Vale, vale, vale. If you aren’t familiar with that word yet, you’ll know it well once you embark on this fabulous road trip through Spain. Spain is a good time. No, it’s a great time. It might just be my ancestry, but I swear I can move to Spain tomorrow and be quite happy forever.
There is so much beauty to see throughout Spain. A Spanish road trip is the ultimate way to explore multiple cities on your trip. This way, you truly get the best of both worlds. Electric cities with unbeatable food, shopping, monuments, and nightlife, paired with scenic drives through the rolling mountainous countryside. This itinerary will help you plan the perfect road trip through Spain.
This itinerary takes you to 4 incredible cities in Spain: Seville, Granada, Valencia, and Barcelona.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Seville (yay!)
Day 2: Full Day in Seville
Day 3: Drive to Granada (2 Hours and 45 Minutes)
Day 4: Full Day in Granada
Day 5: Drive to Valencia (5 Hours)
Day 6: Full Day in Valencia
Day 7: Drive to Barcelona (3 Hours and 45 Minutes)
Day 8 – 9: Two Days in Barcelona
Day 10: Bye, Spain! *cries*
Basic Overview
This itinerary begins in the beautiful Andalusian capital, Seville. Andalusia is Spain’s sunny Southern region with Moorish remnants that greatly influence the city’s architecture.
Your next stop is Granada— a city that feels straight out of a storybook.
Granada is home to Spain’s most visited attraction, The Alhambra. Upon visiting, it is easy to see why The Alhambra draws in millions of visitors each year. However, Granada is so much more than the ancient palace which draws in tourists. Also, Granada is the birthplace of tapas and is wholly enchanting to explore.
The next stop, Valencia, is young spirited, and jovial. There isn’t a moment where the streets of Valencia aren’t lively or the bars aren’t full to the brim. World-class museums like the aquarium and science museum keep you busy during the day, while classic tapas bars will keep you up late at night.
You will finish your trip in one of my favorite cities— Barcelona. There isn’t a shortage of things to do in the Catalonian capital. Explore Gaudi masterpieces that breathe life into the city like La Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. Get lost in the Gothic Quarter. Soak in the sun by the beach. Go to world class cocktail bars and restaurants. Oh, Barcelona— you have my heart.
Driving + Car Rental
Driving in Spain is a piece of cake- there’s nothing especially precarious about the roads.
I used Google Maps for the duration of the drive and navigated the journey with ease
(and poise and grace and overall flawless expertise).
As for renting your car, I booked the rental ahead of time through Enterprise and picked up the car easily in Seville. There are plenty of car rental services like Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, and Budget. Pretty standard stuff.
Seville
This itinerary begins in the beautiful Andalusian capital, Seville. Andalusia is Spain’s sunny Southern region with Moorish remnants that greatly influence the city’s architecture.
Casa de Pilatos
Avoid the crowds of the Royal Alcazar and make your way to Casa de Pilatos. While it is not spoken about as much as the Royal Alcazar, Casa de Pilatos rivals its beauty (I promise).
This Andalusian palace transports you back in time. I was frolicking around the flower garden like a Medieval princess.
Plaza de España
There are squares and then there is Plaza de España. There is no better feeling than paddling down the canal in a rowboat fit for a storybook. Promendating this plaza is the ultimate form of relaxation and people watching.
Parque de María Luisa
Parque de María Luisa is one of the most perfect parks in Spain. Bridges, gardens, buildings, and museums span the park, elevating it from your average green space to a half-day excursion. Scope out a scenic shady spot and soak in the warm Seville sun.
Seville to Granada (2 Hours and 45 Minutes)
Granada
Granada is unique, charming, and enchanting. Being that this Spanish city is the birthplace of tapas, it is truly a foodie’s paradise. If you’re looking to do a tapas crawl— Granada is the place to do it. Granada is also home to Spain’s most visited attraction, The Alhambra, which is truly a must-see.
The Alhambra
Upon visiting, it is easy to see why the Alhambra draws in millions of visitors a year. This preserved Islamic fortress transports you entirely. The blend of Islamic and Spanish Renaissance architecture makes you forget what part of the world you’re in— in the most incredible way. With a ticket to Alhambra, you can explore the fortress, gardens, palaces, and museums that make up the property.
I visited Alhambra in the pouring rain and I still thought it was one of the most incredible historical sights I’ve seen in Europe.
Explore the Albaicín Quarter
The Albaicín neighborhood of Granada sits on a hillside across from the Alhambra. It is also the city’s Moroccan Quarter, where teahouses, beautiful ceramics, and the city’s best Moroccan food live. The Albaicín Quarter is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its picturesque beauty, winding streets, and Moorish influence. Visiting a teahouse while in the neighborhood is an absolute must.
I recommend relaxing with a pot of tea and your pick of desserts, after your visit to the Alhambra.
Tapas Your Heart Out
Known as the birthplace of tapas, Granada is the ultimate city to embark on a tapas crawl.
It is typical in Granada to receive a free tapa with every drink order. I found the portion sizes to be more than generous, and, of course, you can order any additional tapas you’d like off the menu. Croquetas, jamón ibérico, tortillas— these are the foods I could live off of forever.
Granada to Valencia (5 Hours)
Valencia
Valencia is young, spirited, and jovial. There isn’t a moment where the streets of Valencia aren’t lively or the bars aren’t full to the brim. World-class museums like the aquarium and science museum keep you busy during the day, while classic tapas bars will keep you up late at night.
City of Arts and Sciences
City of Arts and Sciences is essentially Valencia’s modern museum district. This area is a stretch of magnificently designed monuments that transcend your ordinary museum experience. You can spend an afternoon strolling the Oceanogràfic, Science Museum, Palau de les Arts, and more. Even if you’re not super into museums, I promise that Valencia’s museums are worth a visit.
Drinks on a Rooftop
Valencia is the perfect city for a sunset rooftop moment. Valencians like to have a good time and it makes you want to be out and about, soaking in every moment of the day.
Atenea Sky Rooftop is one of Valencia’s best rooftops that offers spectacular views and prime cocktails. There is an entrance fee (which could be annoying), but it’s not terribly expensive and you’d have to pay a fee at any other lookout point/ monument in the city.
Explore Old Town
Spend your day visiting grand squares, local shops, and classic Spanish restaurants in Valencia’s Old Town. I recommend spending an afternoon in Plaza de la Virgen, sitting in a cafe with an overpriced drink in your hand for prime people watching and a midday rest.
Valencia to Barcelona (3 Hours and 45 Minutes)
Barcelona
You will finish your trip in one of my favorite cities— Barcelona. There isn’t a shortage of things to do in the Catalonian capital. Explore Gaudi masterpieces that breathe life into the city like La Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. Get lost in the Gothic Quarter. Soak in the sun by the beach. Go to world class cocktail bars and restaurants. Oh, Barcelona— you have my heart.
Gaudi Galore
The genius Spanish architect, Antoni Gaudi, and the city of Barcelona are synonymous. Gaudi’s buildings paint the city with imaginative, colorful, and whimsical designs.
You absolutely must visit La Sagrada Familia. La Sagrada Familia is a work of art come to life. This church is breathtaking, reflective, and a true marvel. I’m not a big audio-guide girl, but even the self-guided tour is great because it shares the church’s fascinating history and unbelievable attention to detail.
Must see Gaudi: La Sagrada Familia, Casa Milà, Casa Battló, Park Güell
Visit Montjüic
In simple terms, Montjüic is a hill, but in actuality, it is a spectacular lookout point that offers panoramic views. To go up the hill, you must ride a Funicular cable car, which is an experience in and of itself. Once you arrive at the peak of Montjüic, there is much more to explore than the fabulous view. There are gardens, a castle, and the 1992 Olympic Stadium.
Explore the Gothic Quarter
Picture this: winding medieval streets filled with bars, restaurants, and boutiques that are packed with patrons late into the night. Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter is so much fun to explore.
Warning: this area is packed with tourists during the day. My favorite times to walk around the Gothic Quarter are early in the morning or late at night. But, once the sun goes down, this neighborhood comes to life with Barcelonians ready to party.
