The best road trips in Spain: these are the routes you’ll want to drive in 2025.

The best road trips in Spain: these are the routes you’ll want to drive in 2025
Picture this: a road trip through the most beautiful spots in Spain. A shining sun, windows down, your favorite playlist, and that stunning landscape—who wouldn’t want that? We all do, right? Well, I have good news: Spain seems made for road trips. From Andalusia to the Costa Brava, you’ll find unique routes all over the country. Let’s take a look at some of the most beautiful ones. So, seatbelts on, and vamos.
The ultimate road trip route along the Costa Brava
With about 246 kilometers, you’ll want to allocate a few days for this route along the Costa Brava, but trust me, it’s worth it. We’ll start just below this famous coast, in Barcelona. A mini city trip before hitting the road is always a great idea. After exploring the big city, the first stop is Sant Feliu de Guíxols, a seaside town known for its numerous viewpoints offering the best views over the landscape. If you veer off the coastline, you can make a stop in the city of Girona, where you definitely shouldn’t miss the iconic cathedral and the Arab baths. El Celler de Can Roca restaurant is also a must-try, but make sure to book months in advance. The next part of the route is a must-visit for art lovers: the Dalinian Triangle. In the three villages of Figueres, Portlligat, and Púbol, you can discover everything about the Spanish painter Dalí, including the houses where he once lived. To make the most of the trip, the route ends in Cadaqués. This small fishing village inspired many artists, so who knows what creative ideas you’ll return home with.
The most beautiful road trip through Andalusia: from Malaga to Sevilla
When you say Spain, you say Costa del Sol. That’s also where the ideal Andalusian adventure begins. The exact starting point: Malaga. From my own experience, I can say it’s a beautiful city. Plan your trip for mid-August if you can; if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to experience the Feria de Málaga, a traditional celebration that’s a unique experience. Now, back to the route. It heads inland, where you must stop in Granada to visit the Alhambra, the old palace and citadel of the Nasrid dynasty. Be sure to book your tickets in advance; while the palace is stunning from the outside, it’s even better to peek inside. Continuing through Córdoba, the route leads to the Andalusian capital: Sevilla. This city offers a thousand things to see, and in between, you can enjoy some real tapas. What more could you want?
Discover Northern Spain with a road trip
Now, moving from the south of Spain, let’s head all the way to the north. While it rains a bit more here than in other parts of the country, this has its advantages. The landscapes are greener, and during a shower, you’ll be nice and dry in the car. A perfect starting point for discovering this part of Spain is San Sebastián. This coastal city is a must for foodies, as it boasts the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants per square meter in Europe. The next stop will delight my fellow TV series fans. On the northern coast lies the island of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, one of the filming locations for Game of Thrones. Amidst the large rocks, you’ll feel like you’re in the series. Back on the route, you’ll come across Playa del Sardinero, Santander, the Picos de Europa mountains, and Oviedo. Together, these stops form the perfect combination of nature, beaches, and charming old cities. To wrap up the road trip in a truly special way, you can also walk a part of the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Naturally, that part should be done on foot.
Road tripping in Castilla y León: the perfect route
We can’t skip the heart of Spain either. The best way to explore this area is with a route from Madrid to Salamanca. Just like Barcelona, you can start your vacation a little earlier with a mini city trip to Madrid. After exploring the capital, it’s finally time to begin the route. The first stop is Segovia, a city known for its Roman aqueduct, Gothic cathedral, and the 12th-century Alcázar of Segovia castle. The next stop takes you deeper into Spain’s history. In the city of Ávila, you’ll find the most Gothic and Romanesque churches in the whole country. For perfect vacation photos, head to the last stop. The university town of Salamanca is also called the Golden City. This is because the honey-colored sandstone walls light up in golden hues later in the day. It’s one giant golden hour.
Ibiza by car: the most beautiful route on the island
Now that we’ve covered most of Spain, Ibiza, of course, shouldn’t be missed. With a car, you can perfectly explore the island, and you’ll discover that there’s much more to it than the parties at Ushuaïa. To catch a bit of the glamour, start the route from Ibiza town to Ses Salines beach. While enjoying a cocktail, you might even spot a celeb. A bit more peace and quiet can be found when you drive further to Sa Caleta. This beach is hidden among impressive red cliffs, and you can enjoy delicious food at the traditional seafood restaurants. Another totally different experience awaits you at Cala d’Hort. From here, you’ll see the mystical island of Es Vedrà rise above the sea. This spot has been known for UFO sightings and other extraordinary things, but even without that, it’s a unique view to end your trip.

Source: Lonely Planet