10 Best Road Trips in Spain

Andalucía is one of Spain’s hottest and most passionate regions, combining Moorish culture and influence with a stunning coastline. The 2 major cities are Seville, known for its enormous cathedral and soaring La Giralda tower, and Granada, home to the Alhambra palace.

The most southern region in Spain, Andalucía is also the birthplace of flamenco dancing and synonymous with bullfighting, sherry and ruined castles, key elements of Spanish culture. The White Villages are particularly stunning on the cliffs of Andalucía where the drive up is just as picturesque as the views from the top. The region can get hot so make sure you plan accordingly.

When you first arrive at the Picos de Europa National Park, you may be unsure as to whether you’re in Spain or in North America. Spread across the regions of Asturias, Cantabria and León, this national park’s impressive rock formations and green forests are a prime example of an Atlantic ecosystem. Just make sure you keep an eye out for brown bears and wolves.

As you road trip through this beautiful national park, use the opportunities to stretch your legs to tackle some of the hiking trails. These bring you closer to nature in a site recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can fulfil your adrenaline needs by canyoning, caving, mountain climbing or kayaking.

Green Spain is a term which refers to a stretch of coastline from the French border to the Bay of Biscay and out to the Atlantic. This luscious landscape is home to no less than 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Vizcaya Bridge, the world’s oldest transporter bridge, and Santiago de Compostela, the end point of one of the most iconic pilgrimage routes.

This road trip will also take you through some of Spain’s most important cultural sites including Palaeolithic cave art on the Cantabrian coast, contemporary art at the Guggenheim in Bilbao and Gaudi architecture. After a long day exploring, relax with a glass of cider from the region and pintxos, small pieces of bread topped with local ingredients.

Literally translating to the rugged coast, Costa Brava refers to the stretch of coastline between Barcelona and the Spanish French border. One of the most popular holiday destinations in Spain, it’s not hard to see why. While some areas are quite developed, there are still undiscovered coves, remote headlands and hiking paths which will reward you with remarkable views.

Characterised by fishing villages and small towns, there are several charming places to discover with restaurants providing freshly caught seafood. The Costa Brava is also Dalí Country with his birthplace Figueres now home to one of the best Dalí museums, the Dalí Theatre Museum. Be aware that most people in this region speak Catalan.

The Pyrenees is a soaring mountain range cutting through France, Spain and Andorra. However, just because the area is mountainous, it doesn’t mean it’s deserted. Boi in Spain should be a stop on your road trip due to its collection of UNESCO World Heritage Romanesque churches. You could then continue to La Roca, a volcanic area surrounded by green mountains.

Depending on the season you’re visiting, the Pyrenees are also brilliant for snow sports. Both Panticosa and Puigcerdà are well-known ski resorts and some of the best in Spain. If you want to cross the border, consider including Biarritz in your itinerary for sandy beaches and big waves ideal for surfing.

When you imagine Spain, it’s unlikely you’re imagining Castile and Leon. Vast plains, incredible mountain ranges and medieval towns and cities – this is a world away from the beaches Spain is known for. Salamanca is a must-see city. Home to the oldest university in Spain, see if you can spot the carved frog in the façade, said to bring students good luck. Newer additions such as an octopus and astronaut can also be seen.

Sharing a border with Portugal, Segovia is also part of the region and home to Alcázar of Segovia Castle, said to have inspired the castle in Disney’s Sleeping Beauty. The cathedrals in León and Burgos are also noteworthy. Make sure you try some dried ham, the region’s speciality.

Ibiza is known for its world-class club scene with good reason. With clubs like Pacha and Ushuaïa, you can dance both the day and night away. These venues are often frequented by legendary DJs and famous faces so you never know who you might bump into.

Located off the east coast of Spain, there is also more to Ibiza than a vibrant nightlife scene. Dalt Vila, Ibiza Town’s historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can wander through 16th century ramparts. Ibiza is also the ideal location for hiking and sailing trips. If you’re looking for a more peaceful holiday, head to the north coast for quieter swimming spots and cliff-edged coves.

One of Spain’s best-known road trips, you’ll be able to explore Spain’s 2 biggest cities while taking in some of the lesser-known towns and cities too. Barcelona is home to some of Gaudi’s most impressive works: La Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell, the Casa Batlló and Casa Milà. These sites are often breathtaking and mind-boggling.

Before you head inland, you may want to stop in Valencia, a city which combines modern and traditional architecture. Toledo is the final stop before Madrid, Spain’s capital, an ancient city brimming with history. When you reach Madrid, you can visit the Prado Art Museum, go boating in Retiro Park or catch a Real Madrid game at the Bernabéu.

With 1660 kilometres of the Spanish coast bordering the Mediterranean Sea, the question won’t be where to stop but what can you miss. At the top of the coastline, you can travel between Barcelona and the Costa Daurada, combining the buzz and culture of the capital city with natural parks, Roman settlements and iconic beach resorts.

Further down the coast, you can explore the Costa Blanca and Alicante. While these destinations are more commercialised and further from traditional Spanish culture, Benidorm and Alicante offer stress-free, relaxation destinations. Costa Cálida in Murcia is also worth exploring with its family-friendly beaches and unusual rock formations.

Catalonia is a region with its own culture and language, making it quite distinct from the rest of Spain. On this road trip, we recommend starting in Barcelona, making sure you see some of Gaudi’s work before you head off. Go north to Girona, a stunning city with medieval architecture which doubled up as Game of Thrones sets. Montserrat is an unmissable stop due to its unique rock formations which feel otherworldly.

To the south is Tarragona, known for its beaches and Roman amphitheatre. For a day of relaxation, Tossa de Mar is a great option as its pristine beaches are a little more secluded while the castle offers a great vantage point of the city.