Travelling around Spain by Car
Travelling around Spain by car: freedom to discover a country full of contrasts
Spain is one of the most attractive countries in the world for travelling by car. Its variety of landscapes, from rugged mountains to endless Mediterranean beaches, along with thousands of charming villages, historic cities, and well-connected roads, make touring the country on four wheels a unique experience.
Going by car allows you to discover Spain at your own pace: stopping wherever you want, adjusting the itinerary, reaching less accessible corners, and enjoying the cultural, gastronomic, and natural diversity of the country without rushing.
➤ The great diversity of routes in Spain
Spain offers countless routes that adapt to all tastes: nature, history, gastronomy, coast, or mountain.
- Mediterranean Coast: from Barcelona to Almería, passing through Valencia, Alicante, and Murcia.
- Northern Route: the greenest Cantabrian region—Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia.
- Andalusia by car: Seville, Córdoba, Granada, Cádiz, Málaga... history, sun, and white villages.
- Castile and León: monumental cities like Salamanca, León, or Burgos.
- Historic interior: Toledo, Cuenca, Zaragoza, Mérida, or Cáceres.
The possibilities are endless in such a varied country.
➤ Advantages of travelling around Spain by car
There are many reasons why travelling around Spain by car is such a popular experience:
- Freedom of movement: you decide the schedules, detours, or stops.
- Access to less touristy places: hidden beaches, viewpoints, or remote hamlets.
- Flexibility: change plans according to the weather, the atmosphere, or your desire.
- Convenience: ideal for families or group travel.
- Controlled cost: especially if the vehicle is shared.
In addition, Spanish roads are safe and well signposted, which facilitates any route.
➤ Scenic roads: driving while enjoying the landscape
Spain has particularly beautiful routes where the journey is part of the experience.
- Costa Brava: gentle curves next to Mediterranean coves and cliffs.
- Picos de Europa (Mountains): mountain roads with stunning views.
- Ribeira Sacra (Galicia): viewpoints and routes among canyons and vineyards.
- Route of the White Villages (Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos) (Cádiz and Málaga): hills, mountain ranges, and glistening villages.
- Tabernas Desert (Almería): cinematic landscapes.
These are ideal routes for lovers of landscape and photography.
➤ Cities and villages perfect for a car route
The car allows you to combine large cities with small villages that enrich any trip.
- Madrid and surroundings: Ávila, Segovia, and Toledo, perfect for a quick getaway.
- Andalusia: Ronda, Frigiliana, Vejer de la Frontera, or Zahara de la Sierra.
- North: Santillana del Mar, Cangas de Onís, Hondarribia, or Combarro.
- Castile-La Mancha: Consuegra, Almagro, or Campo de Criptana.
These combinations turn a simple displacement into a cultural and visual journey.
➤ Tips for travelling around Spain by car
To get the most out of the trip:
- Plan routes according to actual distances; Spain seems small, but it is extensive.
- Avoid rush hour in large cities like Madrid, Barcelona, or Seville.
- Combine motorways with secondary roads to enjoy the scenery.
- Monitor the weather: in winter, be cautious in snowy areas (Northern Plateau and Pyrenees).
- Take advantage of rest areas and gastronomic routes.
Driving calmly, the journey becomes an immersive experience.
➤ Spain by car: a country to enjoy without rushing
Spain is perfect for touring by car: safe roads, cultural and scenic diversity, varied gastronomy, and many corners that can only be discovered if you travel by land.
Travelling around Spain by car is much more than just getting around: it is freedom, nature, history, and continuous discovery.
