Are you ready to experience Spain beyond the beaches and big cities?
Spain is one of Europe’s best-loved holiday destinations. With vibrant cities like Barcelona and Madrid, and a plethora of mainland and island resorts to choose from, there’s little wonder that it remains a favourite with visitors from all over the globe.
There’s so much to explore from the historic beauty of Andalusian white villages to the lush vineyards of La Rioja, and the mountains of the Pyrenees, every corner of Spain offers a unique and enriching experience waiting to be discovered.
With vehicles for every budget and accessible pick-up points nationwide, Cheaper Than Cars makes it easier to embark on your great Spanish escape.
Here are ten of the best road trips in Spain to fire up your imagination!
Catalonia’s Costa Daurada
Catalonia’s Costa Daurada stretches along the northeastern coast of Spain is a tapestry of sandy beaches, traditional coastal towns, outstanding food and cultural riches. Leaving behind the bustle of Barcelona, head towards the picturesque town of Sitges, with its Mediterranean charm and vibrant arts scene. Continuing south, the Roman past is on display in Tarragona with its ancient amphitheatre overlooking the azure sea.
Continuing on, the coast road leads to the lively resort town of Salou, but it’s beyond the sun-drenched beaches that the Costa Daurada really comes alive. Nature enthusiasts will love the Ebro Delta, a sprawling wetland and birdwatchers paradise. History lovers will want to explore the medieval town of Montblanc, where ancient walls encircle cobbled streets.
- Total Driving Distance: 66 Miles (106km)
- Driving Time: 2 Hours
La Rioja Wine Route
Located in northern Spain, the rolling, vine-covered hills of La Rioja are celebrated in Spain and beyond as the place where some of the country’s finest wines are created. The La Rioja Wine Route is a captivating journey through this picturesque landscape, where winemaking is part of the culture, and where medieval villages extend their hospitality to visitors.
The route typically begins in Logroño, the capital of La Rioja. Travellers can explore the historic streets and partake in the region’s rich culinary tradition. From there, the journey continues through the Ebro River Valley, passing through iconic wine towns such as Haro and Laguardia. Haro, in particular, is famous for its “Battle of Wine” festival, where participants douse each other in wine during a joyous celebration. In Laguardia, visitors can stroll through medieval streets enclosed by protective walls and savour the local wines in underground cellars.
The wine route also includes visits to prestigious wineries like Marqués de Riscal, famous for its avant-garde architecture designed by Frank Gehry.
The winding route through the region set against the backdrop of the Cantabrian Mountains, makes this one of the best road trips in Spain, and one to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace.
- Total Driving Distance: 25 Miles (40km)
- Driving Time: 50 Minutes
Andalusian White Villages
The Pueblos Blancos, or white villages of Andalusia are a captivating network of picturesque settlements that cling to the mountainside, where a traditional way of life continues. Whitewashed buildings cling to narrow winding streets that rise to give you stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Moorish influence is everywhere, not just in the architecture, but also in the food which is a riot of colour and fresh ingredients.
The starting point for a road trip through the Andulusia can vary, but will typically start at Malaga, taking in villages such as Ronda, Grazalema, and Zahara de la Sierra. Each village has its own unique charm, with whitewashed facades adorned with colourful pots and hanging baskets, and wrought iron balconies. The Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park and the surrounding mountains provide plenty of opportunities for exploration, hikes, caving and other outdoor activities.
- Total Driving Distance: 105 Miles (170km)
- Driving Time: 2.5 Hours
Pyrenees Mountain Drive
No list of the best road trips in Spain would be complete without this breathtaking drive through the Spanish Pyrenees. Located on the border between France and Spain, this Pyrenees tour boasts dramatic peaks, lush flower-filled valleys, and charming villages. This scenic road trip takes you through a tapestry of snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and dense forests, with colours and textures changing through the seasons.
Visit Jaca, a historic town with a well-preserved medieval fortress, and Ainsam a picturesque village with cobbled streets and stone houses. There’s a chance to immerse yourself in authentic Pyrenean culture, at the countless small guest houses where warm hospitality is guaranteed. In the mountains, you’ll also find opportunities to take part in yoga and art retreats, as well as outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing. This beautiful road trip offers you an unforgettable exploration of Spain’s northern frontier.
- Total Driving Distance: 155 Miles (250km)
- Driving Time: 3-4 Hours
Basque Country Coast
Costa Vasca, in the Basque country, stretches along the northern shores of Spain, taking in a blend of rugged cliffs, glorious beaches, and charming fishing villages. Beginning in the French border town of Hendaye and extending to the iconic city of San Sebastian (Donostia), this is a trip through the heart of Basque culture. Along the coast, you’ll encounter picturesque towns of colourful cobbled streets like Hondarribia, and Zaruatz, with its epic sandy beach that attracts surfers from around the world. This is a short, dramatic trip that can be extended with further exploration of the region.
San Sebastian is the highlight of this coastal trip through the Basque Country. Set in a picturesque bay, it’s a city with a rich culinary tradition and features a plethora of pintxos (Basque tapas) bars and Michelin-starred restaurants. As you make your way along the Basque Coast, every turn reveals stunning views of the Bay of Biscay, making this a captivating road trip through the landscape and culture of this distinct region.
- Total Driving Distance: 19 Miles
- Driving Time: 45 Mins
Picos de Europa Loop
Straddling the regions of Asturias, Cantabria, and Castile and León, the Picos de Europa, is a majestic mountain range situated in northern Spain. This stunning range is renowned for its dramatic limestone peaks and deep valleys and is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Beginning in the beautiful Cantabrian town of Potes, the route ascends through towering peaks, rugged cliffs, and alpine meadows. Along the way, stop to take in the view at Fuente Dé, where a cable car offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Along the loop, you’ll encounter traditional villages like Arenas de Cabrales and Cangas de Onís, with their stone houses and medieval bridges. There are ample opportunities for outdoor activities along the way, whether you’re looking to take to the trails, cave, birdwatch or mountain bike. The natural beauty of this corner of Spain makes this road trip an unforgettable adventure through one of Europe’s most dramatic landscapes.
- Total Driving Distance: 124 Miles
- Driving Time: 3 to 4 Hours
The Silver Route
The Silver Route, or Ruta de la Plata, is an ancient commercial and pilgrimage route through the heart of historic Spain. It’s a fascinating journey into the country’s past, passing through distinct regions, each with their cultural heritage to discover. Tracing its origins to Roman times, the route begins in the northern coastal city of Gijón in Asturias it heads south through the heart of Spain, passing through, passing through regions such as Castilla y León, Extremadura, and Andalusia.
Along the way, you pass through changing landscapes, from Asturias’s green hills to Castilla’s vast plains. There are dozens of charming villages and towns to discover, including the historic city of Oviedo, with its medieval architecture and pre-Romanesque monuments, and the UNESCO-listed city of Salamanca, renowned for its well-preserved Renaissance architecture and one of the oldest universities in Europe. Further south you’ll find Mérida, with its Roman heritage before concluding in the vibrant city of Seville.
This epic journey through the centuries is one of the best road trips in Spain for anyone who wants to sample the country’s rich diversity.
- Total Driving Distance: 620 Miles (1000km)
- Driving Time: 12 Hours
Extremadura Heritage Trail
The Extremadura region, with its tapestry of medieval towns, Roman ruins and architectural gems. Starting in Cáceres, a UNESCO World Heritage city that feels like a living museum with its labyrinthine medieval streets, fortified walls, and historic squares. Heading southeast, you’ll arrive in Trujillo, a medieval gem with a hilltop castle and a stunning Plaza Mayor surrounded by palaces and churches.
Mérida and Alcántara are both rich in Roman buildings and remains. The Alcántara Bridge is a marvel of ancient engineering and the town is also home to a medieval castle and a 6th-century Visigothic basilica. Along the way, you’ll find a host of cosy guest houses and boutique hotels, and great food and drink to sample.
Combining rich cultural heritage with beautiful landscapes this historic region is fascinating to explore at a leisurely pace.
- Total Driving Distance: 310 Miles (499km)
- Driving Time: 5 to 7 Hours
Galician Rías Baixas Coastal Drive
With its rugged coastline and Celtic heritage, Galicia is a romantic corner of northern Spain. Beginning in the historic city of Santiago de Compostela, the coastal drive takes you through the Rías Baixas, a series of estuaries or rías that carve into the Galician coastline. Santiago de Compostela’s medieval Old Town is dominated by its cathedral, the final destination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.
As you drive along the Rías Baixas, discover picturesque fishing villages like Combarro, where stone houses line narrow streets and traditional horreos (granaries) dot the landscape. A boat trip takes you to the Islas Cíes, an archipelago that forms part of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park. Back on the mainland, your journey takes you to O Grove, located on the O Salnés Peninsula, known for its outstanding seafood. Cambados is famous for its Albariño wine and well-preserved architecture. The coastal drive ends in Pontevedra, a regional centre with medieval architecture, museums, galleries and a thriving culinary scene.
- Total Driving Distance: 248 Miles (400km)
- Driving Time: 4 to 6 Hours
Spanish Heartlands, Castile-Leon
If you’re looking for long empty roads, high plateaus and rugged mountains, then this road trip through the heartlands of Spain is not to be missed. With countless fascinating towns and cities to discover, extremes of weather make this journey one to be taken during the spring or autumn.
Beginning in Valladolid with its lively cafes and shops, Valladolid Cathedral and the National Sculpture Museum provide a fascinating introduction to the cultural legacy of the region. Heading north, the Roman aqueduct at Segovia is a marvel of ancient engineering. Explore the Alcázar, an Islamic-era castle that crowns the city. Ávila with its medieval walls, historic churches such as the Basilica of San Vicente, and historic architecture, has a unique charm and ambience. The journey continues to Salamanca, a stunning city with one of the oldest universities in Europe, before heading north to Zamora, and Leon with its awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral and the Royal Basilica of San Isidoro. Along the route, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation and places to eat and drink.
Best enjoyed over 7 to 10 days, this self-guided exploration of Spain’s historic heartland is rich in history, culture and landscapes.
- Total Driving Distance: 500 Miles (800km)
- Driving Time: 10 Hours
Ready For Your Spanish Adventure?
Travellers in Spain are spoilt for choice when it comes to destinations. Whether you’re passionate about history, beautiful landscapes, lively cities of great food and drink, Spain has it all.
With Cheaper Than Cars, your great Spanish escape is just a few clicks away, whatever your budget.
