Spain offers some of the most spectacular driving experiences in Europe, combining stunning landscapes, historic sites, and culinary delights that make road trips unforgettable. Whether you're driving through mountain passes, cruising along coastal highways, or exploring charming villages, hiring a car in Spain opens up possibilities that traditional tourism simply can't match. This comprehensive guide covers the best driving routes, essential driving tips, and unmissable gastronomic experiences to help you plan the perfect Spanish adventure.
Northern Spain: The Green Coast Route
Route Overview
The northern coast of Spain, known as "Green Spain," stretches from the Basque Country through Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia. This 800-kilometer journey takes you through lush landscapes, fishing villages, and pristine beaches.
Key Driving Destinations:
- San Sebastián - Begin your journey in this elegant coastal city renowned for having the highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants per square meter in Europe. The winding road up Monte Igueldo offers spectacular views of La Concha Bay.
- Bilbao - Home to the iconic Guggenheim Museum, the approach to Bilbao along the AP-8 highway presents modern architecture against mountainous backdrops.
- Santander - Drive along the Cantabrian coastline to reach this sophisticated city with the magnificent El Sardinero beach and the Magdalena Peninsula.
- Picos de Europa - Venture inland on the N-621 for dramatic mountain scenery. The drive through Desfiladero de la Hermida (Hermida Gorge) is particularly breathtaking.
- Oviedo - This elegant city serves as a gateway to Asturias' rugged coast and mountains.
- Santiago de Compostela - End your northern route at this historic pilgrimage site, approaching via scenic country roads.
Where to Eat:
- Asador Etxebarri (near Bilbao) - Worth a detour to experience Michelin-starred grilled perfection by chef Victor Arguinzoniz
- Casa Gerardo (Asturias) - A historic restaurant serving traditional Asturian fabada (bean stew) and fresh seafood
- Bodegón Alejandro (San Sebastián) - For authentic Basque cuisine at more reasonable prices than the city's starred establishments
Mediterranean Coast: From Barcelona to Andalusia
Route Overview
This route follows Spain's stunning Mediterranean coastline, combining urban experiences with seaside charm and inland detours to white villages.
Key Driving Destinations:
- Barcelona - Start by navigating the modernist architecture before heading south on the AP-7 coastal highway.
- Sitges - A charming beach town just 40 minutes drive from Barcelona with winding coastal roads offering sea views.
- Valencia - The drive into Valencia offers contemporary architecture juxtaposed against historic buildings. The city's futuristic City of Arts and Sciences makes for an impressive approach.
- Cabo de Gata Natural Park (Almería) - Some of Spain's most pristine coastal drives can be found here, with volcanic landscapes meeting the Mediterranean.
- Granada - The approach to Granada through the Sierra Nevada mountains provides dramatic scenery, with the ultimate reward of seeing the Alhambra perched above the city.
- White Villages of Andalusia - The winding roads connecting towns like Ronda, Grazalema, and Arcos de la Frontera offer heart-stopping views and hairpin turns through the mountains.
Where to Eat:
- El Poblet (Valencia) - Experience modern Mediterranean cuisine in the heart of the city
- El Lago (Marbella) - A Michelin-starred restaurant featuring Andalusian cuisine with spectacular lake views
- Restaurante Aponiente (El Puerto de Santa María) - Chef Ángel León's "sea cuisine" is worth the detour
Central Spain: The Castilian Route
Route Overview
This route takes you driving through Spain's historic heartland, across high plateaus, ancient cities, and wine regions.
Key Driving Destinations:
- Madrid - After exploring the capital, head north on the A-6 highway towards Segovia.
- Segovia - The drive reveals a stunning cityscape crowned by its Roman aqueduct and Alcázar fortress.
- Ribera del Duero Wine Route - Wind through vineyard-covered hills and stop at wineries like Protos and Vega Sicilia.
- Salamanca - The golden sandstone buildings of this university city make for a magical approach, especially at sunset.
- Toledo - The drive up to this ancient hilltop city offers panoramic views that inspired El Greco's famous painting.
Where to Eat:
- Mesón de Cándido (Segovia) - Famous for traditional roast suckling pig served in view of the aqueduct
- Restaurante Cobo Vintage (Burgos) - Modern Castilian cuisine with traditional roots
- Restaurante Adolfo (Toledo) - Housed in a 12th-century building with spectacular views of the city
Spain's Most Spectacular Natural Driving Routes
Beyond cities and popular destinations, Spain's true driving treasures often lie in its remote natural landscapes. These routes demand a hired car and reward drivers with unforgettable scenery far from tourist crowds.
1. The Pyrenees Route: Navarra to Catalonia
This epic mountain journey spans approximately 450 kilometers across northern Spain's mountain frontier.
Route Highlights:
- Selva de Irati Forest (Navarra) - One of Europe's largest and best-preserved beech-fir forests, particularly magical in autumn. Take the NA-140 and follow signs to "Irati."
- Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park - The winding A-138 leads to this UNESCO World Heritage site with dramatic limestone cliffs and waterfalls. Park at the Pradera de Ordesa and hike to the base of the 400m-high Circo de Soaso waterfall.
- Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park (Catalonia) - Accessible via the L-500 road, this alpine wonderland features over 200 high-mountain lakes, jagged peaks, and ancient pine forests.
- Val d'Aran - Take the C-28 through this unique valley with stone villages and Romanesque churches, where they speak Aranese (a dialect of Occitan).
Where to Stop:
- Restaurante Callizo in Aínsa - Traditional Aragonese cuisine with mountain views
- La Borda Lobato in Torla - Hearty mountain fare perfect after hiking in Ordesa
- Hotel Vall d'Àneu in Esterri d'Àneu - Catalan cuisine using local ingredients from the Pyrenees
2. The Atlantic Coast Odyssey: Galicia's Wild Shoreline
This 250-kilometer route follows Galicia's rugged coast along the AC-445 and AC-550, revealing landscapes that rival Ireland's famous coastal drives.
Route Highlights:
- Cape Finisterre - Ancient Romans believed this was literally "the end of the world." The drive along the AC-445 to the lighthouse offers dramatic Atlantic views and wild, windswept beaches.
- Costa da Morte (Coast of Death) - Named for the many shipwrecks along its treacherous shore, this stretch between Malpica and Fisterra offers jaw-dropping sea cliffs, hidden beaches, and powerful waves. The route passes through fishing villages like Camariñas and Muxía.
- Rías Baixas - The southern Galician coast features fjord-like inlets with emerald waters. Take the PO-552 coastal road for views of mussel farms, sandy coves, and vineyard-covered hillsides.
- Islas Cíes - While you'll need to park and take a ferry to these protected islands in the Atlantic, the approach drive along the PO-551 to Vigo offers spectacular viewpoints over the bay.
Where to Stop:
- D'Berto in O Grove - World-class seafood in a humble setting
- A De Loló in Cabo de Cruz - Perfect for sampling Galician octopus with views of the estuary
- Taberna A Curuxeira in Fisterra - Fresh fish and traditional Galician potato tortilla near the lighthouse
3. The Forgotten Spain: Extremadura's Wilderness Route
This 300-kilometer route through Spain's least-populated region offers ancient oak forests, wildlife reserves, and stargazing opportunities unmatched in Europe.
Route Highlights:
- Monfragüe National Park - Take the EX-208 and EX-390 through this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, stopping at viewpoints like Salto del Gitano to spot endangered Spanish imperial eagles and black storks soaring above the Tagus River gorge.
- Sierra de Gata - The winding CC-6.1 road takes you through chestnut forests and traditional stone villages like Robledillo de Gata and San Martín de Trevejo, where time seems to have stopped centuries ago.
- Los Barruecos Natural Monument - Follow the EX-390 to this otherworldly landscape where massive granite boulders balance precariously above serene lakes. The area inspired artist Wolf Vostell, whose museum is on site.
- Jerte Valley - If visiting in late March/early April, the CC-101 through this valley becomes one of Europe's most spectacular drives as over a million cherry trees bloom simultaneously, creating a sea of white flowers.
Where to Stop:
- Casa Claudio in Malpartida de Plasencia - Game meats and traditional Extremaduran dishes
- Restaurante Torre de Sande in Cáceres - Regional cuisine in a 15th-century palace
- Hospedería Conventual de Alcántara - Dining with views of the Roman bridge spanning the Tagus River
4. The Desert Route: Almería and Granada's Badlands
This 200-kilometer journey reveals Spain's most surprising landscapes – desert plateaus and canyons that have served as filming locations for countless westerns and sci-fi epics.
Route Highlights:
- Tabernas Desert - Take the A-92 and then the AL-841 to explore Europe's only true desert. The surreal landscape of eroded badlands, dry riverbeds, and distant sierras feels more like Arizona than Europe.
- Sierra Alhamilla - The winding AL-102 climbs this mountain range, offering spectacular views over the desert below and leading to natural hot springs at Baños de Sierra Alhamilla.
- Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park - Follow the AL-3115 and AL-4200 along this volcanic coastline with hidden coves, salt flats, and dramatic cliffs. The lighthouse road offers some of Spain's most dramatic coastal scenery.
- Gorafe Desert - Take the GR-6100 through this prehistoric landscape containing over 200 Neolithic dolmens (stone tombs). The road winds through colorful badlands and spectacular rock formations.
5. The Dinosaur Route: Asturias' Jurassic Coast
This 120-kilometer coastal drive along the N-632 reveals spectacular limestone formations, dinosaur footprints, and some of Europe's most pristine beaches.
Route Highlights:
- Dinosaur Coast (Costa de los Dinosaurios) - Between Gijón and Ribadesella, follow signs to beaches like Playa de La Griega, where you can see fossilized dinosaur footprints dating back 150 million years.
- Bufones de Pría - These natural sea blowholes create spectacular water jets when waves hit the cliffside caves. Park near Llames de Pría and take the short coastal path.
- Mirador del Fito - A winding local road leads to this spectacular viewpoint, offering panoramic vistas of both the Picos de Europa mountains and the Cantabrian Sea.
- Sierra del Sueve - This coastal mountain range offers remote driving through ancient oak forests often shrouded in mist, with wild Asturcón ponies roaming freely.
6. The Volcano Route: La Garrotxa, Catalonia
This 80-kilometer circuit through Catalonia's volcanic region offers ancient beech forests, medieval villages, and dormant volcanic cones.
Route Highlights:
- La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park - The GI-524 winds through this landscape of 40 extinct volcanic cones and lava flows. Don't miss the perfect volcanic cone of Santa Margarida with a church built in its crater.
- Fageda d'en Jordà - This enchanted beech forest grows on ancient lava flows, creating a magical atmosphere, especially in autumn. Park at Can Serra and follow the marked walking routes.
- Medieval villages - The route connects stone-built medieval towns like Santa Pau, Castellfollit de la Roca (perched dramatically on a basalt cliff), and Besalú with its impressive Romanesque bridge.
- Sant Joan les Fonts - Follow the signs to see three separate lava flows from different geological eras, revealed along the banks of the Fluvià River.
Where to Stop:
- Les Cols in Olot - Michelin-starred volcanic cuisine in a glass pavilion
- Ca l'Enric in La Vall de Bianya - Family-run restaurant serving traditional Catalan cuisine with modern touches
- Restaurant Hostal dels Ossos in Santa Pau - Medieval atmosphere with local specialties including "fesols" (local white beans)
Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Road Trip Destinations
- Las Médulas (León) - Ancient Roman gold mines have created an otherworldly red landscape best accessed by car.
- Sierra de Francia (Salamanca Province) - Winding mountain roads lead to traditional villages like La Alberca, seemingly frozen in time.
- Bardenas Reales (Navarra) - A desert-like landscape that feels more like the American Southwest than Europe, with dramatic eroded formations.
- Costa Brava's Coves - Many of the most beautiful coves along this rugged coastline are only accessible by narrow coastal roads or hiking trails from parking areas.
Culinary Road Trip Experiences
Spain's regional diversity means each road trip can become a gastronomic adventure:
- Tapas Crawl in Granada - Unlike most cities, Granada still serves free tapas with each drink. Try Bar Los Diamantes for seafood and Bodegas Castañeda for traditional options.
- Pintxo Tour in San Sebastián - Park the car and walk the old town, sampling pintxos (Basque tapas) at bars like La Cuchara de San Telmo and Gandarias.
- Seafood Expedition in Galicia - Follow the coastline, stopping at small ports for the freshest seafood. Don't miss pulpo á feira (octopus) in Melide or O Carballiño.
- Wine Routes - Designated wine routes throughout Spain allow you to drive through vineyard landscapes and stop for tastings (remember to have a designated driver). The La Rioja and Ribera del Duero routes are particularly scenic.
Planning Your Spanish Road Trip
The best times for a Spanish road trip are spring (April-June) and fall (September-October) when weather is pleasant and crowds are smaller. Summer can be extremely hot in central and southern Spain, while winter brings snow to mountain passes in the north.
A two-week itinerary allows you to thoroughly explore one of the routes described above, but with a month, you could complete a grand tour connecting several regions. Whatever your timeframe, renting a car in Spain provides the freedom to discover authentic experiences beyond the typical tourist path, from hidden beaches to mountain villages where traditions remain unchanged for centuries.
Whether you're drawn by the allure of Spain's diverse landscapes, its rich history, or its world-renowned cuisine, exploring the country by car offers a perspective that can't be matched by other forms of travel. Just remember to take your time – in Spain, the journey truly is as important as the destination.
Driving Tips for Spain
- Car Hire Advice: Book your car hire well in advance, especially during the summer months. Consider diesel vehicles for better fuel economy on long journeys.
- Road Types: Spain has excellent highways (autopistas, marked AP, are toll roads, while autovías, marked A, are free). Minor roads through mountains can be narrow but often provide the most scenic routes.
- Parking: In historic city centres, park in designated garages and explore on foot, as many old towns have limited vehicle access.
- Speed Limits: Generally 120 km/h on highways, 100 km/h on national roads, 90 km/h on secondary roads, and 50 km/h in urban areas. Speed cameras are common. Always make sure to check the speed limit on each road you drive.
- ZTL Zones: Many historic cities have Limited Traffic Zones (Zonas de Tráfico Limitado). Research these before entering to avoid fines.
The Importance of Car Hire Excess Insurance
When you hire a car in Spain, the rental company typically includes basic insurance. However, this often comes with a high excess, meaning you could be liable for hundreds or even thousands of pounds in the event of an accident or damage. Car Hire Excess Insurance covers this excess, ensuring you don’t have to pay a fortune if something goes wrong.
Independent Insurance vs Car Hire Company Insurance
When securing Car Hire Excess Insurance, you have two options: purchasing directly from the car hire company or choosing an independent provider like Gigasure. Here’s how they compare:
Car Hire Excess from the car hire company
Convenient – Offered at the rental desk when picking up the car. 
Expensive – Often significantly overpriced, adding unnecessary costs to your trip. Limited cover – May not cover essential areas like tyres, windscreen, or undercarriage damage.
Independent Car Hire Excess Insurance from Gigasure
More affordable – Get coverage at a lower cost. Better protection – Covers a wider range of damages, including key loss, misfuelling, and personal belongings. Flexible policies – Customise your cover based on your trip needs and duration.
What Does Car Hire Excess Insurance Cover?
With Gigasure, Car Hire Excess Insurance policy typically includes:
- Misfuelling Cover up to £2,000 to cover the costs of refuelling mishaps, such as accidentally filling your car with the wrong type of fuel.
- Excess Protection up to 10,000 protection against excess charges for damage to the bodywork, tyres, roof, windscreen, and undercarriage, as well as fire damage, vandalism, and theft.
- Rental Car Key Protection included as standard.
- Covers up to 9 named drivers on a single rental agreement.
- Gigasure’s policies offer up to 65 days of continuous cover on any single rental agreement with our annual multi-trip policies.
Why Travel Insurance is Also Essential in Spain
Car Hire Excess Insurance alone isn’t enough when travelling to Spain. It only covers car excess costs – but what about unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, or lost luggage? That’s where Travel Insurance comes in.
The Importance of Travel Insurance
- Medical emergencies – Covers hospital bills and emergency treatments.
- Trip cancellations – Protection if you need to cancel due to unforeseen events.
- Lost or stolen belongings – Protects your valuables while travelling.
- Travel Delays – With GigaShield, you are covered in case your flight gets delayed by 3h or more or if your baggage does not arrive at the destination at the same time as you
The Best Solution: Get Both with Gigasure
With Gigasure, you can get both Car Hire Excess Insurance and Travel Insurance in one place – saving you time, hassle, and money. Our app lets you manage both policies effortlessly, giving you peace of mind while exploring Spain.
