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HomeRoad TripsEuropeSouth EuropeSpainMediterranean Coast
Alicante

Mediterranean Coast Road Trip

Barcelona - Tarragona - Valencia - Alicante - Cartagena - Mojácar - Almeria - Málaga

Expect on your itinerary

Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Road conditions Road conditions
Beach Beach
Urban life Urban life
Culture Culture
Historical sites Historical sites
Comfort Comfort
Security Security
Mediterranean Coast Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages7 km1,147 h/stage3.1

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Mediterranean Coast Road Trip in Spain?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 692EUR drive & more 150EUR sleep & more 638EUR eat & more 576EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,364EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 2,056EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 864EUR drive & more 213EUR sleep & more 1,111EUR eat & more 864EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 2,188EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 3,052EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 2,052EUR drive & more 275EUR sleep & more 1,980EUR eat & more 1,152EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 3,407EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 5,459EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 2,700EUR drive & more 313EUR sleep & more 660EUR eat & more 576EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,549EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 4,249EUR
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Mediterranean Coast Road Trip Itinerary

The Mediterranean Coast Road Trip is a journey of discovery and adventure. Starting in Barcelona, this 12-day trip takes you through the stunning towns of Tarragona, Alicante, and Mojácar, before ending in Málaga. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful beaches in the region, visit historical sites, and marvel at UNESCO Heritage monuments. The total distance of the trip is approximately 1147km and the roads are excellent. The best time to drive the Mediterranean Coast Road Trip is during the spring and autumn when the weather is mild and pleasant. However, the trip can be enjoyed at any time of the year. The route is suitable for all drivers, and can be managed on a moderate budget. This is an unforgettable journey that will provide you with a lifetime of memories.
number of days 12 number of days
route length 1,147 km route length
budget fair budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START Barcelona

Distance 1,147 km Driving time 22.0 h Pace: modest 298.3 kWh Airports BCN
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Barcelona, located in the Catalonia region of Spain, is an ideal starting point for the Mediterranean Coast Road Trip. This vibrant city offers a wide range of attractions and activities to explore and enjoy. From the stunning Gaudi architecture to the lively La Rambla, there is something for everyone to enjoy. For those arriving by air, Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) is the closest international airport and offers a range of car rental options. From here, visitors can then begin their journey to explore the Mediterranean coast. While in Barcelona, visitors must not miss the opportunity to explore the city’s many attractions. A visit to the Sagrada Familia is a must, as is a stroll along the bustling La Rambla. The Gothic Quarter offers a unique insight into the city's history, with its narrow cobbled streets and ancient buildings. For those wanting to get a taste of the city's nightlife, the Barceloneta area is the perfect place to explore. For those looking for a unique experience, the Montjuïc mountain is the perfect spot to take in the city's stunning views. From here, visitors can also explore the National Art Museum and the iconic Camp Nou Stadium. With so much to see and do, Barcelona is the perfect starting point for the Mediterranean Coast Road Trip.

1 Barcelona - Tarragona

Distance 98 km Driving time 1.7 h Pace: modest 25.4 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips UNESCO World Heritage Site interesting  historic site attractive landscape interesting cultural site accommodation options
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Start your journey from Barcelona and explore the stunning beauty of the Mediterranean coast. Drive through Sitges, a picturesque coastal town and discover its stunning beaches and rich cultural heritage. Then, continue your journey to Tarragona, a city with a rich Roman past. Along the way, marvel at the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and take in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. With a distance of 98km and a driving time of fewer than 2 hours, this is a great road trip for anyone looking to explore the beauty of the region. Visit the old city of Tarragona, which is home to several ancient monuments, including the Roman Amphitheatre and the Tarragona Cathedral. Take a stroll along the old streets and visit the many museums and galleries. In Sitges, take a dip in the Mediterranean Sea and explore the many restaurants, bars and shops. Don't forget to visit the beautiful beaches and the old churches. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check the Itinerary of this stage. With its stunning views, rich cultural heritage and amazing attractions, this road trip is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

2 Tarragona - Valencia

Distance 267 km Driving time 3.6 h Pace: fast 80.0 kWh View map Itinerary
attractive landscape accommodation options camper parking available junction of road trips UNESCO World Heritage Site interesting  historic site
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Embark on a unique road trip starting in Tarragona and heading towards Valencia. This 267km journey takes less than 4 hours and will take you through some of Spain’s most breathtaking landscapes and historical sites. From the Roman ruins of Tarragona to the UNESCO Heritage sites in Castellón de la Plana, you will be in awe of the beauty of this region. Make sure to take time to explore the old city centre of Castellón de la Plana and its historic churches. As you make your way to Valencia, you will have the chance to admire the picturesque views of the Mediterranean Sea. Once you reach Valencia, make sure to visit the City of Arts and Sciences to experience its modern architecture. Along the way, you will find plenty of accommodation options, recommended restaurants and campsites. For more information on the attractions, accommodation, restaurants and campsites along the route, please refer to the ‘Itinerary’ of this stage.

3 Valencia - Alicante

Distance 190 km Driving time 3.2 h Pace: modest 49.5 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options
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Welcome to the road trip stage from Valencia to Alicante! This stage will take you on a 190km journey through some of the most beautiful places in Spain. You can expect to drive for fewer than 4 hours, so make sure to plan your stops and take your time to enjoy the scenery. Start your journey in Valencia, the city of arts and sciences, and visit the iconic Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Marvel at the architecture of the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia and the Hemisfèric, and take a stroll through the Turia Gardens. Continue your journey to the coastal city of Alicante and make sure to visit the Santa Barbara Castle, the imposing fortress overlooking the city. Be sure to take a stroll on the Explanada de España, the promenade lined with palm trees, and take in the views of the Mediterranean Sea. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

4 Alicante - Cartagena

Distance 116 km Driving time 3.8 h Pace: slow 26.7 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options camper parking available
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Take your next road trip to Alicante, Spain, and end in Cartagena! This 116 km journey will take you less than 4 hours. Along the way, you can explore some of the most interesting places in the area. Start your journey in Alicante and visit the Santa Barbara Castle, a 9th century fortress with amazing views of the city. Then, take a stroll in the old town, where you can find the popular Explanada de España, a promenade lined with palm trees and mosaic designs. Continue your journey to Cartagena, where you can explore the remains of the Roman Theatre, a 2nd century amphitheater. Don't forget to visit the Palacio Consistorial, a 19th century building that now houses the City Hall. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

5 Cartagena - Mojácar

Distance 128 km Driving time 2.9 h Pace: modest 33.3 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options
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Welcome, road-trippers! Get ready for a 128km journey from Cartagena to Mojácar that will take you less than 3 hours. This is one of the stages of a larger tour, so make sure to check the "Itinerary" of this stage for more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Start off your journey in Cartagena, a port city in southeast Spain. Visit the Castillo de la Concepción, a 16th century castle with a stunning view of the city. After that, take a stroll through the old town and admire the beautiful architecture. As you drive towards Mojácar, you will pass by the towns of La Unión and Los Belones. Make sure to stop at La Unión and visit the El Castillo de los Moros, an 8th century castle. Los Belones is a charming fishing village, so take some time to explore its streets and take some pictures. Once you reach Mojácar, you will be mesmerized by its white-washed houses and its beautiful beaches. Visit the old town and explore its narrow streets, or go to the beach and enjoy the stunning views. We hope you enjoy your journey from Cartagena to Mojácar. Have a safe and fun trip!

6 Mojácar - Almeria

Distance 113 km Driving time 3.3 h Pace: slow 25.9 kWh View map Itinerary
interesting  historic site accommodation options
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Embark on a 113 km road trip through the beautiful region of Mojácar, Spain and its neighbouring cities. Begin your journey in Mojácar, a picturesque village, with its cobbled streets and white washed houses, and explore its historical sites, such as the Church of Santa María and the Castle of Mojácar. As you continue your journey, you will pass through San Jose, a beautiful coastal town, perfect for a beach day or a stroll through its picturesque streets. Finally, you will arrive in Almeria, a city with a rich cultural heritage, where you can explore the Alcazaba de Almeria, the Castillo de San Cristobal and the Cathedral of Almeria. With fewer than 4 hours of driving time, this is the perfect road trip for those looking to explore the region. Along the way, be sure to take in the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage.

7 Almeria - Málaga

Distance 235 km Driving time 3.4 h Pace: fast 70.6 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips interesting  historic site accommodation options
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Get ready for an amazing road trip from Almeria to Málaga! This 235 km journey will take you through some of Spain's most breathtaking landscapes and historical sites. Start the adventure in Almeria, where you can explore the Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress. Then, make your way to Almuñécar, where you can take a stroll along the beach and visit the Roman ruins. Finally, arrive in Málaga, where you can discover the city's vibrant culture and take in the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Along the way, you'll have plenty of opportunities to take in the stunning views of the countryside and explore the amazing historical sites. Don't forget to take a few stops to enjoy some of the amazing restaurants and campsites that are available. With a driving time of fewer than four hours, you'll have plenty of time to explore these amazing places. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" section of this stage.

  Málaga

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Málaga is a fantastic destination to finish your Mediterranean Coast Road Trip. Located in the south of Spain, this coastal city offers a variety of activities for every traveler. Explore the old city to discover ancient architecture and a rich culture, including some of the best art galleries in the country. A must-see is the Alcazaba, a palace-fortress that was built by the Moors in the 11th century. Wander around the ruins to get a glimpse of the past. For a unique experience, visit the Picasso Museum to learn more about the famous Spanish artist. With over 200 works of art, it is one of the most visited museums in the city. Afterward, take a stroll along the beach and enjoy the Mediterranean Sea. End your day with a walk along the port, where you can find a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars. If you’re traveling by car, you can easily reach Málaga from the Mediterranean Coast Road Trip. The closest international airport is Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) which is only 8 kilometers from the city center. So, don’t miss out on this beautiful city and explore Málaga for the perfect end to your Mediterranean Coast Road Trip.

Mediterranean Coast Road Trip at a glance

We hope that the presented Mediterranean Coast Road Trip has become a perfect inspiration for your future holiday excursions.
The plan we’ve prepared can be used as a template that you can recreate in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with original highlights.
If you are planning on travelling by car in Spain, there are a number of vital road rules to follow and a number of things to keep in mind to ensure pleasant experiences. These tips will also become useful for holidayers who opt for car hire or hiring a camper.
It is vital to follow the local road rules when driving around Spain. Alcohol is best to be avoided at any cost when travelling around Spain. Tourists should remember that the allowed level of alcohol in blood is not that high and cannot exceed 0.5‰. In order to avoid speeding offence, it is best to never exceed 50km/h, which is the maximum speed when driving around the urban areas. 100km/h is the maximum speed in undeveloped areas. Keep in mind that the maximum speed is 120km/h on motorways in Spain. It is best to equip your car with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit and drive with your headlights on at daytime to ensure appropriate safety.
One of the decisive factors when scheduling an itinerary is costs. The amount of money that you have to spend is dependent on the budget option that you choose. A wide range of budget configurations is showed below.
We estimate that the cheapest option when it comes to fuel to cover the planned 1,147km while travelling around Spain will equal as much as 150 EUR. You should take into consideration that economy accommodation options will cost roughly 638 EUR. The travel expenses connected with food and restaurants within this option can cost up to about 576 EUR. If your aim is also the cheapest car rental offer, you will pay about 692 EUR. Thus, going for vehicle rental will increase the expenses of the road trip from around 1,364 EUR to around 2,056 EUR.
Holidaymakers who are looking for greater comfort and the standard option should be prepared to pay the maximum of 213 EUR for the gasoline needed to cover the tour. Cost amounting to 1,111 EUR can be expected by all holidaymakers who are considering standard hotels. When opting for this option, take into consideration that the food and restaurants within this range will cost roughly 864 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the tour in a standard rental vehicle should expect a cost of around 864 EUR. Summing up the standard offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total more or less 3,052 EUR for holidayers who would like to try car rental and 2,188 EUR for those who are not interested in renting.
The highest level of comfort of the premium option will come up to the expectations of the most demanding travellers. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total roughly 5,459 EUR for holidaymakers who are considering car rental and 2,188 EUR for those who will not be renting. Travellers who want to cover the road trip in a premium rental car can expect a cost of around 2,052 EUR. In the top standard configuration of the itinerary, you need to spend the maximum of 275 EUR on the gasoline needed to cover the trip. You should expect to pay about 1,152 EUR for restaurants and food and roughly 1,980 EUR for accommodation options if you are interested in the highest standard of services during your road trip.
Mediterranean Coast Road Trip can be easily adjusted to the expectations of all camper fans. When it comes to this travel means, it costs more or less 2,700 EUR. If you are wondering about the gasoline expenses for the whole road trip, they will amount to more or less 313 EUR. Holidaymakers who are interested in camper hire should expect to pay around 660 EUR for accommodation and about 576 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The Road Trip Costs section shows all the presented details in a simple manner.
The period between April and October is perfect to explore the part of Spain described in our adventure idea. There are countless exciting adventures that we offer on our website if you’d like to see other of our road trip ideas. Hopefully, the great versatility of options will surely live up to the expectations of the most demanding tourists.

Facts for safer driving in Spain

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 50 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 100 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 120 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher no
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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