Central Spain Road Trip

Central Spain Grand Tour is an inspiring 6-stages road trip around all the top-notch tourist attractions that can be found across Central Spain. Gothic cathedrals, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. All of that in a combination with the impeccable state of Spanish roads will make up a great driving experience that will stay in your memory for long.

The Central Spain Grand Tour starts at the Madrid Airport. At the airport, it is possible to rent a vehicle that will live up to your most demanding expectations. The flat Spanish roads will take you to such places as El Escorial, Segovia, Avila, or even Toledo. The finishing line of the ultimate stage is the Madrid Airport again. However, if you feel like continuing your adventure, you can take the public transport and travel to Madrid.

Your journey starts at the Madrid Airport. It is precisely the place where you can collect your rental vehicle.

The Madrid Airport is the starting point of the first stage. Here, you will find a number of car rental companies if you happen to be interested in this travel option. From the airport, you travel north to El Escorial, the historic residence of the King of Spain and a top-notch tourist highlight. Along the way, you admire the beautiful Spanish countryside.

In El Escorial, there exist a number of interesting attractions, apart from the royal complex, so it is recommended to see the town centre as well. After a short break in El Escorial and a tour around the local restaurants offering top-notch regional specialties, buckle up to travel to the final destination of this stage, namely Segovia. Along the way, you have the opportunity to admire such small Spanish settlements as Guadarrama, Otero de Herresos, and La Losa.

Segovia is characterised by the multitude of interesting historic buildings. These include the Segovia Cathedral, the ancient City Walls, the Alcazar of Segovia, or even a perfectly preserved Roman aqueduct. From the city centre, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you take SG-20 road and head south to Avila. Along the way, you will drive through plenty of fascinating small settlements, including Madrona and Mediana de Voltoya.

Avila, the ultimate destination of this road trip stage, is sometimes referred to as the Town of Stones and Saints. Its interesting history can be spotted in all its landmarks which are also proofs of its superb architectural merit. Take a break in the city centre and have some rest before the next stage of your road trip.

After a short stay in Avila, you travel north to the next destination of this road trip, namely the beautiful Salamanca. Along the way, you will spot numerous interesting settlements, such as Narros del Castillo, Ventos del Rio Almar, or Calvarrasa de Abajo. All of these places present unique ambiance and architecture.

Salamanca offers an intriguing insight into the Gothic Spanish architecture. It is also the country`s academic hub with a plethora of interesting entertainment venues and cultural spots. You will have an opportunity to admire the fourth oldest western university here. After a short stopover in the city centre, you can take A-66 road to travel to you next destination.

From Salamanca, you travel to Bejar located around 73 km away. Along the way, you can admire the idyllic Spanish countryside that continues as far as the horizon. You pass through such settlements as Aldeatejada, Montejo, and Pizarral. After around a 50-minute drive, you reach the next destination of your road trip the town of Bejar.

The pleasant atmosphere of Bejar will surprise even the most experienced globetrotters. After a short break, hop in your car and drive south. Take A-66 road to reach the finishing line of this stage, which is Plasencia. In the past, the town had a strategic location on the Silver Route. Over the centuries, it has developed into a quiet settlement , an ideal retreat away from the most congested Spanish streets and crowded city centres.

While in Plasencia, it is worth visiting such places as Plasencia Nova Cathedral, Consistorial House, and Monroy Palace. The lovers of history should try visiting the Aqueduct of Plasencia. You can also consider a stroll along the Jerte River. After some sightseeing, jump in your vehicle to drive east to Arenas de San Pedro.

You can take a break from your road trip to admire the small-town beauty of Arenas de San Pedro. The place`s most notable highlight is a perfectly preserved medieval castle. From Arenas de San Pedro, you take N-502 road and then turn onto A-5 road. After around 130 km of a scenic drive, you reach the final destination of this stage, the gorgeous Toledo.

Toledo is a perfect mixture of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish influences and has been hailed the City of Three Cultures. This fact can be admired while rambling along its climatic city centre. After a stroll along the streets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can continue your road trip by taking A-42 road to Aranjuez.

Aranjuez can boast a picturesque location at the confluence of two rivers, the Jarama and the Tagus. This pleasant environment will be an ideal break from long hours spent on the road. After some sightseeing in the city centre, buckle up again to reach the Madrid Airport. If you chose the vehicle rental option earlier, leave the car at the airport. This does not have to be the finishing line of your road adventure. You can use public transport, taxi, metro, or bus to reach the capital and continue your Spanish journey.

Madrid is the quintessence of Spanish culture and a true treasure trove of great urban highlights, amazing landmarks, and top-notch dining venues. It is best to start your exploration around the capital from the Old Town. Here, you will find plenty of examples of impeccable architecture and monuments that will take you on a journey to the capital`s past.

During your exploration of Madrid, consider a visit at one of its most interesting highlights the Royal Palace, along with the brilliant Royal Gardens, Plaza Mayor, which is the sophisticated capital`s urban heart, and Prado Museum, housing an extensive collection of Spanish and international masterpieces. Nearby the city centre, you will also find an intriguing Egyptian temple and the National Archaeological Museum that will please the fans of history.

We hope that our Central Spain Road Trip gave you multiple inspirations for your future travels.
The itinerary we’ve suggested can be used as a template that you can recreate in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with original attractions.
If car travel is a means of travel that you prefer, there are a number of essential road rules to follow and a bunch of things to bear in mind to turn your adventure into pleasure. These tips will also become useful for holidaymakers who are interested in car rental or renting a camper.
When you’re sightseeing around Spain, you should kept in mind the local road regulations. Alcohol is best to be avoided at any cost when Spain is your road trip destination. Holidayers ought to remember that the allowed level of alcohol in blood is low and is only 0.5‰. Exceeding the maximum allowed speed limit, which is 50km/h, around the city streets may lead to a speeding fine. If you are aiming for non-build-up areas, you cannot exceed the maximum allowed speed of 100km/h. Avoid driving faster than the permissible speed of 120km/h when driving on motorways. In order to stay safe, we recommend equipping your car with a first aid kit and fire extinguisher and driving with your headlights on during the day.
The majority of holidaymakers wonder about the costs of the whole trip. Depending on your needs, the money that you have to spend will vary. A wide range of budget options is showed below.
We estimate that the cheapest option when it comes to fuel to cover the planned 7 stages across Spain may cost around 100 EUR. Economy accommodation options will cost more or less 264 EUR. Tourists should also take into consideration the fact that they will spend approximately 216 EUR for restaurants and food in this option. Travellers will have to pay about 288 EUR if they opt for the cheapest rental car option as well. Thus, going for vehicle rental will increase the costs of the road trip from more or less 580 EUR to about 868 EUR.
Drivers who seek greater comfort and the standard option will pay roughly 125 EUR for the gasoline needed to cover the tour. Cost amounting to 462 EUR can be expected by all holidayers who are searching for standard overnight stays. Holidaymakers can expect that the standard option in terms of food and restaurants will cost approximately 288 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the tour in a standard rental car should expect a cost of around 360 EUR. Summing up the standard offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total around 1,235 EUR for holidaymakers who would like to try car rental and 875 EUR for those who are not interested in renting.
The available premium offer has been prepared for the most demanding travellers. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total approximately 2,275 EUR for drivers who are considering car hire and 875 EUR for those who do not need a rental car. Travellers who would like to cover the road trip in a premium hire vehicle can expect a cost of roughly 855 EUR. When it comes to the top standard version of the tour, you need to spend the maximum of 163 EUR to cover the planned mileage. You should expect to pay about 432 EUR for restaurants and food and roughly 825 EUR for accommodation options if you are interested in the top standard of services during your itinerary.
Our itinerary will also be ideal for all camper enthusiasts, as it can be easily adjusted to their needs. When it comes to this travel means, you should expect the costs of more or less 1,350 EUR. Travellers will spend around 188 EUR on gasoline allowing to cover all stages of the trip. Holidayers who would like to go for camper hire should expect to pay approximately 165 EUR for accommodation and roughly 216 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The Road Trip Costs section shows all the presented details in a simple manner.
The part of Spain presented in our adventure idea is great to be explored between March and November. If Central Spain Road Trip has inspired you, check out other thrilling road adventures that we offer on our website. Hopefully, the broad spectrum of travel opportunities will surely live up to the expectations of the most demanding drivers.