Driving in Spain

Top road trips

Driving in Spain

From the Romans to the Moors, Spain has held host to many peoples through the ages, and each has left their own cultural and architectural marks on a country already boasting a varied and natural beauty.

To see such a place in all its glory, there is surely no better way to do so than by getting behind the wheel and hitting the open road - so we have put together a list of some of the best road-trips in Spain!

Picos de Europa

The Picos de Europa are the pride of the North of Spain. A range of grey mountains bursting from the lush green of the region, they are home to a set of incredible winding roads that every driving enthusiast has just got to try.

Around the region you can head to Potes, a small town founded by the Romans in the 9th century. Of particular note is the San Vicente, a towering gothic church that looms over the town’s winding, medieval lanes.

The coastal run

For those of you who can never be too far from the beach, a road-trip from Barcelona to Valencia is a fantastic way to drive down the coast of the Balearic sea on the East side of the peninsula.

Image by Cintxa 

On the way, be sure to stop off at Tarragona, where the port-city’s Amfiteatre Romà, a 2nd century Roman arena, still faces the sea to this day.

When you arrive in Valencia, head to the beach of El Saler, beautiful for its natural, wild state.

The southern triangle

The south of Spain does not only hold ransom to some of the best beaches in the country, but it also has three of the most historic and beautiful cities - Córdoba, Seville and Granada.

Spain’s long and changing history cannot be illustrated much better than in Córdoba, where a Catholic cathedral from the 1600s stands in the very centre of La Mezquita, a mosque dating back to 1,000 years before the cathedral. Take in the sites of this historic city before moving onto Granada.

Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, your approach to Granada will feel like an epic journey - but even this will pale in comparison to the Alhambra, the incredible hilltop palace and fortress built by the Moors. If planning your road-trip during a holiday period, make sure to book your tickets to the Alhambra well in advance!

Image by Adam Jones, Ph.D. 

After coming to terms with the beauty of the Moorish palace, head west towards Seville, the capital of the Andalucian region. It is also arguably the capital of flamenco, so a show while here is an absolute must. During the day, a boat ride around the breathtaking Plaza de España and walks through the old Triana district are a great way to take in the atmosphere of the city.

Just moved to Spain?

If you have just moved to Spain and are looking to tour around your new country in your car, you are going to want to make sure you are fully prepared. This means making sure your car is registered to drive in Spain and that you are fully insured. Some insurers such as Línea Directa offer an English phone service  to provide you with all the information you need to help you on your way.

So what are you waiting for? Hit the open roads of Spain today!

Further reading

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