Spanish Highlights Road Trip Itinerary
The Spanish Highlights Road Trip is an amazing journey that will take you from Barcelona to Granada, taking in the sights and attractions of some of Spain's most iconic cities and towns. You'll travel through Zaragoza, Salamanca, Toledo, and Seville, with a total distance of around 2175km. This journey is recommended to take 12 days, and the best time of year to drive this route is during the summer months.
Along the way, you'll be able to explore the rich historical sites, stunning landscapes, and the many UNESCO Heritage Monuments that make up this incredible route. The roads are in excellent condition, making it suitable for every driver. Plus, with its moderate budget, this road trip is perfect for anyone looking to make the most out of their trip.
The Spanish Highlights Road Trip is sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience and memories that will last a lifetime.
12
number of days
2,175 km
route length
fair
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
moderate
accident level
START
Barcelona
Distance 2,175 km
Driving time 23.7 h
Pace: fast
652.6 kWh
Airports
BCN
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Barcelona, the beautiful capital of Catalonia, is the perfect starting point for the Spanish Highlights Road Trip. Located on the northeastern Mediterranean coast of the Iberian Peninsula, it is home to some of the most iconic attractions in the world, from the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell to the Gothic Quarter. This vibrant city offers something for everyone, from its rich cultural heritage to a bustling nightlife.
The closest international airport to Barcelona is Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN). Here, you will find numerous car rental companies so that you can start your road trip in comfort. Driving around Barcelona is easy, with plenty of parking options and an extensive network of roads and highways.
Barcelona's many attractions are a must-see, including the popular La Rambla, Montjuïc Castle, and the world-renowned Camp Nou stadium. For art lovers, there is the Picasso Museum and the Joan Miró Foundation, while those with an interest in culture should visit the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia and the Palau de la Música Catalana. For the best view of the city, head up to the iconic Montjuïc hill.
No visit to Barcelona would be complete without savoring its delicious cuisine. From tapas bars and seafood restaurants to traditional Catalan eateries, there is something for everyone. With so much to see and do, Barcelona is an unforgettable start for the Spanish Highlights Road Trip.
1
Barcelona
- Montserrat
- Zaragoza
Distance 335 km
Driving time 3.9 h
Pace: fast
100.5 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for an incredible road trip from Barcelona to Zaragoza? Get ready to explore the wonders of Catalonia and Aragon! This 335 km journey will take you less than 4 hours, but you will be amazed at the number of sights you will see on the way.
Start your adventure in Barcelona and make your way to Montserrat, a beautiful mountain range with spectacular views. Here you can visit the Montserrat Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and take in the breathtaking views.
Continue your journey along the winding roads to Zaragoza, a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage. Visit the Aljaferia Palace, a Moorish fortress built in the 11th century, and explore the city’s many plazas, churches, and monuments.
Along the way, you will be able to take in the beautiful landscapes of Catalonia and Aragon. Keep your eyes open for historical sites and picturesque views.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the “Itinerary” of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for a road trip of a lifetime!
Zaragoza - Spain - Europe - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
Zaragoza - Spain - Europe - Road Trip - - Wikipedia
Zaragoza - Spain - Europe - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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2
Zaragoza
- Burgos
Distance 325 km
Driving time 3.7 h
Pace: fast
97.6 kWh
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Zaragoza to Burgos? This 325 km journey will take you less than 4 hours and you will be able to explore some of the most interesting places in Spain. Along the route you will find the World Heritage Site of the Monastery of San Juan de la Peña, the Cathedral of Jaca, the Castle of Loarre and the Castle of Monzón. All of them are a must-see for anyone interested in Spanish history. Don't forget to stop in the charming villages of Sos del Rey Católico and Arnedillo, where you can enjoy a delicious traditional meal. Finally, you will reach Burgos, an incredible city with a rich cultural heritage. Visit the old quarter, the Cathedral of Santa María, the Monastery of Las Huelgas and the Monastery of Santo Tomás. With so much to see and do, you will have an unforgettable experience. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Let's hit the road!
Burgos - Spain - Europe - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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3
Burgos
- León
- Salamanca
Distance 389 km
Driving time 3.9 h
Pace: fast
116.8 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Burgos to Salamanca? This 389km journey will take you through the beautiful cities of León and Salamanca and will give you the opportunity to explore some of Spain’s most spectacular UNESCO Heritage sites. Along the way, be sure to take some time to visit the Burgos Cathedral, the Royal Basilica of San Isidoro in León, and the University of Salamanca. The entire journey will take you less than four hours, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore each city and enjoy the scenery along the way. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage. So, buckle up and get ready for a memorable adventure!
Salamanca - Spain - Europe - Road Trip - pixabay.com
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4
Salamanca
- Ávila
- Madrid
Distance 214 km
Driving time 2.4 h
Pace: fast
64.1 kWh
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Take a road trip to discover the beauty of Spain! Starting in Salamanca, drive 214 km and in less than 3 hours you'll reach Madrid, with some amazing stops along the way. Visit the city of Ávila, where you'll find the majestic Cathedral of Ávila and the Walls of Ávila, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Enjoy the stunning views of the Sierra de Gredos mountains from the walls. The city also boasts several Romanesque churches and a lively atmosphere in the Plaza Mayor. And don't miss the opportunity to sample some of the local gastronomy. Finally, arrive in Madrid, a vibrant city and the capital of Spain. Here you can explore the stunning Royal Palace, the Prado Museum, and the Reina Sofia Museum. There's also the beautiful Retiro Park and the famous Plaza Mayor. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy the journey!
Madrid - Spain - Europe - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
Madrid - Spain - Europe - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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5
Madrid
- Toledo
Distance 74 km
Driving time 1.0 h
Pace: fast
22.1 kWh
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Madrid to Toledo! A journey of only 74 km will take you less than an hour to complete. Along the route, you will have the chance to explore some of the most remarkable UNESCO Heritage sites in Spain. Start your journey by visiting the Royal Palace of Madrid, the largest royal palace in Europe. Then, continue to the beautiful Plaza Mayor, a stunning square in the heart of Madrid. After that, you can make a detour to the nearby El Escorial, a magnificent palace and monastery. Finally, you will arrive in Toledo, the old capital of Spain. Here, you can explore the majestic Cathedral of Toledo, the El Greco Museum and the Alcazar of Toledo. Don't forget to take a stroll through its charming streets, as well. More information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!
Toledo - Spain - Europe - Road Trip - - Wikimedia Commons
Toledo - Spain - Europe - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
Toledo - Spain - Europe - Road Trip - pixabay.com
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6
Toledo
- Trujillo
Distance 221 km
Driving time 2.4 h
Pace: fast
66.3 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on a road trip from Toledo to Trujillo, a journey of 221 km taking less than 3 hours. Start your trip in Toledo, an ancient city known for its historic architecture and monuments, such as the Alcázar of Toledo and the Cathedral of Toledo, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Before leaving, don't forget to visit the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes and the Church of Santo Tomé.
Continue your journey to Trujillo, a small city in the province of Cáceres. Here you can visit the Castle of Trujillo, a fortress built in the 13th century, or the Plaza Mayor, the main square of the city. Other attractions include the Church of Santa María la Mayor, the Church of San Francisco and the Convent of San Agustín.
This is just one of the stages of a larger tour. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Have a great road trip!
Trujillo - Spain - Europe - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
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7
Trujillo
- Mérida
- Seville
Distance 279 km
Driving time 2.8 h
Pace: fast
83.8 kWh
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Are you ready for a fun and exciting road trip? Then get ready to explore the amazing cities of Trujillo, Mérida and Seville! This 279km route will take you less than 3 hours to drive, and you will be able to explore some of the most interesting places in Spain.
Trujillo is a beautiful city with a rich history, and you'll find plenty of historical sites to explore. Mérida is home to some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world, and you'll also find several UNESCO World Heritage sites. Finally, Seville is a vibrant city with plenty of culture and history, and you can explore its many attractions.
Along the way, you'll find plenty of places to explore, from historical sites to restaurants. Be sure to check out the itinerary for this stage of the tour for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. With this road trip, you're sure to have an adventure that you won't forget!
Seville - Spain - Europe - Road Trip - pixabay.com
Seville - Spain - Europe - Road Trip - Needpix.com
Seville - Spain - Europe - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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8
Seville
- Cordoba
Distance 141 km
Driving time 1.6 h
Pace: fast
42.2 kWh
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Embark on a road trip journey from Seville to Cordoba, a journey of 141 km that will take you less than 2 hours. Start your journey in Seville, the capital of Andalusia, known for its flamenco, tapas, and Moorish architecture. Visit the Alcazar of Seville, a royal palace built in the 14th century, and the Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world.
Once you have explored Seville, head to Cordoba, the former capital of the Roman province of Hispania Baetica and the Umayyad caliphate. Visit the Mezquita, a mosque-cathedral built in the 10th century, and the Alcazar of Cordoba, a palace built in the 14th century. Other places to visit in Cordoba include the Roman Bridge, the Synagogue, and the Calahorra Tower.
This is one of the stages of a larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, get ready to explore the wonders of Seville and Cordoba!
Cordoba - Spain - Europe - Road Trip - www.wallpaperflare.com
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9
Cordoba
- Granada
Distance 198 km
Driving time 2.1 h
Pace: fast
59.4 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on a road trip from Cordoba to Granada, a journey of 198km that can be completed in less than 2 hours. On the way, you will pass through a breathtaking landscape of olive groves, orchards, and vineyards. Your first stop should be the Mezquita of Cordoba, a mosque-cathedral dating back to the 8th century. The city’s Jewish quarter, El Judería, is also worth a visit. As you continue your journey, take in the stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. When you reach Granada, make sure to visit the Alhambra, a 14th-century Moorish palace and fortress. The city is also home to the Royal Chapel of Granada, where the remains of the Catholic Monarchs, Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon, are buried. For a more relaxed experience, stroll through the cobbled streets of the Albayzín district and take in its Moorish architecture. Along the way, you can enjoy a variety of delicious tapas and traditional dishes. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the "Itinerary" of this stage. Bon voyage!
Granada - Spain - Europe - Road Trip - Pixabay
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Granada
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Granada is the perfect final destination for the Spanish Highlights Road Trip. Enjoy the Alhambra palace and the Generalife Gardens, two of the most impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Take a stroll through the streets of the old city and discover the various monuments and churches, such as the Cathedral and the Royal Chapel. Explore the traditional Arab markets, such as the Alcaiceria and the Bib-Rambla. Visit the Albaicin and the Sacromonte, and enjoy the amazing views of the Alhambra.
The closest international airport to Granada is located in Malaga, with the IATA code AGP. It is about an hour and a half away by car, and offers great connections with the rest of the world. If you are traveling by car, the best option is to take the A44 motorway, which will take you directly to Granada in about two hours.
Granada is a great way to finish your Spanish Highlights Road Trip. Enjoy the amazing monuments and churches, explore the traditional Arab markets, and take in the breathtaking views of the Alhambra. Don’t forget to plan a stop at the Malaga airport on your way back home.
Spanish Highlights Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Barcelona
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End:
Granada
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Distance:
2,175 km
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Stay:
12 days
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Getting there:
Barcelona International Airport (BCN)
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When to drive:
April, May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on a captivating 2,175km journey through the heart of Spain with the Spanish Highlights Road Trip, starting from the cosmopolitan city of Barcelona and culminating in the historical marvel of Granada. Along this route, you will encounter the diverse tapestry of Spain’s cultural heritage, traversing through cities like Zaragoza, Salamanca, Toledo, and Seville, each offering a distinct glimpse into the country's rich history, breathtaking architecture, and picturesque landscapes.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Barcelona: Explore the whimsical masterpieces of Antoni Gaudí, including the iconic Sagrada Família and the enchanting Park Güell, and wander along the vibrant Las Ramblas.
- Zaragoza: Admire the impressive Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, a jewel of Baroque architecture, and discover the city's Roman and Moorish heritage.
- Salamanca: Visit the ancient University of Salamanca, a cradle of learning since 1218, and the stunning Plaza Mayor, considered one of the most beautiful squares in Spain.
- Toledo: Immerse yourself in the city's medieval old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the historic Alcázar, a fortress that dates back to Roman times.
- Seville: Be mesmerized by the Gothic Seville Cathedral, the largest of its kind in the world, and the royal Alcázar palace, a testament to the city's Moorish past.
- Granada: Behold the Alhambra, an exquisite example of Islamic art and architecture, set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Best Time to Go:
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are ideal for this Road Trip as they offer pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and the full splendor of Spain’s natural landscapes.
Potential Risks:
Navigating through unfamiliar terrains requires caution, so it's crucial to familiarize yourself with Spain's driving regulations and customs. Additionally, be prepared for the summer heat if traveling during that season, and ensure your vehicle is equipped with air conditioning.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The proposed route spans approximately 2,175km and is best enjoyed over a leisurely 12 days to fully appreciate each destination's offerings.
- Spanish Roads are well-maintained and signposted, providing a comfortable journey for drivers of all experience levels.
- The itinerary offers a balance of affordability with numerous opportunities to experience Spain's cultural wealth.
- Along the route, you'll encounter several UNESCO Heritage Monuments, including the works of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona and the historic centers of Toledo and Salamanca.
- The drive encompasses a variety of landscapes, from the urban buzz of Barcelona to the serene plains of Castile and the rolling hills of Andalusia.
A good choice for:
The Spanish Highlights Road Trip is more than a mere excursion—it's a voyage through the soul of Spain. From awe-inspiring architectural wonders and institutions of historical significance to the palatial grandeur of erstwhile kingdoms, each stop unravels a story, promising Roadtrippers an anthology of cherished memories to last a lifetime.
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