10 Best Road Trips in Spain You Can't Miss in 2026
There’s something about the open road in Spain that feels like freedom itself. The wind in your hair, the scent of orange blossoms drifting through the window, the way the landscape shifts from golden plains to jagged mountains to endless blue coastlines—it’s no wonder Spain is one of the best countries in the world for a road trip. Whether you're chasing sun-drenched beaches, medieval villages frozen in time, or the thrill of winding mountain passes, Spain delivers. And in 2026? With new infrastructure, hidden gems gaining attention, and a post-pandemic world hungry for adventure, there’s never been a better time to hit the road.
The Picos de Europa Loop: A Mountain Lover’s Dream
Route: Oviedo → Covadonga → Potes → Santander → Oviedo
Distance: ~400 km (loop)
Best For: Adventure seekers, hikers, nature lovers
Duration: 4–5 days
If you’ve ever dreamed of driving through a postcard, this is it. The Picos de Europa—Spain’s first national park—is a dramatic landscape of limestone peaks, deep gorges, and emerald valleys. This road trip takes you through some of the most stunning mountain scenery in the country, with stops in charming villages and opportunities for world-class hiking.
Must-See Stops:
Covadonga & the Lakes of Enol
Address: Covadonga, 33589, Asturias
Hours: Basílica de Covadonga open daily 9:00 AM–8:00 PM (summer), 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (winter)
This is where the Reconquista began, and the setting is nothing short of magical. The Basilica of Covadonga clings to a mountainside, and just a short drive (or hike) away, the glacial Lakes of Enol and Ercina shimmer like jewels. The road up is narrow and winding—white-knuckle stuff if you’re not used to mountain driving—but the views are worth every hairpin turn.
Potes & the Liebanan Valley
Address: Potes, Cantabria
Hours: Town always open; most shops/restaurants 10:00 AM–2:00 PM, 5:00 PM–9:00 PM
Potes is the kind of town that makes you want to slow down. Its medieval tower houses and stone bridges over the Deva River feel like stepping into the past. Stop at El Torreón de Potes for a hearty cocido lebaniego (a rich local stew) and wander the cobbled streets.
Santander & the Costa Verde
Address: Santander, Cantabria
Hours: Beaches and promenades open 24/7; El Sardinero Beach best in summer
After days in the mountains, the sight of the ocean is a revelation. Santander is an elegant coastal city with golden beaches, Belle Époque architecture, and some of the best seafood in Spain. Don’t miss El Sardinero, a sweeping beach perfect for a sunset walk, or Mercado de la Esperanza, where you can feast on fresh oysters and anchovies.
The White Villages of Andalusia: A Journey Through Time
Route: Seville → Ronda → Zahara de la Sierra → Grazalema → Arcos de la Frontera → Seville
Distance: ~350 km (loop)
Best For: History buffs, photographers, culture lovers
Duration: 5–7 days
Andalusia’s pueblos blancos—whitewashed villages clinging to hillsides—are like something from a dream. This road trip takes you through some of the most beautiful, where Moorish castles, narrow alleys, and flower-filled patios tell stories of centuries past.
Must-See Stops:
Ronda
Address: Ronda, Málaga
Hours: Puente Nuevo viewpoint open 24/7; bullring (Plaza de Toros) 10:00 AM–7:00 PM
Ronda is the star of the white villages, perched dramatically above the El Tajo gorge. The Puente Nuevo, a staggering bridge spanning the chasm, is one of Spain’s most iconic sights. Walk down to the bottom of the gorge for a different perspective—it’s steep, but the silence and the sound of the river make it worth it.
Zahara de la Sierra
Address: Zahara de la Sierra, Cádiz
Hours: Castle ruins open 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (summer), shorter hours in winter
This tiny village is the definition of picturesque. Its castle ruins overlook a turquoise reservoir, and the streets are so narrow you can touch both walls at once. Climb up to the Mirador de Zahara for a panorama that will make your jaw drop.
Grazalema
Address: Grazalema, Cádiz
Hours: Town open 24/7; local shops typically 10:00 AM–2:00 PM, 5:00 PM–8:00 PM
Nestled in the heart of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, this village is all about slow living. The air smells of pine and lavender, and the streets are lined with geraniums. Visit Fábrica de Mantas, a traditional wool factory, to see how the famous Grazalema blankets are made.
The Costa Brava: Where the Sea Meets the Wild
Route: Barcelona → Tossa de Mar → Cadaqués → Cap de Creus → Girona → Barcelona
Distance: ~300 km (loop)
Best For: Beach lovers, foodies, artists
Duration: 4–6 days
The Costa Brava is Spain’s wild child—a rugged coastline of hidden coves, turquoise waters, and cliffs that plunge into the sea. This road trip is all about the interplay of land and water, with stops in artistic havens and some of the best seafood restaurants in the country.
Must-See Stops:
Tossa de Mar
Address: Tossa de Mar, Girona
Hours: Beach open 24/7; Vila Vella (old town) best explored during daylight
Tossa de Mar is the quintessential Costa Brava town, with a medieval walled old town (Vila Vella) that spills down to a crescent beach. Walk the ramparts for views of the sea, then dive into the crystal-clear water at Platja Gran.
Cadaqués & Cap de Creus
Address: Cadaqués, Girona
Hours: Dalí House-Museum in Portlligat: 10:30 AM–6:00 PM (summer), shorter hours in winter
Cadaqués is where Salvador Dalí found his muse, and it’s easy to see why. The whitewashed houses, the cobbled streets, the way the light hits the bay—it’s surreal in the best sense. Visit Dalí’s House in Portlligat (book ahead; it’s tiny and fills up fast) to see where the artist lived and worked.
The Rioja Wine Route: A Toast to the Good Life
Route: Logroño → Haro → Laguardia → Briones → Santo Domingo de la Calzada → Logroño
Distance: ~150 km (loop)
Best For: Foodies, wine lovers, couples
Duration: 3–4 days
If you love wine, food, and rolling vineyards that stretch to the horizon, this is your road trip. La Rioja is Spain’s most famous wine region, and this route takes you through its heart, with stops at historic bodegas, medieval towns, and some of the best restaurants in the country.
Must-See Stops:
Haro & the Wine Fountains
Address: Haro, La Rioja
Hours: Bodegas typically open 10:00 AM–2:00 PM, 4:00 PM–7:00 PM; check ahead for tours
Haro is the epicenter of Rioja wine, home to some of the oldest and most prestigious bodegas. López de Heredia is a must-visit—its 19th-century cellars are like cathedrals to wine, and their Viña Tondonia is legendary.
Laguardia & the Underground Cellars
Address: Laguardia, Álava (Basque Country)
Hours: Town open 24/7; bodegas typically 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Laguardia is a medieval walled town where the streets are lined with underground wine cellars. Bodegas Ysios, designed by Santiago Calatrava, looks like a spaceship landed in the vineyards—its undulating roof mirrors the surrounding mountains.
The Camino de Santiago: A Pilgrimage by Car
Route: León → Astorga → Ponferrada → O Cebreiro → Santiago de Compostela
Distance: ~400 km
Best For: History lovers, spiritual seekers, those who want a deeper travel experience
Duration: 5–7 days
You don’t have to walk the Camino de Santiago to experience its magic. Driving this historic pilgrimage route lets you soak in the same landscapes, visit the same sacred sites, and meet fellow travelers—all while sleeping in a real bed at night.
Must-See Stops:
Astorga & the Chocolate Museum
Address: Astorga, León
Hours: Museo del Chocolate: 10:30 AM–2:00 PM, 4:00 PM–7:00 PM
Astorga is a gem of a town, with a Gothic cathedral and a palace designed by Gaudí. But the real star? The Museo del Chocolate, celebrating Astorga’s long tradition of chocolate-making. The mantecadas (buttery pastries) here are legendary.
Santiago de Compostela
Address: Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña
Hours: Cathedral open 7:00 AM–9:00 PM (summer), shorter hours in winter
The grand finale. The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is the endpoint of the Camino, and the energy here is electric. Watch pilgrims arrive in the square, many in tears, and attend the Botafumeiro ceremony, where a giant incense burner swings dramatically through the cathedral.
The Pyrenees: From the Mediterranean to the Atlantic
Route: Girona → Ripoll → Vall de Núria → Aigüestortes National Park → Vielha → San Sebastián
Distance: ~500 km
Best For: Adventure seekers, hikers, those who love dramatic landscapes
Duration: 7–10 days
The Pyrenees are Spain’s wild frontier—a rugged mountain range that separates Spain from France and offers some of the most dramatic driving in the country. This road trip takes you from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic, through valleys, over passes, and into some of the most remote and beautiful corners of Catalonia and the Basque Country.
Must-See Stops:
Vall de Núria
Address: Vall de Núria, Girona
Hours: Rack railway runs 8:00 AM–6:00 PM (summer), shorter hours in winter
This glacial valley is only accessible by a historic rack railway or on foot, but the drive to the base station is stunning. Once you arrive, you’re in a high-altitude paradise of meadows, lakes, and peaks. The Santuario de Núria is a peaceful retreat, and the hiking here is world-class.
San Sebastián & the Basque Coast
Address: San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
Hours: La Concha Beach open 24/7; pintxos bars typically 12:00 PM–11:00 PM
After days in the mountains, San Sebastián is a revelation. This elegant coastal city has one of the best urban beaches in Europe (La Concha), a historic old town, and more Michelin stars per capita than almost anywhere else.
The Silver Route (Ruta de la Plata): Rome’s Lost Highway
Route: Seville → Mérida → Cáceres → Salamanca → León
Distance: ~800 km
Best For: History buffs, those who love off-the-beaten-path Spain
Duration: 7–10 days
The Vía de la Plata was once a Roman trade route stretching from the south to the north of Spain. Today, it’s one of the country’s most underrated road trips, taking you through ancient cities, medieval fortresses, and landscapes that have changed little since the days of emperors.
Must-See Stops:
Mérida
Address: Mérida, Badajoz
Hours: Roman Theatre: 9:00 AM–9:00 PM (summer), shorter hours in winter
Mérida is Spain’s Rome—a city where the past is alive. The Roman Theatre is still used for performances today, and the Temple of Diana, the Aqueduct of Los Milagros, and the Circus Maximus are all remarkably preserved.
Salamanca
Address: Salamanca, Castile and León
Hours: Plaza Mayor open 24/7; Universidad de Salamanca tours 10:00 AM–8:00 PM (summer)
Salamanca is the golden city—its sandstone buildings glow in the sunset, and its Plaza Mayor is one of the most beautiful in Europe. The Universidad de Salamanca, founded in 1218, is the oldest in Spain, and its library holds treasures like a 13th-century manuscript of the Cantigas de Santa María.
The Costa de la Luz: Where the Atlantic Meets Africa
Route: Tarifa → Vejer de la Frontera → Cádiz → Doñana National Park → Seville
Distance: ~350 km
Best For: Beach lovers, birdwatchers, those who love a mix of cultures
Duration: 5–7 days
The Costa de la Luz is where Europe feels closest to Africa. The Atlantic pounds against endless beaches, whitewashed towns perch on cliffs, and the wind carries the scent of salt and wild herbs. This road trip is all about the raw, untamed beauty of southern Spain.
Must-See Stops:
Tarifa
Address: Tarifa, Cádiz
Hours: Beaches open 24/7; ferries to Tangier run multiple times daily
Tarifa is where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic, and you can see Morocco from the shore. The town has a bohemian vibe, with surf shops, Moorish alleys, and beaches that stretch for miles.
Doñana National Park
Address: El Rocío, Huelva
Hours: Park visits by guided tour only; tours typically 8:00 AM–6:00 PM
Doñana is one of Europe’s most important wetlands, a UNESCO World Heritage site where lynx, flamingos, and imperial eagles thrive. The best way to explore is by 4x4 tour—you’ll see dunes, marshes, and forests that feel untouched by time.
The Green Spain Road Trip: Asturias and Cantabria
Route: Oviedo → Cudillero → Ribadesella → Picos de Europa → Santander
Distance: ~300 km
Best For: Nature lovers, foodies, those who love lush landscapes
Duration: 5–7 days
Green Spain—the northern coast—is a world away from the arid south. Here, the mountains are cloaked in forest, the rivers run fast and clear, and the sea is a deep, mysterious blue. This road trip takes you through some of the most verdant and dramatic scenery in the country.
Must-See Stops:
Cudillero
Address: Cudillero, Asturias
Hours: Town open 24/7; best visited in daylight
Cudillero is a fishing village built into the side of a cliff, its colorful houses stacked like children’s blocks. The Puerto de Cudillero is a postcard-perfect harbor, and the Mirador del Pico offers a bird’s-eye view of the town.
Santander & the Palacio de la Magdalena
Address: Santander, Cantabria
Hours: Palacio de la Magdalena: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM (summer)
Santander is the elegant heart of Green Spain, with Belle Époque architecture, golden beaches, and a royal palace perched on a peninsula. The Palacio de la Magdalena was the summer residence of King Alfonso XIII, and its gardens are a peaceful retreat.
The Mallorca Coastal Loop: Island Paradise
Route: Palma → Valldemossa → Sa Calobra → Formentor → Alcúdia → Palma
Distance: ~250 km (loop)
Best For: Beach lovers, couples, those who want a mix of culture and relaxation
Duration: 4–6 days
Mallorca isn’t just about package holidays—it’s a road trip paradise. This loop takes you through the Tramuntana Mountains (a UNESCO World Heritage site), along cliff-hugging roads, and to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean.
Must-See Stops:
Valldemossa
Address: Valldemossa, Mallorca
Hours: Cartuja de Valldemossa: 9:30 AM–6:30 PM (summer)
This mountain village is where Chopin spent a winter, and its Cartuja (a former monastery) is a maze of stone corridors and lush gardens. The cells where Chopin and George Sand stayed are preserved as they were in the 19th century.
Formentor & the Lighthouse
Address: Formentor, Mallorca
Hours: Lighthouse open 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (summer)
The road to Cap de Formentor is another stunner, with hairpin turns and views of the sea at every bend. The lighthouse at the end is a perfect spot for sunset, and the Playa de Formentor is a slice of paradise with powdery sand and turquoise water.