Spain is undeniably one of the best countries to road trip – its unique culture, amazing food, unbeatable wild camping spots, and of course its almost guaranteed glorious weather. A Spanish road trip should definitely be on your bucket list!
Unlike most road trip itineraries of Spain, you find on the internet, this one has been carefully curated to make sure you see it ALL. From rural desert landscapes to iconic sandy beaches and epic cities! By the time you complete this road trip, you will well and truly be able to say you have completed Spain!
This Spanish road trip has been built using our experience of spending three months travelling around Spain in our campervan. It is designed so that you see all of the top landmarks and even some of Spain’s best-kept secrets and hidden gems!
This road trip itinerary is not a rigid structure, it has been designed for someone who intends on spending at least 1 month in Spain. We have made recommendations of how long you may wish to spend in each location, and even a few suggestions of detours if you want to see even more of this amazing country.
Discover all the the amazing destinations below:
Road trip stop 1: Bilbao, Spain
How long should I stay here: 1-2 days
The first stop on this epic road trip of Spain is Bilbao. Bilbao is an industrial port city in the North of Spain famed for the Frank Gehry designed Guggenheim Museum. It is also the capital city of the Basque Country region of Spain.
Things to do in Bilbao
Guggenheim Museum
Without a doubt, a visit to the Guggenheim museum is a must when visiting Bilbao. Arguably the most impressive part of the Guggenheim is its unique architecture, which can be enjoyed without paying to go inside! If you want to go inside a standard ticket for an adult costs 18€ if bought from the ticket office, or 16€ if bought in advance online.
Explore the city on foot
Starting in the medieval quarter of Bilbao, known as Casco Viejo, you will find a lively eclectic part of the city. The colourful streets are lined by bars, restaurants and little boutiques. Next, have a drink and watch the world go by in the atmospheric Plaza Neuva.
Also, make sure to check out the Cathedral De Bilbao, the Ribera market, and at least one of the many museums that make up this dynamic city.
Watch the sunset over the city.
The best place to view the sunset over Bilbao is on top of Mount Artxanda. There is a funicular train that takes you all the way to the best viewpoint.
Where to stay.
Much like all major cities in Spain, parking is sparse, and can often be unsafe, and unfortunately, you may even fall victim to being broken into. The spot we recommend here is where we stayed for several nights without issue. It has an amazing outlook, however, it is not the “nicest” place to park. With that being said, we wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again if visiting Bilbao in the future.
Road trip stop 2: Donostia-San Sebastion, Spain
100km from Bilbao (1hr 15mins)
Optional detours en route to San Sebastian include: Gaztelugatxe and Zarautz
How long should I stay here: 2 days
San Sebastian is a coastal town with charm to spare. It’s known for its stunning beaches and phenomenal cuisine. Did you know that it has the second-highest number of Michelin star restaurants per square meter in the world? Impressive right!
Things to do.
Explore the Old Town
The tight narrow streets, coupled with the high buildings make this (slightly dingey) area one of the most exciting areas to explore. It is home to independent shops and boutiques as well as numerous restaurants and bars. These streets are also the perfect spot to take a cheeky Instagram photo!
Whilst you are here, check out the Plaza De La Constitución. This square was formerly a bullfighting ring. Each window facing the square has a number above it; these were formerly seats to watch the bullfighting from above
Go Pintxos bar hopping
Pintxos are the basque countries’ version of tapas. The main difference from tapas is that pintxos are usually ‘spiked’ with a skewer or toothpick, often to a piece of bread.
Spend the afternoon bouncing between the many pintxos bars and trying out the local delicacies.
If you don’t like seafood you may want to avoid this!
Where to stay.
There are very limited places to park up and be within walking distance of the city, and most importantly, be safe. We opted to stay in the local aire. This area is suitable for approximately 40 campervans and has a freshwater hose and an area to dispose of greywater. It cost €3.30 per 24hr (72hr max. stay).
One of the best things about San Sebastian is that there are hot showers that are located under the promenade. They can be accessed from the beach. These cost a mere €1.10 per person.
Road trip stop 3: Pamplona, Spain
90km from San Sebastian (1hr 20mins)
How long should I stay here: 1 day
The next stop on this road trip itinerary of Spain is Pamplona. Arguably best known for the controversial festival of San Fermin, also known as the running of the bulls. However, there is more to Pamplona than being chased by bulls, not to mention the delicious chorizo from this region. Chefs kiss!
Things to do.
Explore the city on foot
Pamplona is a beautiful city of narrow streets lined with cafes, restaurants, and local boutiques. It is the perfect city to get lost in. If you don’t fancy getting lost, why not try a guided walking tour.
Visit the city walls
Pamplona has impressive walls that wrap 5km around the city. These walls were erected to defend the city from intruders during Medieval times. The city walls of Pamplona are recognised as one of the best-preserved military structures in Spain and are certainly worth visiting.
San Fermin Festival
This event occurs during the second week of July each year. It involves people voluntarily being chased through the narrow streets in Pamplona by six fighting bulls accompanied by six tamed bell oxen. As terrifying as it sounds, it’s free to enter and attracted hundreds of thousands of people to Pamplona every year.
Of course, this festival isn’t for everyone, however, if you are intrigued, and even want to be part of the action then it is a must.
Where to stay.
Pamplona is not the most van-friendly city. We found that potential wild camping spots were almost non-existent. In the end, we opted to stay in a local carpark, but wouldn’t recommend it as it was extremely busy and slightly too small to fit a 6m van comfortably.
A local campsite may be the best option if you choose to spend time in Pamplona.
Road trip stop 4: Bardenas Reales, Spain
95km from Pamplona (1hr 15mins)
How long should I stay here: 1-2 days
The Bardenas Reales (also known as the badlands) is one of Spain’s best-kept secrets. This semi-desert landscape is somewhat reminiscent of a miniature grand canyon and can be found in Northern Spain in the Navarre region. This area spans over 100,000 acres, a lot of which is protected as it is part of a Nature Reserve.
The soils are made up of clay, chalk, and sandstone. Due to erosion, the landscape has been transformed into surprising shapes, canyons, plateaus, tabular structures, and isolated hills – called Cabezas.
Things to do.
Visit the Castil de Tierra
The name Castil de Tierra translates as Earth Castle. This pyramid mound is truly breathtaking. What photos don’t show, is that it is completely surrounded by canyons, which makes this landscape even more impressive when you see it up close and personal.
Visit the surrounding villages
There are several interesting villages located on the precipice of the natural park, we recommend visiting Arguedas.
Arguedas is located just outside the nature reserve and is home to cave dwellings. Many of which were inhabited until the 1960s! These caves are in great condition and really allow you to get a sense of what life used to be like in these rural villages. You are free to explore the caves, there is even information about the individual caves on signs inside and outside of them.
Go for a hike
Within the natural park, there are many hikes and trails that can be explored. Whether you are looking for a light walk or a full-on trek, there is something for everyone.
Where to stay.
Where to park overnight near the Bardenas Reales Natural Park.
This spot is secluded and really feels like you are in the heart of the natural park, as it has an unbeatable view, perfect for watching the sunset!
If you choose to visit the Bardenas Reales, it is important to note that you should not wild camp within the boundaries of the natural park as if you are caught you will be fined €1,000. The spot linked above is out with the natural park boundaries and therefore won’t incur a fine.
Road trip stop 5: Zaragoza, Spain
120km from Bardenas Reales (1hr 30mins)
How long should I stay here: 1 day
Zaragoza is arguably one of the most underrated cities in Spain. Its opulent architecture, delicious local cuisine, and buzzing city centre make it the perfect place to spend a day. Home to 3 buildings that are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is extremely surprising that Zaragoza doesn’t draw in the same hoards of tourists as many other Spanish cities. All the better for those of us that discover this slept on gem!
Things to do.
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- The Aljafería Palace.
- San Pablo.
- La Seo de Zaragoza.
Explore Plaza Del Pilar
The Plaza Del Pilar is the largest square in Spain… and it’s easy to see why it’s gigantic. whilst in this square, it is easy to feel dwarfed by the incredible Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar that towers over you.
One of the best things to do here is relaxing in a local bar and watch the day go by with a sangria in your hand. However, if you have itchy feet, you can climb (or take the lift) to the top of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar to get the best panoramic views of the city. This excursion costs 3€.
Where to stay.
Much like every major city on this list, parking is scarce and rarely safe. We opted to stay at a campsite out with Zaragoza. However, throughout the day we parked in a local car park near the castle.
We chose this campsite due to its proximity to Zaragoza and because it was rather cheap. It is extremely basic, but it was clean, had showers with great water pressure (although a little cold), and even had electrical hook up points.
We don’t necessarily recommend this place, however, it was completely adequate, and for that reason, we would stay there again.
Find out more below.
Road trip stop 6: Madrid, Spain
322km from Zaragoza (3hr 20mins)
How long should I stay here: 3+ days
Madrid is the epitome of elegance and opulence. Spain’s capital is buzzing with activity! Whether you want to kick back and relax, soak in the sights, or party all night, Madrid has something for you.
Things to do.
Retiro Park
Retiro Park is one of the best places in the city to take a break from the hustle and bustle. What could be better than relaxing in the sun and watching the boats bob around on the water? Well, maybe being in one of the boats! But that will cost you – €8 to be exact!
Fun fact: Retiro Park became part of a combined UNESCO World Heritage Site with Paseo del Prado.
Explore Madrid’s landmarks by foot.
Whether you are a fan of organisation and would thrive doing a structured walking tour of the city, or prefer to discover the city for yourself – there really is plenty to explore in Madrid. Just make sure you’re wearing sensible shoes!
Landmarks include:
- The Royal Palace.
- Mercado San Miguel.
- National Archaeological Museum.
- Plaza Mayor.
- Puerta del Sol.
- Gran Vía.
Where to stay.
Madrid is a big city that is well connected by the metro. The parking spot we recommend utilises the metro. Located near the La Almudena metro station, you can park in a largely unused carpark.
This parking spot was not scenic, but it couldn’t be beaten when it comes to convenience.
Road trip stop 7: Segovia, Spain
90km from Madrid (1hr)
How long should I stay here: 1-2 days
A mere hour away from Madrid you will find Segovia. It is one of the most beautiful and unique cities on this road trip of Spain. Segovia is the epitome of an old-worldly picturesque town, with cobbled streets and grand buildings. It is a visual treat. A welcome break from the busy city of Madrid.
Things to do.
Roman Aquaduct
Arguably the most impressive structure in Segovia is its striking aqueduct that flows through the heart of the city. It can be found in Plaza Del Azoguejo, surrounded by cafes and restaurants.
Alcazar
This castle overlooking Segovia has a fairytale-like appearance. Seriously, if you imagine a Disney castle, this is it! This castle has a rich history and has served many purposes over the years. Alcazar also has perhaps the best viewpoint of the city, offering uninterrupted panoramic views of Segovia. Believe it or not, the inside is even more beautiful than the outside!
Where to stay.
There is a small aire next to the old bullring which is the best place to park for ease of access into the city. It is a 20-minute walk to the city centre. It even has grey, black, and freshwater facilities. Best of all, it is free! Unfortunately, you may only stay a maximum of 72 hours.
Road trip stop 8: Àvila, Spain
65km from Segovia (50mins)
How long should I stay here: 1 day
Àvila is a stunning medieval city, defined by its historic walls. However, there is much more to Avila than its grand protective walls. Its other claim to fame is that it has the highest number of Romanesque and Gothic churches per capita in Spain. Impressive, right?
Things to do.
Explore the Walls of Avila
When going to Avila it’s hard to miss the imposing Medieval walls. These walls were constructed in the 11th Century and have been remarkably well preserved. They stretch 1.5 miles around the old town of Avila with over 80 towers and 9 gates.
If you want to get up close and personal with the walls, you can actually climb them and get a great view of the city. This excursion costs 4€.
Discover the old town.
Not only are the walls extremely well preserved, but so is the old town held within them. It really is no surprise that Avila is UNESCO listed, due to its sheer historic importance. Be transported back in time as you enter through the gates into Avila.
Where to stay.
Avila has many great little spots to wild camp out with the city, however, we opted to stay at a campsite. We chose to stay at this campsite as it was extremely centrally located, cheap, and we were in desperate need of doing some van chores!
To find out more click the link below.
Road trip stop 9: Toledo, Spain
133km from Avila (1hr 45mins)
How long should I stay here: 2+ days
This ancient walled city should be firmly on your road trip of Spain bucket list. Toledo’s unique blend of culture, religion, art, and architecture makes it stand out from all the other fascinating cities in Spain. It really imprints on you.
Things to do.
Visit a museum
One of the best experiences we had in Toledo was visiting Museo Cromática – and not just to look at the exhibits. Included in the price of admission is a cocktail – the best cocktails we had during the entirety of the three months we spent in Spain, completely uncontested! 10/10 recommend this museum.
Walking Tour
There is so much to see in Toledo, a lot of which is rooted in history and has great significance. A self-guided tour does not do this city justice. There are plenty of walking tours available at a reasonable price. Or perhaps you want something a little more personal, so why not try a private tour by a local.
Where to stay.
Toledo caters reasonable well to van lifers looking to park up overnight near the ancient walled city.
There is an extremely level car park located on the outskirts of the city with a path leading directly into the city centre via the San Martín bridge. It is a 5-minute walk (most of it uphill) to the city centre from this wild spot in Toledo.
Road trip stop 10: Cordoba, Spain
340km from Toledo (3hr 45mins)
Optional detours en route to Cordoba include: Cuidad Real
How long should I stay here: 1 day
This small city is located between Madrid and Seville and is one of the most underrated places on this ultimate road trip itinerary of Spain.
Cordoba is best explored by foot. Stroll through the narrow alleyways lined with whitewashed buildings adorned with gorgeous flowerpots. Not only is this city absolutely stunning, but it also has an incredibly interesting past. At one point it was considered the largest city in the world. Now it is not even the biggest in Andalusia. Cordoba is a melting pot of different cultures and religions – this is what makes the city so special and unique.
Things to do.
Explore the Jewish Quarter
The Jewish Quarter is located in the historic centre of Cordoba; this area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has a traditional Islamic urban layout which consists of lots of small streets, many of which lead to a dead end.
Visit the Roman Bridge
As the name would suggest, this bridge has Roman roots, like many other parts of Cordoba. Dating back to the 1st century BC, this bridge has stood the test of time. The bridge is incredibly old and jaw-droppingly large. We recommend visiting the bridge in the evening when it is lit up!
Where to stay.
We think Cordoba is a great day trip, but not the best place to stay overnight in a van. Therefore we recommend travelling onward to Seville before spending the night.
Road trip stop 11: Seville, Spain
140km from Cordoba (1hr 30mins)
How long should I stay here: 3 days
Seville is the perfect example of a quintessentially romantic Spanish city. It is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Alcázar palace complex, the Cathedral, and the General Archive of the Indies. It is the perfect city to get lost in, with so much to see, do, and of course, eat! Seville has the charm of a smaller city, but with all the amenities and nightlife of a larger one – that’s what makes Seville an essential stop on this road trip of Spain.
Things to do.
Plaza de España
A visit to the stunning city square of Plaza de España shouldn’t go a miss. This is a hotspot for buskers performing authentic Spanish flamenco. Also, during the peak season in Seville, there are rowing boats that you can hire and bob along the water that lines this semi-circle shaped plaza.
Real Alcázar
One of the best experiences to be had in Seville is a stroll around the Real Alcázar. The Real Alcázar (or Alcázar Palace) was built as a Moorish fort but was later converted into a palace. Whilst you are there, make sure you check out the gardens and bask in their peaceful ambience.
Where to stay.
Of all the places we stayed in Spain, Seville felt the most sketchy and unsafe, especially if you intend on leaving your van throughout the day. Personally, we would recommend booking into a secure car park or campsite whilst in Seville. However, if you do want to use a free spot, you can find out more information about the place we stayed for 2 nights below.
Beware: Initially, we were in a different FREE parking area in Seville, whilst here a man threatened to throw rusty nails under our wheels if we didn’t pay him. We gave him €1 and left immediately left feeling a little shaken.
Road trip stop 12: Malaga, Spain
200km from Seville (2hr 20mins)
Optional detours en route to Malaga include: Cadiz, Tarifa, Gibraltar, and Marbella.
How long should I stay here: 3 days
Malaga is a stunning port city famously known as the birthplace of painter, Pablo Picasso. With spectacular beaches, rich history, and a charming Old Town, it’s easy to make yourself at home in Malaga.
Things to do.
Caminito del Rey
El Caminito Del Rey is a boardwalk pinned to the cliff face of the El Chorro gorge. It is located a mere 60km inland of Malaga, making it the perfect place for a day trip. Suspended 100m over the gorge, it is not surprising that it has been called the most dangerous hike in the world. It’s impressive, but under no circumstance are you putting yourself in any danger by taking on this amazing hike.
To find out more about the hike, click the links below.
Sea Kayaking in Nerja
This is one of Spain’s best-kept secrets, the beaches are beautiful, the water is aqua blue, and best yet, there are dolphins!
Also, there are some caves and waterfalls that can be explored in the area too. However, if you want to experience that you may want to opt for a guided tour!
Click here to book a guided tour.
Where to stay.
Malaga is undeniably a fascinating city to explore, however, finding a spot to camp overnight can be tricky, especially if you are looking to be in the heart of the city. We have tried and tested each of the spots linked below and can say with certainty that they are all top-notch places to spend the night, but for differing reasons.
If you are looking for easy access to the city then this is the spot for you. It’s located on the beach and provides easy access to Malaga by train. The is also an outlet mall nearby which is well worth a visit.
If you want to remove yourself from the hustle and bustle and relax, you will want to check out this spot. It is surrounded by nature and is the perfect viewpoint to watch the sunset over the city. Malaga is not within walking distance from this spot and I do not believe there are any reliable public transport links.
If you intend on visiting Caminito Del Rey, this is the spot for you. This stunning spot has an unbelievable outlook, making it the perfect place to kick back, relax, and admire the natural beauty. Furthermore, it is reasonably near some lakes which would be perfect for kayaking on. There are even SUP and kayak rentals nearby.
Road trip stop 13: Alicante, Spain
475km from Malaga (4hr 50mins)
Optional detours en route to Alicante include: Granada and Murcia
How long should I stay here: 2+ days
Alicante is a gem on Spain’s southeastern coast. Known for its narrow streets, vibrant colourful houses, and an electric nightlife scene, Alicante should be a no brainer if you are looking to have a good time.
Things to do.
Discover the old town
The Santa Cruz neighbourhood in Alicante is picture perfect and oozes authentic Spanish charm. This lively neighbourhood’s streets are lined with white houses decorated in ornate colourful tiles. Just make sure you wear comfortable shoes as you will be exploring plenty of steep streets!
Benidorm
If you are looking for cheap, tacky fun then Benidorm should be on your list. This seaside resort on the Costa Brava is known to attract hoards of British tourists looking to get drunk in the sun. It can be a bit rough around the edges, but Benidorm possesses a slight nostalgic charm to it that will lure you in.
The Algar Waterfalls
The Algar Waterfalls are one of the region’s best-kept secrets. Located 70km from Alicante (25km from Benidorm) this spot isn’t to be missed. Crystal clear water flows over a series of cascading waterfalls. There are several natural swimming pools, a diving platform, picnic areas and much more to be discovered here.
To enter this nature reserve costs between 2€ and 5€ depending on when you visit and your age. We think it is excellent value for money as you can easily pass 3 hours (or more) here on a sunny day.
Where to stay.
Whether you are staying in Benidorm or Alicante, we have you covered!
The wild camping spot in Alicante is located on a stunning beachfront that has views that stretch for miles over the Mediterranean Sea.
The wild camping spot in Benidorm is one of convenience. It is not scenic, however, it is a mere 10-minute walk to the heart of the action – perfect for a boozy Benidorm weekend!
Road trip stop 14: Valencia, Spain
165km from Alicante (2hrs)
How long should I stay here: 3+ days
Valen(th)ia is a fascinating city, best known for the city of Arts and Science, its futuristic architecture, and of course, being the birthplace of Spain’s national dish – paella. One thing that makes Valencia so special is the abundance of festivals that take place throughout the year.
Things to do.
Visit the City of Arts and Science
The City of Arts and Sciences is a cultural and architectural complex in the city of Valencia, Spain. This large area is home to exhibition areas, museums, an aquarium, and much more. All of the buildings here were intricately designed by the famed Valencian architect, Santiago Calatrava.
Access to the city of arts and science is free, however, if you want to go inside the buildings you will have to pay.
Taste the local food
Valencia is the birthplace of the national dish of Spain, Paella. Therefore, it would be rude not to give try this delicacy a try!
Where to stay.
Trying to find somewhere to wild camp in Valencia THAT IS SAFE is extremely difficult, especially if you want to be close to the city centre. When we visited Valencia, we stayed in 3 different spots, only one of which we would recommend! It was slightly out with the city but was well connected via the metro.
Road trip stop 15: Barcelona, Spain
360km from Valencia (4hrs)
Optional detours en route to Barcelona include: Tarragona and Salou
How long should I stay here: 3+ days
Barcelona is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe and it’s very easy to see why. This coastal city in the North of Spain is a staple for anyone who appreciates architecture, good food (and wine), and of course being by the sea.
Things to do.
La Sagrada Famiglia
La Sagrada Famiglia is the most visited attraction not only in Barcelona but on this entire road trip of Spain itinerary. This striking structure dominates the skyline. Designed by Gaudi, it is a great example of his unique style. Although Sagrada Famiglia can be enjoyed from the outside we recommend buying a ticket and going inside as it is just as jaw-dropping, if not more so!
Tickets can be bought online or at the entrance. Prices start from €20.
Discover the works of Antonio Gaudi
The imprint Gaudi has left on Barcelona is truly impressive. It’s easy to see why his works have been given UNESCO status.
There are 7 Gaudi buildings recognised by UNESCO throughout Barcelona, most notably La Sagrada Famiglia. The next most recognisable of works is the Casa Batlló. Its intricate organic facade really jumps out at you.
We recommend visiting as many of these impressive buildings as you can – a walking (and metro) tour of Gaudi’s most iconic work is a must in our opinion!
Visit PortAventura World
PortAventura World is made up of 2 theme parks; PortAventura Park, Ferrari Land, and a water park – Caribe Aquatic Park. Located just south of Barcelona in the holiday resort in Salou, it is the perfect pit stop on your road trip before heading into Barcelona. It is perfect for families and thrill-seekers alike.
Fun fact: Ferarri world is home to the fastest roller coaster in Europe.
We highly recommend a trip to PortAventura, particularly the original PortAventura Park. It has a perfect blend of roller coasters, water rides, and kid’s areas to keep everyone happy. Of all the theme parks we have been to in Europe, we think this one is the best.
Where to stay.
Barcelona is not the most van friendly city! Unfortunately, there is a relatively high crime rate and a lack of centrally located car parks that allow you to stay overnight SAFELY.
We opted to stay slightly out of the city centre, a mere 30-minute metro ride into the heart of Barcelona. Although this spot is not attractive, it is practical, as not only did it have a direct metro line to the centre, but was also located within walking distance of a shopping mall and a laundrette. We felt safe leaving our van here, which is arguably the most important factor when deciding where to park up.
We recommend spending as much time as possible in Spain to truly appreciate all of its beauty. This road trip itinerary encompasses all of the best bits of Spain without doing too many crazy long drives.
We spent three months following this exact road trip route in Spain, however, this road trip could be condensed to a month if you are in a time crunch!
If you only have a limited amount of time, why not check out one of our shorter road trips in Spain, linked below.
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