Starting from €70 per day

Small Group

Visit Spain with fewer travelers, ensuring more immersive activities

• Starting from €102 per day

Personalized

Customize your Spain itinerary to match your interests and pace

• Starting from €83 per day

Visit Spain with your own group or solo

• Itineraries between 3 days and 15 days
• Starting from €80 per day

Spain tours for everyone

Discover unforgettable adventures designed for all ages! Whether you're young or young at heart, our adventures offer excitement and wonder for everyone.

• September 2024 365 tours
• October 2024 popular 454 tours
• November 2024 308 tours
• December 2024 popular 259 tours
• January 2025 219 tours
• February 2025 230 tours
• March 2025 292 tours
• April 2025 306 tours
• May 2025 popular 312 tours
• June 2025 popular 304 tours
• July 2025 258 tours
• August 2025 264 tours

Expert in Spain at TourRadar

Nina is one of our seasoned Spain Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Spain tours answered!

• Choose from 619+ Spain tours
• 4,163 verified reviews by TourRadar customers

Write us a message

Discover TourRadar

All Barcelona Highlights Tour by Car

Private barcelona car tour​​.

The perfect overview: As much as you can cover in one morning​

Do you have a short time to visit all Barcelona? Do you wish to cover as much as possible in a relatively short time? A walking tour is not an option for you or someone in your party? Does a private car sound like the perfect way to go?

Getting a good overview of Barcelona in a morning is mission impossible if you are on your own: there’s no way you’ll be able to to see much of the Barcelona highlights, and how stressful it would be! And that’s without speaking about all the planning, timing, admission purchases…

We designed this 4-hour private car tour that combines the comfort and efficiency of a private driver with the knowledge and personal touch of a private guide, to show you the top Barcelona tourist highlights: the historical area of the Gothic Quarter, the Hill of Montjuic with its impressive city views and location to 2 important periods in our history (1929 World Fair and 1992 Olympics), and the major Gaudi sites, skipping the line at the Sagrada Familia Church with your Barcelona private guide.

If this is your only chance to explore the city, this is one of the best tours of Barcelona you can take: you’ll leave with a great overview of what the city has to offer. And if you are staying, you’ll have a wonderful base to decide how to spend the rest of your time in the city and what you want to explore next.

THIS PRIVATE BARCELONA HIGHLIGHTS TOUR COVERS:​

MONTJUIC HILL   |  GOTHIC QUARTER   |   CATHEDRAL OR JEWISH SECTION (Optional) CASA BATLLO AND   CASA MILA (Outside)   |   SAGRADA FAMILIA (Inside)   |    WATERFRONT

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS TOUR

✓ Skip lines everywhere. No need to pre-purchase tickets yourself. ✓ Cover the best of Barcelona in a time-efficient way. ✓ Feel like a VIP driving around on our Mercedes vehicles with dedicated uniformed driver. ✓ Avoid splitting in two taxis if you are 4 to 6 people. ✓ Hear stories that will make the city come alive. ✓ Understand how the city layout is intimately related to its history. ✓ Learn why the center of Barcelona looks like Paris. ✓ Learn to see the influence of nature in the Gaudi sites, where others will only see crazy shapes. ✓ Discover when will the Sagrada Familia be finished and why. ✓ And much more, in a private tour just for you and your party!

• THIS TOUR RUNS : Every day (unless a site is exceptionally closed). SOME SITES CLOSED : – Sunday : No visits allowed in the Cathedral of St. Eulàlia.
• TOUR LENGHT : 4 hours.
• RECOMMENDED STARTING TIME : – MORNING TOURS : Anytime between 9AM and 11AM – AFTERNOON TOURS : Anytime between 1PM and 4PM
• WHERE DO WE MEET ? Your accommodation within the city limits, Sants Train Station or Cruise Pier.
• WHERE DO WE END ? Your chosen point, within the city limits.
• IS THERE A LUNCH STOP ? No, but you are welcome to book one extra hour to stop for tapas.
• HOW DO WE MOVE AROUND ? By Mercedes car or minivan for upto 6 of you + guide & dedicated driver.
• IS THERE A DRESS CODE ? To enter the  Cathedral of Saint Eulalia you need to cover your shoulders and your skirt or pants must be long to your knee. The dress code at the Sagrada Familia Church isn’t usually too strict, but they have occasionally banned access to people wearing short shorts (closer to their butts than to their knees), deep plunging necklines or open backs.
• IS THIS A SKIP-THE-LINE TOUR ? Yes! Our guides are licensed and entitled to skip lines and give explanations inside all sites.
• CAN WE CLIMB THE STAIRS AT SAGRADA FAMILIA ? Only upon request. Click here to learn more about how it works, what’s allowed and what’s not4
• HOW DOES THE NON-GUIDED OPTION WORK ? In the non-guided option you are on your own. Your English-speaking driver might provide light conversation during the rides, but no detailed explanations of the area. The driver stays in the car at the sites, where you’ll walk on your own. You’ll ultimately be responsible for getting back to the car at the agreed time, or you’ll risk being charged extra hours if you are late.

REVIEWS FROM TRAVELERS LIKE YOU:

Read all the other reviews >>

TAILOR THIS TOUR TO YOUR UNIQUE NEEDS

This private Barcelona highlights tour by car is perfect for those wanting to get a good overview of all Barcelona and cover as much as possible in a short time, or for those who don’t want to walk much.

HINT : Add one or two extra hours to see more Barcelona highlights or include a great tapas lunch.

If you are traveling with children , this tour is kid friendly because they get to enough variety of things to not get bored, and it isn’t too energy demanding. Plus if you are 4 to 6 people, you won’t have to split in two taxis as you’ll all fit in the same minivan.

If you have walking issues or use a wheelchair , our all Barcelona highlights tour works great because it minimizes the walk and helps you cover much more than you’d do on your own and much faster. It is convenient and comfortable. Note, however, that in this tour you do get in and out of the car for stops that go from a 5 minute photo stop to a 1 hour stroll or site visit (that can be adapted to your physical needs).

If you are on a cruise , this is our best-selling shore excursion. We recommend to book it at least 30 minutes after your expected docking time and no earlier than 9AM, as long as you can be back at least 1 hour before your expected departure time (as you’ll be required to be back on board by then).

If you are arriving on a plane  and want to get a tour as soon as you land, check out this  tour starting at the airport  instead.

If you’d rather tour longer , consider adding one or two extra hours to this tour or check out our  full day chauffeured tour  (8 hours).

If you are traveling in the Summertime when the weather is so hot , you’ll be so glad you booked a chauffeured tour on our air-conditioned Mercedes car or van.

If you are spending more than one day in town , you might want to spread your sightseeing in  two or more days , or check out our  excursions from Barcelona .

This is a 100% private tour, exclusive for you and your party. There is a base rate total per tour (no matter how many people you are), plus a per person rate to cover the entrance fees.

BASE RATE (paid once per tour):

THIS TOUR IS

• Full itinerary
• Licensed Tour Guide
• Car or van with driver
• Full itinerary​
• On your own at the sites
• Car or van with driver​
• Lunch stop and more

CHANGE YOUR TOUR DATE UNLIMITED TIMES * *Notifying us at least one week in advance. Click to learn more >>

ADDITIONAL PER PERSON FEES CHARGED UPON BOOKING (additional, per person)

Sagrada Familia: €32/person

OPTIONAL AND PAID ON SITE skipping lines:

– Cathedral ( €15/person ) – Medieval synagogue ( €5/person )

LUNCH (not included, only for 6-hr tours)

Expect to pay €20-30/person, depending on your order. Learn more about lunch on tour .

* Costs are given as an orientation only, as they can change without notice. Discounts might apply for students and/or seniors.

More questions?     Inclusions   —   Exclusions   —   FAQ   —   Contact   —  Cancellation Policy

OFTEN BOOKED TOGETHER:

BARCELONA TAPAS WALKING TOUR

PRIVATE MONTSERRAT FROM BARCELONA TOUR

TOUR OF GIRONA AND FIGUERES IN ONE DAY

Alternatives to this tour:.

4-HR WALKING TOUR OF BARCELONA

8-HR CAR TOUR OF BARCELONA

TOURING BARCELONA IN TWO DAYS

• Privacy Overview
• 3rd Party Cookies
• Cookie Policy

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

This website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages.

Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website.

Please enable Strictly Necessary Cookies first so that we can save your preferences!

More information about our Cookie Policy

Sidecar Tours

Food&Wine

City Breaks

BrightSide Tours Barcelona

Discover Barcelona cruising on a classic sidecar motorcycle with BrightSide Tours. A once-in-a-lifetime travel experience, driven by your local private guide. 

Explore  Barcelona safely, at your own pace and  away from the crowds .  Our  tours are fun, private ,  unforgettable  and  suited for  a ll ages .

Our sidecar motorcycle tours are also available by chauffeured private van transportation.

Half Day Barcelona City Tour

Barcelona Full Day Tour

Night Rider: Barcelona Night Tour

Foodie Ride: Barcelona Food Tour

Half Day Barcelona Wine Tour & Tasting

What can you expect from brightside tours, safety first, private & custom made, fun, fun, fun, pick-up & drop-off, foodie insiders, family friendly, free cancelation, happy smiles, our guests say.

Over the last 10 years BrightSide Tours has gathered over 1500 excellent reviews on TripAdvisor .

ABOUT BARCELONA

Coronavirus in Barcelona

The Ultimate Guide for the Best Craft Beer in Barcelona

Best seafood restaurants in Barcelona

Things to Do in Barcelona in Winter

Best places for authentic pizza in Barcelona

Music Videos and Famous Films Shot in Barcelona

Best Tapas in Barcelona

Top Beaches and Towns near Barcelona

6 Secrets of Sagrada Familia That You Haven’t Heard Of Yet

The Best Paella in Barcelona – Where to Eat the Authentic Paella

© BrightSide Tours Barcelona

Website by PHSTUDIO

10% discount

Free transfer

+ 150 reviews

Driving tour Mallorca

Discover Mallorca while driving a convertible sports car

Route Mallorca

Embark on a unique adventure and discover the majesty of Mallorca with our guided car tours in Mallorca . Sun, sea, mountains, and pure adrenaline; all in a fun and unforgettable journey. If you are a lover of both nature and sports cars, our car tours will offer you a dual experience. You'll see Mallorca like never before while driving a sleek, limited-edition supercar on the winding roads of the Serra de Tramuntana.

We offer our customers 2 different guided tours through this breathtaking island in one of our fantastic two-seater sports convertibles . The first tour lasts around 4.5 hours (130 km) and passes through the most emblematic places in the northwest of the island; while the second tour lasts about 2.5 hours (70 km) and maximizes the experience of driving a sports car along the entire coast of Calvià .

The price of the route includes fuel, water and soft drinks, taxes, comprehensive insurance, guide, and a small gift. What are you waiting for? Get behind the wheel of one of our GT Convertibles and enjoy the best guided car tour in Mallorca .

Maximum capacity: 2 people per car.

Advantages of booking on our website

10% DISCOUNT on any route with the code RM10

FREE TRANSFER from West Zone * to Santa Ponsa (subject to availability).

* West Zone: Arenal, Can Pastilla, Palma, Cala Major, Illetas, Bendinat, Palmanova, Magaluf and Paguera.

130km ROUTE PRICE

Per car (1 or 2 people)

It includes

Vehicle insurance · Petrol · Taxes Gifts · Soft Drinks · Bilingual Guide

70km ROUTE PRICE

Let the fun begin!

130km Route

Santa Ponsa, Mirador las Malgrats, Puerto Portals, Palma, Esporles, Banyalbufar, Estellencs, Andratx, Cala Fornells, Paguera, Santa Ponsa.

Santa Ponsa, Mirador las Malgrats, Puerto Portals, Calviá, Es Capdella, Puerto D'Andratx, Cala Fornells, Paguera, Santa Ponsa.

Book our guided driving tour* and live a unique driving experience

(*up to 2 people)

Convertible car tour

Fully insured

Morning and afternoon schedules

2.5 or 4.5 hours

What is included on the tour?

Bilingual guide

Vehicle insurance

Soft drinks

Car tour in Mallorca

If you're looking for outdoor excursions or activities in Santa Ponsa (Mallorca), our guided convertible car tours are ideal for groups of friends, families, and couples who want to enjoy a unique and unforgettable outdoor experience.

It is important to note that our convertible car tours begin and end in Santa Ponsa, which means that our customers must come to our office located at Via Puig des Teix 6, Santa Ponsa. Once there, they can get in one of our convertible sports cars and get ready for the tour they have previously booked. During the tour, our guide's car will guide you to make sure everything goes as planned .

What are you waiting for? Book our short (70 km) or long (130 km) route and enjoy the experience of driving a limited-edition convertible sports car for a day.

We look forward to seeing you!

What our customers are saying about us

Carrer Puig des Teix 8, Santa Ponça, Mallorca

Kotryna Sasnauskaitė

Amazing stuff who created amazing memories for us! The best thing to do in Mallorca!

ledinukas16

Awesome tour! Worth every penny paid!

Route Mallorca, another way to Discover Mallorca on wheels! This guided driving tour has been spectacular from beginning to end. We drove all over the coast of Calvià and through Sierra de Tramontana. Highly recommended!

Incredible route through the most beautiful corners of Mallorca. The car and the service were superb! I am looking forward to repeating this driving experience!

Home > Road trip in Spain in a converted van

ROAD-TRIP IN SPAIN in VAN AMENAGE

Our itineraries, tips and testimonials for a road trip in spain and andalusia in a van aménagé, almeria – cabo de gata natural park.

Tabernas is a village in Almería, Andalusia. It is built around an Arab fortress overlooking an arid landscape of palm trees, agaves, prickly pears and cacti.

7-day road trip to Spain? Marie and Erika set off in a van…

Erika and I are Parisians by birth and adoption. We love to roam. We’ve each traveled several continents. We’ve already traveled together, in France, Brittany and Corsica. This time, the trip takes us a little further afield, to the southern tip of Europe, a few kilometers from Africa, to Tarifa and Gibraltar.

Digital Nomad in a converted van: testimonial

Life wouldn’t be exciting without the moments that mark us, move us, thrill us, make us laugh or cry. It’s these moments that ultimately make up our lives, because in truth, we don’t remember people but rather moments spent with them, we don’t remember places, but moments spent in those places. For some people, these…

Skiing in a converted van in Spain (Sierra Nevada)

The Sierra Nevada is a Spanish ski resort just a 2-hour drive from Malaga, located high above the city of Granada in Andalusia. Its highest point is Mount Mulhacén at 3,479m, the highest peak on the Iberian Peninsula.

Discover Andalusia with Les Amoureux de l’Andalousie

Andalusia Lovers share their Andalusian discoveries, experiences and tips on breathtaking excursions!

Roadtrip to Morocco in a converted van with Kendy & Alex

Roadtrip to Morocco in a converted van with Kendy & Alex Here are the experiences of two VanBreakers, Kendy and Alex (34 and 36) from Montpellier, who went on a roadtrip in a converted van in Morocco during November 2023, and share their experiences and advice with you. They chose to rent the Volkswagen California…

Gastronomic roadtrip in a campervan in spain and portugal

Let yourself be tempted by these must-sees and must-do’s during your road trip to Andalusia in a converted van. A successful gastronomic trip guaranteed!

Road trip in Morocco in Campervan

Morocco is a country to visit by van in winter, discover all our tips for a successful roadtrip in Morocco.

TOP 10 things to see and do in Andalucia in campervan

TOP 10 things to see and do in Andalucia in campervan What to see? What to do? Where to sleep? These questions that you ask yourself before leaving for a trip, especially a roadtrip in a converted van. To simplify your life, Vanbreak has gathered for you the TOP 10 things to do and see…

Ski vacations in a converted van – The essentials

Off on an adventure in a ski van? Before you leave, it’s a good idea to prepare your trip so you don’t forget anything. Here’s our advice on how to make the most of your ski van vacation without missing out on comfort!

Checklist for planning your trip in a converted van

Off on an adventure in a converted van? Before you leave, it’s a good idea to prepare your trip so you don’t forget anything. Here’s a non-exhaustive checklist of essentials to make sure you don’t miss a thing during your van trip!

Kite trip in a campervan in Tarifa – Erti’s testimony

Discover the experience of Erti and her adventurous kite trip in Tarifa in a campervan. Our Vanbreaker has gone for 2 weeks in a VW California T6 – Ocean. From our agency in Malaga, she headed towards the direction of the province of Cadiz: destination Tarifa! There, she did her kite surfing courses with our…

What to see in the Province of Malaga? The 10 most beautiful places to visit

In this article we give you all the information you need about your road trip by camper van or camping car . What to see in Malaga Province? What to visit ? Where to sleep? everything! Prepare your bag and just choose one of our VW campervans or City Car burstner motorhomes for your vacation…

10 reasons for a perfect campervan trip after confinement (COVID-19)

1 – TRAVEL SAFELY  At VanBreak, we are concerned about the safety and well-being of our clients, and even more in the current conditions that surround us with the coronavirus crisis in Spain. Therefore, we have taken a series of security measures to guarantee you a safe road trip in a campervan after confinement and,…

Road trip around Madrid : visit of Toledo and Segovia (5 days)

I love to try new things while travelling, and get off the beaten path. I’ve never been a fan of camping though, so I tended to avoid anything that related to that. But last year I came across VanBreak Malaga and we decided to try out their VW California Ocean van while we explored the…

Between the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean and the Sierra Nevada, discover the wonders of Andalusian culture on a road-trip in Spain. Explore the region in your camper van, from Cordoba to Seville, via Tarifa, Cadiz, Granada, Malaga, Marbella, Cabo de Gata, Ronda and Nerja… The Costa del Sol is an ideal destination , whatever the season!

Stop off at the best bars, typical restaurants and “chiringuitos” for tapas, grilled fish, local produce or traditional paella accompanied by Sangria or Andalusian wine. Find out how to get started in the region’s sports: kitesurfing, kayaking, surfing, hiking, mountain biking, etc. Explore the magnificent landscapes of southern Spain You’ll find the most beautiful sandy beaches, typical white villages (pueblos blancos), Granada’s Alhambra and other architectural marvels, authentic squares and narrow streets… Finally, immerse yourself in the heart of Spanish culture: flamenco, museums (Malaga is Picasso’s birthplace!), cathedrals and festive nightlife are all on offer!

Depending on the length of your stay (we recommend 10 days), plan your cultural visits, sporting activities, places to sleep… Ready for an unforgettable road-trip in a converted van or camper van in Spain? follow our travel guide!

TRY A ROAD-TRIP IN A CONVERTED VAN

Unusual vacations in spain.

Are you an enthusiast of #vanlife holidays or keen to discover the road-trip concept? Vanbreak offers you high-quality converted vans for vacations with family and friends throughout Spain, and all over Europe. From Malaga, find the van, camper or motorhome to suit your travel needs in Spain (see our vans ) and set off on an extraordinary adventure. Follow your instincts if you’re an adventurer, or follow our itineraries for a well-organized, hassle-free stay. With our travel guides, itineraries and tips , don’t miss out on Andalusia’s most beautiful spots… a change of scenery guaranteed!

ROAD TRIP IN SPAIN: LONG TERM STAY

Are you planning a longer getaway to take the time to discover each region and visit Spain’s must-see cities? We’ll give you an exceptional discount so you can explore the whole country, right up to the north of Spain. For example, you can stop off in the city of Gaudi, the famous architect of the Sagrada Familia, to visit Barcelona and Catalonia. Have you ever travelled the Mediterranean coast and visited the Balearic Islands? Why not cross the hinterland and join the famous Camino de Santiago de Compostela, a UNESCO World Heritage site?

Each area has its own cultural, architectural and gastronomic heritage. Come away with family or friends to discover, marvel, party or simply spend a lazy vacation at the playa … Follow the guide or get off the beaten track: there’s so much to do!

With a camper van rental, you’re free to move around and travel at your own pace , for an extraordinary, tailor-made holiday in Spain.

Tours & tickets in Spain

Select starting location

Select dates

Add travelers

Tours & tickets in all the top cities in Spain

Madrid tours & tickets

Barcelona tours & tickets

Málaga tours & tickets

Alicante tours & tickets

Valencia tours & tickets

Santa Cruz tours & tickets

Ibiza tours & tickets

Seville tours & tickets

Santiago De Compostela tours & tickets

Bilbao tours & tickets

La Coruña tours & tickets

Lanzarote tours & tickets

Ajuy tours & tickets

Vigo tours & tickets

Zaragoza tours & tickets

Granada tours & tickets

San Sebastian tours & tickets

Santander tours & tickets

Pamplona tours & tickets

Girona tours & tickets

Almeria tours & tickets

Murcia tours & tickets

La Palma tours & tickets

Salamanca tours & tickets

Top-rated tours and tickets in spain.

Loro Parque

Fast-Track Sagrada Familia Guided Tour in Barcelona

Day Trip from Madrid to Segovia and Avila in Spain

Day Trip to Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, & Old Town in Barcelona with Hotel Pick-up

Montserrat Half-Day Tour with Tapas and Gourmet Wines from Barcelona

Girona and Costa Brava Small-Group Tour from Barcelona

Ibiza Beach Hopping Cruise with Paddleboards, Drinks, and Food

Popular types of tours in spain.

theme parks

learning experiences

romantic experiences

holiday tours

sailing tours

city sightseeing tours

multi-day tours

shows, concerts & sporting events

water activities

cultural tours

family tours

food & drink experiences

shore excursions

trips & excursions

entry tickets & passes

seasonal tours

sightseeing flights

design experiences

transfers and transportation

tours by vehicle

Europe tour & trip packages

Frequently asked questions, what is the difference between a tour and a travel package in spain, what are the must-experience activities when visiting spain, what are the best-guided museum tours in spain, what’s the best-rated tour in spain, what’s the most popular tour in spain, what city in spain offers the most experiences, what city in spain offers the cheapest tours, can i book a multi-day tour in spain, what tour is the most recommended for travelers who want to explore some of spain’s hidden gems, what are the most popular day trips in spain, what’s the best 2-day tour in spain, what’s the best 3-day tour in spain, what’s the best 4-day tour in spain, how far in advance do i need to book tours and activities in spain, how do i change or cancel my spain tour booking, popular types of travel packages in spain, city breaks, beach vacations, cheap vacations, luxury holidays, weekend getaways, travel packages starting in all the top destinations in spain.

Barcelona travel packages

Madrid travel packages

Seville travel packages

Valencia travel packages

Málaga travel packages

Palma travel packages

Alicante travel packages

Santa Cruz travel packages

Ibiza travel packages

Las Palmas travel packages

Santiago De Compostela travel packages

Bilbao travel packages

La Coruña travel packages

Vigo travel packages

Zaragoza travel packages

Granada travel packages

San Sebastian travel packages

Santander travel packages

Pamplona travel packages

Jerez travel packages

Girona travel packages

Almeria travel packages

Vitoria-Gasteiz travel packages

Castelló de la Plana travel packages

Top-rated travel packages in spain.

5-Day Spain City Break in Barcelona

10-Day Ibiza Beach Holiday

One-Week Road Trip in Spain, and France from Barcelona to Carcassonne, Nimes, and Figueres

14-Day Spain Road Trip from Barcelona to Lleida, Calatayud, Madrid, Cuenca, Valencia, and Tarragona

Travel packages in all the top destinations in europe.

Paris travel packages

Rome travel packages

London travel packages

Amsterdam travel packages

Prague travel packages

Venice travel packages

Berlin travel packages

Dublin travel packages

Vienna travel packages

Lisbon travel packages

Travel packages in all countries in europe.

Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place

Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.