Best Road Trips to Take in Spain

With its quality infrastructure, limited highway traffic and picturesque oceanfront drives, Spain’s cities and towns are easily accessible by car. Here are some of the best road trips to take in Spain.

The vibrant city of Malaga is the perfect base for a roadtrip along the coast and surrounding regions. The Andalusia port city, located on the southern Costa del Sol, offers a diverse mix of history, art, nightlife and natural beauty. Pick up a rental car and drive along the coast, stop at Nerja beach, take a hike in Sierra Nevada National Park and visit the 10^th-century fortresses in the port city of Almería. End your drive at the stunning and often deserted beaches of Cabo de Gata.

From Malaga, head to the unique rock formations near the quaint village of Antequera, where you’ll find cobblestone streets, beautiful churches and charming cafés. For a daytrip, drive to the Alhambra. Instead of taking the highway, opt for the old road to Granada, a windy road through vineyards, rustic homes and mountains.

Next on the map is Merida and the surrounding region of Extremadura, ideal destinations for history lovers and those looking for an off-the-beaten path experience. This relatively obscure destination allows travelers to immerse themselves in the local Spanish culture while avoiding the crowds, and the region’s dramatic landscapes make for scenic drives.

San Sebastian, a seaside paradise in Basque Country, is another great driving destination. Named Spain’s Capital of Culture in 2016, San Sebastian boasts pristine beaches, hiking trails and long-standing culinary traditions, including some of the best tapas in Spain. Visit Playa de la Concha via the Atlantic Highway, which forms a thread around the picturesque Bay of Biscay.