Discover six unforgettable road trips across Spain

Looking to plan a tailor-made road trip through Spain that will get you away from the tourist hotspots and experiencing true and wonderfully varied España? These itineraries will inspire you to hit the road soon.

San Sebastián to Finisterre

Explore the stunning coast of Green Spain by driving from the Basque city of San Sebastián to the Costa de Morte and the so-called end of the earth at Finisterre. This route covers approximately 800 kilometers and takes just over seven hours if done in one go. However, the best option is to break it up over several days, taking in the highlights along the way.

The first stop is Bilbao, where you can enjoy the beautiful fishing villages of Getaria, Mutriku, and Lekeitio, all known for their exceptional seafood and surfing. Next, continue to Santander and into Cantabria, stopping at picturesque villages like Castro Urdiales, Laredo, and Santoña.

From here, you can proceed along the coast to Asturias or take a detour for some hiking in the Picos de Europa. Asturias boasts coastal gems such as Llanes, Gijón, Ribadesella, and Cudillero. Your journey culminates in Galicia, where you can visit the spectacular Playa de las Catedrales with its gigantic rock formations before heading to A Coruña and finally to the Costa da Morte or Cape Finisterre, long considered the westernmost point of the Earth.

Seville to Gijón

Known as the Vía de Plata or Silver route, this epic drive covers nearly the entire length of Spain, from the capital of Andalusia to the coastal city of Gijón in Asturias. Following the ancient Roman road that once connected the north and south, this route also spans around 800 kilometers.

You will pass through the lesser-visited region of Extremadura, encountering historic cities like Mérida, renowned for its Roman ruins, and Cáceres, surrounded by impressive 12th-century city walls. Continue north to Salamanca, home to Spain's oldest university, and then to Zamora, known for its diverse architectural styles.

As you ascend through mountains and natural parks, the route leads to León, famous for its grand 13th-century cathedral and the vibrant Barrio Húmedo tapas district. Finally, descend to the coast and the port city of Gijón, with an optional detour to Oviedo, the Asturian capital, to explore its historic streets and cider bars.

Barcelona to Alicante

This journey covers almost the entire length of the Spanish Mediterranean coast, from Barcelona to Alicante. Spanning a total of 530 kilometers, it takes about five and a half hours if driven straight through. However, breaking the trip allows you to enjoy the sights along the way.

Starting in the Catalan capital, you will drive southwest towards Tarragona, home to a mesmerizing Roman amphitheater overlooking the sea. Then, continue along the Costa Daurada, known for its golden sandy beaches, and pass through the Delta del Ebro, a haven for diverse birdlife.

In the region of Valencia, you will encounter Peñíscola, a dramatic beach town with a castle-topped citadel. Valencia, known for the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, historic markets, and wide beaches, lies south of the city. The route continues through popular beach towns like Gandia, Dénia, Calpe, and Altea before arriving in Alicante, renowned for its culinary scene.

A tour of the Basque Country

This circular route, beginning and ending in Bilbao, takes you through the heart of the Basque Country. From Bilbao, head to Vitoria-Gasteiz, the region's capital, celebrated for its gastronomy and the Artim Museoa, the contemporary art museum.

Next, continue to Pamplona, known for the Running of the Bulls festival, where you can explore Gothic churches and medieval city walls. Driving north along the N-135, you will traverse the stunning Pyrenees before making a brief stop in Biarritz, known for its grand architecture and surfing.

This journey concludes in San Sebastián, often regarded as Spain’s foodie capital, boasting the highest number of Michelin Stars and a vibrant pintxos scene. Finally, return to Bilbao, enjoying the Basque coastline dotted with colorful fishing villages and the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve.

Grand tour of Catalonia

The Grand Tour of Catalonia is an expansive route that covers over 1,490 kilometers, beginning and ending in Barcelona. The first stage takes you into the Penedès wine region before progressing to Tarragona, a city steeped in Roman history.

Continuing along the River Ebro, you will explore another wine region, Priorat, and the Cistercian Route of abbeys leading to Lleida. This route then leads north towards the Pyrenees, revealing breathtaking landscapes filled with glaciers and waterfalls.

Highlights include the Congost de Mont Rebei gorge, the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, and the remarkable Romanesque architecture in the Valle de Boi. After visiting La Garrotxa, an ancient volcanic natural park, you will head to Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dalí, and finally along the Costa Brava to the historic city of Girona before returning to Barcelona.

Granada to Almería circuit

Begin your journey in Granada, driving south past the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the enchanting villages of the Alpujarras. Known for their crafts and unique cuisine, the whitewashed villages include Lanjarón, Pampaneira, Bubión, and Capileira.

As you continue through the Alpujarras, you can choose between the main circuit or a coastal route via Calahonda, where stunning beaches await. The primary route leads north of Almería through Europe’s only desert, the Tabernas, before returning to Granada. Don’t miss the chance to stop in Guadix to see its ancient cave homes, where many locals still reside.