Looking for some great ideas for a fun Spain road trip itinerary? We’ve got you covered with 13 from north to south!

When it comes to road trips, Spain offers everything a slow traveling road tripper could want: easily drivable and well-maintained roads, vibrant local culture, friendly people, amazing food, and endless fun along gorgeous beaches, stunning geologic formations and volcanos!

We’ve written before about the appeal of Spain for slow travelers, from unique train itineraries to walking holidays, and it remains one of our favorite bucket list destinations.

And while the vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, warm hospitality, and delectable food are enough to tempt any traveler, we have to admit we have a soft spot for the open road.

The Spain road trips you’ll find here offer a taste of all these, all in one route!

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A Spain Road Trip: Perfect for Slow Travelers

Spain is one of Europe’s top places to slow travel, and these 13 ideas for Spanish road trips — from the verdant north of Spain to the mountainous interior down to the stunning Andalucia coast and the arid Natural Park of Cabo de Gata — are some of the best road trips in Spain.

You’ll even find several road trip routes in the Spanish islands of Mallorca and the Canary Islands!

Spain is safe and easy to get around outside the urban areas whether you’re driving or combining a road trip with traveling Spain by rail.

Parking is convenient and we found the locals in rural areas to be warm and trustworthy, so exploring away from your car is a no-brainer.

Each of the road trip itineraries in this post are unique. While several are perfect for discovering the gorgeous coastline of Andalucia or following the steps of Don Quixote, others include activities and sites for every kind of traveler.

Have you done a Spain road trip yet? We’ve taken a few, and it may just be the perfect destination for independent roadies!

Best Time to Visit Spain

It’s always a good idea to visit Spain, but that doesn’t mean it’s always a great time to be in Spain. Depending on what you want to see and do, weather in Spain can be a little fickle with the number of climates throughout the country.

For the kind of epic road trips you’ll be doing, Spring and Fall will likely be the ideal times of year for you to plan for.

March through May (peak season) or September to around mid-November are widely considered to be the best times to visit Spain.

That said however, with everyone reading the same travel tips on when to visit Spain, attractions can get super crowded and roads can get a bit congested.

Which is why we love the shoulder season for road trips in Spain — late May into mid-June and mid-August into September are some of the best times to go road tripping for Spain!

It’s amazing how much of a difference it makes when you’re trying to road trip spontaneously and still be flexible.

Ready to get going? Let’s hit the road!

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3 Road Trips Through Northern Spain

Spanish Road Trip #1: Picos de Europa

Distance: 275 miles (442 km)
Begin in: Santander
End in: Santander
Number of days: 5-8 days

What makes this a great Spain road trip? This road trip in northern Spain has it all... hiking, mountains, culture, hidden villages, and food (cider houses and cheese) but is especially perfect for outdoor lovers!
Where to stay or camp along the way? Hosteria Picos de Europa and Casa Cayo in Potes are highly recommended. Or stay in the cider houses in Las Arenas de Cabrales or Cangas de Onís!

Let’s start off our post with a moderate 5-8 day road trip through northern Spain.

This route that twists through the mountains of the Picos de Europa National Park is one of the best road trips in Spain.

The National Park covers three Spanish autonomous regions: Cantabria, Asturias, and Castille & León.

One of the easiest access points is from Santander, which has plenty of car rental options right in the heart of the city.

The Picos de Europa can be explored in a circuit loop back to Santander. There are many places to see in the Picos, but a loop of the park is around 275 miles.

The Picos de Europa offers incredible hiking opportunities, but there's something for everyone in the mountains.

Reserve at least 5 days to explore the Picos, but those interested in hiking should add a few extra days.

The biggest draw in the Picos de Europa is the Cares Gorge hike. This stunning hike is mostly flat and boasts stunning views of the river gorge and limestone peaks.

The small hamlet of Bulnes is worth exploring — it’s one of the most isolated villages in Spain and is only accessible by foot or funicular.

Another highlight of the Picos de Europa is to ride up the Fuente Dé cable car to the mountains.

Those looking for a beautiful lakeside stroll should visit the scenic Lagos de Covadonga.

The Picos de Europa is known for its famous Cabrales cheese, so foodies should plan a cheese cave tour is while there.

There are plenty of small villages to stay in the Picos de Europa. Potes is alluring and has lots of accommodation options. Hosteria Picos de Europa is a favorite!

Poncebos is steps away from the best hiking trails in the Picos de Europa.

Foodies will also enjoy sleeping in Las Arenas de Cabrales or Cangas de Onís for the cider houses.

The Picos de Europa is a spectacular road trip in Spain that highlights the beauty of three very diverse regions in Spain.

By Megan of Packing Up the Pieces

Spain Road Trip #2: Barcelona — Cadaqués — Costa Brava

Distance: 140 miles (225 km)
Begin in: Barcelona
End in: Cadaqués
Number of days: 3-5 days
What makes this a great Spain road trip? The renowned beaches of Costa Brava and the lovely small towns of Catalan make this northern Spain road trip one of our favorites.
Where to stay or camp along the way? Barcelona, ART de VIVRE - Cala Llevado in Tossa de Mar, Hotel Costabella in Girona, Boutique Hotel Villa Gala in Cadaqués

Slow travel the Costa Brava with this road trip from Barcelona!

Ideally, you have already spent a few days in the Catalan capital, but plan to spend at least a day or two in Barcelona for this trip itinerary.

With sights like the famous Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and even more jaw-dropping sites like the nearby monastery at Montserrat (allow yourself enough time to explore), Barcelona is one of the most impressive cities in the world. Just allow yourself enough time to explore them all!

On the first day, you'll drive from Barcelona to Tossa de Mar. This seaside resort offers some of the most impressive beaches in Catalonia and is full of history and culture.

See the remarkable castle of Tossa before continuing toward Calella de Palafrugell. If you want to extend your road trip, you can spend the entire day here exploring the area's beaches.

Calella de Palafrugell is another romantic Catalan seaside town. Enjoy the delicious tapas and follow the small paths that lead you through the center.

If you like, you can take a short refreshing break in the crystal-clear waters of the small bays.

Afterward, you will drive on to Girona, one of the most historic cities in Catalonia.

With an old medieval wall, many historic buildings, and many idyllic places, Girona is a great place to explore Catalan culture and gastronomy.

After a stay in Girona, you'll continue to Cadaqués. This small coastal town is considered one of the most picturesque places in all of Spain.

The small town's white buildings and narrow streets form a simply gorgeous picture.

From here, you should definitely plan a trip to the Cap de Creus. The view of the Costa Brava from the lighthouse is simply incredible.

There are plenty of fun road trips from Barcelona, but the great mix of culture, history, sightseeing, and beach time of this route offers plenty of variety — one of the best road trips you can do in Spain!

By Vicki at Vicki Viaja

Spanish Road Trip #3: Bilbao — San Sebastian — Picos de Europa — Bilbao

Distance: 360 miles (580 km)
Begin in: Bilbao
End in: Bilbao
Number of days: At least 7 days: 1-2 days in Bilbao, 2 days in San Sebastian, and 4 days in Picos de Europa.
What makes this a great Spain road trip? Awesome impressive landscapes, culture, and adventure. This itinerary is a good mix between sight seeing in the cities and hiking in the nature.
Where to stay or camp along the way? Hotel La Rivera in Arenas de Cabrales is an amazing place to explore nature and the environment in Picos de Europa. At San Sebastian, La Galería in the city center is highly recommended.

This stunning north Spain road trip through San Sebastian, Bilbao, and Picos de Europa offers some of the most scenic and culturally rich destinations in Spain.

This road trip itinerary starts and end at Bilbao — a huge benefit given the abundance of cheap flights in and out of Bilbao!

In San Sebastian you’ll appreciate its stunning coastline and nightlife. The city offers a great combination of activities, from beaches to amazing modern gastronomy.

In Bilbao, the largest city in Spain’s Basque Country, you can visit so many amazing museums, among them the renowned Guggenheim Museum.

Picos de Europa National Park is a highlight of this road trip route, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the majestic mountains, go for a hike or visit one of its many villages.

Among the many places you should visit is San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, an island with a tiny hermitage dedicated to John the Baptist which dates to the 10th century.

Nearby, the small town of Zumaia by the Sea is worth a stop to see the huge and very unique rock strata on the beach known as flysch.

Stop in Ermita de San Telmo to visit the small chapel on top of a hill with great views of the bay.

Santander is another coastal city to stroll around with lots of charm and gorgeous beaches.

One of the most picturesque of all these towns has to be Cudillero, a small fishing village that looks like a painting — truly one of the most beautiful towns in Asturias.

When it comes to food, the north of Spain is known for it’s cuisine, and you’ll find many cafes where you can order pintxos, the Basque region’s version of tapas. These small bites are a must-taste on any Bilbao or northern Spain itinerary!

By Alexander at Travel Your Memories

4 Spain Road Trips: Central Spain

Spain Road Trip #4: Island of Mallorca

Distance: Around 200 miles (321 km)
Begin in: Palma de Mallorca
End in: Palma de Mallorca
Number of days: 7-10 days
What makes this a great Spain road trip? Perfect for nature and culture lovers. This road trip will take you to some of the most beautiful places along the north and south coast of Mallorca and offers a great mix of culture, history and fantastic natural attractions.
Where to stay or camp along the way? Ca'n Abril and Casa Ceiba Maria in Soller.

The Spanish island of Mallorca boasts charming towns, amazing beaches and scenic landscapes, and is an excellent destination for a road trip.

The most obvious place to start your road trip is the island’s capital, Palma de Mallorca, since that’s where most visitors arrive when they come to the island. There, you’ll also find the widest selection of car rental agencies.

Once you’ve picked up your car in Palma, hit the road and drive to the beautiful historical town of Soller in northern Mallorca. It’s a scenic journey through the spectacular Tramuntana mountain range that stretches along the island’s north coast.

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Since there’s an abundance of exciting things to do in Soller and its surrounding areas, it’s a great place to base yourself for 2 to 3 nights.

Explore the town’s historic center, discover the nearby hiking trails in the surrounding mountains and ride the iconic Soller tram to the dreamy seaside resort of Port de Soller.

From Soller, you can take day trips to the fairytale-like villages of Deia and Valldemossa and drive or take a boat to Sa Calobra, which is known for its impressive canyon and beach.

Next, head to the island’s south coast and base yourself in the lovely seaside town of Cala d’Or for a few days. The best thing to do here is to go beach-hopping since this part of Mallorca has been blessed with mesmerizing beaches with clear turquoise water.

While here, be sure to also take a day trip to Mondrago Natural Park and the picturesque Calo des Moro cove.

Round off your road trip by returning to Palma de Mallorca and spending your final day exploring the bustling streets and the beautiful architecture of this capital city.

By Marjut at The Smooth Escape

Spanish Road Trip #5: The Quixote Route — A Journey through History and Literature

Distance: 218 miles (350 km)
Begin in: Madrid
End in: Cuenca
Number of days: 3-5 days
What makes this a great Spain road trip? Discover rural Spain. Small villages that inspired the author of Don Quixote, Miguel de Cervantes. Landscapes of La Mancha with horizons full of windmills. Local gastronomy with traditional regional products. UNESCO World Heritage City, Cuenca.
Where to stay or camp along the way? El Patio de los Jazmines in Consuegra, Hotel Convento de Santa Clara in Alcázar de San Juan, Palacio del Infante Don Juan Manuel Hotel Spa in Belmonte, and Posada de San José in Cuenca.

Follow the steps the brave knight Don Quixote and his faithful squire Sancho Panza have trodden in Miguel de Cervantes' book and road trip the Quixote route!

Departing from Madrid (or Toledo), set your GPS to your first destination, Tembleque.

This small town’s Plaza Mayor is one of the largest and best preserved in the region. Once there, you can walk around and admire some examples of medieval architecture.

This Don Quixote Route continues to Consuegra, a town known for the windmills that have been immortalized in Cervantes' novel.

Located on the top of a hill, enjoy a walk among them while soaking up the breathtaking views of the La Mancha countryside.

Alcázar de San Juan prides itself on its long winemaking tradition. Take the opportunity to visit historic wineries and sample some of the region's best wines. Los Santos winery is a local favorite!

Also worth a visit is the 13th century castle, which is one of the town's most emblematic landmarks.

Next destination is Campo de Criptana, which boasts one of the largest sets of windmills in La Mancha. I recommend seeing the sunset here as it is a unique spectacle of light and shadows!

Don Quixote Route has a mandatory stop in El Toboso, since it’s the place where Dulcinea, Don Quixote's platonic love, lived.

Visit the Casa Museo de Dulcinea, which houses a collection of art and objects related to Cervantes' novel.

Continue your journey to Belmonte, a town with a rich history and cultural heritage. Visit its medieval castle at the top of the hill and the 15th century Collegiate Church of San Bartolomé, which has an impressive Baroque altarpiece in its interior.

Finally, arrive in Cuenca, a UNESCO World Heritage City, known for its famous "casas colgadas" (hanging houses). These medieval houses, dating from the 14th century, loom dangerously over the edge of the Huécar River gorge.

By Flor of Ruta del Mate

Spain road trip, Calpe Jürgen Reichenpfader

Spanish Road Trip #6: The Costa Blanca

Distance: 120 miles (193 km)
Begin in: Xabia or Javea
End in: Alicante
Number of days: Approximately 7 days, although extra days for relaxation and swimming are definitely worth it!
What makes this a great Spain road trip? A little bit of everything, but focused on beach & culture
Where to stay or camp along the way? Gran Hotel Sol y Mar in Calpe and La Punta COLORS By DLV in Villajoyosa

A real travel highlight, which is highly recommended for every road trip lover, is the road trip along the Costa Blanca. This so-called "White Coast" is located in the province of Alicante.

On this route you will discover not only magnificent beaches, but also countless enchanting landscapes and romantic coastal towns.

The best place to begin your road trip is in the northern part of the region near Xabia or Javea. The beaches there with their steep cliffs are truly spectacular.

Don't miss Granadella Bay or Cala del Moraig, just to name a few of the highlights along this route.

Head to Calpe, which is one of the highlights of the Costa Blanca. This coastal town is famous for its Penon Ifach hill. It is a natural park with picturesque coastal landscapes.

Also, don't miss the pink flamingos that settle in the small salt lake in the center of town, and the colorful old town that contrasts with the modern skyscrapers.

Next, head to the white city of Altea. Explore the beautiful old town overlooking the sea and the whitewashed houses that make Altea famous.

If you need more action, take a detour to Benidorm, also known as the "Manhattan of Spain". Benidorm is a bustling city full of skyscrapers, clubs and amusement parks.

Also worth a visit is the colorful city of Villajoyosa — still an insider's tip on the Costa Blanca, as it is lesser-visited.

For the last stop, you should plan a visit to the city of Alicante in the south of the Costa Blanca. Alicante has a beautiful old town with a fortress overlooking the sea and stunning beaches.

If you’re looking for a wonderful mix of dream beaches, magnificent coastal landscapes with high cliffs and numerous charming seaside towns, you’ll love this Spanish road trip itinerary!

By Martina of Places of Juma

Spain Road Trip #7: Valencia — Madrid

Distance: 230 miles (370 km)
Begin in: Valencia
End in: Madrid
Number of days: 7 days
What makes this a great Spain road trip? A route with something for everyone. It gives you a good overview of Spanish culture, nature and food as you can experience different regions and cuisines in a short amount of time
Where to stay or camp along the way? Parador de Cuenca in Cuenca, Parador de Alcala in Alcala de Henares, or camp at Camping Cuenca.

A road trip from Valencia to Madrid offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and nature.

From the beautiful medieval towns of Requena and Cuenca to the cosmopolitan city of Madrid, this route really does have something for everyone.

Start your journey in Valencia, by visiting the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences and the Old Town. Spend at least 2 days in Valencia to get to see as many of its worderful attractions.

On the 3rd day, drive from Valencia to Requena, a small town known for its wine and medieval architecture. Here, visit the Castle of Requena and the underground caves.

In the afternoon, take a short drive from Requena to Utiel, another town famous for its wine production. Visit the Wine Museum of Utiel and the underground caves.

Stay overnight in Utiel, before following to Cuenca the next morning.

Cuenca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its hanging houses and stunning architecture. Spend a full day exploring the city, visit the cathedral, the Museum of Spanish Abstract Art, and the Casas Colgadas.

Stay overnight in Cuenca at Parador de Cuenca or camp at Camping Cuenca.

In the morning, drive to Alcala de Henares, the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote. Visit the Casa-Museo de Cervantes and the University of Alcala. Stay overnight in Alcala de Henares at Parador de Alcala.

For the last 2 out of your 7 days, head to Madrid, the capital of Spain. Spend at least 2 days here, visiting the Prado Museum, the Royal Palace, and the Plaza Mayor.

Whatever you do, don’t forget to enjoy some tapas and wine at one of the local bars along the route.

By Lara at Valencia Revealed

6 Southern Spain Road Trips

Spanish Road Trip #8: Málaga — Cartagena

Distance: 242 miles (389 km)
Begin in: Málaga
End in: Cartagena
Number of days: 5-7 days
What makes this a great Spain road trip? This Andalucia road trip offers breathtaking landscapes, charming towns, and delicious traditional Spanish food.
Where to stay or camp along the way? Room Mate Valeria and H10 Croma in Málaga and El Rincón de Huete near Playa del Zapillo.

Embarking on a road trip from Málaga to Cartagena offers an exciting way for travelers to explore southern Spain's scenic beauty.

The drive along the Mediterranean coast provides breathtaking landscapes, charming towns, and delicious traditional Spanish food.

This 242-mile southern Spain road trip promises an unforgettable experience for both experienced travelers and first-time road trippers looking for the freedom of the open road.

This iconic Spanish road trip starts in Málaga, which you can visit in one day and offers travelers a variety of activities to enjoy – from exploring emblematic castles to visiting famous museums like the Picasso Museum.

The next stop is Nerja, one of the most beautiful towns in Málaga. Here, travelers can explore the iconic Balcon de Europa, a picturesque viewpoint offering stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.

The beaches in Nerja are close to perfect and you can also visit the beautiful caves nearby.

Finally, visitors can indulge in delicious Andalusian cuisine and local wines at one of Nerja's many restaurants. One local favorite is Restaurante 34.

Salobreña offers a plethora of activities for visitors. They can enjoy soaking up the sun on the beaches with crystal clear waters and breathtaking views, while thrill-seekers can hit the hiking trails in the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains for jaw-dropping views and fresh mountain air.

Almería is a destination that boasts beautiful beaches, such as Playa del Zapillo, which are ideal for swimming and tanning. In addition, travelers can explore notable landmarks like the Alcazaba fortress.

There are also local restaurants where tourists can indulge in delicious tapas and fresh seafood at locally approved places like Restaurante Casa Puga.

The penultimate stop is Cabo de Gata, which offers visitors various activities. Nature-loving travelers who are looking to extend their road trip a bit longer should consider taking advantage of the great outdoors and camping out at Cabo de Gata.

There are several campsites in the area and accommodation options available.

Certain campsites offer showers and toilets, while others are more simplistic and rugged.

The grand finale of the road trip ends in Cartagena, an underrated city to be discovered.

By Cristina of My Little World of Travelling

Spain Road Trip #9: Cadiz — Marbella

Distance: 128 miles (205 km)
Begin in: Cadiz
End in: Marbella
Number of days: 7-10 days. Slow travelers could easily spend 2 weeks weeks as there are so many places you could stop at. You could do a full surf course, which is 5 days.
What makes this a great Spain road trip? The general theme of the trip would be remote beaches, water sports and a bit of culture. It's a great road trip because of the scenery, the pretty villages you pass though and the beaches you can only access if you drive.
Where to stay or camp along the way? The Parador in Cadiz and Chalet Duna in El Palmar are highly recommended.

If you are looking for a special road trip around the South of Spain, consider the Cadiz to Marbella route. This scenic route follows the coast and stretches for around 130 miles or so (just over 200 km).

In order to experience properly the places you will be passing by, it is recommended to do this road trip over a period of minimum 7 days.

The first day of this road trip starts in Cadiz, one of the oldest inhabited cities in Europe. There are plenty of things to see here, starting with the Cadiz Cathedral, which sits on the seafront.

The crypt of the Cathedral is under the sea level, which makes it unique.

The fish market is a great place to go to if you want to take the pulse of the city, especially at lunchtime. The locals come here to enjoy the freshly grilled fish over glasses of cold drinks, making a social event out of it.

Don’t miss checking out one of the beaches in Cadiz to enjoy the traditional Andalucian espetos – grilled sardines over an open fire, on a grill inside an old wooden boat, at a chiringuito on the beach.

As you drive down the coast, stop in Conil de la Frontera to visit the white village and take your first surf lesson.

Just down the road from Conil you will find El Palmar, a paradise for beginner surfers. In the evening you can ride a horse on the beach, to the Trafalgar Lighthouse. A great place to stay here is the Sea Retreat.

Your next stop on the route will be dedicated to Tarifa, the capital of water sports in Spain due to its constant wind. Be sure and visit the old town of Tarifa, with its castle and the narrow streets inside the Moorish city walls.

As you leave Tarifa, don’t miss the Mirador del Estrecho viewpoint, from where you can see the Rif Mountains in Morocco.

After Tarifa, you’ll cross into Gibraltar and explore the English feel of the city.

Climb the famous Rock of Gibraltar, visit St Michael’s Cave, and look at the monkeys. But don’t touch or feed them though, as they can be quite naughty.

On the last stop of this road trip you will reach Marbella, the most popular resort on Costa del Sol. This is where the road trip will end, with a walk around the old town and a relaxed, well deserved lie on the beach.

By Joanna of The World in My Pocket

Spain road trips, Huelva mining bridge — The mining pier of Riotinto Co., known as the Tinto Dock or "Muelle del Tinto".

Spain Road Trip #10: Seville, Spain — Faro, Portugal

Distance: 155 miles (250 km)
Begin in: Seville, Spain
End in: Faro, Portugal
Number of days: 7 days
What makes this a great Spain road trip? For those wanting a true off-the-beaten-path road trip through Spain and Portugal, this itinerary is the one!
Where to stay or camp along the way? La Bota Camping in Punta Umbría.

This road trip from Seville to Faro in Portugal will take you along the lesser trodden part of two very touristy regions in both countries. It truly gives you an insight into the culture as there are significantly fewer foreign tourists.

Start by driving from Seville, Andalucia’s vibrant capital city to the historical town of Niebla, known for its medieval castle.

It is a lovely little town to walk around (and obviously visit the castle) and have lunch before continuing the journey to Huelva.

The lesser-known city of Huelva has a lot to offer and it is worth spending a day exploring its sights, like Muelle Tinto, Barrio Reina Victoria, and the Casa Colon, all the remnants from the times when the English Rio Tinto Company Ltd. dominated Huelva and the city saw its glory days.

There are also a whole lot of spectacular beaches in Huelva that you can see on day 3, or you can explore the Odiel Natural Park where bird watchers will especially enjoy the unique birds frequenting the area. You can also see flamingos there.

Next, head to Punta Umbria where you can spend a night at La Bota Camping.

The little town is especially vibrant in the summer months, but the coastline all the way to El Rompido with its sweeping beaches is worth spending a whole day exploring, there are many stops along the road where you can take pictures or stop for a swim.

Continue on to Tavira in Portugal, where you should definitely spend a day exploring the charming town, then stop by the tiny fishing village Santa Luzia.

Afterwards. take the little tourist train over to Tavira Island and explore the unique Anchor Cemetery.

There are many cute stops on the way to Faro if you have the time. Olhao is an especially wonderful city where you can take boat trips to the barrier islands of Ria Formosa Natural Park.

By Linn of Amused by Andalucia

Spanish Road Trip #11: Sevilla — Córdoba — Granada — Málaga

Distance: 430 miles (692 km)
Begin in: Seville
End in: Seville
Number of days: 7-10 days
What makes this a great Spain road trip? Want to explore the history and culture of Andalusia in-depth? This road trip through southern Spain takes you through the most important cities in Andalusia: Sevilla, Córdoba, Granada, and Málaga.
Where to stay or camp along the way? The La Sillería de Triana by Magno Apartments in Sevilla is top-rated, and Apartamentos Turísticos Mauror in Granada.

Start this trip in the city of Seville, where you can then pick up your rental car.

This route follows a loop to end up back in Sevilla, making it about 430 miles, and requires about a week to do it justice.

This Andalucia road trip route is perfect for lovers of history and culture: all four cities are emblematic of Southern Spain's autonomous Andalusia region, where you'll see Moorish influence in much of these cities' landmarks.

From the Alhambra Palace to the famous Mezquita of Córdoba (once a mosque, now a cathedral), you'll see how Moorish influences impacted Southern Spain in a way that is distinct from the North.

Start this Spanish road trip in Sevilla, where you should visit the Real Alcazar, the stunning Plaza de España (perhaps the most beautiful plaza in all of Spain), and the historic Plaza de Toros (though it's better not to watch a bullfight and just admire the architecture).

Allocate at least two days for Sevilla. The La Sillería de Triana by Magno Apartments is top-rated and close to the Plaza de Armas.

After Sevilla, you can make your way to Granada, but stop in Córdoba for a day trip along the way.

Visit the Mezquita, but also spend some time exploring the Jewish Quarter (particularly the Córdoba Synagogue) and the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos.

Next, spend two days in Granada. Dedicate a half day at least to visiting the Alhambra Palace complex, particularly the stunning Nasrid Palaces.

Apartamentos Turísticos Mauror is a great place to spend a few days in Granada.

Other sites worth seeing include the Granada Cathedral and the Capilla Real.

You should spend another day exploring the Albaicín and Sacromonte neighborhoods of Granada, finishing the day with a flamenco show.

Lastly, spend two days in Málaga enjoying its beaches and its history, particularly the Málaga Alcazaba, the city's cathedral, and the Teatro Romano.

On your final day, head back to Sevilla, either directly (2.5 hours) or via Ronda for one last sightseeing stop (3.5 hours).

By Allison of Eternal Arrival

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Spanish Road Trip #12: Tenerife, Canary Islands

Distance: 150 miles (241 km)
Begin in: Tenerife South–Reina Sofía Airport in Granadilla de Abona
End in: Tenerife South Airport, Granadilla de Abona
Number of days: 7 days
What makes this a great Spanish road trip? This road trip is a perfect way to savor the rich gastronomy and wine of Tenerife, but above all, see its extraordinary nature.
Where to stay or camp along the way? Park Club Europe in Playa de las Americas and in the south, check out Hotel Botanico which has a luxury spa!

Whether you’re craving some winter sun or just want to see somewhere completely different on your Spain trip, fly down to Tenerife, the largest island in the Canary Islands for a road trip to remember!

This whole road trip is doable year round, whether you’re in Tenerife in winter or summer. The temperature in Tenerife doesn’t fluctuate much throughout the year, which means that nearly all attractions and activities are open all year long.

Rent a car at the Tenerife South Airport (also known as Reina Sofía Airport) in Granadilla de Abona) and begin your road trip, allowing at least seven days to take it all in.

Slow travelers could easily pass 10 days or more just enjoying the breathtaking beaches!

There are so many wonderful towns and villages to visit all along the coastline of Tenerife, but there are several highlights and must-do activities.

First is Playa de Las Americas, where you can relax on the beach and do a whale watching tour (with a very high chance of seeing whales due to the small channel that they usually pass through).

Teide National Park is an out-of-this-world landscape, and home to Spain’s highest mountain, Mount Teide. At 3,718 meters high, the Teide-Pico Viejo stratovolcano offers epic sunsets and stargazing opportunities.

Icod de los Vinos is home to the Canary Island’s signature dragon tree and narrow, authentically Canarian streets. Also, don’t miss visiting the lava tube cave of Cueva del Viento.

Puerto de la Cruz is another gorgeous town in the island’s north; it was where the first tourists to Tenerife came and is renowned for its colourful buildings and craggy beaches.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the island’s capital and is the perfect place to enjoy a cold sangria while sitting in one of the traditional squares.

The ideal road trip for nature and a slice of Canarian life, this circular voyage will help you see the best of Tenerife in around seven days!

By Claire of Europe in Winter

Spanish Road Trip #13: La Gomera, Canary Islands

Distance: 60 miles (96 km)
Begin and End in: If you’re driving in and taking the ferry from Tenerife or La Palma, begin and end your road trip in San Sebastian.
If you fly in, rent a car at the airport and begin and end in Santiago.
Number of days: 4-7 days
What makes this a great Spain road trip? La Gomera is perfect for those seeking a remote getaway with beautiful vistas, endless beach views, and quiet island hikes.
Where to stay or camp along the way? Parador de La Gomera in San Sebastian or go camping at Ermita de Nuestra Señora de Las Nieves in Garonjay Park

One of the best places to do a road trip in Spain is in La Gomera, one of the smallest of the Canary Islands.

But while the island is small, it has so much to offer, and is a true nature-lovers dream.

Start your road trip of La Gomera from San Sebastian or Santiago depending on how you arrive. You can easily rent a car in the capital city of San Sebastian, where the main fort is located.

A single main highway circles the island and is 60 miles long with plenty of stops along the way including beaches, hikes, and stunning natural landscapes.

You can see the highlights in just a few days, but spend up to a week to truly enjoy all that the island has to offer.

Visit the impressive Roque Agando and continue down to Hermigua, where there are natural pools, beaches, and some excellent restaurants.

From there you can visit El Cepo, where you can spend a night and experience a beautiful sunrise in the morning.

The next main city you’ll want to visit is Vallehermosa, a colorful village tucked into the mountains.

Continue on to one of the Canary Islands’ most beloved beach towns, Valle Gran Rey, which is home to some of the best views on the island, and a great place to spend the night.

The next day, enjoy the stunning Garonjay Park, and spend the night camping at Ermita de Nuestra Señora de Las Nieves where you can capture a spectacular sunrise in the morning.

Finish off your road trip with a stop in Santiago, where there are several black sand beaches.

If you love amazing scenery, La Gomera makes a fun road trip with amazing viewpoints and a variety of places to visit, without having to drive long distances.

You can even rent a camper and stay at several different overlooks for a more remote experience of one of Spain’s most unique getaways.

By Danni from Scratch Your Mapa

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