A Spain road trip works best when you pick one region and go deep. Andalusia, in the south, offers Moorish palaces, whitewashed hill towns and dramatic gorges. The Basque Country, in the north, trades the heat for green cliffs, fishing ports and some of Europe’s best food. You can do either in a week, or both in about two.
This guide gives you a sample itinerary for each region with approximate distances, the best time to go, and the driving rules American travelers should know before picking up a rental car.
Spain road trip itinerary: Andalusia in 8 days
Andalusia is the classic choice for a first road trip in Spain. The loop below starts in Seville, which is about 530 km (330 miles) from Madrid if you drive down from the capital.
| Days | Leg | Approx. distance | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 to 2 | Seville | City stay | Explore on foot, pick up the car when leaving |
| 3 | Seville to Arcos de la Frontera | About 115 km (71 miles) | First white village, clifftop viewpoints |
| 4 | White villages to Ronda | Short hops | Grazalema, Zahara de la Sierra |
| 5 | Ronda | City stay | The gorge and the Puente Nuevo |
| 6 to 7 | Ronda to Granada | About 180 km (112 miles) | The Alhambra, the Albaicín |
| 8 | Granada to Córdoba | About 160 km (101 miles) | The Mezquita-Catedral |
The white villages route
The heart of this trip is the Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos, a circuit of about 235 km through the hills of Cádiz province. The houses are lime-washed white, a tradition meant to reflect the sun and keep interiors cool. Start in Arcos de la Frontera, then head into the mountains to Grazalema, surrounded by its natural park, and Zahara de la Sierra, below its hilltop castle.
Finish in Ronda, built on either side of the El Tajo gorge and joined by the Puente Nuevo bridge. It is one of the most photographed towns in Spain, so arrive early or stay the night to enjoy it after the day-trippers leave.
Granada and Córdoba
Granada’s Alhambra is the highlight of most Andalusia trips. Entry is by timed ticket and popular slots sell out, so book as soon as your dates are set. Córdoba, a short drive away, is home to the Mezquita-Catedral and a maze of narrow old streets. As in Seville, park outside the historic center and walk.
Spain road trip on the Basque coast: 4 to 5 days
The Basque Country makes a great summer alternative when Andalusia is too hot. Bilbao is about 400 km (247 miles) north of Madrid, and San Sebastián is about 100 km (61 miles) east of Bilbao along the coast.
- Bilbao: the Guggenheim Museum and the old town.
- San Juan de Gaztelugatxe: a hermitage on a rocky islet reached by a stone bridge and a long staircase. Entry is free, but on busy dates you need a free timed reservation from the Provincial Council of Bizkaia. After open access returned on September 21, 2026, reservations are still required on several October weekend and holiday dates, so check before you go.
- Zumaia and Getaria: small coastal towns with dramatic layered cliffs and seafood grills.
- San Sebastián: La Concha beach and the pintxos bars of the old town.
Coastal roads here are winding and slow. Plan short driving days and leave time for long lunches.
Best time for a road trip in Spain
For Andalusia, spring and fall are ideal: roughly March to June and September to November, when the weather is mild and the countryside is green. July and August can be extremely hot inland. The Basque coast is at its best from late spring to early fall, though rain is possible in any month.
Driving rules in Spain for Americans
- International Driving Permit. US drivers are expected to carry an IDP along with their US license. It is cheap and quick to get from an authorized US automobile association before you leave, and it avoids trouble if you are stopped or involved in an accident.
- Low emission zones. By law, Spanish cities over 50,000 residents must set up low emission zones (ZBE), and Madrid and Barcelona enforce theirs with cameras. Ask your rental company whether the car has the right environmental label, and check the city’s rules before driving in.
- Historic centers. Old towns in Seville, Granada and Córdoba have narrow streets and access restrictions. Use parking garages at the edge and walk.
- Car choice. Manual transmissions are common. Book an automatic early if you need one, and pick a compact car for village streets.
Still deciding between Spain and other countries? Our overview of the best road trip routes in Europe compares Andalusia with Italy, the Alps, Ireland, Scotland and Iceland. And if you know the long drives of home, America’s legendary scenic routes make a useful point of comparison: Spain packs more towns and history into each hour on the road.
Spain road trip FAQ
How many days do you need for a road trip in Spain?
About eight days for Andalusia, four to five for the Basque coast, and around two weeks to combine both with a transfer through Madrid.
Is it easy to drive in Spain?
Highways are modern and easy to use. The difficulties are narrow old-town streets, limited parking and low emission zones in big cities.
Do Americans need an International Driving Permit in Spain?
Yes, carry one along with your US license. Get it in the US before the trip, through one of the two automobile associations authorized to issue it.
What is the best region for a first Spain road trip?
Andalusia, for its mix of cities, white villages and mountain scenery within short driving distances.
Learn more: low emission zone, in our glossary.
