Spain is one of the most beautiful countries of Western Europe, complete with the most beautiful cities, gorgeous beaches and a countryside that is almost untouched by the modernity. Spain is every backpacker’s dream but its interiors remain much less popular with tourists. This has afforded the country a certain mysticism with travelers, and heading to the famous Spain road trips is perhaps the best way to discover the sandy and sunny land of Spain. Don’t wait anymore, pick this mini guide and go have fun!
11 Best Spain Road Trips
Here is the perfectly curated list of top 11 Spain road trips you can take while you are exploring the country. Keep scrolling down and read on!
- Via Del Cantabrico
- Ruta De Los Pueblos Blancos
- Ruta De La Plata
- Valle Del Jerte
- Ruta De Los Molinos
- Costa De Morte
- Costa Brava
- Ruta De La Alpujarra De Granada
- Cabo De Gata
- Ruta Ecoturistica Del Priorat
- Cordoba
1. Via Del Cantabrico
If you are searching for any Northern Spain road trips, this is the best route. This route is the most scenic one in northern part of Spain, going right through Basque country as well as Galicia, two of Spain’s most stunning regions that are renowned all over the world for their beauty and cuisine. The quiet villages on the route are just one part of the experience, as you also go through larger towns such as Santander that is located on the Atlantic seaboard and the medieval heritage city of Oviedo. While this is one of the most popular Spain road trips, if you make the trip during autumn or spring, you get both the lovely weather and no crowds.
Distance From Bilbao To Baamonde: 500 kilometres
Duration: 2 weeks
Must Read: Your Stays Made Easy With These Hostels In Spain
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2. Ruta De Los Pueblos Blancos
This iconic south Spain route is often referred to as the trip of white villages. Running through the heart of the regions of Cadiz and Malaga, the Pueblos Blancos route goes through about dozen picturesque Spanish villages, all painted in the iconic white that has come to define the region. About 80 miles from the city of Malaga, the village of Ronda is a favourite of tourists traversing the route. Extending from Seville to Vejer, the route is best for long Spain road trips for 10 days.
Distance From Seville To Vejer: 150 kilometres
Duration: 1 week
3. Ruta De La Plata
Often called the road of silver, this historic highway is the second longest motorway in Spain and follows the basic way of an ancient Roman road that was built between the cities of Merida known as the Extremadura and Astorga. Designated the AP-66, a road trip on the Ruta de la Plata is basically the Spain road trips version of the American Route 66 trip. Running through western Spain, here you will find the sandstone city of Salamanca.
Distance From Seville To Gijon: 800 kilometres
Duration: 1 week
Suggested Read: Winter In Spain: A Guide That’ll Help You Curl Up Amid The Country’s Eternal Charm
4. Valle Del Jerte
One of the most beautiful routes through Spain, this is one of the best Spain road trips to do if you do not have much time in Spain and still want a memorable experience. Running from the town of Plasencia to Tornavacas, the Valle del Jerte is a short trip that can be done within a day but travelers often spend the night at one of the many villages, the most popular ones being Cabezuela de la Sierra and Navaconcejo. The route is famous for the beautiful cherry blossoms that are at their most beautiful during spring.
Distance Taken From Plasencia To Tornavacas: 50 kilometres
Duration: 2 days
Suggested Read: 10 Sensational Wedding Venues In Spain That Will Give You Major #WeddingGoals
5. Ruta De Los Molinos
Running through the heart of the province of Toledo, the Ruta de los Molinos is etched into the popular imagination from the famous Don Quixote novel. The protagonist confuses the iconic windmills that line the drive with giants, and if you are there, you may just see why. The wide and open countryside is indeed a treat along this route, as is the city of Toledo itself, often referred to as Spain’s hidden gem. Because the route is short, quite a lot of tourists do the trip on weekends.
Distance From Orgaz To Madridejos: 80 kilometres
Duration: 2 days
6. Costa De Morte
Literally, the Coast of Death, this spectacular route in Spain is one of the 5 great driving tours of Spain and is famed for its dangerous cliffs and lighthouses. The name comes from the ships that have been wrecked on the rocky Galician coastline here. The 19th century lighthouses are very popular with tourists, especially the ones at Cabo Vilan and Finisterre. The villages are excellent for staying and the food is something that you have to try. The route to Costa De Morte is a good choice if you are looking for road trips through Spain by car.
Distance from Muros to Malpica: 80 kilometres
Duration: 2 days
Suggested Read: Trekking In Spain: 10 Best Places For Indulging In An Ultimate Adventure Like Never Before!
7. Costa Brava
Another coastal drive, the Costa Brava offers stunning views of the rocky northeastern coastline and is counted as one of the best road trips to Spain and Portugal. Amongst the many beautiful natural sights on the journey are small coves that dot the length of the route, and also pine forests that are a sight to behold in themselves. Also points of interests on the route are medieval Spanish castles and fortresses. Because it is so short, it is also easy when you look at typical road trips in Spain cost.
Distance From Lloret De Mar To Tossa De Mar: 18 kilometres
Duration: 1 day
8. Ruta De La Alpujarra De Granada
Known for the diverse scenery that is found on this route, the Alpujarra route serves up the best of Andalucia for anyone who bothers to take a trip through these roads. Running mostly through Granada and Almeria, the route is snaky and meandering and connects all the pretty villages you will see on the way together. Starting at the Mediterranean coast with its lifeless landscape, the road leads right up to the fertile plains of the river Genil. If you are looking for a road trip in Spain in December, this is the best one.
Distance: 47 kilometres
Duration:: 2 days
Suggested Read: 10 National Parks Of Spain That Will Take The Travelers To Another World
9. Cabo De Gata
Another coastal road that runs mostly through the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Natural Park of Cabo de Gata-Nijar, this route is one for the stunning scenery. One of the driest regions in all of Spain, it has the most amazing Mediterranean landscapes on offer, complete with high cliffs, medieval lighthouses, caves and inlets that will make you feel like you are in some paradise. If you are in the capital, this is the easiest Spain road trip from Madrid to take! With mesmerizing scenic views and good company, Cabo De Gata will surely be a memorable road trip around Spain for you.
Distance: 80 kilometres
Duration: 2 days
10. Ruta Ecoturistica Del Priorat
The region of Priorat is known worldwide for its wines, and the Ruta Ecoturistica is popular with tourists for offering Spain’s best wine tours. Certainly one of the most beautiful region in the vast Spanish hinterland, you will find the route bursting with vineyards and pine trees. Wine is the one thing that ties the whole region together, and if you are certainly in for a treat and if you are looking for some good food and great wine. If you are looking for a Spain road trip from Barcelona, this should be on top of your list!
Distance: 150 kilometres
Duration: 1 week
Suggested Read: 32 Budget International Trips For Your Holiday Which Will Cost You Less Than An iPhone!
11. Cordoba
Cordoba in Spain is a historic centre. In the past, the place had been occupied by various cultures, and their influence is very much visible in the architecture of the place. You will find a mix and blend of various architectural styles. Cordoba city has 300 mosques including the famous Great Mosques (La Mezquita) dating back to 784 A.D. The USP of this iconic mosque is its towering interior which has not been replicated anywhere else in the world.
Distance from Seville: 90 miles
Duration: 1 hour 36 minutes
Travel Tips For Spain Road Trips
- Transport: Roads in Spain are well maintained and smooth. If you are planning to go on a road trip to Spain, four-wheelers are easily available for rent in all the major Spanish cities and also at the airport. Opt for driving only if you are a learned driver and are confident to drive on foreign roads. Also, make sure that you hire a suitable vehicle. It shouldn’t be very difficult for you to find the routes as long as you are following the signboards, navigation on your phone or maps.
- Food: Spain is popular for its food culture so make sure you explore this aspect of the country too. Enjoy the Spanish dishes and tasty wines here. There are restaurants that cater to all budgets. Croquettes, Tortilla Espanola, Gazpacho or Salmorejo, Pisto, Pulpo a la gallega are some of the popular dishes in Spain that you must try.
- Accommodation: A road trip gives you the freedom of exploring different stay option in Spain. You can experience everything from luxury hotels to homestays to hostels. This also gives you a freedon of budget and allows you to explore different aspects of Spain.
- What to pack: For road trips in warmer months, carry ample of drinking water with you. Extra food supply and first aid kit are also recommended. Sunglasses and sunscreen lotions are a must.
Further Read: 8 Best Spanish Cuisines That Will Make You Fall In Love With Spain All Over Again!
If you were worried about the cost of road trip in Spain, by now you would know that it is worth every single penny you spend. These Spain road trips offer a snapshot of Spain that one can not get by simply visiting Madrid or Barcelona. While it may not be possible to do all the road trips, if you are looking for an experience that authentically Spanish, you should take at least one of these trips. So plan a trip to Spain today and head out for the best Spanish experience!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Spain Road Trips
How to plan a road trip to Spain?
After arriving in Spain from your location, you can hire a four-wheeler and go on road trips to the above given popular destinations.
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