Kan Dail
A summer road trip in Spain, does anything sound better? The weather is perfect, the roads are in excellent condition compared to some countries (the UK), and the scenery is incredible. The drivers might be crazy, but as long as you adopt the Spanish driver’s mindset, you’ll be fine. This video explains that more.
Now is the perfect time to plan your Spanish road trip. While you’re still dreaming of better weather, longer days, and warmer nights, put all your wishes into action by drawing up the perfect itinerary for your time abroad.
Read on for some tips for the best locations.
Costa Brava
The Costa Brava is a stunning part of Spain. The Pyrenees touching the Mediterranean is an unbeatable setting – that’s why we’ve put it first. The land of contrasts effortlessly. And what’s better, the medieval and almost untouched towns are part of the true culture of Spain. There’s no ‘mainstreamness’ in some of the towns in Costa Brava.
Drive through winding roads for glimpses of hidden beaches and secret coves, making each stop an invitation to explore and discover – it’s an Instagram post in the making. For that reason, you’ll want to set aside plenty of time for pulling in, photographing yourself in hashtag-dreamy locations, and making sure your ‘fit of the day is on point.
The coastal towns of Cadaqués and Tossa de Mar are well worth putting on your stop-off list. Find a local spot for lunch, take a late afternoon stroll down the shoreline, and enjoy some of the very best that Spain has to offer.
Andalusia
You can classify Andalusia as the soul of Spain. You’re guaranteed to have fun travelling through it. It’s a region where every road tells a story. From the haunting allure of the Alhambra in Granada to the vibrant streets of Seville, a road trip through Andalusia is a journey through Spain’s past. All of the places you’ll find in Andalusia are rated the best places to visit in Spain, so why not drive through them?
You’ll find rolling hills dotted with olive groves, white-washed villages in the Sierra Nevada, and flamenco rhythms of Córdoba. Again, put each one of them on your stop-off list, you won’t regret it.
Castilla y León
Driving through Castilla y León is like going through history. You have to respect the traditions here – it hasn’t been modernised like other areas of Spain. Remember your ‘por favors and gracias’.
This region is the heartland of Spain. It’s full of castles, cathedrals, and ancient cities. Each echoes tales of the old school in Spain. Again, ‘mainstream’ areas like the Costa Blanca are slowly lacking this.
The city of Segovia, with its iconic Roman aqueduct and the historic walls of Ávila, is well worth putting on your stop-off list. This is a great place to stock up on postcards for your friends back home – just be prepared for them to get a little jealous.
The Basque Country
The Basque Country is really unique. And the food here is the best, so how much driving you do is debatable.
Still, if you drive along the rugged coastline, sample pintxos (small tapas) in the bustling bars of San Sebastián. Or you can explore the vineyards of La Rioja, where the wine is as rich as the culture. Believe it or not, this is where Rioja wine originates – you’ll drink the best of the best.
Canary Islands
This article wouldn’t be correct without a mention of the Canary Islands. The lunar landscapes of Lanzarote are some of the best. The vistas of La Palma offer a unique driving experience – they’re also some of the best. In fact, it’s all some of the best. Cruise through roads that cut across volcanic terrain, ascend misty mountains, or skirt along beaches where the Atlantic whispers tales of distant lands.
Spain’s diverse landscapes, food, good weather, and everything in between make it perfect for a road trip. Each region, with its unique allure, invites you to hit the road. You can turn up the music and embark on an adventure that’s quintessentially Spanish, infinitely memorable, and unmistakably your own. Just beware of the crazy drivers and plan your route properly and you’re good to go.
Things to Do During Long Road Trips
As great as road trips are, there’s only so much looking out the passenger window anyone can take. Here are our favourite things to do between point A and point B.
- Internet Karaoke
When someone mentions karaoke, our instant thought is going to a karaoke venue and singing in front of a crowd, but that doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy karaoke with your friends if you are a hundred miles from the venue. Namely, there are plenty of apps that one can use for karaoke online, and since this is a highly amusing activity, this could be a great way to spend an hour or two on the road.
- Online Gaming
It’s easier than ever to access your favourite titles on the go. From portable consoles to phones that seemingly manage the demands of Triple-A titles with nothing but a data signal, and apps like LeoVegas Spain and Steam Mobile, you don’t need to pack the car full of decks of cards, board games, and big-ticket hardware just to game on the go. - Learning a New Language
The more languages we know, the easier it becomes to travel around the world, and there is surely at least one language that your friends and you have always wanted to learn, but you never had enough time. Well, taking a language course on your phone can be a great way to use an hour or so of your time – and learning a language can be great for your self-esteem.
Spain is a beautiful and unique country with so much to offer visitors, whether it’s your first or fiftieth time coming. Make sure your bucket list is full, your camera roll empty, and your social media waiting expectantly for your Insta-worthy shots of the places mentioned in this list.