road trip from barcelona to seville

40 Best Stops Between Barcelona and Seville

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How long is the drive from Barcelona to Seville?

The direct drive from Barcelona to Seville is 618 mi (994 km) , and should have a drive time of 9 hrs 15 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Barcelona to Seville, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Valencia , Cordoba , Salou , Ronda , Teruel , Cuenca , Sitges , Antequera , Tarragona , and Peniscola , as well as top places to visit like Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey and Freixenet, or the ever-popular Castell de Cardona.

Top cities between Barcelona and Seville

Best stops along Barcelona to Seville drive

Castell de cardona.

Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey

Sitges beach.

Passeig Marítim

Roc de sant gaietà, mas vicenç s.c.p., santa maría de poblet monastery, aquopolis costa daurada - la pineda salou, portaventura world, caribe aquatic park, oficina de turisme de salou, cathedral of st. mary of la seu vella, castell de miravet, castillo de valderrobres, peniscola castle, castell de morella, coves de sant josep, oceanogràfic, ciudad de las artes y las ciencias, jardín del turia, mercat central de valència, castle of cullera, bioparc valencia, mausoleum of the amantes, sercotel hotel torico plaza, cuevas del diablo, top searches in seville, other popular road trips from barcelona, explore nearby places.

• Almaden de la Plata
• Lora del Rio
• Torre de la Reina
• Villanueva del Rio y Minas
• La Lantejuela
• Acala Del Rio
• Villaverde del Rio
• La Puebla de Cazalla
• San Juan De Aznalfarache
• Castilleja de la Cuesta
• Alcolea del Rio
• La Rinconada
• El Viso del Alcor
• Castilleja de Guzman
• Palomares del Rio

All related maps of Seville

• Map of Seville
• Map of La Campana
• Map of Almaden de la Plata
• Map of Brenes
• Map of Olivares
• Map of Lora del Rio
• Map of Torre de la Reina
• Map of Casariche
• Map of Villanueva del Rio y Minas
• Map of La Lantejuela
• Map of El Coronil
• Map of Acala Del Rio
• Map of Villaverde del Rio
• Map of Pedrera
• Map of La Puebla de Cazalla
• Map of Camas
• Map of San Juan De Aznalfarache
• Map of Tomares
• Map of Isla Mayor
• Map of Castilleja de la Cuesta
• Map of Paradas
• Map of Alcolea del Rio
• Map of Umbrete
• Map of El Rubio
• Map of La Rinconada
• Map of El Viso del Alcor
• Map of Castilleja de Guzman
• Map of Palomares del Rio
• Map of Santiponce
• Map of Gelves
• Map of Bormujos

Seville throughout the year

• Seville in January
• Seville in February
• Seville in March
• Seville in April
• Seville in May
• Seville in June
• Seville in July
• Seville in August
• Seville in September
• Seville in October
• Seville in November
• Seville in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Seville?

Get inspired for your trip to Seville with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Seville Itinerary
• 2-Day Seville Itinerary
• 3-Day Seville Itinerary
• 4-Day Seville Itinerary
• 5-Day Seville Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive from barcelona to seville.

Yes! You can drive from Barcelona to Seville.

How far is Seville from Barcelona by car?

The drive from Barcelona to Seville is 618 miles (994 km).

How long does it take to drive from Barcelona to Seville?

Driving from Barcelona to Seville should take you 9 hrs 15 mins in normal traffic.

How much would gas cost from Barcelona to Seville?

Gas from Barcelona to Seville would cost around $54 to $126 , depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Where should I stop on the way from Barcelona to Seville?

You could check out Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey and Freixenet, or the always popular Castell de Cardona!

What are the best cities to visit between Barcelona and Seville?

People love visiting Valencia, Cordoba, and Salou, among others.

What's the weather like in Barcelona?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Barcelona in January
• Weather in Barcelona in February
• Weather in Barcelona in March
• Weather in Barcelona in April
• Weather in Barcelona in May
• Weather in Barcelona in June
• Weather in Barcelona in July
• Weather in Barcelona in August
• Weather in Barcelona in September
• Weather in Barcelona in October
• Weather in Barcelona in November
• Weather in Barcelona in December

What are some other road trips from Barcelona?

There are plenty! Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Barcelona.

• Barcelona to Paris drive
• Barcelona to London drive
• Barcelona to Madrid drive
• Barcelona to Rome drive
• Barcelona to Valencia drive
• Barcelona to Florence drive
• Barcelona to Amsterdam drive
• Barcelona to Lisbon drive
• Barcelona to Milan drive
• Barcelona to Berlin drive
• Barcelona to Prague drive
• Barcelona to Venice drive
• Barcelona to Palma de Mallorca drive
• Barcelona to Salou drive
• Barcelona to Seville drive
• Barcelona to Budapest drive
• Barcelona to Vienna drive
• Barcelona to Edinburgh drive
• Barcelona to Dublin drive
• Barcelona to Turin drive
• Barcelona to Granada drive
• Barcelona to Marseille drive
• Barcelona to Zaragoza drive
• Barcelona to Brussels drive
• Barcelona to Nice drive
• Barcelona to Munich drive
• Barcelona to Porto drive
• Barcelona to Istanbul drive
• Barcelona to Benidorm drive

• Itinerary + map in one view
• Live collaboration
• Auto-import hotels and reservations
• Optimize your route
• Offline access on mobile
• See time and distance between all your places

Wander-Lush

The Ultimate Spanish Road Trip Itinerary: Barcelona to Seville

Plan your dream road trip through Spain with this epic Spanish road trip itinerary! I’ll show you how to spend a perfect 3 weeks in Spain travelling from Barcelona to Seville, plus everything you need to know about renting a car to self drive in Spain.

I was part-way through planning a six-week Eurotrip with my partner when I became fixated on visiting Spain.

Spain had never really factored into my travel plans. But as soon as I realised just how much variety the country has to offer – from majestic mountain villages and enthralling cities to romantic small towns and a postcard-perfect coastline – not to mention the sheer number of historical and UNESCO sites held within its borders – I decided we should spend a whole three weeks in Spain.

Wanting to pack as much into our short stay as possible, we thought renting a car for a Spanish road trip would be the best way to see the main sights plus a few smaller towns.

We were right – the action-packed Spain itinerary we devised saw us criss-cross the country from north to south, taking in most of the country’s top attractions .

Spain is one of the top places for a self drive holiday in Europe. Both rental cars and petrol are relatively affordable. Travelling in shoulder season (November), we were often the only car on the road. For the most part, parking is cheap, even in hot spots like San Sebastian.

Best of all, having our own transport opened up a lot of opportunities to visit smaller towns and squeeze more into each day than our slow travel style would normally permit. Our trip was certainly fast-paced, but it was worth it to get a good overview of Spain in a short period.

This tried-and-tested itinerary for a three week self drive road trip across Spain includes my top recommended activities for key cities, ideas for where to break the journey, some handy Spain driving tips, and much more.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Where to hire a car in Spain

Hiring a car in Spain is an efficient and affordable way to see a large part of the country in a short period of time. Since a lot of visitors drive in Spain, the market for rental cars is competitive, meaning you can usually get a pretty good deal.

We planned our Spain road trip from Barcelona, so we decided to rent our car on our last day in the city. I recommend collecting your car from Barcelona-Sants train station because it’s easy to get to using public transport, and easy to leave from to get to the highway.

There are two main things to consider when choosing a hire car: transmission type, and size of the vehicle. Manual cars are much more ubiquitous in Spain so it can be harder to find an automatic car to rent. In addition, you should prioritise hiring a small car that will be easier to park on the street and can better navigate narrow village roads (these were our two biggest qualms about driving in Spain!).

Discover Cars lets you easily browse and compare different rentals cars from a variety of international and local agents. It lets you choose the exact features you want, and offers a full range of price and date options so you can find the best value for money. Visit Discover Cars and plug in your dates to see what’s available .

At the end of the itinerary, I’ve included a few driving tips for Spain.

About this Spain itinerary

Looking back over our itinerary makes my head spin a little! We drove almost every day and covered a lot of ground, but by splitting the long drives up into smaller journeys, we still got to visit some interesting local towns.

Spanish highways are incredibly easy to drive on and the scenery is invariably stunning no matter where in the country you are. Because of this, driving never really feels like a drag – it’s all part of the experience.

We started our road trip in Spain from Barcelona and finished up in Seville. From there, we continued on to Tarifa by bus and caught the ferry to Tangier, Morocco. You can adapt this itinerary to create a loop, but I recommend paying the one-way car rental fee so you don’t have to backtrack. If your Spain trip ends there and you’re not continuing on to Morocco , you can fly straight out of Seville.

There are endless options and itinerary combinations for seeing Spain by car. I’m not saying mine is the best road trip in Spain – but I can tell you that it’s tried and tested. Of course there are some things missing (you can’t possibly see all of Spain in 3 weeks), but after I did this road trip, I felt like I’d seen the main highlights.

If I had my time again, I would extend our stay in Madrid by a few days.

A good way to save time is by taking advantage of the Spain day trips and tours mentioned in this itinerary. If you think there’s too much packed in, you can easily take out a few places and stay in certain locations for longer (Madrid and Granada would both be ideal places to extend your time).

How much time do you need to drive across Spain?

A Spain road trip can be as long or as short as you want it to be. As you’ll see from the map, we covered most of the country (apart from the north-west) in 21 days touring Spain by car.

Remember you don’t want to rush driving across Spain too much. Three weeks is the absolute minimum amount of time you need for a Spain road trip like this one – unless you’re prepared to seriously cut down on the number of places you visit.

This 3-week self drive Spain itinerary is fast-paced, but if it’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Spain that you’re planning, you probably won’t mind hustling to see as much of this beautiful country as humanly possible.

If you have less time in Spain, you can do a shorter itinerary that focuses on the North of Spain (Basque Country) or the South of Spain (Andalusia).

Spanish road trip route overview & drive times

Let’s start with a basic overview of our Spain road trip itinerary and the 17 cities, towns and villages we visited in Spain in 3 weeks.

Remember you don’t have to follow this itinerary exactly – you can use it as a Spanish road trip planner to pick and choose the destinations that most appeal to you.

• Days 1-3: Barcelona
• Day 4: Barcelona to Sos del Rey Católico via Zaragoza (400km; 4.5 hours of driving)
• Day 5: Sos del Rey Católico to Bilbao via Pamplona and San Sebastián (217km; 2 hours of driving)
• Day 6: Bilbao
• Day 7: Bilbao to Madrid via Segovia (400km; 4 hours of driving)
• Day 8: Madrid
• Day 9: Madrid to Toledo (72km; 1 hour of driving)
• Day 10: Toledo to Valencia via La Mancha (270km; 4 hours of driving)
• Day 11: Valencia
• Day 12: Valencia to Cartagena (270km; 3 hours of driving)
• Day 13: Cartagena to Lanjarón (330km; 3.5 hours of driving)
• Day 14: White Villages and the Sierra Nevada
• Day 15: Lanjarón to Granada (46km; 45 minutes of driving)
• Day 16: Granada to Córdoba (200km; 2.5 hours of driving)
• Day 17: Córdoba
• Day 18: Córdoba to Seville (145km; 1.75 hours of driving)
• Days 19-20: Seville
• Day 21: Depart Seville – or Seville to Tangier via Tarifa

This Spain itinerary covers a whopping 2,450km (1,523 miles). Remember that not all the driving is back-to-back, there are some rest days in between!

Spanish road trip map

Detailed self drive Spain itinerary

This section includes a detailed day-by-day breakdown of our 3 weeks in Spain, including the best things to do in each city, where to stay, and where to break up longer drives.

Vivacious Barcelona is the perfect place to start your Spain road trip itinerary. Capital of the autonomous Catalonia region and the second-largest city behind Madrid, Barcelona is quintessentially Spanish and offers a perfect introduction to many of the things that make Spain so great – incredible architecture, beautiful beaches, and fabulous cuisine.

On top of that, Barcelona is logistically the best place to start a trip through Spain. It’s home to an international airport, a train station with services from most other countries in the region (we arrived by night train from Geneva), and a ferry terminal.

I recommend spending at least 3 days in Barcelona to get a good feel for the city and see the main highlights. The city has a great public transport system, so you don’t need a car here – in fact, it would be a major burden.

I highly recommend picking your car up on the day you leave Barcelona. Most rental companies have offices at Barcelona-Sants, the city’s main train station. This is a good place to start as the traffic isn’t too hectic and you can easily get to the highway.

Where to stay in Barcelona

Barcelona is huge – where you stay can make or break your trip. Take some time to familiarise yourself with Barcelona’s inner-city neighbourhoods so you can make an informed decision.

Here are a few recommendations for where to stay in Barcelona – car or no car.

• Ayre Hotel Rosellón . Located in the shadow of the Sagrada Familia, you won’t find a better patio view anywhere else in Barcelona (just look at the pictures if you don’t believe me!). Parking at the hotel is guaranteed and only costs a modest 16 Euros extra per night.
• Barcelona Catedral Hotel . This modern boutique hotel has light-filled, spacious suites, a rooftop pool and patio, and offers free walking tours for guests. Note that secure parking costs a bit extra, and you’ll need to reserve a spot in advance.
• Motel One Barcelona-Ciutadella . Don’t let the name ‘motel’ fool you – this is a boutique hotel through and through. If you can tear yourself away from the trendy lounge-bar and rooftop terrace overlooking the city, it’s a short 20-minute walk to Las Ramblas. Private parking is offered at a nearby location and costs an extra 20 Euros.
• Unite Hostel Barcelona . My top budget choice in Barcelona, this boutique hostel offers dorms and private rooms, all bright, clean and minimally furnished. The yoga studio and co-working spaces are the cherry on top. Reserve on-site parking in advance for 18 Euros/night.

Things to do in Barcelona

In all honesty, planning a Barcelona itinerary can be a bit overwhelming. There’s just so much to see and do. I’m only recommending a few select activities and restaurants that we really enjoyed – know that there is a lot more out there!

Start by pounding the pavement on Sandeman ‘s free city walking tour . This will help you get your bearings while introducing you to some of Barcelona’s must-sees, including the Gothic Quarter and Barcelona Cathedral.

La Sagrada Familia , the grand cathedral designed by Gaudi, is the symbol of Barcelona. You should prioritise visiting on your first or second morning. Skip-the-queue tickets are essential – or else you risk spending hours waiting in line. Pre-buy your skip-the-line tickets for the Sagrada Familia online.

Gaudi’s other works in Barcelona, including the iconic Park Güell Monumental Zone (buy fast-track tickets here ) and Casa Batlló are absolutely worth a visit as well. Even if you’re not that interested in architecture, these buildings all capture the spirit of Barcelona and tell a fascinating story of Spanish and Catalonian history. The experience is even richer if you’re accompanied by a guide who can illuminate the symbology.

Ride an e-bike around the gorgeous Gothic Quarter to explore one of Barcelona’s most charming neighbourhoods. For a break from the hubbub, head for the hills and spend an afternoon wandering around the cactus gardens at Montjuïc . Take the cable car over La Barceloneta beach for fantastic views, and visit the beach itself if the weather is right.

Don’t skimp on the food, either! Barcelona is packed with incredible restaurants . We especially loved eating Spanish ‘ hamburguesas ‘ at Hamburguesería Bacoa and pigging out on homemade churros at Bar Churrería Layetana . If you’re a foodie, this market to table tour of Mercado de La Boqueria , Barcelona’s biggest produce market, is a must-do.

Take advantage of the free entry to Museu Picasso every Friday night – it’s busy, but it’s a wonderful experience. And for something truly memorable, try to see a gig at the Palau de la Música Catalana (we watched an unforgettable performance by the late, great Sharon Jones). If there’s nothing on, I highly recommend booking in for a short guided tour – it’s truly one of the most majestic buildings I’ve ever been in (aside from Sagrada Familia!).

Recommended day trips from Barcelona

If you decide to extend your stay in Barcelona, there are lots of fantastic day trip opportunities within a few hours’ drive of the city.

• Get your Game of Thrones on in charming Girona
• Visit family run wineries and taste tapas in the Penedès region
• Discover the mysteries of Montserrat solo or with a guide

No car? This 12-day journey around Spain by train , starting from Barcelona, takes in some of the country’s best cities and beaches.

It’s time to hit the road! After collecting your car in Barcelona, start heading due west towards the Bay of Biscay. The drive to Zaragoza takes 3 hours. If you want to make it in time for lunch, try to leave the city as early as possible (by 8am at the latest). That way you’ll also beat most of the traffic.

Zaragoza lies smack-bang in the middle of northern Spain. Capital of the autonomous Aragon region, it’s one of the country’s most underrated cities and an ideal place to break for lunch and a short walk.

On reaching Zaragoza, we stopped at a small tavern in the shadow of the Aljafería Palace and ate a bowl of fideos negros (black noodles simmered in fish stock). There are plenty of restaurants and gastrobars around the river, close to the historic centre. However, it might be tricky to find a car park, so I recommend heading to the city’s western fringe like we did.

Sos del Rey Católico

When I picture an archetypal Spanish town, the Sos is what comes to mind. This little village on the frontier of the Pyrenees is located another 1.5 hours’ drive north of Zaragoza, so I recommend leaving after lunch no later than 1pm to maximise your time in Sos.

Ferdinand II of Aragón, husband of Isabel I of Castilla and one-half of the most influential royal couple in Spanish history, was born here in Sos. The little town is loaded with history and packed with charm.

The town is petite and easily navigated during an evening or early morning stroll ; admire the flower boxes, pop in and out of charcuterie shops, and listen to the church bells toll.

We stayed a night at the Parador de Sos del Rey , which sits on a low rise overlooking the Sos’ ancient cobbled streets (you might recognise it from the 2017 film The Trip to Spain ) and had a very memorable meal at the Parador’s Cinco Villas-themed restaurant.

Where to stay in Sos del Rey: Hotels with parking

• Parador de Sos del Rey Catolico . It’s honestly worth the splurge to stay at this Parador. Set in a historic Aragonese mansion that overhangs Sos’s winding streets, it’s one of the most romantic hotels I’ve ever had the pleasure of spending a night in. Rooms are plush as, and the set dinner at the on-site restaurant is a must-try (I’ve never eaten so much food in my life). Parking on the grounds is free and easy.
• El Peiron . For a budget-friendly alternative, this hotel has a similar 17th century ambiance. Cozy rooms feature large beds and exposed stone walls. The location on Sos’s main street, close to some of the village’s best tapas bars, will make you feel like you’re part of the city (unlike the Parador, which makes you feel like absolute royalty). Free street parking is available near the hotel.

On your next full day of driving, break the 2-hour journey to the Bay of Biscay by stopping off in Pamplona for lunch. This will be your first taste of Basque Country tapas ! Pamplona is the perfect place to practice the art of ordering ahead of your arrival in San Sebastián.

Outside of the famous San Fermin (Running of the Bulls) cultural festival , which takes place in Pamplona every July, the streets are surprisingly peaceful and sparse. Bakeries and boutiques run the length of the main pedestrian drag and are well worth a browse.

San Sebastián

Most people head straight for San Sebastián’s pintxos bars , but don’t forget to take a stroll along the waterfront promenade , too. After a day’s drive, this is exactly what you need to stretch your legs and re-fuel.

We spent a few early evening hours in San Sebastián, and while I didn’t really fall head over heels for the town like I’ve known other people to do, it’s a worthwhile stopover on the way to Bilbao. If food is in your wheelhouse, you can easily switch your itinerary and stay in San Sebastián instead of Bilbao.

Bilbao and San Sebastián are only an hour’s drive apart, so you can plausibly stay in one city and visit the other as a day trip. If I had my time again, I would probably stay in San Sebastián instead.

The futuristic Guggenheim Museum is Bilbao’s main attraction, but I found the rest of the city a little bland. One full day is ample time to see the museum and explore Bilbao’s riverfront.

In 24 hours, you can discover the city by bicycle and tour a few of the key Game of Thrones filming locations around Bilbao. An in-depth Basque County gastronomy tour is worth considering if you’re particularly interested in food and wine (let’s face it, if you’re planning a trip around Spain, you probably are!).

Where to stay in Bilbao: Hotels with parking

• Hesperia Bilbao . These trendy self-contained apartments are a 10-minute walk from the city centre (just across the river from the Guggenheim) and feature everything you need for a comfortable stay in Bilbao. There’s even a Japanese restaurant and a rooftop terrace bar – because both those things are basically travel essentials nowadays. Secure parking can’t be reserved but is available at an extra charge.
• Ercilla Hotel . For something with a touch more old-world charm, this boutique hotel offers pretty rooms with herringbone floors and chequerboard tiles. The restaurant serves traditional Basque food, and there’s a panoramic bar here as well. Park on-site for 20 Euros (reservations essential).
• Parador de Limpias . If you don’t mind staying outside the city, this Parador is a 50-minute drive from Bilbao. The former summer residence of King Alfonso, the setting amongst private gardens and a protected woodland is just divine. Free parking is plentiful.

After a short but sweet introduction to Basque Country, it’s time to leave the coast and start driving inland towards Madrid.

Segovia is 100km shy of Spain’s capital city. Coming from Bilbao, you’ll naturally pass through it – so there’s no reason not to stop off and check out two of Central Spain’s most impressive historical sights.

Aqueduct versus alcazar – when an urban landscape is a battle between the most important Roman civil engineering work in Spain and a Moorish palace so beautiful that it’s instantly recognisable from pop-culture, you know you’re in for a treat.

Segovia is a complete contrast to Madrid. Park your car on the hill leading up to the aqueduct and ease your way into the capital by wandering around this charming town for a few hours first.

Climb the concealed staircase to the right of Segovia’s UNESCO-listed aqueduct for a different perspective on this feat of engineering. Visit The Alcazar , apparently Walt Disney’s architectural inspiration when creating Cinderella’s castle.

Between 10.30am and 4.30pm you can join a 60-minute guided tour of Segovia Cathedral , another of the city’s landmarks. This particular tour also allows you to climb the 500-year-old bell tower for a panoramic view of Segovia.

And as a reward for all that walking, treat yourself to a Pasteleria Limon y Menta , Segovia’s signature pastry. It’s lemony, it’s minty, and it’s wrapped in caramelised marzipan. Yum!

If you opt to drive straight into Madrid, you can always visit Segovia on a day trip.

Our first experience of Madrid was the nightmarish drive through the city at peak hour. Don’t make the same mistake we did – try to arrive in Madrid before nightfall!

Where to stay in Madrid: Hotels with parking

• Only YOU Hotel Atocha . The design of this jaw-droppingly beautiful hotel draws on the 19th-century building its housed inside. Deluxe rooms face onto an inner courtyard and are bright and airy as a result while still feeling private. There’s a cafe, bakery and lounge, and breakfast is served on the 7th floor with city views. The Prado Museum is only 900m away, making this a great choice for museum and culture lovers. Parking on-site is guaranteed and costs extra.
• Hostal Patria Madrid . Coming in at under $100 a night, this hotel is excellent value for money in Madrid. Rooms are basic but comfortable with Scandi-style furnishings, and the location on a popular cafe strip is perfect for hungry travellers. Parking (reservation required) costs a very reasonable 17 Euros.
• Parador de Alcala de Henares . If you want to avoid driving into Madrid (smart choice!), this Parador is 45 minutes outside of Madrid. The 16th-century convent building reminds me of a Silk Road Caravanserai. There’s an outdoor pool, and parking on the grounds costs a little bit extra.

Things to do in Madrid

An easy walk or cycling tour through the city is the best way to see central Madrid. Make sure you explore the gorgeous Real Jardín Botánico , wander through the bookstalls that line Cuesta del Moyano , and top it off with sunset at the Temple of Debod , an ancient Egyptian temple that was dismantled, shipped to Spain, and reassembled in all its glory on a hill in the city centre. A live flamenco performance is the perfect way to end your first day in Spain’s capital.

For a dose of history and culture, visit Madrid’s four most iconic landmarks: The Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas , the Royal Palace , the Plaza Major , and of course the Prado Museum .

Here are my top tips for exploring historic Madrid:

• Join a tour of Las Ventas to access some of the building’s hidden nooks and crannies.
• Take in the scale of the magnificent Plaza Major on a bicycle. This 3-hour small group tour takes in many of the city’s highlights.
• Let a professional guide show you around the Throne Room, Banquet Hall and Private Royal Apartments inside the Royal Palace. This 2-hour tour is excellent value for money.
• Skip the line by buying your Prado tickets online in advance through Get Your Guide .

Recommended day trips from Madrid

• Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cuenca , and its amazing ‘hanging houses’
• See the ‘three cities’, Segovia, Avila and Toledo, on a day trip (a good option if you want to condense your Spain road trip itinerary and stay longer in Madrid)
• Tour the wineries around Madrid and taste the local drop
• Cast your eyes on the surreal landscape of El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen

Leaving Madrid, start your journey to Southern Spain’s enchanting Andalusia region. Over the next 12 days, you’ll be driving from Madrid to Granada and Cordoba via some of the loveliest small towns and historical villages in the country.

The first of these, Toledo , is just an hour outside Madrid. After the chaos of the capital, it’s a salve. Toledo’s mix of old-world charm, literary heritage and multicultural influences makes it one of my favourite places in all of Spain. I highly recommend staying for at least one night.

Toledo is the first place where you can see, hear and smell the Middle Eastern/North African influence that becomes more and more pronounced the further south you travel. We had a wonderful introduction to Syrian and Turkish food in Toledo, which became our go-to cuisine for the remainder of our trip.

Where to stay in Toledo: Hotels with parking

• Hotel Santa Isabel . A great budget choice at under $40 per night, this charming guesthouse is right in the heart of Toledo. Private balconies overlooking the town rooftops and a central courtyard are terribly quaint. Rooms are a bit boxy, but nicely finished and clean. Reserve parking in advance for 12 Euros per night.
• Parador de Toledo . This is another great candidate for a little splurge. Set 4km from the centre of Toledo in a low-set historic building, rooms here are a bit more outdated than at other Paradors, but the outdoor pool and panoramic terrace are lovely. Parking is free.

Toledo is the spiritual home of Don Quixote , Spain’s literary legend. A great way to see the old town is by walking the Don Quixote Trail . Alternatively, let a Toledo local show you around on a private walking tour .

Fall in love with Syrian food at Posada El Cristo de la Luz , then down a sampler box of marzipan from Santo Tome (the signature sweets of Toledo).

For more Toledo inspiration, see this list of the top 10 things to do in Toledo .

Consuegra, La Mancha

I’m a huge fan of Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote , but even if you’ve never read the book, a quick detour through Spain’s iconic La Mancha landscape, with its towering windmills and patchwork fields, is an absolute delight.

Leaving Toledo and driving east, aim to arrive in the small town of Consuegra in the early morning before the tour buses pull in at around 10am.

Stop at one of the provincial bakeries for a quick bite. You can then drive all the way to the top of the hill and explore the windmills on foot.

Spain’s third-largest city, Valencia has all the charm of Barcelona and all the amenities of Madrid with a laid back, beach-town feel. This is the Orange Blossom Coast , and the streets of Valencia are lined with citrus trees (which you must pick and sample – luckily our Airbnb came with a juicer!).

Valencia is also the traditional home of paella and Spain’s signature beverage, horchata. While we weren’t all that impressed with the City of Arts and Sciences , we loved cycling through the elongated Cabecera Park that runs through the heart of the city. (Perhaps we should have opted for the rooftop wine and tapas tour instead!) If you’re an outdoorsy type, you’ll adore Valencia.

Driving in Valencia is relatively easy compared to Barcelona or Madrid, so you can stay in the city centre without having to worry too much about traffic or navigating the roads.

Where to stay in Valencia: Hotels with parking

• HQ Rooms Apartments San Vincente . Spacious and featuring all the mod-cons, this self-containted apartment sleeps up to 8 people and comes with a large private balcony. It’s 1.5km from the centre of the city, and there are bicycles available to rent for a small fee. Parking costs an extra 15 Euros.
• Palacio de Rojas . 350m from Valencia’s Central Market, it doesn’t get much more inner-city than this. The canary yellow facade, the indoor-outdoor living spaces, the high ceilings and the heavy doors… This must be one of the most beautiful hotels in all of Spain. Seriously. Palacial apartments sleep up to 9 people and all feature a full kitchenette. Underground parking is available for an additional 15 Euros.

Things to do in Valencia

You’ll probably be quite content hiring a bicycle and exploring Valencia at your own pace. If you want a deeper look, try joining a private walking tour with a local .

For a hands-on activity, I highly recommend taking a paella cooking class and learning just why Valencia is the birthplace of Spain’s most famous dish. Head to the Plaça de Santa Caterina to try a glass or horchata (or two) at one of the open-air cafes. Horchateria Santa Catalina is my personal favourite.

Three hours’ drive down the coast from Valencia, Cartagena is another of Spain’s most underrated cities. We rolled into the sleepy historic centre in the early afternoon and were greeted by a medieval festival, the annual Mercado Medieval (how’s that for timing!).

Catagena’s Roman amphitheater is one of the best-preserved in all of Europe, and exploring the state-of-the-art museum was honestly one of the most enjoyable ‘historical’ experiences I had in Spain. It’s fascinating to see how the city has been built-up around the ruins.

Cartagena is small so you only need a day or two at the most. Start by getting your bearings with a walk around the inner city. The food scene here is great, so I also recommend doing a gourmet tapas tour .

Where to stay in Cartagena: Hotels with parking

• NH Cartagena . Elegant rooms with a view of Cartagena port are the stand-out feature of this efficient hotel. It’s only 200m from the Roman Theatre but in a quiet corner of town, so you can still get a good night’s sleep. Reserve paid on-site parking at the time of booking.

The Sierra Nevada: Lanjarón and the White Villages

Leaving Cartagena behind, you’ll next be driving the coast of Spain (at least a portion of it) and dipping inland to visit one of Spain’s most beautiful natural landscapes, the Sierra Nevada.

Once you hit the mountainous Las Alpujarras region, you’ll realise what a blessing your hire car truly is. Navigating the windy, steep, narrow roads around the white villages was nail-biting at times, but I can’t imagine trying to get around any other way.

Base yourself in Lanjarón , the area’s most populous village and home to a number of quirky accommodations, including the healing retreat/yurt we stayed in.

Once a hippie mecca and still famed for its spring water and olives , Lanjarón is a gateway to the smaller villages of Pampaneira, Bubio and Capileira . If you can brave the altitude, add Trevélez (Spain’s highest settlement) to your driving itinerary.

Some of the villages take a good few hours to get between, especially in inclement weather, so I recommend setting aside at least two days to explore the area, more if you intend on hiking between the villages .

Where to stay in Sierra Nevada: Hotels with parking

• Hotel Alcadima (Lanjarón). Homely suites at this quaint little hotel are excellent value for money. Indoor and outdoor pools, plus a kids’ play area, make it a great choice for families. The restaurant specialises in roast lamb with cinnamon. Need I say more? Parking costs an extra 10 Euros.
• Enchanting Yurt (Lanjarón). One of the coolest Airbnbs we’ve ever stayed at, this whimsical yurt is set in an olive grove at the foot of the mountains. It’s absolutely magical, and the Israeli hosts are very kind and welcoming. Free parking is plentiful.
• Parador de Nerja (Nerja). Another town, another Parador! This one is a bit different because it’s set inside a modern building on a cliff top overlooking the ocean. An elevator ferries guests down to the nearby beach (how cool!). Private parking is available for an additional charge. Note that it’s a 60-minute drive to Lanjarón.

Granada boats a quixotic mix of Spanish and Moorish cultures. The Alhambra is an architectural triumph – if it’s not on your itinerary, you’re doing Spain wrong!

You need to buy tickets to the Alhambra and Generalife Palace and Gardens a day or two ahead of your visit (or a week in advance if you’re travelling in summer). The easiest way to do that is by booking online through Get Your Guide .

On the day of your visit, make sure you leave early to account for the time it takes to access the complex (which includes a long, beautiful walk through the forest if you’re using public transport).

Where to stay: Granada hotels with parking

• Eurostars Catedral . The exception location 70m from Granada Cathedral is only topped by the traditional coffered wooden ceilings inside some of the suites. Rooms are otherwise modern and luxurious with more subtle nods to the building’s history sprinkled throughout. Parking costs an extra 22 Euros per day.
• Anacapri . This 18th-century house turned boutique hotel wears its heart (and its history) on its sleeve. The inner courtyard is outstanding, and rooms are very comfortable. It’s even closer to the cathedral and just 20 minutes’ walk from the Alhambra, right next to the start of the pathway. No reservation is required for the off-site parking (an extra 20 Euros per day).
• Alhambra Palace . Just shy of the city walls to Granada’s iconic UNESCO attraction, this hillside hotel has spectacular views, Moorish-inspired decor, and of course, quick access to the Alhambra. Secure parking is off-site and costs 22 Euros.

Things to do in Granada

After the once-in-a-lifetime experience of The Alhambra, everything else pales in comparison! However, Granada has a lot more to offer, which is why I suggest staying an extra night (or even longer, if you can).

Discover the city’s most charming neighbourhoods , Albaicín and Sacromonte, on foot with a walking tour. Watch a traditional flamenco performance inside Albaycin, and treat yourself to an authentic Arabian hammam bath .

There is a secret sunset spot in the hills above Granada where you can watch the warm light bathe the entire Alhambra complex before someone flicks the switch and it lights up like a beacon on the hill. Don’t miss it!

From The Alhambra to Códoba’s Mezquita, a fascinating mosque-cum-church that is home to a set of much-photographed candy cane archways. Córdoba is an archetypal Andalusian city (my favourite in the region) and has many other offerings, including a pleasant waterfront and some incredible vegetarian restaurants.

Every year, Córdoba hosts the Patio Festival , which showcases the amazing indoor gardens that are a traditional part of every home here. Make sure you peek inside a few doorways as you’re wandering the town’s lanes. This is also a good place to catch a Flamenco/equestrian show – our pick is the Royal Stables of Córdoba .

Where to stay: Córdoba hotels with parking

• Hotel Boutique Patio del Posadero . This intriguing little hotel features bespoke rooms and a beautiful patio (as is the style in Cordoba). The outdoor swimming pool and terrace lounge are perfect for summer. Reserved parking costs extra.
• Hotel Cordoba Center . A bit further from the mosque, this ultra modern hotel sits on the city’s Golden Block next to the AVE Train Station. The 7th floor pool and Jacuzzi are particularly noteworthy, but it lacks the charm of some other Cordoba hotels. Non-reserved parking is located on site.
• Parador de Cordoba . It’s almost your last chance to stay in a Parador! Cordoba’s is a fine choice – another renovated summer palace, it’s located north of the centre and boasts a massive pool plus sprawling gardens (the grounds, Los Naranjos, are where the first palms brought to Europe were planted.) Rooms are extremely spacious and well-appointed. Parking is free.

Things to do in Córdoba

Join the official Mezquita tour (price includes entry) and see this incredible UNESCO mosque-cathedral up close. In the summer, cycle the waterfront on a bicycle tour , or visit seven of Cordoba’s most impressive patio gardens and learn about the history of the city’s courtyard tradition.

If you have an extra day, venture outside the city to see the impressive Azahara Medina .

An entire day can easily be spent inside Seville’s Alcazar complex , another incredible palace – this time in the Andalucian style – that mirrors The Alhambra in its layout and design. GoT fans will recognise the Alcazar as the setting for the Water Gardens of Dorne.

Seville is a sun-bathed walking city, and the Plaza de Espana , Barrio Santa Cruz and Parque de Maria Luisa are all worth a wander.

I found Seville a lot grungier than other places in Spain. The streets are filled with cool v intage stores and hip cafes , and the city has a great vibe.

We returned our rental car in Seville and got around the city very easily using public transport. I recommend you do the same.

Where to stay in Seville: Hotels with parking

• Hotel Las Casas de la Judería . If it’s atmosphere you want, look no further. This charming hotel is set with 27 traditional houses (yes, it’s big), all connected by courtyards and internal passageways. Traditional decor including antique furniture and French windows is straight from the history books, while the rooftop pool brings the property up to date. Some of the rooms are just spectacular – I couldn’t imagine a better way to end your Spain road trip than with a few nights here. The location in the old Jewish Quarter means there’s lots to be explored nearby, including the cathedral, which is just a 7-minute walk away. Off-site parking costs 24 Euros.
• Melia Sevilla . Modern, minimal and a complete contrast to the previous property, this hotel is centrally positioned off Plaza España. Twin hot tubs and a hamman round-out the ample services. Public parking near the hotel costs 24 Euro. Staff can help you coordinate, but I recommend you return your hire car before you check in.
• Hotel Rey Alfonso X . This trendy hotel features a summer pool that overlooks Seville’s oldest church. Business-like rooms are smart if not a little soulless. On-site parking costs extra (enquire at the time of booking).

Things to do in Seville

The Alcazar should be top of your list for things to do in Seville. This skip-the-line ticket includes a guided tour.

Marvel at Seville’s Cathedral and Giralda Tower , watch a flamenco show at Museo del Baile Flamenco (the birthplace of this Intangible Heritage icon), and walk through the gorgeous Santa Cruz Jewish Quarter (don’t forget your camera!).

If you want to get even further off the beaten path in Seville , I highly recommend this alternative market and walking tour .

Seville is a great place for a Spanish cooking class . This one shows you how to prep several popular Seville-style tapas , and includes bottomless sangria.

Recommended day trips from Seville

• The British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar is just a short drive from Seville
• See Ronda , a small town set on a dramatic gorge
• Village hop through the Andalusian countryside
• Visit the port city of Cadiz and the Moorish Jerez, two of Southern Spain’s most stunning cities
• Get another stamp in that passport! – take a full day trip from Seville to Tangier, Morocco

Quick tips for driving in Spain

Here are a few pointers to make your Spain road trip as smooth as possible.

Things to remember when renting a car in Spain

Obtain an International Driving Permit before you leave home. Most rental car companies require an IDP by law (you also have to carry your regular driver’s license).

Book your rental car well ahead of time , especially if you want an automatic transmission as they are in short supply. We could only find a few automatic cars available in Barcelona, and they were more expensive than manual. I highly recommend using Discover Cars to compare rental prices and reserve your car in advance .

Choose the smallest car possible. In between the narrow village streets and tight street parking spaces, you’ll want to go with the smallest car you feel comfortable with. Driving around Spain in a small car (a Hyundai or a Corolla, for example) is perfectly safe provided you stick to the highways and don’t go off-road.

Bring your own GPS (with maps for Spain and Portugal pre-loaded) to avoid the GPS rental fee. Alternatively, use your phone to navigate with Google Maps or Maps.Me – it works just fine, provided you have the map pre-downloaded for offline use or you have a Spanish sim card with plenty of data.

General driving tips & Spain road rules

Plan your route to avoid toll roads. Some tolls are very expensive – up to 20 Euros – but we managed to avoid most of these by taking indirect roads and alternate highways.

Avoid driving in the bigger cities , especially Madrid. Pick up and drop off your hire car from an office in the outer suburbs or the airport to avoid inner-city congestion.

Note the blood alcohol limit. If you plan on visiting any wineries while you’re driving across Spain, remember that the blood alcohol limit in Spain is 0.05% (or 0.01% if you’ve had your license for 24 months or less).

Tips for parking in Spain

Look for ‘Blue Zones’. If you’re visiting cities and towns for the day and need a place to leave your car away from your accommodation, you’ll need to get a grasp on how the street parking works in Spain. Blue Zones (portions of curb marked with a blue line) designate paid parking spots. Wherever you see Blue Zones, you’ll see a meter or automatic machine nearby where you need to register your car. Take the ticket and display it prominently on the dash, with the date and times face-up.

Yellow lines designate disable parking spots. You’ll need a displayed permit to park here. Other coloured zones vary from city to city but usually indicate Resident Zones. If you’re not registered to a nearby address, you obviously can’t park here.

Park during siesta hours. Depending on the city, metered parking is sometimes free between 2pm and 4pm Monday to Friday and after 2pm on Saturdays. If you want to save a buck, try finding a car park during siesta hours.

What to pack for your Spain road trip

A few of my favourite must-pack essentials to make your road trip around Spain comfortable, safe and hassle-free.

Travel insurance for Spain

The one thing I never travel without. When it comes to medical expenses, accidents, travel delays and the like, preferred partner for long-term travel insurance is SafetyWing .

When renting a car, make sure you read the PDS to see what you’re already covered for. I always recommend purchasing extra insurance just in case, either via the rental agent or through a provider such as Insurance4CarHire.

Handy gadgets

Travel adapters. If you carry a universal adapter, you’ll never get caught out with the wrong plug. This portable travel plug works in more than 150 countries (including Spain and the rest of the EU) and features 4 USB ports for charging multiple phones/iPads at once.

USB phone charger. Don’t let your phone run flat while you’re in the car. You can plug your regular charging cable directly into this Anker USB car charger . It works with most phones and iPads.

Car mount phone holder. Using a phone while driving is illegal in Spain. If you plan on using your phone to navigate around, you’ll need to use a mobile phone mount. This travel-friendly phone holder fits any phone or phone case, and has a 360-degree rotating cradle.

Lightweight cooler bag. An insulated bag to keep your drinks and road trip snacks cool is especially useful in summer. This simple family-size cool bag packs down into a neat, flat little bundle that you can easily squeeze into your suitcase.

Wine Wings. Whether you’re road tripping or not, these handy non-leak wine bottle protectors are one of my favourite travel items for Europe. Essential if you want to bring a few bottles of Spanish vino home with you!

Eco travel essentials

Refillable water bottle. It’s crucial to stay hydrated in Spain, especially in the warmer months. Tap water in most cities and towns is potable. As you drive through the mountains around the Sierra Nevada you’ll see fresh-water springs by the side of the road where you can fill up your water bottle (this was one of my favourite things about road tripping in Spain!). I highly recommend S’Well insulated bottles because they look good, stay cool for up to 12 hours, and they don’t sweat.

Reusable coffee cup. You’ll probably be drinking a lot of coffee in Spain. It’s always a good idea to bring a reusable cup that you can take with you in the car. This gorgeous gold barista-friendly travel mug is vacuum sealed (zero chance of a spill!) and will allow you to cut down on plastic and paper waste.

What to wear in Spain

Good walking shoes. Even if you’re on a Spain road trip, you’re still going to be spending a lot of time pounding the pavement (and cobblestone streets!). Comfortable walking shoes are absolutely essential. To cut down on luggage, we carry ‘stylish’ walking shoes in Europe that we can also wear out at night.

Sunglasses. Some highways in Spain are quite exposed – I guarantee you’ll be reaching for your sunglasses on the first day. Bring your favourite pair of polarized lenses, or pick up a pair of foldable travel sunglasses .

Loose, comfortable clothing. There’s nothing worse than feeling uncomfortable in the car. Pack a pair of travel leggings or yoga pants plus a few comfy t-shirts for longer driving days. A comfy travel cardigan like this one is a must-pack for winter in Spain.

Essential reading

A copy of Lonely Planet Spain. This essential guidebook for Spain is the perfect Spain road trip companion. As well as planning and logistics, it includes useful Spanish phrases and detailed information about Spain’s top tourist sites.

A copy of Back Roads Spain. This little book is a bit light on practical information, but it does contain some beautiful photos. Great inspiration for getting off the beaten track in Spain.

Spain paper map. Good for peace of mind if your sat nav fails you. Even if you don’t use it for navigating, you can still plot out your route and hold onto the map for a nice souvenir! This map is current for this year and covers both Spain and Portugal.

I hope you’ll agree that this is one of the best routes through Spain by car for first-time visitors who want to pack everything in. Are you planning a self drive Spain itinerary for your next road trip? Leave your questions in the comments!

Spanish road trip itinerary: Pin it!

50 Comments

This is such a great post, we did a very similar route over three months! We didn’t realise just how much we would fall in love with Spain.

Whilst in Spain, we were crashed into TWICE!!! both times when we were parked!! Although there is nothing we could have done to prevent this – I thought I would let you guys know! Spanish drivers can be crazy – even in a parking lot!!

Sorry to hear that Christie! Hope you still had a fun time!

Really love your post on spain. Just wondering if this will work also in winter in dec?

Hi Jaime, I don’t see why not – I was there at the start of winter and the weather was nice, roads quiet, etc. You might have to make some small adjustments for the mountain roads. Happy travels!

I travelled around Spain in a campervan from January to March this year and the weather was great. Even on the coldest days, the temperature was really mild and completely manageable. Bilbao was the only place that even felt remotely “wintery”, but with that being said, I’d take a Spanish winter over a Scottish winter any day!! I would 100% recommend visiting Spain over winter as it is not overcrowded with tourists and the weather is still good enough to do most outdoor excursions!

Looks wonderful! I recommend renting a car and driving off the road to get to know the culture and customs of people in the provinces. It is such a cultural and spiritual journey.

Amazing road trip! In Spain there is so many places to visit from the north with beautiful nature to the south with cultural impact. Love your style of writing.

Dear Emily, thanks for sharing your invaluable experience and tips. I’ve never been to Spain (but I will soon), except for the Canary Islands, so this thorough guide is just priceless while planning a trip. After seeing the super narrow streets on Tenerife, I can totally vouch for hiring the smallest car. We were lucky enough to hire a really small one while traveling around Tenerife. Otherwise, it would have been impossible to pass some of the roads, especially when there was a bus in our way.

Absolutely! We had a terrible (but also hilarious) experience with our car in Bilbao… Smaller is definitely the way to go in Spain!

Enjoy your trip!

Dear Emily, Thank you so much for sharing with us your great experience in spain, I’m very glad to read your trip report and happy to hear that you enjoyed it.

Regards, Hamid

Hey Emily, Love your travel blog. I was just wondering about the language barrier? My partner and I only speak English. Was it hard to communicate with people? Thanks!

You have nothing to worry about – English is widely spoken, even in small towns. For extra peace of mind, you could download Google Translate’s Spain module to use offline when you’re travelling.

I hope you have a wonderful trip!

Oh & We are planning to spend 2 days in Madrid and 2 in barcelona , which leaves us with 5 days for driving and moving around from madrid , throughout these Andalusian cities and reacb to barcelona. At what point do u think a train would be more convenient? Thanks again Emily 🙂

Wow your post was so helpful and informative! We are planning a 9-day trip to Spain. We will arrive in madrid and depart from barcelona. Starting in madrid , driving south (rent Car) to Toledo , Cordoba , Seville , Granada. We are not sure if we should continue driving from Granada towards Valencia then off to barcelona for the last 2 days. OR skip Valnecia all together, drop the car in granada and take a train to Barcelona. Do you habe any advice as to the best way to accommodate this itinerary? (In terms of making use of the beautiful towns and scenary, but not waste too much time on tje road!) thanks a lot , your input is appreciated.

Hi Marco, sorry for the late reply. I really enjoyed Valencia – don’t skip it! You can easily do the whole route by car and drop off your rental in Barcelona.

Enjoy Spain!

Your post information is very unique and useful for all readers.

Hi Emily! This is great! Thanks for putting so much effort !! What was you guys process for mapping the road and avoiding the tolls?

Hi John—if you Google ‘Spain toll map’ you’ll find a good road map with no toll roads marked out. We just planned our route according to that!

Hope that helps!

Great thank you! We have been traveling Europe for a little over a month now and going to finish the trip with a 10 day drive from Seville to Barcelona stopping a lot along the way! Will definitely use your post to help!

Sounds incredible! I’m very jealous. Enjoy—and please don’t hesitate to reach out if there’s anything else I can help with.

Great article! Thank you for sharing!

Hi Emily – thanks for this super helpful feature ! Just wondering what car hire company you used and if you have any recommendations on type of car Thanks 🙂

Hi Jess! Thanks so much for reading. I’m glad you found the itinerary helpful.

We were advised to go through Sixt—but unfortunately they didn’t have an automatic car available for our dates. We used Hertz in the end. We rented a regular sedan—we didn’t go off road at all, so it was fine. Even in the Sierra Nevada, you won’t need a 4WD as long as you’re sticking to the path.

I hope this helps! Emily

Thank you for your suggestion Emily!

Wonderful!road trip advice for Spain. Would you suggest me how much total cost to travel so that I would manage my budget accordingly. I would be grateful.

Depending on your travel style, I would recommend budgeting 50-120 USD/day.

I love your blog, I am traveling to Spain early May and currently preparing itinerary for a 16 day road trip. I will be travelling with my husband, we love to explore culture, local food and love nature and seneic places. As we will be little tight on schedule, we want to plan properly so that we can cover the most in 16 days. Please help me with your suggestions on the itinerary, we were planning to spend 5 days in San Sebastian + Bilbao. I am having second thoughts after reading your blog. We will fly in at Barcelona and fly out from Madrid. Below is the itinerary, let me know your thoughts

Night 1 : Barcelona – we will fly in late so not planing anything Day 1 : Roam around Barcelona Day 2: Leave for San Sebastein – stop over at Pamplona – night at San Sebstein Day 3: Explore San sebastein Day 4 : Leave for Bilbao, night at Bilbao Day 5 – Day 6 : Explore Bilbao and nearby. Is this too much for Bilbao? I found POIs that appeared seneic.. I am unsure if 3 nights is way too much for Bilbao Day 7 : Leave for Leon and stay there for a night Day 8 : Plan to spend 5 days in south to cover Seville, Gibraltar, Granda and fly out from Madrid

We are not very keen on Barcelona and Madrid. After reading your blog I am tempted to add Cordoba and Lanjaron to our plan..

I will be glad if you can help me here .. 🙂

Hi Namrata! Thanks so much for your message. Your trip sounds wonderful!

I personally thought Bilbao and SS were overrated—I much preferred Cordoba, and Lanjaron was absolutely beautiful. If you like scenery, you will love Lanjaron. I am less of a foodie so you will probably appreciate San Sebastian more than I did! I would spend less time in Bilbao, but that would just be my personal preference. I really encourage you to check out Cordoba—it was definitely a highlight of Spain for me.

I hope this helps! Have a wonderful time in Spain!

Wow! What a nice roadtrip, Emily. You did covered a large area of Spain and included areas that many travellers overlook. If you ever decide to do another Spanish roadtrip, I would recommend including Extremadura in your trip. It is the most unknown of all Spanish regions, totally overlooked by most foreign tourist, yet a fascinating area full of history, Unesco sites, the best ‘jamón’, castles, vast open spaces and empty roads. Cheers, Irene

Thanks, Irene! I just did a quick Google and Extremadura looks gorgeous! I will definitely keep it in mind for next time.

Cheers, Emily

We’re planning a 3-week trip to Spain this summer probably starting in early June. We are thinking of “winging it”. Flying into Barcelona, renting a car and just driving with an itinerary similar to yours. Do you think winging will be OK? We don’t want to plan staying in any one place for a specific number of days. If we come across a place we like we want to be able to stay there for as long as we want without affecting any reservations that otherwise would have been had. Do you think booking AirBnB’s on the fly will be an issue? With respect to car rentals, are we able to rent in Barcelona and return in Malaga for example? Thank you for posting your article. It’s a great help.

Hi Richard,

Thanks very much for your comment! Your trip sounds great. I wish we had more flexibility with our itinerary as there are spots we would have spent less time (Bilbao) and places where we would have loved to stay longer (Valencia, Granada).

I haven’t travelled in Spain during summer, but I would guess that things are a tad busier! With Airbnb, you should always be able to find something, even at short notice. The only restrictions will be your budget and the availability of car parking. We were on a tight budget, which is why we preferred to book in advance and secure rooms at a lower price. I have booked Airbnbs on the fly in other countries before without any issue—so it’s definitely possible. You may have to compromise on price and location, though.

We rented our car in Barcelona and dropped it off in Seville. There was no issue. We just had to pay a small premium for returning it in a different city, as is standard with most rental places around the world. So you shouldn’t have any problem with returning the car in Malaga.

I hope you have a wonderful trip! Please do let me know if there’s anything else I can help with.

Oh I keep rereading your report and seeing more each time. Thank you so much! We are going to Spain from 21st Sept until 17th Oct and driving three weeks of that. We’ve been to the major cities before (Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Granada) so we are concentrating on smaller places, Jerez, Cordoba, Toledo, Salamanca, Zaragoza (where we’ll catch the annual festival!) etc. Still a little concerned about parking though. How did you manage? We also love apartments so we can visit the local markets and cook some of our meals at home so we’d love you to share your advice about really good airbnb’s. We have one in Jerez so far – haven’t got very far as you can see – and have fortunately found a hotel in Zaragoza with free parking during the festival. We’d really appreciate any other advice along the way. Here’s the general order: start Jerez, check out the white villages from there, Cordoba, Ubeda, Toledo, Salamanca, Burgos, Zaragoza… then somewhere in between and end at Barcelona airport to fly home. Lots of other little places to check out close to these towns but I think they will be our main stops (think…). Would LOVE your comments.

Hi Kathryn, your trip sounds great! We had a few parking dramas in the bigger cities but nothing too bad. I’ve just posted a list of the Airbnbs/hotels we chose to stay at in Spain – some are no longer listed, but there are a few still going. I hope this helps!

https://wander-lush.org/spain-best-airbnb-where-to-stay-road-trip/

Safe travels! Emily

Hey Emily, I plan to make the same road trip you have done in Spain with my wife in January. In which month you did yours ? I am not sure if the weather January is not very convenient for such trip !?

thank you so much in advance

BR Redouane

Hi Redouane! Thanks for your comment. That’s very exciting – I hope you love it as much as we did!

We did our road trip in November. I’ve never been to Western Europe in January, but I can’t imagine the weather would be too drastically different. We prefer the cooler weather, which is why we chose that month. Everything was a touch cheaper as well given that it’s shoulder season.

I hope this helps with your planning! Enjoy!

Hi there! Thanks for a great blog! This is what I love – discovering places off the beaten track. We are doing a 5 week trip with 3 kids taking our own car by ferry in July! The only thing I have planned as yet is that we arrive in Santander….! Would welcome air bnb recommendations but will touch base wth you as I get planning to see what you recommend. Have noted your recommendation for Córdoba. X

Thanks Aabida! Your trip sounds great. Please do get in touch if you want specific recommendations for Airbnb – we stayed at some great places.

Hi Emily, I’m traveling in southern Spain at the end of July and have booked a rental car. I’m concerned about parking in Granada and Cordoba (Granada especially as I’ll be there for a few nights. Any parking recommendations? Thank you!

Thanks so much for your comment. Your trip sounds wonderful!

We stayed at Airbnb apartments with private parking in both Granada and Cordoba. From memory, Cordoba was a bit tricky because the streets there are quite narrow so I would definitely check with your accommodation in advance.

Granada, however, had plenty of street parking. We parked and took public transport to/from town and the Alhambra. I dug up the link to the Airbnb apartment we rented – there was a lot of street parking in this part of town: https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/726540

Best of luck with the rest of your planning! Please let me know if there’s anything else I can help with.

wow amazing road trip! and the photos you’ve taken are really incredible.

Hello Emily I’m thinking of travelling to Spain in May 2017. Thanks for all your information. I like your intinery and will probably follow some of your guides. Did you book your airbnb before you commenced your trip and further did you do it online? Any tips or websites would help? Thanks for any help. Peter

Hi Peter! Thanks for reading.

Yes, we booked all our Airbnb accommodation online before we started the drive. Some places were excellent – others weren’t so good. If you go to Cordoba (which you absolutely should), please stay with Maria and Xavier. They are probably the best hosts we’ve ever had, and their place is incredible: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/929791

We also stayed in one Paradore, which I highly recommend!

Have fun planning your trip and please let me know if there’s anything else I can help with!

Hi Emily We tried to contact these people on the AirBNB link and it says no longer available. do you know what happened ? Is there a way to contact then direct?

Hi Tom, which listing was it? I’ve recommended a few. If it’s not available, they may have taken the listing down. I don’t have direct contacts but if you let me know which one you were after, I can tell you the area and you can try searching for other properties nearby.

Oh my God! Spain is my dream. Soon I’ll visit this country. I’m really grateful for all this information. Unfortunately, I can’t be there all 21 days to explore everything you’ve write. But it’s an awesome purpose to return as soon as possible again. Thanks for sharing

Lovely photos. I stumbled upon your blog while researching itineraries for my next trip to Spain. My boyfriend is a huge fan of road trips and would very much like to drive down the coast, starting Barcelona and ending in Lisbon. I was just wondering whether or not you felt there was a significance cost difference between renting a car and taking local trains. Can you share your main reasons for choosing to drive through Spain? Also, I guess you were able to leave the car in a different city from where you began? Thanks 🙂

Thanks so much for your comment. I’m a huge fan of both trains and road trips – but I felt that having a car would be better for us because we wanted to check out some of the smaller towns and travel at our own pace. Spain is a perfect place to drive since the roads are very well kept and safe, and hiring a car was within our budget. I definitely recommend it!

Have an awesome trip, Emily

What a whirlwind trip to Spain. I’ve been to Madrid/Toledo/Segovia and Sevilla a couple of times. My husband and I are heading to Barcelona then Girona and small towns along the coast. I’m hoping to rent a car outside of Barcelona but am having a difficult time finding a reputable car rental company. Do you remember which one you used and were you happy with it? I’ve come across many complaints/scams.

Toledo is my favorite so far. Can you recommend any towns similar (southeastern Spain)? Thank you.

Hi Cindy, thanks so much for your comment!

A friend recommended Sixt – they have good rates and are reliable. But we had a bit of trouble finding a car at Sixt, because neither of us have a manual license (it’s difficult and more expensive to get an auto). So if you need auto, book ahead of time online. We went with Hertz in the end, and they were fantastic. We took our own GPS but the car had a built-in system as well.

As for towns in the southeast, Cordoba was my personal favourite. Don’t miss it! I would also recommend spending a night in Cartagena. There is plenty to do in Valencia – it’s a little bigger, but also lovely – and of course Granada.

Happy travels!

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Embark On A Spanish Adventure: 10 Barcelona To Seville Road Trip Stops

A road trip from Barcelona to Seville is a great way to see some of Spain's most beautiful countryside and landmarks.

Spain is renowned as a sought-after summer getaway, earning its place among the top destinations for a road trip vacation in Europe. The journey from Barcelona to Seville showcases a diverse and breathtaking landscape. Transitioning through various terrains, including the Mediterranean coastline, the Pyrenees Mountains, and the vast plains of Andalusia.

During the initial stretch of the drive, travelers will traverse the enchanting Mediterranean coast. This region boasts splendid beaches, flourishing greenery, and delightful villages . As the route proceeds southward, the topography gradually becomes more mountainous, with the majestic Pyrenees Mountains making an appearance. This mountain range attracts outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, skiing, and other thrilling activities.

Upon entering the southern reaches of Spain, the scenery transforms into a drier and arid environment. The drive encompasses the vast Andalusian plains, where olive groves, vineyards, and orange orchards decorate the landscape. Finally, the road trip culminates in the captivating city of Seville, known for its captivating beauty, profound historical significance, and vibrant cultural heritage.

The road trip itinerary was crafted through extensive research on the finest destinations in Spain. The objective was to curate an itinerary that encompasses diverse landscapes and cultures, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in each location adequately. Flexibility was a crucial aspect considered while devising the itinerary, ensuring it can be adapted to individual preferences and time limitations.

10 Barcelona

Barcelona, hold several titles; the second largest city in Spain, home of FC Barcelona, the most populous city along the Mediterranean coast, and one of the most visited cities worldwide . Embarking on a Barcelona adventure, visitors can immerse themselves in the historical charm of the Gothic Quarter and indulge in a delightful tapas bar dinner. Additional highlights include exploring the iconic Sagrada Família , meandering through the captivating Park Güell, taking a leisurely stroll along the vibrant La Rambla, and savoring a delectable seafood dinner at a restaurant overlooking Barceloneta Beach. Concluding this leg of the journey, one can then prepare for the drive to Castelldefels.

• Highlights : Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, La Rambla, Gothic Quarter, Barceloneta

Hotel Arts Barcelona

Ritz-Carlton

Marina 19-21, 08005 Barcelona

9 Castelldefels

Located within a short drive from Barcelona, Castelldefels is a charming seaside town that offers a serene beach setting, perfect for relaxation and swimming. While Castelldefels is home to various historical and cultural attractions, its main allure lies in its vibrant beach life. With its coastal location, the town provides excellent opportunities for engaging in water sports and enjoying activities such as hiking and biking amidst picturesque surroundings.

• Highlights: Castelldefels Beach, Castle of Castelldefels, Parc del Garraf

Hotel SB BCN Events

Passeig de Can Rabadà, 22 - 24, 08860 Castelldefels, Catalonia

Situated approximately an hour south of Barcelona, Sitges is a captivating town celebrated for its stunning beaches, vibrant art galleries, and lively nightlife. Nestled against the picturesque backdrop of the Parc Natural del Garraf mountains, Sitges offers a compact old town brimming with charming streets, lined with a diverse array of shops, restaurants, and a notable concentration of gay bars and nightclubs. For art enthusiasts, the Maricel Museum and Cau Ferrat Museum showcase an impressive collection of Catalan and Spanish artwork, providing a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.

• Highlights: Sitges Beach, Casa Milà, Church of Sant Bartomeu, Cau Ferrat Museum

Sercotel Kalma Sitges

Sercotel Hotels

Paseo de la Ribera 65-68, 08870 Sitges, Catalonia

Related: Spain Is Home To Some Of The Most Beautiful Beaches In The World, Here Are 10 To Visit

7 Tarragona

Tarragona, an intriguing city with a captivating history and culture, is a highly recommended destination for travelers. The city's preservation of its old Roman ruins earned it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This picturesque location along the captivating Mediterranean Sea, Tarragona, shares its borders with the provinces of Castellón, Teruel, Zaragoza, Lérida, and Barcelona. Among its notable attractions are the Cathedral of Tarragona and the Roman Circus. A visit to Tarragona is incomplete without exploring its captivating Roman ruins, which offer a fascinating glimpse into the city's rich historical legacy.

• Highlights: Roman Amphitheatre, Aqueduct of Tarragona, Cathedral of Tarragona, Museum of Fine Arts of Tarragona

AC Hotel Tarragona by Marriott

Avinguda De Roma, 8, 43005 Tarragona, Catalonia

The amazing murals that cover the Valencia Cathedral

Boasting a captivating blend of rich history, cultural heritage, and avant-garde architectural wonders, Valencia is renowned for its notable attractions . The City of Arts and Sciences stands as a modern marvel, comprising a captivating ensemble of museums, theaters, and gardens. Exploring the iconic Cathedral of Valencia and immersing oneself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Central Market are experiences not to be missed. Additionally, Valencia's culinary fame lies in its delectable paella, while its coastal charm is enhanced by a selection of beautiful beaches, including those found within the neighboring Albufera Park—an idyllic wetlands reserve featuring a serene lake and picturesque walking trails.

• Highlights: City of Arts and Sciences, Central Market of Valencia, Cathedral of Valencia, Oceanogràfic de Valencia

Hotel Las Arenas Balneario Resort

Eugenia Vines 22-24, 46011 Valencia, Valencia

Related: Step Into Spain's Royal History: 10 Castles In Spain That Are Worth Exploring

Murcia is a vibrant city and autonomous community, bustling with a population of approximately 1.5 million people. Renowned as a significant agricultural hub, the region proudly produces a bounty of citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons, alongside a variety of fresh vegetables. Apart from its agricultural significance, Murcia holds allure as a popular tourist destination . The city is home to the largest Cathedral in the region, the Cathedral of Murcia, and a wealth of other historical and cultural treasures. The Museum of Murcia and the magnificent Palace of Almudaina are also noteworthy attractions that captivate visitors with their rich heritage and captivating exhibits.\

• Highlights: Cathedral of Murcia, Palace of the Archbishop of Murcia, Museum of Fine Arts of Murcia, Plaza Cardenal Belluga

Hotel Murcia Rincón de Pepe Affiliated by Meliá

Meliá Hotels International

Calle Apostoles, 34, 30001 Murcia

Granada is considered an essential stop on many Spain itineraries as it is a captivating city with history and charm. Its prominent highlight is the world-famous Alhambra, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you embark on your journey in the heart of Granada, the Granada Cathedral is an excellent starting point. Distinguished by its remarkable Renaissance architecture from the 16th century, this cathedral stands out with its absence of Moorish influences found in many other Spanish landmarks. Don't miss the chance to uncover other fascinating sights that contribute to Granada's unique allure.

• Highlights: Alhambra, Albayzin, Sacromonte, Sierra Nevada

Hotel Alhambra Palace

 Arquitecto Garcia De Paredes 1, 18009 Granada, Andalusia Arquitecto Garcia De Paredes 1, 18009 Granada, Andalusia

Related: 48 Hours In Spain: Here's How To Spend The Best Two Days In Madrid

3 Antequera

Antequera, a captivating town, boasts an array of remarkable megalithic monuments, including the renowned Dolmens of Menga and Viera. Positioned as "the heart of Andalusia," it holds a strategic central location amidst the prominent cities of Málaga, Granada, Córdoba, and Seville. The Antequera Dolmens Site encompasses three impressive megalithic structures : the Menga and Viera dolmens and the Tholos of El Romeral, accompanied by two natural monuments. These three tombs, concealed beneath their original earth tumuli, stand as awe-inspiring architectural marvels of European prehistory, exemplifying the significant heritage of European Megalithism.

• Highlights: Torcal de Antequera Natural Park, Dolmens of Antequera, Alcazaba de Antequera, Church of Santa Maria la Mayor

Finca Eslava

Ctra. De Córdoba Km 120, 29200 Antequera, Andalusia

Ronda is a captivating town in Southern Spain, characterized by its unique cliffside setting and its most famous landmark, the Puente Nuevo. This 17th-century bridge spans the impressive El Tajo gorge, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. A visit to Ronda wouldn't be complete without ascending the Santa Maria Church, where one can witness the stunning panorama of the city's white-washed homes against the backdrop of the majestic mountains. Additionally, exploring the El Tajo Gorge reveals the awe-inspiring New Bridge (Puente Nuevo) with its magnificent arches and even a waterfall, making it a must-see attraction during any day trip to Ronda.

• Highlights: Puente Nuevo, Plaza de Toros, Caves of Ronda, Alameda del Tajo

Catalonia Ronda

Avenida Virgen de la Paz, 16, 29400 Ronda, Andalusia

As the final destination, Seville, the capital of Andalusia, has numerous wonderful hotels to finally unwind and enjoy the delightful atmosphere with its stunning architecture, charming courtyards adorned with flowers, and the fragrance of orange. Exploring the Plaza de España is a must-do experience, as this picturesque crescent-shaped building, constructed a century ago, offers a delightful setting to unwind. Here, one can relish the refreshing mist from the grand fountain, delight in the rhythmic clip-clop of horses, and observe people leisurely rowing boats along the waterway, which is adorned with four bridges symbolizing ancient Spanish kingdoms. The iconic plaza has hosted numerous events and appeared in notable films like Lawrence of Arabia and Star Wars Episode 2, adding to its allure and charm.

• Highlights: Cathedral of Seville, Alcazar, Plaza de España, Maestranza bullring, Plaza de la Encarnación

Hotel Alfonso XIII, A Luxury Collection Hotel

C. San Fernando, 2, 41004 Sevilla, Spain

The Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip: Routes, Sights, Guides, Maps And More

From the historic cities of Seville and Cordoba, to the natural beauty of Ronda and the spectacular beaches of Cadiz and Valencia, this southern Spain road trip offers something for everyone.

Grab your keys, we’re going on a road trip! Is there any better way to get to grips with a country than driving around it? I love having the freedom to explore at my own pace! If this is your favourite way to travel too, then I’d definitely recommend a road trip through the south of Spain.

It’s a region I’ve visited on numerous trips, but only now am I piecing all the destinations together into one amazing road trip. This southern Spain itinerary offers so much. You’ll kick off in Madrid (lots of rental car options!) and spend your time visiting the museums and galleries, before travelling to the coast and enjoying the vibrant city of Valencia and the region of Murcia.

Then it’s time to kick off the next section – the Andalusia road trip! You’ll visit the peaks of Spain’s impressive Sierra Nevada mountains before immersing yourself in Andalusia’s fascinating history with trips to cities including Granada, Sevilla, Cadiz and Cordoba.

If you’re short on time, you could pick one section of this trip, and then return to do another section on a future visit.

If you love art, be sure to visit Madrid’s Prado Museum and Malaga’s Pompidou Centre. Meanwhile, nature lovers will enjoy Murcia’s natural rock formations in Bolnuevo and Ronda’s spectacular gorge.

Southern Spain is also one of the best areas in the world for history, with sights including Granada’s Alhambra, Cordoba’s Mezquita and Cadiz’s roman ruins.

And if you’re a foodie at heart you’re guaranteed to fall in love with Spanish cuisine on this trip. Feast on tapas, sample horchata in Valencia and enjoy the simple pleasures as you bar-hop around the ancient towns and cities.

So, whether you’re looking for a bit of inspiration or you’re already planning your itinerary, this guide will cover all of the best places to visit in Southern Spain on a road trip.

Weather in southern Spain

This region of Europe has warm summers and mild winters. While the summer holidays are a popular time to visit southern Spain, it’s also a great option in the colder months, when it offers some of the warmest winter temperatures in Europe.

The warmest and sunniest month of the year is July, with average temperatures around 28°C (82°F). The coldest temperatures are in December and January, with averages of 11°C (52°F).

However, some years the temperatures have reached 18°C in these months, so it can be a lovely place to escape the cold in northern Europe. The wettest month is March, so you may want to avoid visiting then.

Southern Spain Road Trip Map

If you’re happy to travel at a pretty moderate pace, moving on every single day, you could just about fit this itinerary into ten days. However, I’d recommend moving a little slower so you can soak up all the little details in each destination.

This is one of the most scenic drives in southern Spain, so even the journeys between destinations are enjoyable.

Here’s a handy map to go with this southern Spain road trip itinerary, which you can save to make your planning stress-free.

What to pack for your road trip

If you’re wondering what to pack for your trip, this guide to road trip essentials has you covered. From portable chargers to ways to stay entertained on long journeys, it’ll help you create your road trip packing list.

Southern Spain Road Trip Itinerary – Places To Visit In Southern Spain

Southern spain road trip: stop 1 – madrid.

Kick off your trip in Spain’s amazing capital city. Madrid is somewhere I often think is underrated as it gets pigeon-holed as the business hub of the country. However, it has a lot of charm and some incredible places to visit too.

Be sure to visit the oldest monument in the city, the Temple of Debod. The series of gateways here make up an ancient Egyptian temple that was presented to Spain by the Egyptian state. It was originally located close to Aswan and dates back to 200BC! It’s an amazing place for photography, with beautiful reflections in the pool of water.

Art lovers simply must pay a visit to one of Madrid’s most famous attractions and one of the best museums in Europe – the Prado Museum . This enormous museum is considered as one of the greatest art museums in the world, and it’s not hard to see why!

The museum contains one of the largest collections of European art, with more than 15,000 paintings, drawings and prints, as well as over 1,000 sculptures. There are notable artworks by Goya, El Greco and  Rubens and Titians.

One of the key pieces to see is Las Meninas by Velázquez. You could spend all day here, but remember there’s plenty more to see in the city! If you do decide to visit, I’d recommend booking a ‘skip the line’ ticket so you don’t waste hours queueing.

History lovers will also enjoy visiting the Palacio Real de Madrid (the Royal Palace). This palace takes the trophy for being the largest palace in Europe and it’s open to the public so you can have a nosy around!

For an escape from the busy streets of Gran Via and Puerta Del Sol, I’d recommend wandering around Retiro Park. This is a stunning and vast park with a large lake. It’s a serene place to take a picnic or grab an ice cream.

Are you someone who travels for food? Then you’ll definitely enjoy your time in Madrid. I’d recommend eating your way around Mercado San Miguel where you’ll find stalls selling everything from popular tapas dishes to sushi and ice cream. I love the food here – there is so much choice and the market has a great atmosphere.

For a sweet treat, pick up some churros from Chocolateria San Ginés . This café has been serving these delicious crispy sticks of fried batter with its signature hot chocolate sauce for well over 100 years. It’s something of an institution!

There’s a cool bar culture in Madrid too. I’d recommend checking out the likes of El Imperfecto and Café Central where there’s often live music. For a cheap meal, enjoy the aperitivo culture at El Tigre. Just order a drink and a plate of tapas will arrive too. It’s one of the most budget-friendly ways to eat out in Madrid.

If you’re deciding where to stay in the city, check out my guide to the best hotels in Madrid . There’s something for every budget. 

Madrid to Valencia: 360 km / 3 hr 45 mins approx.

Southern Spain Road Trip: Stop 2 – Valencia

The second stop on this southern Spain itinerary is Valencia, one of my favourite cities in Spain. With its historic old town, modern museums and gorgeous beach, it’s a really varied destination. I’ve written lots of detailed Valencia travel guides so definitely take a look at those for more info on the city.

If you’ve only got one day on your southern Spain road trip, I’d recommend starting in Valencia’s old town. Here you can visit Valencia’s impressive cathedral, which is the most prominent landmark here. Its origins go back to the 13th Century, but you’ll find an interesting mix of architecture added at various times in history. Plus, if you’re looking for an amazing view of Valencia, definitely climb El Miguelete – the 167 ft baroque bell tower.

If you’ve found the old town a little hectic, take a breather with a leisurely stroll or bike ride through Turia Gardens. These amazing gardens span 9 km and feature landscaped gardens, natural parks, playgrounds, sports grounds and more.

Modern art lovers will adore the Ciudad de les Artes y Les Ciences. This complex of futuristic architecture is absolutely spectacular! There’s a concert hall, science museum, gardens and aquarium all within this area.

To complete your sightseeing trip around Valencia, finish your day at the beach. There are lots of bars and restaurants lining the sand here, it’s a lovely place to round off a busy day of sightseeing.

There are plenty of great delicacies to try in this city. If you haven’t tried it before, order a traditional Valencian paella down on the beach. After all, this city is considered to be the birthplace of this famous Spanish dish!

Horchata is another Valencian delicacy. This drink is often served with fartons, which are long sugar-dusted pastries, perfect for dunking! Horchatería Santa Catalina, a 200+ year old café in the heart of the old town is THE place to go for these! For a modern dining experience, I really enjoyed the food and atmosphere at La Manera, a modern restaurant serving tasty sharing plates.

Or if you want someone else to do the hard work and order for you, you could book onto a food tour of the city. I really enjoyed this experience as it allowed me to hear all about the city from a local, while tasting some really authentic cuisine. I wrote about my tapas tour of Valencia so you can have a read and decide if it’s something you’d like to try.

Valencia to Murcia: 225 km / 2 hr 25 mins approx.

Southern Spain Road Trip: Stop 3 – Murcia

While I’d recommend you stay in the city of Murcia, this is also the name of the region and it’s worth getting out to see as much as possible.

Murcia is one of the best parts of Spain for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. Not only is there the fabulous 250km Costa Cálida, there are also beautiful rivers, trails and caves.

If you love hiking, drive to the Segura River and explore some of the trails. Whether you fancy a gentle wander along the cliffs, or you want to spend a whole day out, there are trails for all fitness levels. If you want to challenge your adrenaline, you could go rafting on the river here too.

Another unique experience in Murcia is seeing the incredible rock formations on the beach at Bolnuevo. These natural sandstone wonders have been weathered by wind, rain and the ocean. They’re really eerie but definitely something special!

There are some impressive caves in Murcia too. Cueva de la Serreta in particular has cave paintings dating back a whopping 7,000 years!

The city of Murcia is pretty underrated. It’s striking with its wide plazas,  pedestrianised areas and ancient buildings. Santa María Cathedral is a must-see, dating back to 1385. There’s also a popular archaeology museum and theatre nearby.

Murcia to Sierra Nevada: 325 km / 3 hr 23 mins approx.

Southern Spain Road Trip: Stop 4 – Sierra Nevada

How about adding in a ski stop to your southern Spain road trip?!

First though, did you know you can ski in southern Spain? It might come as a surprise to many… I mean it surprised me when I found out! A country I associate with beaches and summer holidays actually has a great ski resort too.

The Sierra Nevada mountain range in Andalusia is very popular with snow bunnies from November to March. It’s a magical place to visit in the winter months right up until early spring. In fact, there can be snow on the highest peaks right up until June!

You can literally be on the ski slopes in the morning and sunbathing on the beach by the afternoon. How amazing is that?

The ski resort at Pradollano is home to over 130 slopes, and has peaks over 3,000m. It’s ideal for skiing, snowboarding and other fun snow activities, and has ski runs to suit all levels. There’s plenty of accommodation in the main town too.

If you’re driving in southern Spain in the summer months, there’s plenty to see and do in Sierra Nevada. You could visit Capileira or Las Alpujarras, two charming whitewashed mountain villages with some of the best views in the region.

You can also catch the gondola and chair lift up to the peaks in July and August. When not covered in snow, the mountain trails are popular with e-bikers, who love to take in the view without the effort of cycling up the steep slopes!

If you’re travelling with kids, how about taking a ride on Trineo Ruso , a fun alpine coaster that’s open in the summer. This is also an incredible place for stargazing, so don’t forget to look up once the sun goes down.

Sierra Nevada to Granada: 40 km / 55 mins approx.

Southern Spain Road Trip: Stop 5 – Granada

Granada is one of the best places to visit in Spain to see Moorish architecture. This is a walkable city at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range you’ve just visited. It’s absolutely jam-packed full of history with its spectacular cathedral, monasteries and historic markets.

Visit the Albaicín neighbourhood to see some of the best examples in the world of Medieval streets. You’ll quickly see why this has earned its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

The lanes are really skinny, with pretty houses, bars and restaurants scattered throughout. I remember finding a lovely Middle-Eastern café on one of the streets and sitting outside with a cup of mint tea, feeling like I was world’s away from Spain. It reminded me of towns I’d visited in Morocco and Jordan. Carrera del Darro is one of the best streets to really soak up the atmosphere of this neighbourhood.

Meanwhile, looking down on the streets is one of the most famous landmarks in Spain: the Alhambra. Translating as ‘red palace’ this ancient palace and fortress dates back to the 8 th century. It’s one of the best-preserved Muslim medieval cities in the world.

I’d recommend booking a fast-track ticket so you don’t waste time queuing. A guided tour is a great idea too as there is not only a lot to see here, but also so much history to learn. This building really has seen it all – a lot of change!

In terms of food, Granada is one of the best places for the whole ‘free tapas’ with a drink culture! Just order a glass of wine, beer or cider and you’ll be rewarded with a dish of something tasty on the house. I’d recommend bar-hopping over an evening, trying lots of delicacies as you go.

Some of my favourite spots include El Bar de Fede, Los Diamantes and La Blanca Paloma. To be honest though, most are great and it’s partly about the atmosphere too! Consider it your very own Granada food tour!

Granada to Malaga: 125 km / 1 hr 25 mins approx.

Southern Spain Road Trip: Stop 6 – Malaga

Can you believe we’re over half way through this amazing south of Spain itinerary now? With over 300 sunny days a year, hot summers and warm winters, Malaga on Spain’s Costa Del Sol is a great destination to visit all year round.

While it may not have the vast history of somewhere like Granada, the museums of Madrid or the natural beauty of Murcia, I’ve always had great times in the city and would definitely recommend stopping here on your southern Spain road trip.

I’ve been thoroughly impressed with its cultural offerings and food scene. It’s a city that feels like it’s going through some regeneration right now too.

It’s somewhere you’ll find trendy bars and food markets right next to Gothic cathedrals and Roman ruins. I always love places with that mix of old and new, so I think that’s what drew me to Malaga.

One of the biggest attractions in Malaga is the Pompidou Centre . The entrance is via the colourful cube structure from which you descend underground to the main galleries. If you want to avoid queuing, I’d recommend booking a ‘skip the line’ ticket here.

Food lovers will enjoy the city’s markets. There’s Mercado Central de Atarazanas with its amazing stained-glass window. Shop for fresh ingredients such as fruit and vegetables, fish, cheese, meats and olives. If you’re self-catering on your trip, you can stock up on supplies.

For more substantial food options visit Mercado Merced, which sells tasty tapas and alcoholic drinks. Be sure to order a dish of Malaga’s famous fried fish to croquetas while you’re there!

If you’re looking to shop in the city, wander down Larios, Malaga’s chic shopping street which is often compared to Paris’ Champs Elysee. Alternatively, take a stroll along Muelle Uno, the promenade which snakes around the port, or take a spin on Malaga’s observation wheel for some great views.

If you simply want to have a day to relax on this road trip, you could spend a day at one of the nearby beaches. There really is so much to do in this city, and I’ve got plenty more tips for visiting in my Malaga travel guide .

Malaga to Ronda: 100 km / 1 hr 20 mins approx.

Southern Spain Road Trip: Stop 7 – Ronda

The 7 th stop on this south Spain itinerary is somewhere I absolutely fell in love with! So much so, I’ve returned several times now. I think Ronda is one of the most magical towns in southern Spain, built across the deep El Tajo gorge.

This isn’t a big town so you could spend a half day here if you’re pushed for time, or just visit as a day trip from Seville. If time is on your side though, I’d totally recommend a bit longer because it’s the kind of place you’ll enjoy seeing at a leisurely pace.

The key attraction in Ronda is Puente Nuevo. This 18th Century bridge spectacularly joins the two sections of the city across the huge gorge. The bridge is 100m tall with its base down below in the gorge and Guadalquivir River.

There are lots of angles you can view it from, but I’d recommend strolling through the Jardines De Cuenca – a series of terraced gardens.

Another big attraction in Ronda is the Plaza Del Toros a.k.a. the bullring. It’s one of the oldest in Spain and is a pretty magnificent to see inside. I don’t condone  bullfighting though, so this is somewhere I’d visit for the architecture alone!

If you’re partial to a glass of vino, you could visit Bodega Joaquin Fernandez for a wine-tasting session. This winery is in a picturesque location with vineyards rolling down the hill area.

From Ronda you could also drive over to Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park where you can explore the spectacular mountain ranges, caves, gorges and fir tree forests.

Ronda to Cadiz: 145 km / 1 hr 40 mins approx.

Southern Spain Road Trip: Stop 8 – Cadiz

If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll know what a fan I am of this pretty city in southern Spain. I’d go as far as to say Cadiz is my favourite place in Spain. Yet I’ve mentioned the city to friends and they’ve never heard of it… so, what’s so special about Cadiz?

Well, where to start! If you’re into history, you’ll be in your element here! Founded by the Phoenicians 3,000 years ago, Cadiz is one of the oldest cities in Western Europe. The Romans also settled there, building an impressive city (some of which is still in existence today).

But you don’t need to be history nerd to appreciate Cadiz. It’s home to several beautiful beaches, including La Caleta right in the city centre. Set back from the water is the medieval city filled with narrow streets, beautiful tree-lined plazas, fountains and great restaurants.

There’s also a port scattered with fishing boats and lots of pretty buildings all painted in white.

One of my favourite activities was the food tour I did. It was a fantastic way to learn how the locals eat, what produce is local and discover a few tapas bars to revisit during my trip.

I’d also recommend climbing either the Tavira Tower or the Cathedral Tower for the best views of the city. Personally, I preferred the views from the Cathedral Tower as I liked being nearer the water as well as seeing the bells up close!

Other things to do in Cadiz include visiting the castles Castillo De San Sebastian and Santa Catalina, as well as touring the underground caves and catacombs.

To be honest though, I loved mooching around Cadiz. Just set off and get a bit lost, stop for tapas at one of the many little bars dotted around the city, and see what you find along the way. It’s a place that is guaranteed to take your breath away .

Cadiz to Seville: 120 km / 1 hr 20 mins approx.

Southern Spain Road Trip: Stop 9 – Seville

If I was asked to describe Seville, I’d probably say it’s the most quintessentially Spanish city in Spain. It’s one of my favourite city breaks in the world as it offers so much.

It has that feisty Spanish lust for life, with flamenco shows, live music and buzzy tapas bars. You’ll see sunshine and blue skies almost all year round. It’s also packed full of historic sites.

You simply have to visit Seville Cathedral and climb the Giralda Tower. From there you’ll have the best view of the city. I’d recommend doing this at the start of your day before it gets too hot. It’s a great way to get your bearings too.

Also, squeeze in a trip to the Real Alcazar de Sevilla . This royal palace is absolutely stunning inside, with decorative courtyards, pristine landscape gardens and plenty of artefacts to admire. It can get really busy, especially in the holidays, so you might want to book a ‘skip the line’ ticket to save queueing.

My favourite building in Seville is Plaza de Espana. Built for the Ibero-American exposition of 1929, it’s an architectural masterpiece with its curved shape and beautiful water features. For a bit of fun, you could hire a rowing boat and view the building from a unique angle!

Seville isn’t stuck in the past though. If you love modern architecture, stroll under the Metropol Parasol. Consisting of six wooden parasols, this unusual structure is often referred to as the mushroom!

Plus, Seville is one Spain’s finest cities for food, particularly if you like the flavours of Andalucia. I’d recommend eating your way around gourmet food market Mercado Lonja Del Barranco or trying some local, authentic tapas at El Rinconcillo – the city’s oldest bar.

One little tip, park outside of the city centre. The streets are narrow and you don’t want to scratch your rental car!

Seville to Cordoba: 140 km / 1 hr 30 mins approx.

Southern Spain Road Trip: Stop 10 – Córdoba

Time for the final stop on this amazing road trip through the south of Spain!

It’s hard to believe that Córdoba was once the largest city in the world with around 1 million people living there… but that was 1,000 years ago! This is another city famed for its history, with four amazing UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The most famous place to visit is the Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba (I’d recommend booking a skip the line ticket to save queuing). Starting its life as a mosque, it was later converted into a cathedral. It’s the most amazing blend of Christian and Muslim architecture. This story alone is fascinating and a good indication into the melting point that this city is.

Just wandering Cordoba on foot is a delight. You’ll notice some differences in architecture here compared to some of other places you’ve visited so far on this itinerary. In particular, keep an eye out for the beautiful patios and courtyards in the centre of many of the buildings.

If you visit in May, you might get the chance to see some of these hidden gems up close! At this time of year there’s a special festival known as the Fiesta de los Patios where locals open their doors to show off their courtyards. It can get quite competitive, with pretty displays of flowers and art too!

You’ve seen the traditional blue pots filled with flowers, mounted on whitewashed walls before, right? Well, that’s a signature style of Cordoba (and Andalucía as a whole), so keep your eyes peeled as you wander the city.

There’s plenty more to keep you busy in Cordoba, including walking the Roman Bridge over the Guadalquivir River, feasting on plates of tapas in local bars and enjoying some nightlife too. What better place to end an amazing adventure through southern Spain!

Cordoba to Madrid: 395 km / 4 hours approx.

Where To Stay On A Southern Spain Road Trip

If you’re wondering where to stay in southern Spain, here are a few of my top choices along this route.

Dear Hotel Madrid

Dear Hotel boasts one of the best hotel views in the whole of Madrid. What better way to relax after a hard day’s sightseeing than by sipping a cocktail from the stunning (but compact!) rooftop pool? It’s enough to make you feel as though you were swimming right over the city itself, and it’s a lovely place to take in the glittering city lights at night.

Located directly on the Calle Gran Via, Dear Hotel offers everything you need for a luxury stay in Madrid – so why not travel in style and treat yourself to a slice of opulence during your trip?

The Westin Valencia

Of all the 5-star hotels in Valencia, the Westin Valencia is arguably the most impressive. It’s an Art Deco dream, filled with glittering chandeliers, exquisite marble, and elegant artistic touches.  It occupies a great location next to the Turia Gardens, just a short walk from the city centre and all of the charms of the historic old town.

The Westin offers the best in comfort and luxury with exceptional service, a world-class spa, and the fabulous Komori Restaurant, which serves up Japanese-European fusion cuisine. This chic hotel is one of the best places to stay in Valencia for couples, offering romantic surroundings to unwind in, after a busy day of sightseeing.

Parador de Cadiz

If you’re looking for a modern and stylish place to stay in Cadiz, where you can catch a glimpse of the sea from every room and balcony, check out Parador de Cadiz. With incredible views of the bay as well as a relaxing spa and wellness centre, this is one of the best equipped hotels in the city.

After a busy day of exploring you can head back to your hotel and unwind in the spa or swimming pool. If you fancy a culinary treat, the hotel’s tapas bar and restaurant serve a variety of traditional Spanish delicacies.

EME Catedrale Hotel , Seville

With Moorish-inspired interiors and luxurious contemporary rooms, EME Catedrale Hotel is one of the most popular 5-star hotels in Seville’s old town. As the name suggests, it’s just a stone’s throw from the cathedral, and offers one of the best views of any hotel in the city from its rooftop pool terrace.

It’s also an ideal base from which to explore the Jewish quarter and all the main sights and sounds of the city. Along with the pool, another great feature is the hotel’s cocktail bar, which has a glass floor showing the subterranean Roman ruins below. Definitely a great spot for an atmospheric pre-dinner drink!

I hope you enjoy your south Spain road trip – let me know if there’s anywhere you’d add to the itinerary! I think you’ll agree, this is one of the best road trips in Spain. It just offers so much variety.

My best advice is to use this guide as a starting point, but don’t be afraid to add some extra spots along the way too. If you’re wondering where else to visit in Spain, have a read of my northern Spain road trip itinerary ! I hope you have the trip of a lifetime. Happy driving!

Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

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Spain Road Trip - The Ultimate 2 Week Itinerary

Start your road trip from barcelona.

With this road trip spanning the length of Spain, you can start at either end, but we often find ending in a hotter place more sun and sea works better.

The first few days you can take a bit more history and culture, visit sights and museums before heading for more relaxed scenery driving along the Costa del Sol towards the end of your trip.

Day 1: Barcelona - Fly in, sightseeing & seafood dinner

This epic Spanish road trip starts in the Catalan capital - Barcelona.

One of the best things about going on a road trip to Spain is the weather - check out the best time to visit Spain to pick your month of travel. Catalonia is beautiful and captivating all year round - so get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.

If you've arrived with your own car, our advice is to park it up for a few days at the nearest underground car park as you won't be needing it around town.

If you plan to hire a car, don't bother picking one up until day 3. While there is ample parking around the city, much like most of Spain, getting around on foot or using the relatively cheap metro system is a lot more convenient and relaxing.

Where to stay in Barcelona

There's a huge choice of hotels and villas to stay in when visiting Barcelona, some of them considerably more expensive than others.

A top tip is to stay somewhere within a short walk of the main sights such as La Rambla and La Plaza Real and near the old port - this is where you'll be spending a lot of your time and where the best restaurants in town are.

I would highly recommend the Onix Liceo - it's located in the Gothic Quarter, right near Las Ramblas, the city centre and the Old Port. It's really good value for money too - especially for somewhere so central. If you're looking for the perfect hotel to stay at in Barcelona, this is it.

The majority of car rentals are really close at the Placa dels Paisos Catalans so this is handy for getting your Spain road trip underway on day 3 as you can just walk across with your bags.

Having checked into your hotel and dropped your bags off, it's time to go see what this crazy (in a good way) city has to offer, so head on down towards the Plaça de Catalunya at the top end of Las Ramblas.

Walk along Las Ramblas and explore the Gothic Quarter

The two streets and the wide promenade in-between are the true heart of Barcelona. Street artists line the pavement, eager to do a caricature of you, while street dancers, human statues and various other forms of entertainment vie for tourists' attention.

The first day is always a great opportunity to relax before your Spanish road trip really gets underway so take your time as you stroll around.

Walk halfway down Las Ramblas until you get to the Liceu metro station and turn left into the Gothic Quarter, the ancient part of the city which forms the main part of the Old Town.

One of the first things you'll see is the Barcelona Cathedral. This majestic dark stone structure is a beautiful example of fine Gothic architecture and - miraculously - seems to be somewhat off the tourist radar, making the visit that much more peaceful.

As you wander around the twisting streets of the area, head towards the sea until you reach Port Vell. This marina used to be the busiest trade port of the region and today serves as a yacht harbour.

Here you'll see a large brick building which houses the Museu d'Història de Catalunya, which gives a somewhat unique perspective on the region's continuing fight for independence as well as the history of the Catalonia's relationship with other parts of Spain.

For a spot of late lunch just before you go into the museum, you can't do much better than walk into the small Barceloneta district right behind the building.

Here you'll find a large number of bars and restaurants with all manner of Catalan tapas on offer.

Grab dinner in Barcelona's Port Vell

Barcelona has a famously fabulous dining scene, and there's a multitude of outstanding restaurants dotted around the city to choose.

The majority of these are located within walking distance of Las Ramblas, with a few further afield.

If you fancy some fish and a romantic table in the cool evening sea breeze then return to Port Vell and pick one of the dozen restaurants serving the freshest seafood in town.

Day 2: Barcelona - More sightseeing, tapas & hiking

Visit the gaudi's buildings and sights.

I know you're probably thinking that it's time to get going on your Spain road trip, but Barcelona is worth spending a full day after your arrival - you'll be very glad you did!

Your second day in Barcelona is perfect for a stroll around town taking in some of Gaudi's most famous sights. The key sights are relatively close to each other and all of them are not too far from your hotel, so it will be an easy walk!

Begin the morning in style and find a traditional café on your way to Passeig de Gràcia.

As you make your way through town, you will notice that most street crossings in Barcelona form octagonal squares and these are the best place to equip yourself with some bakery produce and fresh orange juice. If you're feeling peckish, you can indulge in one of the famous crêperies.

The first stop on your route will be the Casa Milà on Passeig de Gràcia. This famous apartment building was designed and built by Gaudi.

Just as impressive on the inside as the outside, it's worth going in to see the layout of the skeleton-like structure and get a good view of Barcelona from the wavy rooftop.

Once you're back outside, head north east on Carrer de Provença. Keep going in a straight line over the Avinguda Diagonal and you will very soon see the Sagrada Familia.

This truly unique Gothic Cathedral is still under construction, with decades of work yet to be completed; nevertheless, it's one of the most unique and jaw-dropping cathedrals in the world.

The amount of detail on the facades is astonishing, and everything from the interior decoration to the columns, towers and the naves is unlike any other in the world. You won't see another cathedral like it on your road trip through Spain... or anywhere in the world.

It's worth sitting down in one of the nearby coffee shops for a moment or two to take in the magnificent sight and do a spot of people watching before carrying on with your Barcelona tour.

Your next stop is the famous Park Güell, which is just a short walk up the Carrer de Sardenya. It's free to enter, so be prepared for crowds if you plan to visit over the weekend.

Once you're inside, have a wander and explore all the bizarre ins and outs of the park. Everything from the asymmetrical houses by the main entrance through to a large pagoda inside was born in the mysterious depths of Gaudi's brain.

Indeed, he used to live in one of the houses on the Park's grounds and frequently relaxed here himself. Be sure to walk to the highest point for fabulous views over the city.

Lunch in Barcelona the Spanish way

You could spend hours discovering new bizarre things in Park Guell, but at some point your appetite is sure to kick in.

Lunch options are fairly broad around the area, with a number of great restaurants located nearby the park.

Alternatively, you can learn from the locals and stock up on some local Iberico ham, bread, olives and cheese and have a picnic in the warm sunshine somewhere within the park. Remember that Day 3 is when the Spain road trip properly starts and if you are going to stop for a picnic on the way to Valencia, plan ahead to not eat the same packed lunch two days running!

Walk up Mount Montjuïc

As the afternoon passes by and dusk approaches, it's time to head over to the last sight of the day - Mount Montjuïc, right across the other side of town.

The walk will take about an hour and a half, although the metro option is fairly straight-forward with a direct line from the Lesseps stop nearby to Poble-sec at the foot of the Montjuïc Park.

Take your time to climb to the top of the hill, where a number of monuments built for the Olympics are dotted around the green park.

The views over the city of Barcelona are spectacular from here, so spend a few minutes figuring out where you've walked and finding your hotel roof. If you walk on a little further, you can see past the Barcelona bowl and map out the route for your Spain road trip first leg towards the mountains in the distance.

On your way down, make sure you pass the Montjuïc Fountain to watch the water and light display that takes place every half hour starting from 7pm - it's worth it. Note that the shows don't happen Monday to Wednesday, so plan your route accordingly.

By the end of the display you will be ready for a hard-earned spot of relaxation before freshening up and heading out to town for food. Perhaps a hearty steak dinner?

Drive from Barcelona to Valencia

First stop on the way is Valencia - a historic trade city on the Costa Blanca.

Day 3: Drive from Barcelona to Montserrat to Valencia

Distance: 265 miles

Visit Montserrat Monastery to kick-start your Spain road trip

Wake up, have some breakfast and check out of your hotel. This is a road trip after all, and it's time to hit the road!

Once you've loaded your luggage and set up the GPS, drive inland. The first stop on your Spain road trip itinerary is the majestic Montserrat Monastery.

This unbelievably beautiful secluded establishment - home to Benedictine Monks - is perched atop a picturesque mountain in-between two peaks.

Here, you will see stunning interior decorations and a number of highly prized religious relics.

Driving-wise, you have a choice of going up the mountain and parking close to the Monastery, or parking at the bottom and taking the train.

The train provides great views down the mountain and of the Monastery itself, so that's our preferred option.

Beware that if you choose to park at the top, you will still have to walk a fair bit uphill to get to the monastery.

The drive from Barcelona to Valencia along the coast

The drive to Valencia along a toll road will get you there in around 3 and a half hours and is a perfect way to kick off the driving on your Spain road trip. If you want to stop for lunch along the way, your best bet is to stop in Tarragona soon after you get to the coast on your way south.

The majority of other towns along the route are fairly uninteresting, with a score of high-rise hotels lining the shore and a distinct lack of restaurants and views.

Tarragona, however, is an ancient city rich in history and culture. A decent range of restaurants in the town centre will offer plenty of choice before you jump back on the AP-7 on your way to Valencia.

If you have time for a detour, hop off the motorway (remember - you'll have to pay the toll!) and check out the Pont del Diable - the Les Ferreres Aqueduct is right by the Tarragona junction. If you head into the city, there is a large amphitheatre and ruins of a Roman Forum to see.

As you arrive in Valencia, you will notice that the city's Old Town is strikingly different to the rest of the city. The city centre is confined by a river to the west and a long green park that also used to be a riverbed before the river was diverted in the fifties.

As with most Spanish cities, vast numbers of affordable underground car parks are provided, so find one near your hotel and dump the car for two days as you won't be needing it to get around.

Where to stay in Valencia

Now that you're travelling by car, you'll want to pick a hotel with parking or somewhere nearby a car park.

Silken Puerta Valencia is a sleek and modern hotel with super comfortable rooms and the perfect location on the east side of Jardin del Turia. It is easy to drive to from the V-21 and it has FREE on-site parking, which is ideal for road trippers.

The rooms are super reasonably priced (especially compared to other hotels nearby) and the breakfast is truly outstanding.

Day 4: Valencia - Market, Old Town and aquarium visit

Explore valencia old town and visit the market.

With only one full day to be spent in Valencia, you really ought to get yourself out of bed at a reasonable hour and head into town for some traditional Valencian breakfast.

Make your way towards the Mercado Central in the heart of the city (it's a 30 minute walk or a 25-minute bus ride) and stop in a cafe along the way for a couple of churros (traditional doughnut-like treats) and a coffee or a large glass of blood orange juice.

The town of Valencia is miraculously unpopular with tourists - which makes it a very appealing Spanish road trip destination!

Compared to most other Spanish cities, you will rarely see a tour guide leading a stampede of visitors here.

The only ones who make it this far away from Granada and Barcelona can typically be found in a queue outside the Oceanogràfic first thing in the morning, which is exactly why the best time to go is later on in the day.

Despite its somewhat under-the-radar status, Valencia is one of the most beautiful Spanish cities. Its Old Town is full of narrow streets criss-crossing through a mix of architecture from across the centuries.

The market, one of the oldest in the country, sells a wide range of fresh produce and local delicacies. Our top tip is to try the dozens of varieties of ham and stock up on your favourite snacks for a picnic later on in the day.

Once you've purchased everything you want and are ready to move on, exit onto the Plaça del Merkat and pay a visit to the UNESCO-listed Lonja de la Seda across the street, which is free to enter.

This grand Gothic building once functioned as a Silk Exchange. Inside you'll see beautifully decorated walls, floors, ceilings and carved columns indicating the power and wealth of Valencia in the 15th and 16th centuries.

It's fascinating to see the sheer difference between the two historic trading hubs only yards away from each other.

To round off the morning, walk the short distance towards the Valencia Cathedral. This beautiful and - to a degree - austere structure can be somewhat tricky to find, as it's closely surrounded by buildings on all sides.

The Cathedral is known for holding the most likely true Holy Grail - the cup from which Jesus drank at the Last Supper.

We'd highly recommend you pay the €2 to climb up the Cathedral's tower, as the views that open up over the city and the busy harbour are truly stunning. It's quite a walk to the top (205 steps), so make sure you've done your stretches before you make the attempt. You can even plan the next leg of your road trip through Spain as you look towards the hills in the distance!

Have a picnic in the Jardín del Turia

The Cathedral is only a stone's throw away from the Jardín del Turia. This vast green belt around Valencia's Old Town used to be a river until the source was diverted following a flood in 1957.

Today this park has everything from a roller skating park to football pitches and large chess sets. This is exactly why you bought the picnic ingredients at the market earlier on in the day.

Not every part of our Spain road trip has to involve driving, so a stroll is in order. The gentle walk down to the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències will take you around 45 minutes, so you'll be able to pick the best spot for lunch on your way.

The park's chilled out vibe, away from the humdrum of the city, combined with the smouldering Valencian sunshine will make for a great meal alfresco.

Mingle with sharks at the Oceanogràfic

The Oceanarium is located on a large and relatively new site called the City of Arts and Sciences. The entrance is easy to miss as it is relatively small, with almost the entire structure buried beneath the ground.

Tickets are expensive but well worth it, as this is one of the best and largest marine parks in the world.

A major highlight of the attraction is a long tunnel that takes you through a tank, with various species of shark swimming alongside swarms of multicoloured fish. Dolphin shows are held regularly, so check the schedule when purchasing your ticket.

Closing times vary, with doors shutting at 6pm during the winter and as late as midnight during the summer months.

Where to go for dinner in Valencia

Once you've haddock a whale of a time, it's time to find a plaice for dinner (just couldn't resist the op-perch-tuna-ty for a fish pun!)

Your best bet is to head back into town and go towards the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. There is a very broad selection of restaurants in that part of the Old Town, with a large number of them specialising in the local specialty - fresh fish.

Of course there are other options around, but you would be doing yourself a real disservice if you do not try a good fish restaurant in Valencia.

Spain road trip arrives in Granada

Having seen the best of Valencia, it's time to scale some mountains and head towards the sunny province of Andalucia with its endless beaches and beautiful white villages.

First stop on the way is Granada - one of our favourite Spanish cities that just feels great on every single visit.

Day 5: Drive Valencia to Granada via the Sierra Nevada

The drive down from Valencia to Granada is almost a mini Spain road trip in itself. It involves following the coast south to Alicante, before heading west and going over the snowy peaks of Sierra Nevada to Granada on the other side. This may sound like an ominous route, but it's actually easy and relaxed.

Once you leave Benidorm in your rear view mirror (it's really not worth stopping for), and head past Murcia, you will suddenly notice an eerie silence.

Given that the next 70 odd miles are pretty much an empty desert on a mountain plateau, nobody other than you seems keen to drive along this route.

This complete absence of other people is perfect for a relaxing drive in some of Spain's most fantastic scenery. Contrary to any fears you may have had, the road is straight and great for driving. The snow-covered mountain peaks form a gorgeous backdrop, and you're likely to have the road almost to yourself all the way there.

Going on a Spain road trip and spectacular mountain views was maybe not the obvious association, but there are few things better for a relaxing drive.

Now we obviously do not condone speeding, but you're guaranteed to be pleasantly surprised by how quickly you get to Granada - just be careful to stay within the speed limit for the two speed cameras on the way. They're clearly marked by three separate signs, each indicating exactly how many metres separate you from a €400 speeding ticket.

We know that you might have already had more picnics on this trip than you did over the course of the last decade, but we promise that this is the last one.

Every now and then you'll come across a rest area by the side of the road which often coincides with a Mirador - a great view of some beautiful landscape.

Take your pick of the pit stops and park up to have your lunch at one of the wooden tables designed exactly for this purpose.

Where to stay in Granada

If you want to stay in central Granada, at the heart of the action, head to the boutique Hotel Palacio Santa Ines.

Tucked away in a narrow street in the historic centre, the Hotel Palacio de Santa Ines consists of two revamped 16th-century buildings designed in the traditional Mudejar style.

With its tranquil inner courtyards, lovely spacious rooms and super convenient proximity to the Alhambra fortress and the Granada Cathedral, it's the perfect place to rest for a few nights.

The only issue with staying in central Granada is parking.

Luckily, the hotel has thought about your Spanish road trip needs and has partnered up with two nearby public car parks, who offer a special rate just for their guests. Simply park your car and bring your parking ticket to the hotel (they'll even reimburse you for a cab ride if the car park is too far to walk).

The hotel will stamp your ticket with a lower daily rate (€19.50 for 24 hours). Simple as that!

Head out to enjoy a tapas dinner in Granada

After dropping off your bags, go out to enjoy the evening in this awe-inspiring city. We recommend a walk around the compact town centre, which is rife with cheap and cheerful tapas restaurants.

For a cosy, relaxed option, head towards Plaza de las Pasiegas. Here you will find a quaint and unassuming little restaurant called Rollo offering a number of quirky dishes.

Our tip? Try the crunchy pancakes made with tiny prawns... delicioso!

Day 6: Granada - Visit the Alhambra fortress

Spain has culture in abundance, so you simply can't ignore it! As one of the most famous and recognisable tourist attractions in Spain, the sprawling Alhambra palace is a symbolic icon of the country. It's positively enormous, so you'll need almost an entire day to see all the various sites around this old Moorish palace complex.

Spain road trip top tip : Be sure to book your tickets ahead of time (see the official Alhambra website for details) as during peak season the limited daily allowance can be sold out weeks in advance. You can't miss out on visiting the Alhambra.

There are buses that can take you to the Alhambra entrance, but the walk up the hill is not strenuous and will make for a pleasant 20-minute stroll.

Start at buy buying an ice cream on the corner of Plaza Santa Ana, where you'll find flavours ranging from marshmallow to kiwi fruit, and head up the Cuesta de Goméres through the park at the foot of the Alhambra walls.

Once you've made your way to the Alhambra's main entrance at the far side of the complex, head right past the queue of ticket hopefuls to one of the yellow machines, insert the card used in pre-booking, and walk straight in.

Pay attention to the time you selected for entering the Nasrid Palaces and be there around 25 minutes early to join the queue.

Other than that, take your time to explore the various sights and take pictures of the sprawl of Granada below you, with the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains in the background.

Enjoy (free) tapas for dinner

Spend your time relaxing in the evening. If you want a taste of typical local food, head for Calle Navas, right in the centre of the Old Town. This narrow street is home to dozens of small family-owned restaurants serving all manner of Andalucian and general Spanish cuisine. The tables in the street are great as the cool breeze and night sky will are a perfect compliment to your bottle of Rioja.

You will probably have tried a lot of tapas on this road trip through Spain, but Granada is known as the city of free tapas. This means you can eat very cheaply if you play your cards right. Most restaurants will give you a free tapa for each drink you order, with each tapa increasing in size as you go on.

To get the most bang for your buck, order a ca ñ a of beer (small glass) as opposed to a tubo (big glass). You'll finish the beer quicker, which means more tapas!

Day 7: Granada - Explore Old Town & Albayzin

Your second day in the city can be spent wandering around the medieval streets and seeing more of the 'real' Granada.

There are a number of distinct areas, with the west part predominantly devoted to typical high street shops. The area around the Cathedral has a large number of restaurants, so study the menus on your way around to pick out your evening meal.

Visit the Cathedral and Capilla Real

The north side of the Cathedral has a large spice stall offering every spice you've ever heard of and then some - this can be an attraction in its own right!

Once you're done smelling the various beans and roots, visit the Cathedral itself and the adjacent Capilla Real. These grand buildings are an archetypal example of southern Spanish church buildings - rich in history, with elements of the Moorish culture making their way into traditional European architecture.

Once you've done your sightseeing, head up the Calle Reyes Católicos towards Plaza Santa Ana - the town's main square, located directly beneath the Alhambra's walls.

Pay attention to one of the city's highlights: the green man traffic light at all pedestrian crossings. This green man is like no other, with a very unique moonwalk impression indicating when it's safe to cross the road.

Walk through the Albayzín neighbourhood

From Plaza Santa Ana, walk past the Church onto the Carrera del Darro. This street runs next to the river Darro, which is home to a large feline colony that spends its time roaming through the shrubs.

A little further along is a small square to your right lined with restaurants that offer a great opportunity for lunch. Take a break from tapas by ordering the fritto misto - a selection of various battered fish and seafood.

Next stop: the Albayzín, the quarter that runs uphill from this street on the opposite bank to the Alhambra.

Take your time to wander through this ancient part of Granada, which is home to a vast number of small artisan shops selling everything from unusual metal work to traditional Moorish clothing.

If you head all the way to the top, the Mirador de San Nicholas is a great place to take in the views and snap some stunning shots of the Alhambra.

Day trips along the Costa del Sol

This might just be the best bit of the entire road trip through Spain. Yes - you'll be visiting some of the most amazing cathedrals and historic cities in the world, but there are few things that put as wide a smile on your face as cruising along the Costa del Sol.

The majority of the Costa has two roads running along - the free slower road along the shoreline and the fast toll road further inland.

Unless you're in a hurry or driving back to the airport, I'd stick with the coastal road for the views.

First stop is Benahavis via Malaga.

Day 8: Spain road trip continues from Granada to Benahavis

Once you have retrieved your car after breakfast, it is time to plough on with the Spanish road trip and make the short journey towards Malaga.

Once again, you will find mostly empty roads until you get close to the costas. You will know you're close to the city once the road suddenly dives down at a steep angle, and lush green vegetation appears in place of the arid rocky landscape.

As you descend towards the sea, you'll notice that the weather on the coast is mild in comparison to the hot inland Andalucia. If you don't notice this the first time round, you definitely will when you visit Cordoba.

Have a wander around Malaga

As you're passing right through Malaga, you might as well stop and have a wander.

The two forts overlooking the city are the best place for a quick break. The Alcazaba is the best preserved Moorish fort in all of Spain, and it sort of feels like the Alhambra's little cousin. The Castillo de Gibralfaro is set slightly higher and also offers brilliant views of the city and the Costa del Sol.

Spend a few hours in the city of Malaga itself. It may have a reputation as stag do-central, but this historic settlement is worth seeing in its own right.

The city centre is a tangle of cobbled streets, secret nooks and crannies and countless restaurants surrounding the Malaga Cathedral.

With tourists often passing Malaga by in favour of the Costa del Sol's many other attractions, take advantage of the atmosphere and treat yourself to lunch overlooking the marina, with the sun shining above you.

Spend the night in the white village of Benahavis

Getting to Benahavis is relatively straight-forward. You have a choice of the toll road AP-7 and the free A-7. The free road is more than good enough and takes a much more scenic route once the two split at Mijas. It also benefits from frequent exits, allowing you to stop along the way when you see a spot you like the look of.

The village of Benahavis is set in the Sierra de las Nieves mountains rising up from Marbella.

With only a 10-minute drive separating you from the beach, you benefit from staying in the culinary capital of the Costa del Sol, while also getting away from the huge package holiday hotels in the large resorts down below.

The peace and tranquillity will make for an enjoyable few evenings, and the choice of great food will make you want to come back time and again.

Where to stay in Benahavis

The best hotel to stay in the quirky Amanhavis right in the centre of Benahavis .

Set around a traditionally designed courtyard, each room has a unique theme around medieval Christian and Moorish influences. There are a lot of steps in-between the rooms and you can have dinner in the best restaurant in town in the court yard by the pool!

You can park your car for free along a couple of streets 50 yards down the hill from the hotel.

Day 9: Day trip from Benahavis - Visit Nerja and Marbella

Day 9 is perfect for seeing what the Costa del Sol is all about so this is the day your Spanish road trip takes you up and down the coast.

After a late lie-in, get in the car, put your windows down (and roof if you've got a convertible) and head down towards the sea.

Turn east along the coast and make your way past Malaga to the town of Nerja. This beautiful town takes a prime spot on the Andalucian coast and is steeped in history dating back to pre-Roman times.

Wander inside the ancient caves.

One of the main sights is a set of caves discovered in 1959.

The Nerja Caves were home to some early humans and neanderthals, with skeletal remains found throughout the linked caverns. Visitors can observe archaeological finds inside ranging from natural rock formations to prehistoric fossils and paintings.

The town of Nerja itself is a charming spot to get out and explore. Be sure to head to the elevated Balcon de Europa - a viewing platform built on top of the Nerja cliffs - for sensational views of the coast.

Two old cannons standing here remind you of the town's historical past, and the benches are a great place to enjoy an ice cream.

Drive to Marbella: the playground of the rich and famous

A late lunch is a good idea in Andalucia, as dinner is traditionally eaten later on in the evening.

Once you've seen enough of Nerja, hop back in the car and make the return trip down the coast to Marbella. No road trip in Spain is complete without driving up and down the Costa del Sol so head on right back along the beachfront.

Getting back to Marbella will take around an hour and a half. This famous resort is well-known for its beaches and countless hotels, but the Old Town is great for a midday stroll.

Park up underneath Paseo de la Alameda and cross the road to get into the historic part of town. There is a broad selection of restaurants with tables on every square, so take your pick and have some lunch here. Some of the restaurants do amazing sizzling prawns if you fancy a bit of seafood.

A number of shops sell everything from furs (no, really) to beach accessories.

After having passed through Marbella, it's time to head to Puerto Banus only minutes away up the coast.

This is Costa del Sol's playground of the rich, with ridiculously expensive yachts in the harbour and an equally elaborate display of supercars parked next to them.

Top tip: Restaurants and shops here will sting your wallet, and the parking charges are insane. If you do want to grab some lunch, head to the west end of the marina (the one with the biggest boats) - there are a couple of spots that are less busy with reasonably priced menus.

Here's another insider tip for your road trip in Spain - park up for free at La Playa Fantastica - the closest beach to Puerto Banus.

Come back out of Puerto Banus and turn right onto the A-7 motorway towards Malaga. Stay right and take the right turn onto the N-340 towards Marbella.

As you come off onto the N-340, take the first turning right onto a narrow lane running towards the sea, then take the second street on the right and follow it down to the beach. You can park your car here for free for as long as you like and have access to one of the best beaches in the area with a great beach bar.

Puerto Banus is a mere 200 metres away, so you can stroll along at your leisure to have a closer look at how the other half live and inspect the exotic automobiles.

Spend the afternoon and early evening relaxing on the beach with the odd cocktail thrown in before making the 10-minute trip back up into the seclusion of Benahavis.

Enjoy dinner back in Benahavis

Freshen up in your hotel room before making your way through the narrow streets to select your restaurant for dinner.

Note that with many visitors coming from resorts up and down the coast, going out a little later can mean a less busy and more relaxed atmosphere.

Day 10: Road trip along the Costa del Sol to Casares and Ronda

Drive to casares - one of the most beautiful 'pueblos blancos' in spain.

Today shall be the day of the Mirador . This Spanish word encompasses everything we like about driving up into the Andalucian mountains, as there are frequent labelled roadside stops allowing you to take in the magical views.

You could break tradition and set off on this leg of your Spain road trip before having breakfast to get down to Estepona.

This relatively quiet resort town has a number of cafés and bars on the seafront where you can pause and indulge in a couple of waffles covered in chocolate sauce.

Be sure to fill up the car before heading off the main road and up towards Casares, as petrol stations off the coast are few and far between.

Casares is pretty much postcard-perfect, with neat white houses built into the mountains.

With a population of just a few thousand people, the town is definitely small, but it has a surprising number of nice restaurants and hotels to choose from.

When you arrive in Casares, park your car and head towards Plaza de España, which is the focal point of this small community.

To get some great views, make your way up the narrow street next to the Virgin del Rosario Chapel and keep heading uphill until you reach an old fort at the top.

If you walk a bit further along, you will come to a viewing platform set above a sheer cliff face. From here you'll likely see a number of falcons and kestrels up close and personal - and the views of the town below are simply spectacular.

Head to Ronda and walk along the bridge

Once you've got your snaps and feel that you've seen all there is to see in Casares, it's time to hop back in the car and make your way further inland to the majestic town of Ronda.

This unique Andalucian town is placed on top of two plateaus with sheer rock cliffs down to a river valley below. The scenery is incredible from every angle and the town itself is a real marvel too.

Parking can be troublesome, so grab any spot you see once you get near the centre. Large underground car parks are available further out, but are a fair walk from the centre - we like the Parking Martinez Astein - it's about 10 minutes' walk down the main shopping street, but easy to get in and out of.

The main attraction of the city is the Puente Nuevo - the newest and most striking of the town's three bridges across the Guadalevín gorge.

This unbelievably beautiful structure took 42 years to complete and is one of Spain's most famous sights. The view that opens up from the top of the bridge is impossible to describe and pictures do not do it justice - it's just one of those places that you have to see for yourself. If there's one place that makes your Spain road trip worth it, this is it.

Once you've gotten over the quiet gurgle of the river below and the amazing views, it's time to pay attention to the rest of the historic town and there's definitely a lot to see.

The ancient cobbled streets are home to a number of museums and a bullfighting ring which you can visit. There are also plenty restaurants that are perfect for a late lunch.

A few restaurants on the south side have rooftop or terrace seats with views over the gorge and the bridge, which can make your meal a lot more romantic.

Once you feel the need to get back and relax by the pool through the late afternoon, it's a comfortable drive along a stunning road through the mountains, which comes out almost directly at Benahavis.

Your last night on the Costa del Sol ought to be celebrated with a couple of cocktails and a fabulous dinner in the calming sea breeze.

Spanish road trip ends with Cadiz, Seville and Cordoba

The last stint of this journey will take you inland as you drive up to Seville and Cordoba via Cadiz.

Don't be fooled by driving north - this is going to be the hottest part of the drive so get some water in the car. Seville and Cordoba are only an hour apart but could not be more different. You'll see how Seville's grand wide avenues with a distinctly European feel compare to Cordoba's narrow winding streets and a Moorish style.

Day 11: Drive from Benahavis to Gibraltar, Cadiz and Seville

First on the menu is a spectacular drive along the coast, a quick detour into Gibraltar and a day full of amazing views.

Driving from Benahavis to Gibraltar is fairly straight-forward until you get to the narrow streets of La Linea de la Conceptión on the Spanish side of the border. Here, you will undoubtedly join a huge queue waiting to enter.

Many people choose to park up and walk in, but with the main part of town fairly far down, we'd recommend waiting in the queue which moves along swiftly enough and driving through.

Make sure that your passports allow you visa-free entry to Gibraltar as it is outside the Schengen zone.

Climb up the famous Gibraltar Rock

There are two distinct parts to Gibraltar and you can choose how to split up your morning.

The main town is a throwback to England of a few decades ago, which is a very unique cultural experience. You will notice a lot of expensive cars and shops selling watches and jewellery for the wealthy beneficiaries of Gibraltar's favourable tax system.

The town itself, however, is more shabby chic than flamboyant, complete with iconic British red phone boxes dotted around.

For the more adventurous types, the Gibraltar Rock is a popular destination, with a cable car taking you to the top.

At the highest point you'll find the remains of an ancient Moorish castle, with a series of linked tunnels below called the Galleries. Look out for the enterprising monkeys that populate the area and are particularly keen on anything shiny they can get their hands on.

Visit the ancient city of Cadiz

On your way up to Seville, you absolutely must stop off at Cadiz.

This radiant city is the oldest in modern Europe, with history going far back into pre-Roman times. The main part of the city is located on a thin strip of land stretching out to sea, with a stunning yellow stone Old Town centred around a Cathedral.

Oddly enough, Cadiz attracts virtually no tourists whatsoever, so you are free to roam at your own leisure and visit some genuine Andalucian shops and cafés without having to distinguish them from tourist traps.

Enjoy the views from the top of Cadiz Cathedral

We highly recommend visiting the Cathedral and climbing up the tower to get a great view over the town and surrounding water. Spanish road trips tend to involve climbing huge cathedral towers in every city you visit, but it's really worth it!

The Panorama from the top of the Poniente will leave you breathless and also give you the opportunity to plan your route towards the Santa Catalina castle.

The walk there is along a narrow route that comes off the beach and heads several hundred metres into the sea, towards the fort built to protect the city from English attacks.

While you can't enter the venue, which is used exclusively for social events and concerts, the walk itself is a great way to chill out in the cool of the Atlantic waves, get a great view of the city, and have a swim in the locals' favourite relaxation spot.

Drive to Seville in time for dinner

The final stint of day 11 of your Spain road trip is getting to Seville. This will take you just over an hour and you should comfortably arrive in time to unpack, find a place to park your car and scour the surroundings for a great restaurant.

We would highly recommend finding Calle Mesón del Moro for some of the best restaurants in town, although beware that some of these may be fully booked on Friday and Saturday nights.

Where to stay in Seville

Our pick for the very best place to stay in Seville is Posada del Lucero - an elegant 16th-century inn that's been refurbished with all the modern amenities you could possibly want.

This hotel is situated near all the best shopping streets, just north of the historic sights and right next door to Metropol Parasol - the iconic massive wooden structure that locals have nicknamed "the Mushrooms".

The stylish minimal exterior of the hotel contrasts with what you'll find inside: two beautiful courtyards flanked by marble columns and sleek arched doorways.

There's also an amazing roof terrace with a plunge pool and a bar where you can enjoy drinks with a view.

Navigating the streets of central Seville can be the toughest of this Spanish road trip The hotel doesn't have its own parking, but there is a decent public car park nearby just one block up the road so head there as you drive in.

Day 12: Seville - Walking tour of all the best sights

First stop: plaza de españa.

The grand architecture and wide streets of Seville are more reminiscent of major European capitals than Andalucia, giving the city a distinct allure.

There is a lot to see around town, so get yourself out of bed at reasonable time and head down to Plaza de España. This vast open space was built in the 1920s in the middle of the Parque de María Luisa in time for the 1929 World Fair.

The large exposition building is now chiefly used for Governmental functions, but you can still go up the grand stairs for a better view.

The square itself is a semi-circle with fountains in the centre of a large paved area. Be sure to check out the perimeter of the Renaissance-style square, which is lined with Province Alcoves named after each of Spain's regions, complete with a mosaic depiction of each province.

Visit Seville's Real Alcazar

The Alcazar is probably Seville's best-known attraction, famed for its unique fusion of Moorish and Christian architecture.

Originally built as a mudejar fort, it has been converted into a Royal Palace and comes complete with stunning internal courtyards, romantic baths and grandiose apartments.

Along with the Jardines Reales Alcazares gardens around the back, this palace is guaranteed to leave you speechless.

See the largest Gothic church in the world

Last but not least on your long excursion around the city is the Seville Cathedral.

As it's only a few yards away from the Alcazar, you might want to have a spot of lunch before going inside. We would recommend crossing to the other side of the Cathedral square and stocking up on traditional local black squid paella on Calle Argote de Molina.

The cathedral itself is a masterful example of Spanish Gothic architecture and is the third largest church building in the world.

The interior's opulence has traditionally been a symbol of the wealth and power of the Catholic church, so you simply must go in and take in the sight for yourself.

Note that much of the altar and surrounding parts were completely rebuilt at the turn of the 20th century after the main dome collapsed in the 1888 earthquake, but despite this, the Cathedral remains staggeringly beautiful.

Be sure to climb up the cathedral's famous main tower, the Giralda.

Day 13: Last full day of the Spain road trip - day trip to Cordoba

On we go with the last leg of our Spain road trip.

If you thought that Seville is hot during the summer months, wait until you get to Cordoba. The city boasts Europe's hottest summer climate, and you can expect to feel it hitting you square in the face as you get out of your air-conditioned car.

The city centre is fairly compact, so your best bet is to drive towards Avenida de la República Argentina/Paseo de la Victoria and park on the street.

Explore Cordoba's top attractions

The first stop on your Cordoba tour is the Cathedral of Cordoba - aka La Mezquita. This stunning piece of architecture is probably the most impressive sight on this road trip through Spain.

This unique cathedral in the centre of the city was built on the site of a grand Moorish mosque. When it was constructed, La Mezquita defied tradition, incorporating much of the Mosque's design into the Cathedral structure.

This melange of cultures reflects the history of Cordoba, which has been characterised by two religions living side by side for centuries.

The ancient city of Cordoba is surprisingly unlike any of the other major cities in Andalucia.

The ancient Moorish influences are considerably more evident here, the narrow streets, low-rise buildings and shops looking more like northern Africa than Spain.

Be sure to pass through the Jewish Quarter to see beautiful white-washed houses set out in an impossible maze.

Cordoba used to be Europe's biggest city in the early medieval period, and it was Spain's capital during the days of the Roman Empire.

This vast historical importance means there are dozens of sights and museums to visit all around town. Many of these focus on archaeology, although there are other culture-based ones such as the Casa de Sefarad in the Jewish Quarter, where you can learn about Cordoba's Jewish community throughout history.

How to spend your evening in Seville

At the end of your day out, hop back into the car and return to Seville for the last night of your road trip - Spain has been well and truly conquered.

If you feel like treating yourself, Seville has plenty of outstanding restaurants.

If you fancy some traditional local cuisine, look no further than the Eslava in San Lorenzo, which has the town's best choice of tapas. For something a little bit more exotic, try the Az-Zait - the food here is fantastic, but it is also one of the pricier options around.

Day 14: Seville - Eat a meal at the market & fly home

The last day of your stay is likely to be cut short by the need to get to the airport or get started on your drive back home.

Malaga airport offers the most flight options out of Andalucia so consider options from there. Madrid airport is over 5 hours away so it's not a great option.

If you've hired your car in Barcelona, all major car hire firms have depots right by the airport, so make your way straight there.

If you have a bit of time to kill before leaving, make sure you go and wander through Calle San Pablo and the surrounding streets for a bit of shopping and some great cafes.

For one last taste of authentic Spanish life, walk across the Puente de Isabel II bridge and head to the large market on the right. Here you'll find a great choice of cured meats and other traditional produce.

Pick up a couple of snacks and souvenirs to remind you of your lazy trip along Spain's Mediterranean coast!

Tips for your Spanish Road Trip

Almost all cities in Spain have a network of underground car parks right in the centre - don't be afraid to follow signs for the centre of the city and dip into one of the car parks to check out the sights.

The motorways and dual carriageways in Spain are some of the best in Europe - the surfaces are typically very good, traffic is generally sparse and you can literally pay to go faster (speed limits are higher on toll roads)!

To get all the details, read our Driving in Spain guide with a lot more about local rules, speed limits and general quirks.

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Travelling from barcelona to seville: all you need to know.

2 of Spain’s best destinations, the wonderful cities of Barcelona and Seville are both must-see’s on any itinerary in this country but are, annoyingly, at pretty much opposite ends of the country.

Tucked along the Mediterranean coast towards the northeast of Spain, Barcelona is wonderfully placed if you’re coming overland from France, or even Italy, or if you want to head on a ferry perhaps to one of the Balearic Islands, such as Mallorca .

After all, let’s not forget about the time I caught a ferry from Barcelona to Morocco either!

Steeped in Catalan heritage – unsurprising given it’s the capital of region – the people of Barcelona are fiercely proud of their cultural identity and the diverse area in which they live, which boasts both glorious mountains, beautiful countryside and a wonderful coastline.

And for those who want to see a broader spectrum of what Spain has to offer, the perfect complement to the region of Catalan in the north is the region of Andalusia down in the south.

Here the historic city of Seville is the capital and it’s steeped in all the grand Moorish architecture, as well as thin winding streets and dry climate you would expect being this close to north Africa.

Given it’s also the transport hub of the Andalusian region, travelling from Barcelona to Seville is a popular route many visitors to Spain make because it combines 2 of the countries most visited regions and 2 of its most popular cities.

And that’s exactly why I’m bringing you this article!

Covering how to make the journey from Barcelona to Seville using trains, buses, flights or a car, I also weigh up the pros and cons of each option to help you decide which method of transport to go for.

So let’s get stuck in…

Related Posts

• Best 3 Day Itinerary for Barcelona
• Top 19 Things to Do in Seville
• How to Travel from Barcelona to Paris?

This page contains affiliate links meaning Big World Small Pockets may receive a small commission on any purchases at no extra cost to you.

Barcelona to Seville: The Basics

To start off, I want to give you a vague idea of distance, so that you can start to visualise the journey between these cities.

Largely speaking, it’s around 850km between Barcelona and Seville and there are several different ways you can make this journey depending on your budget, timeframe and travel style.

For the purposes of this article, I’m going to discuss travelling from Barcelona to Seville i.e. in the direction of northeast to southwest, but please do bear in mind, you can absolutely travel the other way too!

All this information will still apply if you are travelling from Seville to Barcelona, you’ll just have to follow it in reverse!

I often get asked in which direction I recommend people travel i.e. Barcelona to Seville or Seville to Barcelona, but my answer is always the same, it honestly doesn’t matter.

Pick the route that works best given your itinerary, your bucket list spots and the time of year you are travelling.

If you’re flying in and out of Europe (or using trains / buses to get elsewhere afterwards), then checking prices of onward journeys from each city may help sway your decision as to which city you finish in.

Otherwise, if you’re travelling late in the season i.e. September – November, like I was, you might want to start in Barcelona and then travel down to Seville to follow the good weather.

Conversely, if you’re travelling at the start of the season i.e. March – May, you may want to start in Andalusia and then head up to Catalonia to avoid the heat!

Both directions work, but it’s just about finding which is best for you…

Barcelona to Seville By Train

Travelling from Barcelona to Seville using the Spanish railway network is probably the most popular option when it comes to getting between these 2 cities.

Travelling by train in Spain is relatively stress-free and can be very cost-effective when booked in advance.

Moving across the country by rail also allows you to see more of the landscape too – either by staring out the window or perhaps by building an extra stop into your itinerary, like Madrid.

Let’s dig into more details…

Services & Stations

There are 15 train services daily that make the journey between Barcelona and Seville.

All are run exclusively by the national carrier Renfe , with both high-speed as well as regular intercity trains available on this route.

Generally speaking, high-speed trains offer a more swanky service, including power sockets, open plan seats and a restaurant car.

Regular Renfe trains are still very good in my experience with clean, comfy seats as well as toilets, bike storage and room for pushchairs or luggage.

Prices and journey times vary on these services depending whether they are direct or via Madrid.

The shortest journey takes just over 5 hours, and the longest direct service is over 10 hours, so do make sure you check arrival, as well as departure times, to avoid getting caught out here!

The earliest trains depart from around 8am and run regularly through the day until around 8pm.

Changes are made in Madrid Atocha station – one of the capital’s main stations.

If you haven’t visited Madrid before, you could always book 2 trains and spend a night or 2 in this city – it’s a great and easy way to build it into your Spanish itinerary!

Prices start from €58 and services running between Barcelona and Seville have toilets… although often with trains in Europe it pays to be prepared with your own paper, wipes and antibacterial hand gel in case there’s not any of these things!

All trains leave from Barcelona Sants station and arrive into Seville Santa Justa .

Both these stations are centrally located and you can easily walk, or grab a bus, from the centre of both cities to them.

Taxis and Uber are of course on hand too!

The great news is that the train from Barcelona to Seville is electric, which means it has a very low carbon footprint.

If you are trying to travel in a more sustainable way therefore, the train is a great way to go.

Given the fact that it’s also fast, pleasant, stress-free and relatively good value means the train really is a great all-round option for making this journey.

Buying Train Tickets

So now that we’ve covered the basics about travelling from Barcelona to Seville by train, it’s time to cover how to buy tickets for this service.

As is commonly the case when booking trains in Europe, there’s essentially 2 options for this journey – book through the Spanish railway site or book through an international one.

Very often, I find the national sites of European train operators, like Renfe , clucky to use, hard to decipher and difficult to pay in foreign currencies.

Which is why I always book my European train journeys using Trainline .

Comparing different services is made super easy by Trainline , who handily have everything translated into English.

Often the prices here are just as cheap as the national railway websites and their easy booking service allows you to pay using international cards and even change the currency to view converted prices.

Trainline also have a great app, which allows you to not only book tickets on the move, but also store your e-tickets (doing away with the need to print anything out or waste time at the station), and their journey planner is super handy for letting you know if your train is on time, late etc.

Basically, Trainline makes life so easy for international travellers that it’s well worth the €1-2 booking fee in my opinion.

You can also book tickets 180 days ahead of your journey, which is the longest lead-up time of any train booking website I’ve found.

Book your Barcelona to Seville train tickets using Trainline here .

Seat & Refundable Reservations

As a budget traveller, I’d always opt for a standard ticket from Barcelona to Seville, as the Renfe trains are more than comfortable enough.

When booking with Trainline, standard seats are the norm, but you can often specify if you’d like to be forward-facing, have a window seat or be near a table / power socket.

Because I often like to work on trains, I find this especially helpful!

What Trainline does give you control over is whether you’d like some form of flexible or refundable fare.

For obvious reasons, flexible and refundable fares are more expensive, but do give you the option to change or cancel if your travel plans are a bit flakey.

Otherwise, if you’re pretty sure your plans are good to go, well, plan(!), then I’d opt for the lowest price.

These are generally non-refundable and non-exchangeable, but are often significantly cheaper making them worthwhile in my opinion!

Depending on the service, there’s sometimes flexible, semi-flexible and non-flexible options on offer too.

Luggage & Bikes

In terms of practical information for what to expect from the train journey, you’ll be pleased to know that there’s no restrictions on luggage.

As long as you can carry your luggage onto the train, there’s usually ample rack space at either end of the carriages as well as above seats for smaller bags.

As I’ve mentioned earlier, Renfe trains do have room for bikes to be taken onboard, but cycle spaces are limited and need to be booked in advance.

If you need to arrange luggage storage during your time in either Barcelona or Seville, I highly recommend LuggageHero – a great left luggage app I’ve used across Europe myself.

Boarding the Train

As with the vast majority of trains in Europe, there’s no need to check-in.

You simply enter the station, check the boards for the platform your departing train will leave from, find the platform, board the train and then sit in your reserved seat (or a free seat in the correct carriage class if your ticket is unreserved).

Ensure you then have your tickets (or e-tickets) to hand for when a conductor or inspector passes by.

Use the Trainline app to track your journey and see when your correct departure station is coming up.

Barcelona to Seville by Bus

For once, and I can’t believe I’m going to say this (!), the bus is probably not the cheapest way to get from Barcelona to Seville.

Yes amazingly for Europe, Barcelona to Seville by bus is both more expensive and longer than the train!

I was kind of blown away to discover this, but it’s true – no matter whether you go for a more luxury coach option like Alsa (one of the main Spanish bus providers) or a budget service like Flixbus.

Yup for some unknown reason, there’s no routes connecting these 2 cities, which really makes the journey only possible if you want to mission it with several connections and even then, you’re likely to be paying more.

With Alsa, prices start from around €75 and take around 18 hours!

Flixbus doesn’t even offer this service currently so no point looking there!

The only time I would consider catching a bus from Barcelona to Seville would be if I was booking last minute and the trains were crazy expensive.

In this case, a bus might be the cheapest option and the best way to compare is to again check out Trainline who offer you the ability to compare and book both train and coach journeys.

Trainline also allows you to mix and match i.e to take a train from Barcelona to Madrid and then a bus from Madrid to Seville.

Again, this is a bit of mission, because you have to change station in Madrid, from Madrid Atocha to Madrid Estación Sur, but it might be the only or at least the best option available for you if you’re booking late in the day.

Buses tend to arrive into Seville’s Plaza Des Armas station, which thankfully is very central, and it’s easy to walk from here into the city centre in around 10 minutes.

Barcelona to Seville by Air

Much as I really hate flying short distances because of the needless carbon emissions it generates, if you are looking to get from Barcelona to Seville in the quickest time and often for the best prices, a flight might be a good option for you.

Taking under 2 hours, both Ryanair and Vueling offer this flight direct and for some insane prices – think below €25.

Although this will definitely go up once you add luggage – it’s likely to be around €60 then – this does make it comparable with the train in terms of pricing.

Personally, I’d still opt for the train, I think it’s a much nicer more relaxing and more environmentally-friendly way to travel, but if train prices are sky high (perhaps because you’re booking late), it probably is worth checking out the cost of flights.

As always, I use Skyscanner to get the best deals on airline tickets. They always include budget airlines in their searches and therefore offer some of the best prices around.

If you do go for the flight option, then don’t forget it may not be as quick as it seems.

With a flight time of around 2 hours, plus the need to check in at least an hour before, as well as get to the airport, which is further out of the city and then get back into Seville on the other side, a flight might not actually be as quick as you imagine!

Barcelona to Seville by Car

And finally, the last way you may consider travelling from Barcelona to Seville is via 4 wheels.

Either this may involve renting a car and driving the distance yourself, or trying out a carpooling service like BlaBlaCar .

If you want to rent a vehicle then check out Thrifty Car Hire for some of the best deals around.

The pros to renting a car to make this journey are the flexibility and the ability to make stops of your choice on the way.

If you choose to go down the Mediterranean coast, there are some beautiful scenic parts you can cover.

Also roadtripping in Spain is really fun and, if you’re continuing your journey down in Andalusia, a car will certainly come in handy for getting about this region too.

The cons to renting a car however are expense, organisation and having to drive in a foreign country. This can be a very stressful experience, at least it is for me!

You also have to factor in the time it will take you to drive between Barcelona and Seville – around 15 hours – and therefore the costs of spending an overnight somewhere.

Rental a vehicle is really only better if there’s a group of you to help cover the costs of the rental, the fuel and any parking.

Carpooling is great for budget travellers as you share lifts with others driving the same way.

In this way, it’s normally a good chance to meet locals and travel on a very low budget.

Normally you’ll also be taken straight to the door of where you are staying, which makes life easy.

Just use common sense and exercise caution in terms of safety as always.

Tips for Your Time in Barcelona & Seville

If you want to learn more about Barcelona, then check out these 2 articles I wrote, which give you the perfect travel lowdown on the city including how long to spend there and where to stay, as well as the best places to hang, eat, sightsee and enjoy.

• How to Spend 3 Days in Barcelona
• Budget Travel Guide to Barcelona
• 1 Day in Barcelona: How to See all the Highlights

When it comes to Seville travel inspiration, check out these posts I wrote after my recent trip there…

• 19 Unmissable Things to do in Seville
• 10 Best Seville Airbnbs
• 7 Best Beaches Near Seville

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Travel Insurance for Spain

Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.

Travel Money in Spain

When it comes to paying for things in Spain, you want to ensure you’re not being charged overseas transaction fees or getting poor exchange rates when using your card abroad, which is why I always take my Wise card away with me wherever I travel.

The easy way to spend abroad with real exchange rates, no markups and no sneaky transaction fees, you can use your Wise card just like a debit card here… and it links easily with Google and Apple pay – sold! Grab yours here .

SAVE THIS TO PINTEREST!

And there it is, my guide for everything you need to know about travelling from Barcelona to Seville

Have you made this journey?

Which method of transport did you use?

Please leave any information about your journey that may help fellow travellers in the comments box below…

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

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A top-notch blog regarding traveling: thanks.

Thanks Anan, appreciate that. Best, Steph 🙂

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Southern Spain Road Trip from Barcelona: Route and Highlights

• May 3, 2024

Spain is a huge country with countless historic landmarks, internationally renowned attractions, and vibrant cities. The trip possibilities are truly endless. Although it will likely require a few visits to Spain to even begin seeing it, a road trip from Barcelona to southern Spain is a good place to start. The diverse Spanish coastline is simply iconic and filled with summer destinations that are known around the world. Combine this with the remarkable mountainous landscapes and countless national parks which sit inland, and you have yourself the perfect road trip.

With this travel guide, we’ve cover how to plan a road trip from Barcelona and what to see along the way to Andalusia . 

Where to Start a Road Trip to Southern Spain

• Where to End a Road Trip From Barcelona

How Long Will a Road Trip to Southern Spain From Barcelona Take?

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Stop 6: Granada

Stop 7: Málaga

Stop 8: ronda, stop 9: seville.

Road Trip Essentials: Barcelona to Southern Spain

🚘 Rent a car from the airport in Barcelona or a centrally based car rental agency in the city.

⛽️ Use a toll calculator and fuel cost calculator to budget your costs .

🏨 It’s surprisingly easy to find last minute hotels and apartments while on the road with Booking.com .

🗺 Download areas on Google Maps before your road trip so you have access to directions, even when offline .

📸 Book tours and tickets to attractions along your road trip with Viator .

→ 🚙 Book an affordable rental car in Barcelona ←

First-time visitors and those looking to see as much of coastal Spain during a road trip will find Barcelona to be the most appropriate starting point. If you’re headed to Spain, you’ll likely want to actually visit Barcelona city as a staple Spanish destination. Whether you fit Barcelona in the beginning or end of your trip, you can experience the big city in addition to a road trip to southern Spain .

Embarking on a road trip from Barcelona is particularly convenient for anyone flying into Barcelona and renting a car for their expedition. Barcelona serves as one of the busiest airports in Europe which means there are affordable and frequent flight options. 

→ ✈️ Find cheap flights to Barcelona ←

And Where to End a Road Trip From Barcelona

As an overview, this road trip from Barcelona will end in the region of Andalusia, specifically in the city of Seville. Seville is meant to be the last destination in Southern Spain during this road trip, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the only option. From Seville, you have two alternatives:

• Return the rental car you picked up in Barcelona, in Seville instead. Fly back home out of Seville.
• Drive from Seville to Barcelona to return the rental car and fly out of Barcelona. This will require at least one stop over during your road trip back to Barcelona. If you don’t wish to travel the same route back as you did there, you can stop in Madrid for one night which will take you inland. 

→ 🚙 Search for an affordable rental car in Barcelona ←

With the purpose of making this an enjoyable tour, this guide and its recommended stops should take two weeks to complete. Two weeks on the road from Barcelona to southern Spain will allow for one or two days in each destination without feeling too stagnant or rushed. Excluding the leg of the journey that gets you back to Barcelona, this guide consists of nine stops. Naturally, the travel guide can be altered to fit your schedule, and some stops can be taken out to shorten the overall trip.

Getting back to Barcelona: It’s important to keep in mind the time you’ll need to get back to Barcelona if you intend to initially rent a car there. Although it is an option to rent a car in Barcelona and return it in a different location, this is typically more expensive to do with a rental car company. As you’ll see further below, you can create a loop with your road trip by driving from Seville to Madrid and then back to Barcelona.

→ 🛏 Find low cost accommodation in Barcelona ←

The beauty of taking a road trip from Barcelona and experiencing much more beyond just Barcelona is that it’s feasible for anyone to accomplish. Driving in Spain is mighty easy for anyone traveling from another country, including the United States and the UK. Roads are well-maintained, well-marked, and traffic doesn’t move aggressively. There are only a handful of places where we would recommend first-timers to drive in Europe, and Spain is undoubtedly one of them.

→ 🏁 Check our full guide on driving in Europe as a foreigner ←

How Much You Should Budget for a Spain Road Trip?

Road trips can get pricey, but only if you do not budget accordingly. To avoid a much more expensive trip or vacation than you were expecting, be on the lookout for these principal expenses.

How much you spend on hotels, apartments, or hostels is dependent on your location preference and level of comfort. Still, there are some stops in this guide where high accommodation prices are just unavoidable. As a staple tip for traveling anywhere, book a place to stay outside of the city center if you wish to save money. If being centrally located is your primary interest, be prepared to pay a little extra. For this road trip from Barcelona, an average budget of €100 per night for accommodation is reasonable. Alternatively, it’s possible to spend as little as €30 a night for a hostel which is very popular and abundant in Spain.

→💵 Start budgeting your road trip with cost of accommodation throughout Spain ←

Like most major motorways in Europe, you’ll run into tolls. For a road trip from Barcelona to southern Spain, you can expect to pay around €20 in tolls and the same amount for returning to Barcelona. Of course, there are always free and alternative routes you can take, but they will take much longer. If you do have the time, opting for toll-free routes whenever possible makes a road trip a journey instead of just a commute. Non-tolled roads are an excellent way to discover the lesser-known sites which you may otherwise miss by only using the main roads.

Tolls in Spain are collected at stations or booths . You can pay with cash or card, and the entire process is very straightforward as long as you follow the correct signs. In case you drive into the wrong lane or a machine does not work, it’s best to always have cash on hand.

Fuel will be a significant expense when taking a road trip to southern Spain. For Americans, in particular, the cost of gas in Europe can be shocking . How much you’ll end up spending on fuel will depend on a few variables such as the car’s fuel efficiency, how quickly you’ll be driving, and where your route ends. A rough estimate to budget for is anywhere between €250 – €500 in fuel for the journey from Barcelona to southern Spain.

⛽️ Use a fuel calculator and tolls estimator while budgeting for your road trip to southern Spain

In a country like Spain, it’s very interesting to see the subtle yet noticeable differences in cuisine as you head south from Barcelona. From one major city to the next, you’ll be able to experience these changes gradually. Furthermore, a road trip gives you the opportunity to try Spain’s most popular food outside of city centers. Instead, you’ll drive through rural and suburban areas where food may be completely unique. For us personally, the chances of coming across hidden treasures in the food department are one of the top reasons we take road trips.

The bigger cities in this road trip guide will have typical city prices for food, but you can always find cheap eats if you ask around. Shopping for prepared foods at grocery stores is widely underrated and one of the best hacks to eating well, authentically, and affordably while traveling. During this road trip to southern Spain, you can budget around €50 per day (per person) for food, drinks, and groceries.

Spain experiences pleasant weather throughout the entire year. Although there isn’t a clear-cut worst or best time to take a road trip from Barcelona, you’ll likely want to visit during warm weather. You’re visiting Spain, after all! For much of this itinerary, there are numerous stops along the coast which, of course, means the possibility of visiting beautiful beaches.

Luckily, encountering warm temperatures and sunny days isn’t only possible in the summer. Visiting southern Spain during months as early as April and as late as October means you’ll still be able to have a beach holiday. In fact, if you don’t love crowded places, avoid a road trip from Barcelona entirely during the months of June to August.

A road trip from Barcelona to southern Spain is also doable in winter . Major cities will be much more relaxed and delightful for visiting without an influx of tourists. Not to mention the amazing deals you’ll be able to find on hotels, visiting major attractions, landmarks, and museums will also be a breeze. However, much of southern Spain is just as mountainous as it is coastal. If you do plan on driving to some of this itinerary’s stops during the colder months, keep in mind the possibility of snow .

→ ✈️ Find cheap flights to Barcelona in the spring or fall ←

The city of Barcelona has one major international airport which goes by El Prat Airport . Consistently in the top 10 of the busiest airports in Europe, there is no shortage of flight options to get to Barcelona, Spain. Furthermore, flying to Barcelona is not just uncomplicated for domestic fliers within Europe, it’s also widely accessible from all over the world . From the United States, Americans can find direct flights to Barcelona from major cities, both on the west and east coasts. So, whether it’s a trip you’ve been planning for a year or a last-minute decision, you can practically get on a flight to Barcelona with your eyes closed.

🛫 Travel Hack: Browse for flights by using lesser known search engines like Kiwi.com or CheapOair . Prices are comparatively cheaper than by using big name websites!

Flying into Barcelona and picking up a rental car directly at the airport is the most straightforward option. You won’t waste time with additional travel, and you’ll be able to hit the road as soon as you land.

If you want to begin your road trip in Barcelona after already exploring Barcelona itself, you don’t have to rent a car at the airport. Since Barcelona’s airport is a bit out of the way of the city centre, getting to the airport just to pick up a rental car can be an unnecessary hassle. Instead, look into other options for rental cars throughout the city. There are many hubs for major rental car companies like Hertz, Sixt, and Europcar, which are centrally located in Barcelona . When renting a car at the airport, you’re often paying a premium for the convenience, so reserving a rental car elsewhere in Barcelona will likely be cheaper.

→ Don’t wait until last minute and book your rental car in Barcelona ahead of time ←

Suggested Itinerary: Southern Spain Road Trip

The first road trip stop from Barcelona should be the Abbey of Montserrat , located one hour from the city and in the hills above. Although the drive itself is quite lovely, you’ll end up reaching the famous monk monastery. The monastery and its grand stature is spectacularly located in the rock of the mountains. From the Abbey of Montserrat, the coastal city of Tarragona is located just over one hour down the mountains and towards the sea.

What to Do In Tarragona:

Amfiteatre de Tarragona – In addition to being impeccably preserved, it’s also one of the most scenic Roman amphitheaters you’ll come across.

Circ Romà – Marvel at the astonishing ancient Roman ruins of a 1st-century horse racing circuit. 

Part Alta – It’s hard to not be pulled in by Tarragona’s charming historic centre. Filled with petite shops, trendy bars and maze-like streets but without the over tourism of neighbouring Barcelona.

National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona – For an educational and historical afternoon well spent, a visit to Tarragona’s prominent archaeological museum is sure to be a trip highlight.

The Ferreres Aqueduct – This ancient aqueduct is quite literally the perfect roadside attraction as it sits directly along the major motorway.

Where to Stay in Tarragona:

H10 Imperial Tarraco (9/10) or Apartaments Rambla 68 (9.5/10)

→ 📸 Find the best things to do in Tarragona ←

With a population of under one million, Valencia flies under the radar as one of the best destinations in Spain. The city is a satisfying mix of old and new which makes it a well rounded stop for any type of traveller. You’ll easily find ancient cathedrals and traditional cobblestone roads but also stumble upon modern art festivals and a thriving nightlife scene .

What to Do In and Near Valencia:

Albarracín – From Tarragona, there are a handful of stops to make inland before arriving in Valencia. Most notably, the magical town of Albarracín is severely underrated and arguably the most beautiful village in the Aragon region. Once a Moorish capital, the town is steeped in history and consists of medieval fortification walls , hidden alleys and a breathtaking scenery.

Montanejos – Take a refreshing dip in the natural hot spring of Fuente de los Baños. A free, unique and undoubtedly memorable experience! 

Sagunto – This hidden gem of a city is located just north of Valencia and 15 minutes from the Balearic Sea. Originally an Iberian settlement, it is still survived by a hilltop castle and numerous landmarks.

Valencia City – As the third largest city in Spain, there’s no shortage of fascinating things to discover in Valencia. Aside from providing the world with delicious paella, it’s a city with focus on the arts with its offbeat museums and impressive street art collection. A few sites in Valencia which should not be missed include:

• Quart Towers – Fortress towers from the 1400s located in the city center
• Jardí de Montfort – Enchanting city park with blooming flowers and fountains
• Valencia Cathedral – An important landmark with Gothic-style details and panoramic views from the top
• La Lonja de la Seda – A UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its extensive stonework and elaborate columns from the city’s medieval era

Where to Stay in Valencia:

Soho Boutique Turia (9/10) or Palacio de Rojas (8.7/10)

→ 📸 Find the best things to do in Valencia ←

Although still part of the Valencia region, the province of Alicante provides a vastly different feel as you reach the phenomenal coast and beaches. It’s a popular destination for resorts , a bustling waterfront promenades and exciting summer activities.

What to Do In and Near Alicante:

Altea – One of the most picturesque towns along Costa Blanca which keeps its charm with its historic old town and well manicured streets. 

Calpe – An attractive town with a strategic position which was once important in history is now a hot spot for sun seekers and those looking to hike its famous rock cliff .

Alicante City – Alicante’s most significant landmark is the Santa Bárbara Castle which is hard to miss and towers over the beach below. The city is also a surprisingly great destination for casual hikers. A walk along the Serra Grossa promises stunning and sweeping views.

Beaches – Along the Golfo de Alicante, a number of gorgeous beaches are at your disposal including Playa del Carabassí, Playa de la Albufereta and Playa del Postiguet.

Where to Stay in Alicante:

Balmis Plaza Apartments (9.5/10) or Hotel Smile & Co Hostal Boutique (9.6/10)

→ 📸 Find the best things to do in Alicante ←

Cartagena is a port city which most notably includes a Spanish military naval station. The harbour is surrounded by rocky hills which creates a dramatic and scenic landscape. This area is particularly admired by those looking to explore on foot and spend some time outdoors. From Cartagena center and essentially stretching down the rocky coast are endless hiking paths with breathtaking views.

What to Do In and Near Cartagena:

Teatro Romano de Cartagena – The skilfully restored Roman amphitheater includes historic artefacts and a museum for less than €10 to visit.

House of Fortune – Archaeology, history and culture all go hand in hand and can be discovered together at this underground museum which highlights Roman heritage dating back to the 1st century.

Batería de Castillitos – Perfectly constructed in a medieval style, the military fortress is located on a cape and beautifully overlooks the coast and sea in the distance.

Where to Stay in Cartagena:

Casa Poeta Pelayo (9.7/10) or San Sebastian Suites (9.3/10)

→ 📸 Find the best things to do in Cartagena ←

Located in the Andalusia region, Almería holds over 200 km of Mediterranean shoreline which means it’s an unmissable beach destination. From large resort towns to modest coastal villages, there’s no wrong place to spend your beach days.

What to Do In and Near Almería:

Scenic Drive and Views – From San José , remain on the ALP-822 and then AL-3115 route which follows the curvy coastline. There are numerous viewpoints of the incredible shoreline, all easily accessible by car.

Faro de Cabo de Gata – An 1800s lighthouse, admirably perched on a cliff overlooking the renowned rock formations of Arrecife de las Sirenas below.

Beaches – Endless magnificent beaches await visitors in the Almería province. All you have to do is take your pick from some of the very best which includes:

• Playa de Mónsul
• Playa de los Genoveses
• Playa de San José

Where to Stay in Almería:

Murallas de Jayrán Hotel Boutique (9.4/10) or HO Paseo de Almería (9.3/10)

→ 📸 Find the best things to do in Almería ←

Nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada National Park, Granada is one of the top non coastal destinations in Spain. With its mountainous and fairytale-like scenery , extensive prehistoric heritage and overall fascinating history, it’s truly one of the most unique places in the entire country. The city is draped in influences of Moorish settlement and even includes an ancient royal palace . 

What to Do In and Near Granada:

Sierra Nevada National Park – Trekking through the national park’s hiking trails is an easy bucket list item to check off for avid explorers.

Albaicín – Known as the most endearing district of Granada, it’s also the oldest Arab neighbourhood. Additionally, its location makes it the best place to take a photo of Alhambra, situated just across from it.

Alhambra – The astounding complex of Alhambra consists of a sprawling palace , polished courtyards and countless historic landmarks. It is world renowned for being one of the top preserved sites of its kind in the history of the Islamic world.

Granada City: Besides the famed Alhambra, there are many other things to see in Granada’s city centre. Among them include the prominent Catholic landmark, the Royal Chapel of Granada and Alcaicería , an old world style bazaar.

Where to Stay in Granada:

Smart Suites Albaicin (9.2/10) or Palacete 1620 (9.3/10)

→ 📸 Find the best things to do in Granada ←

As one of the most visited sites in the Andalusia region, Málaga is a gem for golden beaches, delicious cuisine and delightfully preserved historic center and landmarks. Additionally, you’ll also find a handful of lesser known and interesting places within close proximity that are worth visiting.

What to Do In and Near Málaga:

Caminito del Rey – Just one hour north of Malaga is the staggering walkway built onto the sides of a gorge . Most suitable for adrenaline seekers, it’s a distinctive itinerary item for those looking to have a once in a life time experience.  

Nerja – Well known for Fundación Cueva de Nerja , the site is made up of an extensive cave network and is one of the top tourist attractions in the Málaga area.

Frigiliana – The narrow town is positioned in the hills behind the coast of the Alboran Sea and is a lovely change of scenery from the seaside towns below. Village walls are aesthetically decorated with tiles, there is a molasses factory to visit and no shortage of observation decks for panoramic views.

Málaga City: The major city of Malaga is one of the most frequented beach destinations in Spain. With a historic center, hilltop Moorish castle and expansive sandy beach, it’s a versatile stop where everyone will find something to enjoy. Some of the top attractions in Malaga include:

• Alcazaba – One of Spain’s most notable fortresses from the 11th-century.
• Mercado Central de Atarazanas – Public market in the heart of the historic centre, featuring colourful food stalls and casual dining options.
• Picasso Museum – A substantial collection of the artist’s work is now housed in a former palace.
• Jardín Botánico Histórico – La Concepción and Málaga Park – Two beautiful urban oases for escaping into nature.

Where to Stay in Málaga:

Apartamentos Simba (9.4/10) or Coeo Apart-Hotel Fresca (9.1/10)

→ 📸 Find the best things to do in Malaga ←

Ronda sits in the midst of multiple mountain ranges and is one of the most astonishingly located cities in Spain. It is distinctly separated into new and old world by a gorge which is one of its most famous attractions.

What to Do In and Near Ronda:

Centro de Interpretación del Puente Nuevo – The city’s most celebrated landmark is this arched bridge which connects two sides of Ronda and stands 120 meters tall. Head to one of the many viewpoints of the actual bridge for the perfect picture.

Setenil de las Bodegas – Located in the province of Cádiz, it’s one of the most unique villages in Spain due to its distinct architectural and natural characteristics. The village has been constructed with cliffs and rocks hanging over the town’s top, making it somewhat of a marvel to see for yourself.

Zahara de la Sierra – A small yet fascinating town which resides in the hillside and overlooking the manmade lake below. Its main features include the beautiful landscape below, an ancient castle, never-ending panoramic views and an unspoiled historic centre with is largely free of mass tourism. 

Where to Stay in Ronda:

Catalonia Ronda (9.2/10) or Catalonia Reina Victoria (9/10)

→ 📸 Book a guided tour of Ronda ←

Andalusia’s capital city packs a punch and is arguably the most enticing Spanish city to visit. It is home to three UNESCO sites , the best real tapas in all of Spain and boasts an energetic and youthful atmosphere.

What to Do In and Near Seville:

Parque de María Luisa – A meticulously city park featuring a garden, fountains, picnic lawns and decorated plazas.

Plaza de España – The city’s most famous landmark is this ravishing town square with intricate tile details, arches, towers and bridges. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Spain and is also completely free.

Setas de Sevilla – Seville’s overall contemporary feel is emphasised with this modern landmark which is completely sculpted out of wood. Below the culture work of art, you’ll find a food hall and typical Spanish life unfolding in front of you.

Alameda de Hércules – The city’s nightlife, coffee culture and dining scene takes place along this long town square in the heart of Seville.

Arcos de la Frontera – Surrounded by the Guadalete river, this unassuming town sits on the edge of a cliff and overlooks the agricultural valleys below. Its soaring location allows for magical views throughout the entire ancient town. By all means, do not attempt to drive directly into this village as it has the narrowest streets we’ve ever encountered.

Where to Stay In Seville:

Hotel Alfonso XIII (9/10) or Guadalupe 15 by Magno Apartments (9/10)

→ 📸 Find the best things to do in Seville ←

Barcelona Road Trip Travel Resources

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The Ultimate Andalucia Road Trip (Detailed Southern Spain Itinerary!)

Winding streets through whitewashed villages, the clink of tinto verano glasses scraping against tapas plates, sweeping views across gorges, endless sour orange trees, and 700-year-old palaces: these are just a few of the incredible things that you’ll find on an Andalucia road trip.

As Spain’s southernmost region, there are a downright overwhelming number of places to visit in Andalucia, ranging from whitewashed hilltop towns (pueblos blancos) to Mediterranean beaches to snowcapped mountains, and everything in between!

Planning a southern Spain itinerary can be tricky, if for no other reason than that it’s hard to narrow down exactly where to go.

After two long trips spent falling in love with the south of Spain, we’ve put together this road trip itinerary for Andalucia in the hopes that you come away loving it as much as we do (and avoid some mistakes that we learned the hard way).

If you’re ready to soak up the magic of Andalucia, this southern Spain road trip itinerary is for you!

Table of Contents

How We Structured This Southern Spain Itinerary

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Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

With a region as large and diverse as Andalucia, narrowing down the best places to visit on a 10 day southern Spain road trip is quite the challenge!

We structured this Andalucia road trip as a loop beginning and ending in Seville, home to one of the largest airports in the region.

Since it’s a loop, you can easily reverse this itinerary if you wish, or start in a different city (such as Malaga).

We designed this southern Spain itinerary around visiting whitewashed villages, historic cities, and stunning landscapes.

It’s a fairly fast-paced itinerary in the sense that it packs a lot in and involves visiting many beautiful towns, but to drive this route straight through without traffic would actually take less than 10 hours.

You’ll drive a bit more than that, counting day trips and such, but the bottom line is that it’s a very doable distance in 10 days!

We don’t dedicate much time to the famous Costa del Sol on this travel guide, as this is more of an enjoy-all-the-attractions itinerary rather than a relax-on-the-beach itinerary, but we do include a bit of time to soak up views by the Mediterranean as well.

In addition to the detailed 10 day southern Spain itinerary we’ve outlined here, we’ve also made notes of more incredible places to visit in Andalucia that you can add or swap in, depending on your travel style.

This guide to road tripping Andalucia is quite long, so feel free to use the table of contents above this section to navigate to the most important parts for you if you wish!

For most people, of course, taking an Andalucia road trip will require renting a car

We recommend renting a small car through  Discover Cars , which will allow you to compare the prices and inclusions of multiple companies at the same time and choose the best car for you from there.

For the purposes of this southern Spain itinerary, we recommend picking up a car the morning you leave Seville.

There’s no reason to pick one up for your time in the city, as parking it will be a hassle and you won’t need it for exploring Seville.

Check rates and book your rental car today!

This southern Spain itinerary is specifically designed as a road trip, and we do strongly believe that driving is the best way to visit Andalucia!

From offbeat villages to charming hikes to out-of-the-way beaches, your trip to Andalucia will absolutely be enhanced by having your own set of wheels.

That being said, if you can’t or would rather not drive, you can still cover the vast majority of the sights included on this Andalucia road trip itinerary through a combination of public transportation and guided tours.

If you’re not planning to drive, we recommend basing yourself in larger cities like Seville, Granada, and Malaga, and taking day trips (independently, guided, or a combination of both) from there.

As much as we love Ronda, we wouldn’t recommend spending more than perhaps one night there without a car.

If you want to structure your itinerary for southern Spain without a car, we highly recommend using Omio to check exact ticket schedules and pricing for trains and buses in Andalucia!

Check schedules and shop train and bus tickets in Andalucia today!

Day 1: Arrive in Seville and start exploring.

Starting your southern Spain travels in Seville means diving right into the heart of Andalucian culture!

Depending on what time your plane lands, kick off your Andalucia vacation with a visit to the Seville Cathedral–once the biggest church in the world–and a climb up its bell tower.

The Giralda (bell tower) not only includes a beautiful view but is part of Andalucian history.

Before the Reconquista (when Christian powers overtook the Moorish kingdom that once ruled this area), this bell tower was the minaret of a mosque on the same site.

When the sun starts to set, head out for tapas and tinto verano (similar to sangria, but less elaborate and beloved by locals).

We don’t recommend picking up your rental car until day 3 of this itinerary–you won’t need it when exploring the heart of Seville.

Where to Stay in Seville, Spain

When deciding where to stay in Seville, location is key as ideally, you’ll want to stay within walking distance of Seville’s best attractions.

We had a fantastic experience at  Petit Palace Puerta de Triana  on our most recent trip to Seville.

The hotel  has a fantastic location (central but also quiet–a far from guaranteed combination in Spain), a delicious breakfast, and comfortable rooms.

Looking for something a bit different?

The incredibly popular Hotel Rey Alfonso X is an excellent choice, and their rooftop views are sublime!

If you’d like to stick to more of a budget, Hotel America Sevilla gets wonderful reviews and doesn’t sacrifice too much in terms of location.

Meanwhile, for the height of luxury, you can’t beat the absolutely stunning Hotel Alfonso XIII !

Check rates & book your stay in Seville today!

Day 2: Dive into Andalucian culture and history in Seville.

Today, it’s time to explore the rest of the major attractions in Seville!

Be sure to visit the famous Plaza de Espana, wander through the picturesque Barrio Santa Cruz (the former Jewish Quarter), and potentially see a Flamenco show .

Touring the gorgeous Alcazar is also a must: parts of this unique palace were built in the Moorish style, by Islamic craftsmen, for Christian rulers.

The result is a unique and beautiful combination of cultures that brings together several aspects of Andalucian history.

If you’re interested in experiencing more modern architecture in Seville, the famous Metropol Parasol is a fun spot with great views.

For foodies, we highly recommend taking a food tour in Seville on the first full day of your trip: not only is it incredibly fun, but it will help you know exactly what to order during the rest of your southern Spain itinerary!

And, if you’d like to explore the history of bullfighting in Spain, the Plaza de Toros is one of the most famous bullfighting rings in the world and can be toured (for obvious reasons, we do not recommend attending a fight).

Day 3: Explore Cordoba.

Today, pick up your rental car and hit the road to Cordoba!

Lying about 1 hour, 45 minutes northeast of Seville, Cordoba is famous for its incredible Mosque-Cathedral , which is exactly what it sounds like–a cathedral built literally inside a former Moorish mosque.

It’s one of the most unique houses of worship we’ve ever set foot in, and it alone would be worth visiting Cordoba for!

While Cordoba’s history dates back to the Romans (and you can stroll across the aptly named Roman Bridge while there), its Moorish period is responsible for much of the city’s stunning architecture and fame.

Cordoba peaked in the 10th century, when it was, for a brief moment, the biggest and one of the most powerful cities in the world.

In addition to the Mosque-Cathedral, be sure to explore Cordoba’s many flower-filled patios, check out the Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs, and visit the winding streets of the Jewish Quarter during your day in Cordoba.

Where to Stay in Cordoba, Spain

We loved our stay at Hesperia Cordoba !

Set just over the river from Cordoba’s historic center and a very short walk from the Roman Bridge, Hesperia Cordoba features spacious rooms, excellent customer service, and a rooftop with one of the best views in the city.

For those traveling Andalucia on a budget, Cordoba Carpe Diem is a great option in the heart of the city.

And, if you’re looking to stay in a hotel so luxurious that it’s practically a museum, the popular Hospes Palacio del Bailio is the clear winner (it even features actual Roman ruins!).

Check rates & book your stay in Cordoba!

Day 4: Make your way to Granada.

Winding roads, stunning hilltop towns, and olive trees as far as the eye can see: these are the views that you’ll enjoy when driving from Cordoba to Granada on your Andalucia road trip!

If you’d like to add an extra stop or two to your morning, the Medina Azahara (a UNESCO World Heritage recognized archaeological site) and the Castle of Almodovar del Rio (a magnificent castle dating to 760 that was a Game of Thrones filming location) are both excellent options.

Both places are a bit out of the way, but as the drive between Cordoba and Granada is only about 2.5 hours long, you’ll have plenty of time if you’d like to stop.

Once you get to Granada, settle in and start sightseeing!

Depending on what time you get in, we recommend exploring the picturesque Albayzin (Arab Quarter), climbing up to the Mirador San Nicholas (it’s worth every step!), and enjoying plenty of tapas.

If you have time, consider heading up to Sacromonte to visit the interesting cave museum and to attend an an intimate flamenco show –the neighborhood is famous for them!

Where to Stay in Granada, Spain

We rented an apartment from Mosaiko Homes in Granada, and could not have had a better experience: the owner was responsive, the apartment fantastic, and the location unbeatable!

Mosaiko Homes is located on a quiet street a short walk from many of Granada’s top sights, offering the combination of a convenient location and a lack of noise at night–two things that can be difficult to find together in Andalucia!

Another excellent option with near-perfect reviews is the incredibly unique Casa de Reyes (that decor!).

For a bit of luxury, the popular Shine Albayzin is not only housed in a 16th-century palace, it overlooks the Alhambra !

Generally speaking, lodging in Granada is much more affordable than in, say, Seville or the resort towns of the Costa del Sol.

If you’re going to splurge on a luxury property during your 10 day southern Spain itinerary, Granada is a fantastic place to do so!

Check rates & book your stay in Granada!

Day 5: Discover the Alhambra and other Granada gems.

On the fifth day of your road trip in Andalucia, it’s time to visit the region’s top attraction: the Alhambra!

While the Alhambra is most famous for its stunning Nasrid Palaces built by the Moors, there is an overwhelming amount of things to see at this iconic fortress.

From Generalife and its gardens (a summer retreat for the Nasrid dynasty) to the Alcazaba (the oldest portion of the fortress, which dates to the 1200s) and beyond, there are many sides to the Alhambra to visit.

General tickets to the Alhambra are competitive and often sell out far in advance (you can check available dates here ), but luckily, organized tours and skip-the-line tickets (which are only slightly more expensive than general tickets) are very easy to come by.

Deciding whether to take a tour of the Alhambra or simply use an audio guide is a personal choice, and both have pros and cons.

We took this popular tour , and while we got frustrated with how much it dragged in certain places, we loved having the context of a live guide–especially in the Nasrid Palaces.

We also loved not having to manage the tightly controlled timed entry system for the Nasrid Palaces ourselves.

Keep in mind that not all Alhambra tickets include entry to the Nasrid Palaces.

Make sure that your ticket does, though, because they are truly the star of the show!

You will likely be exhausted after visiting the Alhambra, which makes this afternoon the perfect time to visit one of Andalucia’s gorgeous hammams.

Hammam Al Andalus is well-known, gorgeous, and accessible to English speakers. We loved our time there!

Day 6: Take the scenic route to Malaga (or nearby).

Today, start your morning by enjoying any sightseeing you haven’t had a chance to enjoy in Granada, such as visiting the stunning Granada Cathedral and Royal Crypt.

Depending on what time you get started in the morning and how much time you want to spend on the beach, you can also consider heading 20 minutes outside of Granada to enjoy the popular hanging bridges at Los Cahorros Gorge in Monachil.

From there, it’s time to make your way to the Costa del Sol: no southern Spain itinerary would be complete without soaking up some sun!

We recommend heading toward Malaga via the A-44 to A-7 route–it’s slightly longer than going the A-92 route, but you can’t beat the views driving along the Mediterranean for half the drive!

Day 7: Soak up the sun on the Costa del Sol.

There is an endless number of options when it comes to deciding what town to stay in on the Costa del Sol!

Malaga, the biggest city in the region, is perfect for those who want to potentially take an afternoon road trip to a nearby beach but want to dedicate most of their time to culture.

The best things to do in Malaga include visiting the celebrated Picasso Museum, Alcazaba , Roman Theatre, Cathedral, and beyond, which make for a compelling, but not beachy, trip.

If you’re looking for idyllic beaches, Nerja is the place to go (that’s where the above photo was snapped!).

A beautiful resort town with a promenade?

Estepona might be right for you.

No matter where you end up staying, make sure that you spend at least part of the day admiring views of the Mediterranean with a gelato or glass of tinto verano (or both) in hand.

Since you’re visiting via a Costa del Sol road trip, you can also easily stay in one town and squeeze in a quick afternoon visit to another!

Day 8: Continue your Andalucia road trip and head to Ronda.

Last but certainly not least, say goodbye to the Costa del Sol and head north again to Ronda , one of our absolute favorite places in Spain.

Situated on a ridge, Ronda features sweeping views, a gorge, an 18th-century bridge that is earnestly referred to as the “New Bridge”, ties to the Lost Generation, and idyllic whitewashed streets–and that’s without even leaving the town center.

Much smaller than Seville or Granada, Ronda is nonetheless well worth savoring.

Once you arrive, start by exploring a few of the best things to do in Ronda, such as visiting the Cuenca Gardens, marveling at Puerto Nuevo (and Puerto Viejo and the Arab Bridge, while you’re at it), and visiting the historic Arab Baths (now a museum, though there is also a functioning hammam in Ronda!).

For sunset, there is absolutely no better place to be than admiring the views of Puerto Nuevo and the surrounding landscape from the Alameda del Tejo!

Where to Stay in Ronda, Spain

We can’t rave about our stay at Catalonia Reina Victoria in Ronda enough–it may just be one of our favorite hotels we’ve ever stayed in!

Unbeatable views over the countryside (we upgraded to a terrace room, which was absolutely worth it), excellent customer service, comfortable rooms, easy parking on site, and walking distance to all the best things to do in Ronda–it’s hard to beat that!

The popular Hotel Montelirio , with views of the Puerto Nuevo, is also a great option.

However, as Ronda is the last stop on your Andalucia road trip and finding parking in the city center is fairly simple, you may want to go the complete opposite route and stay in a country hotel just outside of town!

The beautiful and well-reviewed Hotel Cortijo Las Piletas is located a 15-minute drive from Ronda, offers a pool, gorgeous views, and a bit of peace and quiet to end your trip with.

Check rates & book your stay in Ronda today!

Day 9: Explore unique places to visit near Ronda.

In addition to being a fantastic town to visit in its own right, Ronda is also surrounded by excellent day trip options!

Our first choice would undoubtedly be a visit to Setenil de las Bodegas: if you only have time to visit one place outside of Ronda, make it here.

This historic town features many homes and businesses built directly into the surrounding gorge, and the result is one of the most unique towns we have ever laid eyes on!

Other fun places to visit include Juzcar (also known as Spain’s “Smurf Village”–it is painted entirely blue!), and the Cueva del Gato swimming hole.

If you want a unique perspective on Ronda’s famous Puerto Nuevo, you can also drive to the bottom of the ridge and view it from an entirely different angle (keep in mind that there are some tiny dirt roads involved here, but it is doable).

Looking to ditch the car entirely?

You can find plenty of horseback riding tours in the area!

Day 10: Head back to Seville and wrap up your 10 day southern Spain itinerary.

It’s time to wrap up your Andalucia road trip!

Today, make your way back to Seville to drop off your rental car and head home.

If you have time for a little extra sightseeing, consider spending the morning visiting any attractions you didn’t get a chance to see in Ronda or Seville.

Or, for an incredibly relaxing end to your 10 days in southern Spain, book yourself a visit to a hammam in either city!

A mere 10 days in Andalucia could never hope to cover every incredible destination that southern Spain has to offer!

If you’re lucky enough to have a longer timeframe to work with, here are a few more places to consider adding to your itinerary for southern Spain, from beach towns to mountainous parks.

Over 3,000 years old and almost entirely surrounded by water, Cadiz is visually stunning and historically fascinating.

It’s fairly small, given that it is physically constrained by its location, but packed with interesting sights, including over 100 watchtowers!

Technically speaking, your Andalucia road trip doesn’t have to only take place in Spain!

Head to Gibraltar to enjoy views from the famous Rock of Gibraltar, check out the resident wild monkeys, and enjoy the excuse to walk (literally) across the border of Spain to the UK.

Don’t forget to pack your passport!

Jerez de la Frontera

A great alternative to cities like Seville, Jerez de la Frontera offers many of the usual Andalucia highlights–Moorish castle, riding school, festivals–but is (slightly) more off the beaten path.

It’s also famous for its sherry production, making it a fun stop for spirit lovers!

Sierra Nevada National Park

Offering skiing in the winter, hiking in the summer, and gorgeous mountain views year-round, Sierra Nevada National Park makes an excellent addition to an itinerary for southern Spain for those looking for a place to relax in nature.

Located just east of Granada, Sierra Nevada National Park is easy to add to this itinerary–or, if you’re not much of a beach person, you can even swap the Costa del Sol for some time here!

Puerto Banus

Looking for luxurious yachts, high-end nightclubs, and–essentially–the Spanish version of St. Tropez or Monaco?

Head to Puerto Banus, just next door to Marbella, and you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for.

Start by checking out the Golden Mile!

Arcos de la Frontera

Surrounded by the Guadalete River on 3 sides and–like Ronda–situated on the edge of a ridge, Arcos de la Frontera is visually stunning and one of the best whitewashed towns (pueblos blancos) to visit in Andalucia.

Don’t miss the views from the Castillo de los Arcos while you’re there!

Located at the far southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, Tarifa is far enough out of the way that it doesn’t see quite as many visitors as the famous Costa del Sol (among those who aren’t kitesurfing enthusiasts, anyway)–but it’s absolutely worth a visit.

Featuring wide, sandy beaches famous for kitesurfing and a charming whitewashed town center, Tarifa is a laid-back delight.

It also lies a short ferry ride away from Morocco , and you can take a day trip to Tangiers as part of your time there!

El Caminito del Rey

With stunning gorge views and adrenaline-inducing heights, El Caminito del Rey is one of the most iconic hikes in Andalucia!

A decade ago, it was often touted as being the most dangerous hike in Spain–or even the world–but it has now been restored to be much more accessible.

… For those of us with a fear of heights, though, it can still pose a mental challenge!

Andalucia can be a year-round destination–if you can brave the summer heat, that is.

Southern Spain, particularly cities like Cordoba and Seville, are known for being some of the hottest places in Europe.

Summer temperatures can easily reach 98°F (36°C) in the inland cities, which is why during July and August, you’ll find the crowds down at the Costa del Sol, where the temperatures are milder and there’s the Mediterranean to cool off in.

Ideally, this itinerary for southern Spain is designed for the spring or fall, when temperatures are warm but reasonable, the sun is usually shining, and the flowers are in bloom everywhere you look.

If you’re willing to bundle up a bit, winter can also be a wonderful time to take this Andalucia road trip.

The prices and crowds will both be smaller, and if you’re so inclined, you can even go skiing in Sierra Nevada near Granada–the southernmost ski area in Europe!

Here are a few essentials you should definitely add to your packing list as you prepare for your road trip in Andalucia, Spain!

Travel Insurance  — We don’t ever suggest traveling without travel insurance–anything can happen, and a fast-paced road trip is definitely a case of better safe than sorry.

We use and recommend  Safety Wing  for trips to Spain.

Travel Adaptors for Spain — If you’re coming from outside of Europe, you’ll definitely need adaptors for your electronics.

Hands-Free Phone Mount  — This is especially important if you don’t have a reliable co-pilot: the last thing you want to do is be fumbling with the GPS on your phone during your road trip in Andalucia.

Pack a cell phone holder to attach to the car and you’ll be able to drive much more safely!

Additional Car Insurance  — Whether you purchase a policy that covers car rental (only some of theirs do, so double-check!), purchase a policy through the rental car company, or something else, be sure you have coverage: it’s worth the peace of mind.

Portable USB Charger  — Don’t stress about your phone dying while you’re spending long days driving from village to village: add a portable charger to your southern Spain packing list.

Swiss Army Knife  — Want to open wine bottles in your hotel room, slice cheese from the market, or cut up that fresh bread from the bakery?

You’ll be so glad you brought a Swiss Army Knife along on your Andalucia vacation!

Camera  — We absolutely adore our Sony a7R III , but whatever camera you’re comfortable with works.

Just make sure you have something with you to preserve your memories!

Reusable Water Bottle(s)  — Cut down on plastic waste, save money, and make sure you don’t have to stop for water constantly: a reusable water bottle has lots of benefits on a road trip. We personally love and use  these .

Hand Sanitizer  — We carry this everywhere, and have never been sorry to have it floating around in our day bag.

Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.

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About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

6 thoughts on “The Ultimate Andalucia Road Trip (Detailed Southern Spain Itinerary!)”

beautiful, do you sell a map of this

We don’t sell a map or printable version of this itinerary (yet), but you can click on the button at the top right of the map embedded at the bottom of this article and download it to take with you!

This is exactly the trip we plan to take this fall. Thank you for this great guide! Are the places you reccommend to stay pet friendly? It appeared your were travelling with your dog and we are also travrling with ours. Gracias!

Yes, all of the places we mention staying at personally in Andalucia are pet-friendly and Ranger stayed with us at all of them!

I can’t speak to the alternative suggestions provided, as I don’t source pet-friendly hotels specifically for those (very few of our readers travel with their dogs).

Have a wonderful trip!

Hi Kate, It seems finally I have found the perfect road trip for southern Spain. I plan to go early December or maybe in Jan-Feb. I would like to add 3-4 days to the trip. Could you recommend how to do that? Regards, Amitabh

The sky is the limit!

Beyond the destinations I outlined in the “other destinations” section of the post, you could potentially consider adding on a few days in Morocco with a longer timeline.

You can also easily add more days to any of the destinations included in the itinerary. There’s lots of great hiking around Granada, for example, and of course there’s always the option of enjoying even more beach time along the Costa del Sol.

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The Best Road Trips in Spain and Their Self-Drive Itineraries

March 11, 2021

From rocky volcanic coasts to medieval city charm, driving in Spain can be an absolute joy. After years on the road as a travel writer and resident, I bring you the best road trips in Spain, plus the ultimate Spanish road trip itinerary. Bucket lists at the ready? Let’s go!   Updated 2021.

Table of Contents

THE BEST ROAD TRIPS IN SPAIN

If walking is one of the best ways to see a city, then driving is one of the best ways to see a country. Driving in Spain has brought me deep, deep joy, rising through the red dust of Andalusia and plunging through the deep green of Galicia. 

You can find the separate road trip itineraries through Spain dotted throughout the article, but this article focuses on the best road trips in Spain. 

• Download your free road trip essentials list and road trip packing list.
• Download the road trip planner and toolkit here.

Recommended

I love sharing the best travel resources I can find. 

• I never book a flight without looking on Skyscanner first
• My favourite one stop shop for airport transfers, food tours & excursions is Get Your Guide
• Out of the big accommodation machines, I use Expedia and Booking.com the most
• I’ve hand-picked useful travel gear and tools for you in my Amazon shop . Never leave home without a travel adapter or collapsible water bottle . I’d also recommend these soft ear plugs and a sleep mask .
• Access all our planners and budget spreadsheets in the Travel Toolbox ©
• Plan the perfect road trip with our Road Trip Planner & Toolkit ©
• Use these packing cubes to make life so much easier on the road.
• Save on mobile phone roaming charges with an eSIM from Airalo .

TRAVEL SPAIN BY CAR

We start with the ultimate Spain road trip itinerary, taking in the mainland for first time visitors. But don’t forget Spain’s islands, not to mention delving deeper into the regions to find a richer, more authentic experience when you have more time. 

Whether you call it fly-drive, self drive or want someone else to help you travel Spain by car, this is the collection of the best road trips in Spain. 

Happy planning!

The Ultimate Spain Road Trip Itinerary

If all you have is two weeks, then this is the best Spain road trip itinerary for you. This two week self-drive Spain itinerary brings you the highlights of the country at a reasonable, but not relaxed, pace. 

However, I’d always advise that you take is slow if you can. It’s far more enjoyable to spend more time out of the car than in. With that in mind, check out some of the other regional road trip ideas below.  

Of all the places in the world, Spain is disinclined to rush. People here like to take their time and savour the joys of everyday life. Racing to fit your busy schedule does not usually rank highly in that regard.

The Ultimate Spain Road Trip Itinerary At a Glance

• Day 1: Arrive Barcelona
• Day 2: Barcelona
• Day 3: Girona and the Pyrenees
• Day 4: Valencia
• Day 5: Valencia to Madrid
• Day 6: Madrid
• Day 7: Madrid to Toledo
• Day 8: Toledo to Granada
• Day 9: Granada and the Alhambra
• Day 10: Alpujarras Mountains
• Day 11: Seville via Cordoba
• Day 12: Seville
• Day 13: Cadiz via Doñana National Park
• Day 14: Malaga to fly home

Historical city centres in Spain were designed for pedestrians and, at a stretch, horses. They were not designed for cars! Be careful when following SatNav instructions into steep, old towns. You can find yourself unable to make some tight turns and then somehow need to reverse backwards down a narrow road. Stick to the main roads in town!

Southern Spain Road Trip Through Andalusia

A road trip through Andalusia, Spain’s biggest region, unsurprisingly covers a lot of ground. This passionate place is the home of flamenco, jamon and sherry, as well as staggering, world-renowned monuments. 

You can easily fill two weeks with UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Alhambra in Granada, the Real Alcazar in Seville and the unbeatable mosque turned cathedral in Cordoba. 

But a self-drive road trip through Spain allows you to visit off the radar places and explore local traditions like joining the olive oil harvest in the mountains. From the beaches to the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada, driving through Andalusia really is one of the best road trips in Spain.

Andalusia Road Trip Itinerary At a Glance

• Day 1: Arrive Malaga.
• Day 2: Drive to Cadiz
• Day 3: Cadiz to Seville via Doñana National Park
• Day 4: Seville
• Day 5: Seville to Granada via Cordoba
• Day 6: Granada & Alpujarras Mountains
• Day 7: Back to Malaga to fly home. Find the complete southern Spain road trip itinerary here.
• Malaga is the biggest international airport but you can also fly into Seville and Granada with relative ease.

How about the Madrid to Seville drive?

With so many international flights arriving in Madrid, you may be wondering whether or not you should drive from Madrid to Seville or take the train instead. 

A Madrid-Seville Road Trip can pass through many off the beaten path destinations, like Zafra and Merida, but in my opinion, it’s not one of Spain’s best road trips. 

If you are short on time, I’d highly recommend taking the extremely fast and efficient Madrid-Seville train and then picking up your rental car in Seville to tour Andalusia.

It’s also possible to drive from Madrid to Granada by car, swerving up and down the Alpujarras Mountains, but again, I’d suggest picking up your wheels in Andalusia instead.

The Sanctuary of Dismembered Wax Body Parts

Northern Spain Road Trip Itinerary

Prepare to be surprised when you find out what makes this one of the best road trips in Spain.

The northern area of Spain swaps dry plains for rocky coves, and bull rings for lighthouses and salt marshes amid the green. Famed for its seafood and as the finishing point for the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route, this northern Spain road trip itinerary will show you a different side of the country.

• Want more detail? Explore this Galicia road trip itinerary.

Northern Spain Road Trip Itinerary At a Glance

• Day 1: Arrive San Sebastian
• Day 2: San Sebastian to Bilbao
• Day 3: Bilbao to Aviles
• Day 4: Aviles to A Coruña
• Day 5: A Coruña to Santiago de Compostela
• Day 6: Santiago de Compostela to Vigo
• Day 7: Back to San Sebastian to fly home

Recommended reading:  Road Trip Galicia, Spain; The Undiscovered Northern Coast

View above the clouds on El Teide in Tenerife

Road Trip Through Tenerife (Canary Islands)

As the largest Canary Island off the northwest coast of Africa, Tenerife is famous for its fly and flop beach holidays. But there are so many unusual things to do in Tenerife , from UNESCO World Heritage cities like Laguna to primitive biosphere reserves in Anaga. It’s a hiking paradise and if tight turns and steep roads don’t phase you, a great wild landscape awaits.

Driving through Spain takes on new and heady heights when you’re bounding over black volcanic stones and watching the clouds appear beneath you. This is one of the best road trips in Spain because it is also one of the most beautiful. 

It’s also easy to combine with staying in one place and organising a series of day trips around the island. So if packing and unpacking on a road trip becomes a chore for you, try this instead. 

Road Trip Through Tenerife at a Glance

• Day 1: Arrive and stay in UNESCO World Heritage La Laguna
• Day 2: Drive El Teide Volcano
• Day 3: Los Gigantes for a whale watching excursion
• Day 4: Hiking in Anaga National Park
• Day 5: Orotava, Icod de los Vinos and Garachico
• Day 6: Pyramids of Guimar
• Day 7: Explore La Laguna and fly home

Casa Mila: worth it on any Barcelona itinerary

Road Trip Through Catalonia (Catalunya)

Barcelona is the most famous part of Catalunya but to see more of the Catalan character, get behind the wheel and enjoy one of the best road trips in Spain.

Travel by car in Spain to discover the curious city of Girona, the sandy coast of Costa Brava and the smoky peaks of the Pyrenees.  

Costa Brava offers volcanoes, sleepy coves and some of the best restaurants in the world. That’s not a boast. That’s actually a validated claim (read more about that here. )

You’ll also find flamboyant artwork from local household name Salvador Dalí, a great spot for a hot air balloon ride and a renewed appreciation for the difference between Catalan and Castilian Spanish.

• How to spend three days in Barcelona, an inside guide
• Unusual things to do in Barcelona

Road Trip from Barcelona At a Glance

• Day 3: Barcelona to Girona
• Day 4: Figueres and Cadaques
• Day 5: Garrotxa Natural Park
• Day 6: Tarragona
• Day 7: Return Barcelona to fly home

Road Trip Through Central Spain

Treat yourself to a literary, gastronomic and thoroughly authentic journey through this central part of Spain, the region of Castilla La Mancha. It’s one of the best road trips in Spain for hidden gems and a sense of exploration. 

Take in Toledo, the former capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Search the hills for the windmills made famous by Don Quixote. Hike through one of the best bird reserves in the country. And relish taking your time amid small Spanish villages, far from the crowds. 

Road Trip Through Central Spain at a Glance

• Day 1: Arrive Madrid
• Day 2: Madrid
• Day 3: Madrid to Toledo
• Day 4: Toledo
• Day 5: Don Quixote Countryside
• Day 6: Hike through the Tablas de Daimiel
• Day 7: Return Madrid to fly home

Both islands have stunning coastlines (but this place is Menorca!)

Driving the Balearic Islands

One of the best road trips in Spain involves flying to one of her smaller islands and taking a laid back approach to plans and itineraries all together. Mallorca and Menorca are the two main Balearic Islands and each has a distinctive character. Mallorca has party spots, UNESCO World Heritage and wild hiking routes. Menorca specialises more in family beaches, quiet streets, small towns and an awful lot of gin.

• Menorca or Mallorca for your Balearic Island holiday?

Set yourself up with one home base for a week and take a series of day trips to explore either island.

One of the best things about Barcelona is that it leads right onto a sandy beach…

Road Trip Along Spain’s East Mediterranean Coast

Drive from Barcelona to Valencia to experience two of Spain’s most interesting cities and her sparkling coastline as well. Find the Roman amphitheatre at Tarragona and the rice fields that gave us paella outside Valencia. If you have more than one week to ten days, continue south to the Moorish fortress in Amería as part of a road trip through Andalusia. 

Road Trip Through the East Coast of Spain At a Glance

• Day 2: Barcelona and Girona
• Day 3: Valencia via Tarragona
• Day 5: Alicante and the Costa Blanca
• Day 6: Almeria and Cabo de Gata
• Day 7: Back to Barcelona to fly home (or to Malaga)

Road Trip Across Galicia

Decked out in deep green hues and bursting with salty seafood, a road trip through Galicia provides a completely different experience of Spain. 

With a coastline more reminiscent of the rugged, craggy inlets of Ireland than the white sand of the south,  it’s no surprise that Galicia offers seafood to make even the uncertain smile. Expect lighthouses, green fields, great walking routes and great food. 

• A Galicia Road Trip: Northern Spain’s Rugged Green Coast

Road Trip Around Galicia at a Glance

• Day 1: Arrive La Coruña
• Day 2: Pontedeume and Redes
• Day 3: Porto do Barqueiro &  Viveiro
• Day 4: Praia das Catedrais
• Day 5: Torre de Hercules Lighthouse & home

Road Trip Around the Basque Country

Link up San Sebastián, Bilbao and Santander for an epic road trip through Spain’s Basque country. Taste arguably the best food in the country in the pintxos bars in San Seb and take in the curls and swirls of the Guggenheim in Bilbao. 

Add in secluded coastal curves and surprise museums, like the Balenciaga museum in Getaria , and you will find yourself with an unforgettable Spanish Road Trip.

Road Trip Through the Basque Country at a Glance

• Day 1: Arrive Bilbao
• Day 2: Bilbao
• Day 3: Bilbao to Logroño via Pamplona
• Day 4: Logroño to San Sebastian
• Day 5: San Sebastian
• Day 6: Hiking in Getaria
• Day 7: Back to Bilbao to fly home

What to know if you travel Spain by car

Cars drive on the right and you’ll need a full and valid driving license.

Tips for Spain Road Trip Itineraries

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Typically, it’s best to pick up a vehicle at at the airport unless you have your heart set on exploring an historic city centre first. Bring your full driving license and book in advance. I’d highly recommend booking your car rental through Hertz.

Planning in Detail

I rely on the AA Route Planner to give me times and directions in Spain. Make sure you check for:

• Tolls (or factor them into your budget anyway)

What You Need to Drive in Spain

For a robust rundown of what you need to drive in Spain head to the Government website . From here you can check the latest recommendations and legal requirements, including information on an international driving permit.

Booking Hotels

Many smaller, boutique hotels in the centre of cities will not have parking options. It’s best to either park on the outskirts of town and walk in (in some places, such as Seville, taxis will struggle to get in as well) or if that’s too difficult for you then book a hotel on the outskirts of town and use their transport to travel in. 

Highlights of Driving in Spain

Travel Spain by car and you’ll find all the following benefits.

While the big cities can get the pulse racing, for the most part, driving in Spain is a beautiful experience. Here are five reasons why:

1) THE ROADS ARE EMPTY

Outside the main cities that is. Gleaming wide main roads covered with smooth tarmac are the rule rather than the exception. Drive from  Granada  to  Seville  or Segovia to Merida and you’ll hardly see another car for miles.

2) THE SCENERY IS STUNNING

Low swirling mist rising over olive groves, intense sunshine hugging the contours of rust-red rock. Sparkling coastlines and white-washed towns with church towers spiking out of scorched plains. The green cloaked mountains of Galicia, the almond-scented mountains of Alpujarras and the Catalan curves of  the eastern Pyrenees.  Unlike driving in some countries, these views are visible from the windscreen of the car – you don’t have to wait until you park and get away from the roads.

3) GIANT BULLS ON THE HORIZON

Not real ones, of course. But building-sized, black, one-dimensional bull cutouts. Apparently, these first appeared as part of an advertising campaign for sherry. They were due to be removed until people clamoured for them to stay. Now, they add to the fun, as you never quite know when the next one will appear.

4) FRESH TAPAS AT SERVICE STATIONS

Forget about crisps, biscuits and overpriced coffee. Most petrol stations along the road in Spain are family run affairs with a chef on site. Coffee costs less than a euro while a plateful of patatas bravas, chocos, gambas or more is only a few minutes away. And if you’re feeling too hot? Try refreshing gazpacho instead.

5) FREEDOM AND GETTING OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

For reasons I’ll never quite understand, Spain has a reputation as a sand-and-sea destination and that’s about it. Visitors tend to cling to the coast and never realise just what they’re missing. Hiring a car and hitting the roads is the first step towards fixing that. Stop off in one of Andalucia’s pueblos blancos, for example, and you’ll probably be the only foreigner in town.

And that’s just for starters.

What is the best way to travel across Spain? Road trip or by train?

Great question. And the answer is: it depends. 

Driving through Spain is an absolute joy, once you are out of the cities. Road tripping through Spain allows you to reach hidden villages and hike through unspoilt landscapes. It also makes life much easier if you are travelling with your children. 

If you mainly wish to city hop between the big cities like Madrid, Barcelona and Seville, then the train is the better option. If you want to get off the beaten track and explore, go for a road trip.

Tools & Planners for the Best Road Trips in Spain

You’re in road trip heaven here, as we have everything from a full list of road trip essentials to the Ultimate Road Trip Planner for people who love freedom and hate spreadsheets.

And just for fun, we have the best road trip quotes and some road trip questions and games to help everyone get along.

Also, check out our road trip planning series on YouTube:

• The 5 biggest road trip planning mistakes people make (and how to fix them)
• The 7 best road trip planning tools.

1 thought on “The Best Road Trips in Spain and Their Self-Drive Itineraries”

The scenery is stunning indeed. I didn’t have to go driving to notice that. It’s wonderful!

Comments are closed.

EXACTLY How to get from Barcelona to Seville

By Author Paulina

Posted on November 18, 2022

The ultimate transportation guide between Barcelona and Seville

Ever thought about taking in not just one, but two of Spain’s amazing cities in one single trip? Well, you’re in luck! 

Although the distance from Barcelona to Seville is significant, there’s a fantastic range of travel options between the cities to meet all budgets and requirements.

So, where is Seville in relation to Barcelona? The short answer is 515 miles to the southwest, as the crow flies. 

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The good news is that, as these are two of Spain’s major cities, travel links between the cities are excellent.

If you fly from Barcelona to Seville , you can get there in 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Great if you want to save time, but it does mean you miss out on all that amazing Spanish countryside and fascinating towns in between.

With a bit more time on your hands, you’ll be able to take all of this in through the window of your train or bus, while dreaming of where to eat in Seville as you do so.

So, if you’d like to discover beautiful two cities with incredible histories and a plethora of cultural options, then keep reading.

Useful Travel Information About Seville

✈ Book cheap flights to Seville with  Skyscanner ✔ Book tours in Seville with GetYourGuide ⚘  Avoid tourist traps  and get the customizable  “Andalucia Like a Local”  itinerary. – Get it  here ➳ Find the best hotels in Seville with  Booking.com ❖ Rent a car at the best rates with Discover Cars ✎ Never leave without  travel insurance ! I get mine at  SafetyWing. It is easy to set up, cheap and reliable. $ Withdraw money without hidden fees and avoid exchange charges with  TransferWise (Free Mastercard debit card to spend money abroad)

Distance from Barcelona to Seville

• If you are going by car, the road distance is 1151km/ 715 miles . At a reasonable speed, with a few stops, it should take you just under 10 hours.
• By public transport, the fastest train takes 5 hours 33 minutes and a bus will take over 14 hours.

Selection of Day Trips from Barcelona to Seville

• Visit the Real Alcazar Palace – Check out the guide tour here.
• La Giralda Tower – Book your guided tour here.
• Visit the tomb of Christopher Columbus
• Seville Cathedral – Get your guided tour here
• Walk to Plaza de España
• See a Flamenco show – Check the guided tour here

BEST OPTION: How to get from Barcelona to Seville

The magnificent AVE high-speed trains are undoubtedly the finest way of traveling from Barcelona to Seville. They take over 5 hours but you won’t have to commute to the airports and you’ll travel city center to city center, leaving time to explore the fantastic museums in Seville.

From Barcelona to Seville by Train

• Tickets currently cost from €55 to €150
• Trains run frequently (around 14 a day) departing from around 05:50 until 17:00

If you’re traveling from Barcelona to Seville then there is no more enjoyable way of doing so than to travel by train. 

In Barcelona, head for the conveniently located and well-connected Barcelona-Sants station, the city’s main railway station.

As this route runs between two of Spain’s major cities it is very well-served and you should be able to get tickets on the day at all but the busiest times. 

Yet to ensure the best prices and get the departure time you’d like, book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.

A handy tip is to try and secure a seat on one of the superb high-speed AVE trains as there really is no better way to travel from Barcelona to Seville.

In Seville, you’ll arrive at the magnificent, and centrally located, Santa Justa station.

From Barcelona to Seville by Bus

• Prices start from €95
• Alsa offers around 5 buses daily with departures either early in the morning or late at night.

Travel by bus may not be everyone’s cup of tea, especially on long journeys such as this. 

However, tickets are plentiful and you’ll get to see many towns and villages as you travel from Barcelona to Seville in this way.

The main departure point in Barcelona is the city’s Estación de Autobuses Barcelona Nord (North Bus Station), which uses the Arc de Triomf metro stop for access. 

In Seville, the bus will arrive at the central Plaza de Armas station.

Alsa operates the most buses over this route. They do decent offers for cheap transportation if you book in advance.

From Barcelona to Seville by Car

Barcelona to Seville by car is a substantial journey (617 miles). If you drive directly, taking just a few stops, you can make the journey in just under 10 hours.

However, there are so many wonderful towns and an incredible amount of stunning countryside between the cities.

If you have the chance to split the journey up and explore some of the attractions along the way, then this is by far the most preferable way of doing this.

If you’re wondering how to rent a car, it really couldn’t be easy. Spain is a major holiday destination and receives a huge number of tourists each year. 

Therefore, competition among hire car companies is fierce, leading to some great deals being on offer.

So how much does it cost to rent a car? Surprisingly little. Booked in advance, you’ll be able to collect a car from Barcelona-El Prat Airport for €11 a day (cheaper for longer-term rentals).

The quickest route takes you south to Valencia before cutting inland and taking you southwest through sensational Cordoba.

From Barcelona Airport to Seville

Barcelona – Sevilla is one of the main air routes in Spain, with a broad array of daily flights between the cities. If you book in advance, you can even find flights as cheap as €15!

If you’re flying into Barcelona airport and would like to take any of the other travel options between the cities, read on and we’ll explore the options.

From Barcelona Airport to Seville by Train

• Tickets from Barcelona-Sants to Seville currently cost from €55 to €150. See below for prices of getting from Barcelona-El Prat Airport to Barcelona-Sants.
• Trains run frequently (around 14 a day) departing from around 05:50 until 17:00. Transfer options from Barcelona-El Prat Airport to Barcelona-Sants operate 24/7.

There are no direct trains from Barcelona-El Prat Airport to Seville so you’ll need to transfer to Barcelona-Sants railway station to catch your train. There are several options to do this.

Taking a taxi is convenient, but at €40 it’s also the most expensive way of reaching the station. 

Undoubtedly the best, and cheapest, way of getting to Barcelona-Sants is to take the train from the airport directly to the station. It will take 20 minutes and cost €4.60.

For details on getting the train from Barcelona to Seville see the relevant section above.

From Barcelona Airport to Seville by Bus

• Tickets from €90
• 5 buses daily, most run overnight

It is possible to travel from Barcelona-El Prat Airport to Seville by bus without having to go directly into Barcelona for a connection.

Both ALSA and Bus Plana operate routes between the two destinations. Most buses run overnight, with the quickest taking 14 hours. 

Many of the buses require a change in Albacete so check your route before traveling.

The buses depart from the airport’s Terminal 1 and arrive at Seville’s Plaza de Armas station.

Taxi from Barcelona Airport to Seville

Theoretically, it is possible to take a taxi all the way from Barcelona airport to Seville. Yet the distance is huge, making taxi services unrealistically expensive for doing this.

The distance is huge, making taxi services unrealistically expensive for doing this.

Other options are far preferable so it’s better to simply use taxis for airport transfers to the bus or rail stations covered in this article.

Return: Travel from Seville to Barcelona

Traveling from Seville to Barcelona is simple. Just take the above steps in reverse! If you’re taking flights from Seville to Barcelona, Seville airport is efficient and easily navigable.

The historic Santa Justa railway station is a magnificent departure point and the Plaza de Armas bus station couldn’t be better located.

Whatever else you do, try and make a stop in magnificent Cordoba if you have the time, you won’t be disappointed. 

The incredible La Mezquita (The Great Mosque) is worth the visit alone. Also, try and make time for a stopover in beautiful Valencia.

Final words

You really won’t be short of amazing options for traveling from Barcelona to Seville. To combine comfort with speed and a great travel experience, the superb AVE trains are hard to beat.

Flying is undoubtedly the quickest way of getting between the two cities so if you’re pushed for time, this may be your best option. 

Buses take longer, but fortunately, long-distance buses are extremely comfortable.

Once you arrive in Seville, you can take a hop-on/hop-off bus that can take you all over the city’s main attractions.

After you’ve exhausted the best tapas restaurants in Seville or had one of the best breakfasts in Seville hiring a car will give you the freedom to explore the fantastic towns and countryside along the way.

Other Interesting Articles about Seville

• Seville Architecture – 20 Best Buildings To See
• How to Get From Madrid to Seville
• 10 Seville Tourist Attractions
• 12 Best Hiking Trails Near Seville
• 14 Best Flamenco Shows in Seville, Spain
• 15 Top Free Things to do in Seville
• 19 Best AirBnbs in Seville in 2022

Short FAQ about visiting Seville from Barcelona

Is it better to fly or take the train from barcelona to seville.

Flights from Barcelona to Seville are frequent and probably the best option for those wishing to make the most of their time in both cities.

However, the train from Barcelona to beautiful Sevilla city is definitely the best travel experience available for this route.

How long is the train from Barcelona to Seville?

The quickest train from Barcelona to Seville is the magnificent AVE high-speed train that takes just over 5 hours.

Others can take a lot longer so choose carefully when booking.

What to do in Seville?

Seville is an incredible place and there are so many sensational things to do in Seville that the only problem you’ll have is trying to fit them all in.

While you’re there, why not stay in one of the best boutique hotels in Seville ?

Hola, I’m Paulina! Together with my team, we are passionate about Southern Spain. Here we share all you need to know for great times in Southern Spain with the best places to visit, stay and, of course, the best food to eat.

Let’s dive in and explore Southern Spain’s outdoors, food and culture con pasión!

How to Travel From Barcelona to Seville by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

 TripSavvy / Angelina Pilarinos

Barcelona and Seville are both cultural epicenters within Spain, each one highlighting the local region and all it has to offer. Barcelona sits along the Mediterranean and is rich in Catalonian history, while over 600 miles away Seville lies in the heart of Andalusia and is decidedly Spanish. When you get there, you can more easily blend in by calling the city as the locals do, Sevilla , pronounced seh-vee-yuh .

If you're able to book far enough in advance, then the train is usually the most comfortable and cheapest way to get from city to city. But if you didn't get tickets weeks in advance, a flight is likely to be the most affordable option (it's also the fastest). A bus is available, but it's unnecessarily long and expensive. Going by train or plane means you'll miss out on all of Spain that lies between these two cities, and renting a car gives travelers the most freedom to take their time, make stops, and explore.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Get From Barcelona to Seville?

If you buy tickets weeks in advance, the train is potentially the cheapest way to get from Barcelona to Seville. On the flip side, it can also be the most expensive method of transport if you wait to book your seats. Just like with a flight, train tickets on Spain's national railway system, Renfe , go up drastically as the travel date gets closer and seats sell out. For the best deals, you should complete your reservation as soon as tickets are released—which is about 90 days before the travel date for high-speed trains in Spain . Tickets from Barcelona to Seville start at roughly $21 when they are first released, but can quickly balloon up to over $150 for a one-way journey.

The high-speed train is direct and takes about five and a half hours, so it's also one of the fastest ways to get from city to city. The Barcelona Sants and Seville Santa Justa train stations are both located in their respective city centers, so it should be easy to reach your final destination by metro, a short taxi ride, or even walking.

Tip: If tickets from Barcelona to Seville get too pricey, save money by looking into trains from Barcelona to Madrid on the low-cost, high-speed Avlo train and continuing on to Seville from there. Avlo tickets start at just $10, and you can easily transfer to another train or spend a few days exploring Madrid .

What Is the Fastest Way to Get From Barcelona to Seville?

With a total flight time of just one hour and 40 minutes, taking a plane from Barcelona is the fastest way to get to Seville. And with several daily flights from low-cost airlines Vueling and Ryanair, it's also one of the most affordable ways with tickets starting at just $30 for a one-way journey.

Even though the travel time is ostensibly the shortest, once you factor in all of the time that it takes to travel to and from the airport , check in for your flight, pass through security, and wait at your gate, going by plane is only marginally faster than the train. However, unless you've planned out your trip months in advance, you're likely to find that flights are much more affordable than train tickets, especially if you're booking at the last minute.

How Long Does It Take to Drive?

Since they're at opposite ends of the country, it's a long 10-hour drive from Barcelona to Seville, covering over 620 miles of the Mediterranean coast and olive tree orchards. But if you have access to a car and you're up for the journey, driving yourself is also one of the best ways to explore Spain's diverse landscape and truly immerse yourself in the local culture. If you can, stretch out the drive for as many days as you can afford and make overnight pitstops along the way.

Having a vehicle is great for the entire journey between Barcelona and Seville, but you won't want a car while in either city. Moving around in the city center is best done by foot or public transportation, which is convenient and easy to use. Once you get to Seville, parking in the historic center is complicated and expensive, so you'll likely need to park farther out and use transit to get into the city.

If you want the experience of driving but don't want to get a car yourself, BlaBlaCar is a popular ride-sharing service in Spain. Use the website to search for people driving from Barcelona to Seville and who have an open seat in their car. You'll have to chip in for gas, but apart from being affordable, it's also an opportunity to ride with a local and learn about your host country.

Is There a Bus That Goes From Barcelona to Seville?

Bus travel in Spain is dominated by the company ALSA , and while buses are generally touted as the transit of choice among budget travelers in Europe, the route from Barcelona to Seville is wearily long and also expensive. The journey is a direct route but takes nearly 15 hours and costs roughly $100, far more than a flight and usually more than the train. If you need to take a bus, consider using the low-cost Avlo train to get from Barcelona to Madrid, and then taking a bus for the second leg of the trip to Seville.

When Is the Best Time to Travel to Seville?

In springtime, Seville has some of the best weather in Spain and a full calendar of events to keep visitors entertained. First, activities for Semana Santa take place during the week leading up to Easter Sunday, which usually falls during the end of March or early April. Two weeks later is the biggest annual event of the city, the Feria de Abril de Sevilla , or the Seville Fair. During the last week of April and the first week of May, the entire city erupts with typical sevillana dancing, bars serving locally-made sherry, and huge concerts in the streets that are open to all. It's also the busiest time to visit, and hotels during Semana Santa and the Seville Fair are often reserved up to an entire year in advance.

Summer is also a popular travel time, but be warned that Seville—along with the rest of Southern Spain —is usually sweltering from June to August, with average temperatures hovering around 97 degrees Fahrenheit (36 degrees Celsius).

What's the Most Scenic Route to Seville?

The best way to enjoy the landscape and charming Spanish pueblos is to drive, and there are two main routes you can take from Barcelona to Seville that take roughly the same amount of time. If you want to stop in Madrid—which sits in the dead center of the country—you'll have to go through Spain's flat and tedious interior. If you don't mind missing out on the Spanish capital, driving south from Barcelona along the coast is much more scenic. You'll pass through Valencia (a perfect place to make a pitstop for a night or two) and then cut west, driving through the endless orchards of olive trees that are ubiquitous in Southern Spain.

Can I Use Public Transportation to Travel From the Airport?

Once you arrive at Seville Airport (SQV), you can use bus line EA to get from the airport directly to the city center in about 35 minutes, with stops at major points such as Santa Justa train station and the Plaza de Armas. The bus runs 365 days a year from about 5:30 a.m. until 1 a.m. If you're arriving late at night or prefer to use a cab, a taxi ride to the center takes about 15–20 minutes and prices start at about $23.

What Is There to Do in Seville?

Seville is the capital of and largest city in the Andalusia region of Spain, home to Spanish staples such as flamenco dancing and classic tapa bars. The Barrio Santa Cruz neighborhood is the heart of the city, where the cobblestone streets are lined with Sevillian orange trees and colorful patios. Within walking distance from this neighborhood are the Seville Cathedral and the Real Alcázar, both of which are mandatory stops for anyone visiting the city for the first time. Start the evening at one of the city's many tapa bars for a cold beer, Spanish wine, or a glass of locally-produced sherry, all of which will be accompanied by small appetizers of specialty dishes. Later in the evening—Spanish dinner time starts around 9 p.m. or later—enjoy your meal while listening to Spanish guitar and watching a live flamenco performance , a show that is sure to leave you speechless.

There is a high-speed train that is direct and takes about five and a half hours. Be sure to reserve tickets several weeks in advance.

The distance between the two cities is about 620 miles.

The scenic 10-hour drive takes you along the Mediterranean coast and olive tree orchards.

How to Get from City to City in Spain

How to Get From Madrid to Toledo by Train, Bus, and Car

How to Travel From Seville to Cordoba by Train, Bus, and Car

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The Sunny Spanish City That's Known for Flamenco Dancing Has Tasty Tapas, Striking Landmarks, and Elegant Boutique Hotels

Here's what you need to know before visiting Seville.

Lindsay Cohn is a writer, editor, and avid traveler who has visited 45 countries across six continents — and counting. She contributes to Travel + Leisure, Hotels Above Par, InsideHook, Well+Good, The Zoe Report, and more.

• Best Hotels & Resorts

Best Things to Do

Best restaurants, best time to visit, how to get there, neighborhoods to visit, how to get around.

Rory Fuller/Travel + Leisure

There are many reasons to visit Andalusia, but none are more compelling than its vibrant riverside capital. Originally founded by the Romans and later conquered by the Moors, Seville is rich in cultural traditions. “As one of the most significant Atlantic ports on the Iberian Peninsula dating back to ancient times, its monumental heritage creates an amazing combination of history, beauty, and food for travelers to enjoy,” says Alvaro Carmona , a ToursByLocals guide based in Seville.

Elegant and endlessly attractive, the city displays almost constant reminders of its time under Moorish rule with striking landmarks such as the Royal Alcázar of Seville (one of the most beautiful places to visit in Spain ) and La Giralda as standouts. Seville is the birthplace of flamenco with many famous venues for visitors to take a lesson or catch a show. It’s also the storied backdrop for over 100 operas — among them "Carmen," "The Barber of Seville," and "Don Juan de Mañara" — and has some world-class museums. The tapestry of influences, abundance of regional products, and immense local talent translate to a culinary scene that rivals the many epicurean power players throughout the country. Plus, the Mediterranean climate means sunshine, blue skies, and warm weather throughout the year — so it’s always a good time for sightseeing and enjoying a glass of wine or sherry at an alfresco café.

Whether you're looking to tour UNESCO sites or sample tasty tapas (probably both, right?), use this guide full of recommendations from local insiders to plan the perfect trip to Seville.

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• See a flamenco show. 
• Marvel at the Royal Alcázar of Seville.
• Climb La Giralda for panoramic views.
• Do a tapas tour. 
• Stay at Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seville.

Best Hotels & Resorts

Courtesy of Nobu Hotel Seville

Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seville

What did the king of Spain do when he needed to host international dignitaries during the 1929 Ibero-American Exhibition? He commissioned a grand hotel befitting his high-status guests, of course. Nearly a century later, Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seville remains a symbol of grandeur and glamour that easily goes toe-to-toe with the most spectacular stays in Barcelona and Madrid.

Nobu Seville

The new Nobu Seville brings its signature sense of Japanese minimalism to Plaza San Francisco. While loyalists will find all the Nobu classics — black cod, rock shrimp tempura, and toro tartare with caviar — the 25-key property also exudes a soulful sense of place thanks to traditional Andalusian touches and a rooftop terrace with a guest-only plunge pool, leafy gardens, and sweeping city views.

Hotel Mercer Seville

Ever dreamt of snoozing in a palace? Situated inside the former Casa Palacio Castelar in the heart of the El Arenal quarter, Hotel Mercer Seville is full of history. The refined boutique atmosphere and relaxing suites complete with oak floors, crisp linens, and high ceilings make it an ideal place to unwind after visits to nearby Nueva Square and Real Maestranza Bullring.

Hotel Palacio de Villapanes

Originally built by Admiral López-Pintado in 1729 and later the residence of the Marquis of Villapanés and his descendants, Hotel Palacio de Villapanes still reflects its roots as a Baroque mansion. The tiled central courtyard with a fountain, leafy plants, and arched columns commands focus. Not to be outdone, noble suites show off immense carved wooden doors, high ceilings, and Philippe Starck-designed tubs.

Radisson Collection Hotel, Magdalena Plaza Sevilla

For something a bit more modern, check into the Radisson Collection Hotel, Magdalena Plaza Sevilla . The brand’s first outpost in Spain blends clean lines and local character. Blue velvet accent chairs evoke the Andalusian sky, while plants nod to the many leafy squares and gardens around the city. “It’s also well positioned in the shopping area and very close to many top tourist attractions,” adds Carmona.

Tour the Royal Alcázar of Seville.

The first thing on the to-do list for many travelers coming to Seville? A visit to the UNESCO-listed Royal Alcázar of Seville, a stunning architectural masterpiece and historic royal palace crowned by ornamental tile work, carvings, and artwork that grew out of a 10th-century citadel.

Rory Fuller/Travel + Leisure

Visit the Seville Cathedral.

The impressive Seville Cathedral is the largest Gothic Christian church in the world. Size aside, it’s breathtakingly beautiful and also boasts the iconic La Giralda, which was originally constructed as a minaret for the Great Mosque of Seville and later converted into a bell tower.

See a flamenco show.

“No trip to Seville is complete without experiencing the passion and intensity of a traditional Flamenco show,” says Antonio Morilla, head concierge at Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seville . La Casa del Flamenco and Tablao Flamenco El Arenal are some of the most famous theaters to watch the Andalusian dance.

Learn about Spanish history at the Archivo General de Indias.

Occupying a stately 16th-century merchant guild building, Archivo de Indias is an archive dedicated to the history of the “New World.” It holds more than 80 million pages of documents, photographs, drawings, and diaries from the likes of Columbus, Cortés, and Pizarro.

Ayhan Altun/Getty Images

Stroll through the Plaza de España.

Designed by Sevillian architect Aníbal González for the Ibero-America Exhibition of 1929, Plaza de España is one of Seville's crown jewels. The famous plaza comprises magnificent buildings that marry elements from art deco, Spanish Renaissance Revival, Spanish Baroque Revival, and Neo-Mudéjar architectural styles, plus a large fountain, canals, and tile-accented bridges.

Irina Shatilova/Getty Images

Michelin-starred Cañabota draws admiration from diners and critics alike. “It’s well-regarded for its modern versions of classic Sevillian seafood dishes and fantastic wine list,” says Morilla. Pro tip: Grab a seat at the counter to watch the masterful cooking up close.

Abantal is an elegant Michelin-starred restaurant that’s famous for its refined, flavorful cuisine. Head chef Julio Fernández combines Andalusian cooking traditions, innovative techniques, and high-quality local ingredients into incredible gastronomic tasting menus. It’s worth splurging on the wine pairing.

Sobretablas

Helmed by chef Camila Ferraro and sommelier Robert Tetas, Sobretablas celebrates the bounty of Andalusia in exciting and elevated ways. The cuisine puts a contemporary twist on classic regional recipes and pairs perfectly with the selection of natural and organic wines.

Bodeguita Romero

Out-of-towners and locals rub elbows over jamón ibérico, bull tail stew, and smoked sardine toast, plus Spanish wine and sherry, at Bodeguita Romero , a buzzy tapas bar in El Arenal that often has a line around the block. Carmona calls it “an essential stop in Seville.”

La Cochera del Abuelo

Tucked inside an 18th-century carriage house, La Cochera del Abuelo feels warm and intimate. The food very much matches the homey atmosphere. The curated menu changes regularly, so there’s always something new yet deliciously familiar to tickle your tastebuds.

With more than 3,000 sunny hours annually, Seville is really beautiful every day of the year. Carmona favors the beginning of spring when more than 40,000 bitter orange trees flower at the same time. “It’s simply magical!”

Seville Airport (SVQ) sits just six miles from the city center. It mainly receives domestic flights, so most travelers connect through Madrid. “If you're coming from another Spanish city, particularly the capital, taking the train is a great option. The high-speed trains (AVE) are very comfortable, reliable, and fast, allowing you to reach Seville from Madrid in approximately 2.5 hours,” explains Morilla.

The old Jewish quarter is known for its narrow, winding streets lined with whitewashed houses, picturesque plazas, and the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Royal Alcázar of Seville, the Seville Cathedral, La Giralda, and the Flamenco Museum.

“Located on the west bank of the Guadalquivir River, El Arenal offers a vibrant atmosphere, historic buildings, and cultural attractions such as the Maestranza Bullring and the Torre del Oro. According to Morilla, it’s also a great neighborhood for tapas and nightlife.

Flamenco was born in Triana, and the residential neighborhood is still a great place to see a show. “The incredible views over the city center, the ceramic workshops, and the many bars also make it a wonderful area to spend time on a trip to Seville,” says Carmona.

Seville was plotted out long before the invention of cars, when people used to walk and ride horses. “In my opinion, strolling around is the best way to slowly savor the beauty of the many squares, churches, gardens, museums, landmarks, and bars,” says Carmona.

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The Ultimate Road Trip From Granada to Seville

The road trip from Granada to Seville – two of Spain ‘s greatest cities – takes you through the heart of Andalusia, home to stunning mountain landscapes, perfect picnic spots, and the regions’s most famous pueblo blanco . Here’s our route for the ultimate road trip between these two iconic spots.

Granada: albaicín and sacromonte.

While in Granada, spend a morning exploring its most enchanting neighbourhoods – the former Moorish quarter of Albaicín and the gypsy-flamenco caves of Sacromonte. Albaicín is a maze of cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and pretty squares that extends up the hillside opposite the Alhambra. It requires a little exertion to reach the top of Albaicín, especially in spring or summer, but it will be energy well expended: the views of the Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada mountains from its most popular square, the Mirador San Nicolás, are some of the best in the city.

From the gypsy neighbourhood of Sacromonte , you can look above the ramshackle rooftops of Albaicín towards the Alhambra. Time has stood still in this rustic barrio: many locals still live in dappled white caves carved out of the rock, in which impromptu flamenco gatherings are held long into the night. Other homes have been patched together out of scrap metal, wood and cloth, with old buckets serving as bathrooms. This is Granada’s flamenco barrio , where you are always within earshot of the art’s distinctive, haunting sounds. About halfway along the neighbourhood’s ‘main’ street is Bar Pibe , the terrace of which is a great spot from which to admire the Alhambra.

Antequera: the heart of Andalusia

From Granada, it’s less than an hour along the A92 motorway (along which Seville is clearly signposted) to the beautiful town of Antequera, known as ‘the heart of Andalusia’ due to its location in the centre of the province. Situated almost exactly halfway between Granada and Seville, its 14th century Moorish Alcazaba – resembling a mini-Alhambra – sits at the top of the historic center’s tightly-packed white houses and beautiful old churches. It also boasts a collection of southern Spain’s greatest historical monuments – the Menga and Viera dolmens and the Tholos of El Romeral . These Neolithic and Bronze age tombs are some of the most significant surviving instances of European Megalithism.

El Chorro and the Caminito Del Rey

After Antequera, some of Málaga’s most stunning scenery can be enjoyed from the mountain roads that take you to El Chorro (about a 50-minute drive; follow signs to Campillos when leaving Antequera). This beautiful area of turquoise lakes and pine forests is popular for bathing and picnicking, but its most famous (or perhaps notorious) attraction is the Caminito del Rey walk, for which you should set aside about three hours. And don’t eat a big lunch or breakfast before doing it.

This stomach-churning three feet (0.91 meter)-wide pathway , runs alongside the cliffs of El Chorro 300 feet (91.4 meters) above the river below. It was built between 1901-1905 to connect the region’s two hydroelectric plants, gradually deteriorating through lack of use and eventually closed by local councils in 2000. But in March 2015, after a stunning €2.7 million renovation, it was reopened and is now one of the region’s star attractions. Adventure lovers will relish the Caminito’s two cliffside sections (the latter of which is quite hair-raising), which are separated by a lovely walk through El Chorro’s stunning fauna and woodland. Top tip: if you have an aversion to heights, do yourself a favour and don’t look down.

A one-hour drive through more of Andalusia’s most humbling landscapes takes you to the clifftop town of Ronda. Were it not perched on two sides of a 330 feet (100 meter)-deep gorge, Ronda would probably be overlooked by many visitors to southern Spain. But its beautiful and terrifying New Bridge, built in the 18th century to join up Ronda’s two halves, is an architectural masterpiece that has made this quiet little town the third most visited destination in Andalusia. The narrow streets of its old Moorish quarter, La Ciudad (‘The Town’) and the newish part known as El Mercadillo (‘The Little Market’) – which cling to the south and north sides of El Tajo canyon respectively – are lined with elegant townhouses adorned with yellow-framed doorways and windows, and hanging pots of bright geraniums. Ronda is also the birthplace of modern bullfighting, and its stately 18th century bullring is the town’s other key attraction.

Seville: Santa Cruz and Triana

The last leg of your road trip, from Ronda to the Andalusian capital of Seville, will take just under two hours. Around the central plaza on which Seville’s mighty cathedral squats is the characterful old Jewish neighbourhood of Santa Cruz . In this maze of narrow cobbled streets and achingly romantic squares are to be found some of the city’s best tapas bars and flamenco joints, but just to wander around Santa Cruz (and almost certainly getting lost, if it’s your first time) is an experience in itself. Be sure to stroll down the enchanting Calle Agua (‘Water Street’) and check out the square it leads onto, Plaza Alfaro. This square, it is said, is home to a building that inspired the balcony scene in Romeo and Juliet .

Finally, it would be a crime to visit Seville and not spend a leisurely morning or afternoon exploring Triana, the city’s former gypsy quarter. From its pretty streets have come some of the most influential bullfighters of the last couple of centuries – including the legendary Juan Belmonte, one of the greatest matadors in the history of bullfighting. Triana is packed with traditional tapas bars, decorated with old bullfighting posters and weeping Virgin Marys. It is also known for lovely handmade ceramics, which attractively adorn the walls of its old, whitewashed houses, and one of Seville’s best and most lively markets, the Mercado de Triana . Built on the site of a medieval castle, this colourful cluster of fruit, veg and meat stalls is also a great place to stop and toast the completion of your 200-mile (322-km) road trip with some fried fish and a cold one.

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3 Night Amalfi Coast Road Trip: Perfect Itinerary (+ Parking)

by Chelsea Newman

Just over an hour by car from the chaotic streets of Naples , the Amalfi Coast is famed for its picturesque cliffs, sparkling waters, and charming seaside towns, but its history is also very interesting. The town of Amalfi was established as a trading post in the 2nd century CE (you read that right!) and played an important role as an independent republic in the 10th and 11th centuries. It was later absorbed into the powerful Kingdom of Sicily. Since the 19th century, Amalfi and the surrounding coastal towns have been an inspiration for artists and a destination for travelers from all over, especially those looking to take an Amalfi Coast road trip through its gorgeous landscapes and towns.

All of the towns in this itinerary are very small, which means that the best way to experience them is to just wander around. In our ultimate guide to an Amalfi Coast road trip, we give you tips on where to eat, where to park, and some key points of interest. Andiamo !

Table of Contents

Day 1: Positano and Praiaino

First stop is the stunning town of Positano, with multicolor houses that stretch up the rocky hillside. Positano has a pebbly beach where you can admire the town’s architecture. Nearby Fornillo beach is worth a look as well. There’s a lovely short walk that connects Fornillo beach to the main town. Swanky hotel Le Sirenuse gives a view of the town from above.

Where to eat in Positano

Heads up! Positano prices are off the charts. To save money, grab a panino from Eudoteca Cuomo ( Via dei Mulini, 3 ). Adamo ed Eva in Hotel Eden Roc offers great fresh fish and one of the most spectacular views in the town. Il Ritrovo is a family owned restaurant in the hills that you can reach by car or with a shuttle from the center of Positano.

Where to park in Positano

Parking in Positano is notoriously expensive and difficult to find. The main parking areas can be found on Google Maps, and we recommend calling ahead—sometimes they let you reserve a space. If you want to avoid parking in Positano altogether, drive up to the gorgeous tiny village of Nocelle, which has free street parking and a bus (a 20 minute ride) that goes down to Positano. Make sure to check the hours on the website.

Insider’s tip: parking along the Amalfi Coast

If you happen to see a street spot anywhere on the coast bordered by white lines, you can park there for free. Just make sure there’s no sign nearby that says solo residenti (residents only). If the parking space borders on the street are blue, you can park there as long as you pay the meter. 

After spending the morning and eating in Positano, drive the 25 minutes to Praiaino, stopping at any and all lookout points along the way to enjoy the view. Praiano is a less dense, less chaotic cliff town with winding streets that lead down to the beach. We recommend visiting the small but beautiful church of San Luca Evangelista. If you have time before sunset, climb up the stairs to see breathtaking views from the famous hiking trail Path of the Gods ( Sentiero degli Dei ). The entrance is on Via Costantinopoli. Just make sure you don’t go too far on the trail, and come down before it gets dark.

Where to eat in Praiano

Two delicious dinner options are Ristorante Franchino and Da Armandino . Ristorante Franchino serves up high quality seafood on a gorgeous terrace. Da Armandino is located in a unique location—right on the beach! Try their seafood risotto.

Where to park in Praiano

Most hotels and B&Bs have access to parking spots, so make sure you ask when you reserve your room. Asking your lodging about overnight parking is the best way to find secure spots.

Day 2: Amalfi and Ravello

On day two you’ll drive about 30 minutes from Praiano to Amalfi. The cathedral of Amalfi is breathtaking from the outside, and it’s definitely worth paying the three euro entrance fee to visit the church and the complex inside. The town itself is small but full of tiny side streets for wandering and people watching. 

Where to eat in Amalfi

For lunch, immerse yourself in nature at Agricola Fore Porta . It’s an organic farm that serves up a daily menu of the freshest ingredients. The walk there and back from the town of Amalfi is also lovely. Don’t want to leave the center of Amalfi? Head to La Bottega dei Ferrari for a custom panino ( P.za dei Dogi, 24 ). Or for a sit-down meal, Taverna degli Apostoli ( Via Sant’Anna Piccola, 5 ) makes mouth watering fresh pasta. Expect high prices for the central location in Amalfi, though.

Where to park in Amalfi

One of the cheapest rates in Amalfi is Luna Rossa ( Via Pantaleone Comite, 35 ). Most parking lots charge around 4-6 euro per hour. If they try to charge you more, go to the next place!

After lunch, drive up to Ravello (about 15 minutes) for the afternoon and sunset. The town nestled in the hills has one of the most picturesque central piazzas on the coast. It’s also home to several villas that you can visit. We recommend going to the gardens of Villa Cimbrione , especially in the springtime. It has a must-see terrace called Terrazzo dell’Infinito. Catch the sunset there, if you can! Because of high prices, we recommend looking for lodging in the downhill town of Minori.

Where to eat in Ravello

Ravello is unfortunately full of tourist traps. There is a wonderful gelato place, though: visit Baffone Gelato ( Via Roma, 48 ) for an afternoon pick-me-up. We recommend getting dinner directly in Minori at the very cute restaurant Giardinello ( C.so Vittorio Emanuele, 17 ).

Where to park in Ravello

The Oscar Niemeyer Auditorium and the Duomo car park are the best parking options in Ravello, and charge 2-3 euro per hour.

Day 3: Minori, Maiori, and Vietri sul Mare

The towns of Minori and Maiori are connected by a scenic walking path, called the Path of the Lemons. After exploring the town of Minori in the morning, we recommend hiking this beautiful path, which takes 1-2 hours and has some charming places to stop along the way, offering lemonade and refreshments. The path is well marked and paved, but beware: there are over 400 stairs. You can eat lunch along the path or in Maiori.

Maiori is like a larger version of Minori—a charming and lively little coastal town, much less touristy than Positano and Amalfi. Take the main road to return to Minori from Maiori. It’s only a 15 minute walk.

Where to park in Minori

Via Pioppi is where you’re most likely to find street parking. If you don’t find it there, try the garage Parcheggio Pioppi ( Via Pioppi, 8 ). When in doubt, always ask your place of lodging for tips.

Where to eat in Minori and Maiori

For breakfast, dessert, or a snack any time of the day, you can’t miss Pasticceria Sal di Riso . It’s by far the best and most well-known pastry shop on the coast. Many of their sweets feature flavorful lemons from the surrounding areas. 

On the Path of the Lemons, you’ll find Cuonc Cuonc (Via torre s.n.c), a small farm with a terrace restaurant serving hyper-local plates. 

In Maiori, the best place for a budget lunch is Antica Salumeria del Corso ( Corso Reginna, 71) .

In the afternoon make the 35-minute drive to Vietri sul Mare, a town famous for its artisanal ceramics. This is the best place on this itinerary to pick up souvenirs! 

Wandering around the town, you’ll see ceramic tiles covering many of the walls and surfaces. The town itself is like a living piece of ceramic art. Around sunset, head to a lookout point at Corso Umberto 14 for a peaceful view in a small piazza.

Where to park in Vietri sul Mare

Piazza Matteotti ( Corso Umberto Iᵒ ) has public parking, but it’s quite a small lot. You may be able to find street parking around that area, though.

Where to eat in Vietri sul Mare

Il Principe e La Civetta is a restaurant that’ll finish off your trip on a high note. For a treat, try their fish carpaccio, served on a block of himalayan pink salt with fresh fruit. 

Amalfi Coast Road Trip FAQ

What’s the best time of year to take this road trip.

The best months to experience an Amalfi Coast road trip is by driving along its winding roads during April, May, September, and October. The Amalfi coast is beautiful year round, but the season officially starts on April 1st, and runs through to November. Many shops and restaurants close during the winter. During the summer the coast is filled with beachgoers and tourists (which means traffic) and the temperatures can get a bit hot for sightseeing. 

Can I visit these towns without a car?

No car? No problem. Check out our guide on how to get around the Amalfi Costs by Bus, Ferry, and Train .

How was this road trip designed?

This Amalfi Coast road trip has been curated to show you how to best experience this picturesque corner of Italy in just three nights. Packed with interesting things to do and gorgeous towns to visit, this area is incredibly easy to move around by car or motorbike. So get your motor going, head out on the highway, and enjoy everything that’s waiting for you in the gorgeous Amalfi Coast.

Where do you recommend staying in Naples?

Not only is the Amalfi Coast an amazing place to visit, its very near other amazing places to visit. If you have the time, Naples is very close. Need some hotel options? We’ve got you covered there as well—check out our list of the best hotels in Naples .

About the author

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Seville to Barcelona drive

Seville to barcelona road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Seville to Barcelona. If you're planning a road trip to Barcelona, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

10:00 am  start in Seville drive for about 1.5 hours

11:32 am   Cordoba (Spain) eat at Taberna Luque stay for about 1.5 hours and leave at 1:02 pm drive for about 1 hour

2:16 pm   Jaén stay for about 1 hour and leave at 3:16 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

4:51 pm   Ciudad Real stay for about 1 hour and leave at 5:51 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

day 1 driving ≈ 6 hours

10:00 am  leave from Villarrobledo drive for about 2 hours

11:45 am   Requena stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:45 pm drive for about 2 hours

2:50 pm   Peniscola stay for about 1 hour and leave at 3:50 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

5:20 pm   Tarragona stay for about 1 hour and leave at 6:20 pm drive for about 1 hour

7:30 pm  arrive in Barcelona eat at Ciudad Condal stay at W Barcelona

day 2 driving ≈ 6.5 hours

Where should I stop along the way?

Cordoba (Spain)   (74 answers)     Cathedral-Mosque of Córdoba   (10 mentions)     Córdoba   (6 mentions)     Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos   (2 mentions)     restaurants around Cordoba (Spain):         Taberna Luque     questions about Cordoba (Spain):         Only have a couple of hours to explore Cordoba? Jaén   (3 mentions) Ciudad Real Villarrobledo Requena Peniscola   (6 answers) Tarragona   (12 answers)     Port Aventura   (2 mentions)

Where's the best place to stay in Barcelona?

Are you going straight to a hotel, or looking for a vacation rental or Airbnb?

The best resource on neighborhoods, areas, and hotels is the Trippy page on where to stay in Barcelona .

If you're looking for a quick answer, you can check out W Barcelona , which was mentioned 10 times on Trippy.

Here are some more hotels people talk about:

Want to research more popular hotels in Barcelona? Click the blue button below.

Where's the best place to eat in Barcelona?

Need some recommendations on somewhere to get food?

Trippy members suggest Ciudad Condal , which was mentioned 18 times.

Here are some more restaurants people talk about:

Want to research more popular restaurants in Barcelona? Click the blue button below.

What are some things to do in Barcelona?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

These are some of the places people talk about on Trippy:

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

For example, here are some questions people have asked about Barcelona. Click on any question to see answers from the community!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to Barcelona.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Barcelona to Seville drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Seville to Barcelona . Or get a full Seville to Barcelona flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend.

And if you know Seville well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Seville!

More info on this route:

road conditions from Seville to Barcelona

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