12 Days in Spain - 4 Unique Road Trip Itineraries

Itinerary #1: Spain Off-the-Beaten-Path Road Trip: Madrid, La Mancha & Extremadura

Some of the most historic regions in Spain, abounding with well-preserved ancient cities, are the lesser-visited areas of La Mancha and Extremadura. This 12-day road trip takes you from the country's lively and culturally rich capital to the dry plateau regions located south and west of Madrid. Along the way, you'll discover the historical and literary legacy of "Don Quixote," taste regional wine, visit its national parks, and visit medieval cities like Mérida and Cáceres.

Though this itinerary takes you into lesser-known areas of Spain, you'll still start in the country's capital city, Madrid. Enjoy tasting tapas, exploring the city, visiting sites like the Royal Palace and Retiro Park, and learning about Spain's deep history. Next, head south to Toledo, once the country's capital, where you'll find Muslim, Christian, and Jewish monuments next to one another.

It's time to explore La Mancha on Day 5, the land of windmills, vineyards, manchego cheese, and "Don Quixote." Visit the charming town of Almagro and the wetlands of Las Tablas de Daimiel National Park. Drive farther west to Extremadura, the perfect place to visit medieval towns. You'll stop in Mérida, Cáceres, and Trujillo, exploring archaeological sites, historical monuments, and castles. Before returning to Madrid on Day 11, enjoy Monfragüe National Park, with its lakes linked by beautiful waterfalls. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Spain Road Trip: Madrid, Leon & Santiago de Compostela

Experience another region of Spain, this time with a road trip of the country's northwest, from the nation's capital Madrid to Galicia. This is a unique part of the country that has it all, including historical religious sites, unspoiled coastlines, exotic islands, and some of the best seafood in the world.

Combine the buzz of Madrid with the beauty of Galicia with this itinerary. You'll start with discovering Spain's history in its vibrant capital with a guided walk, stopping to enjoy tapas, El Prado Museum, and the Literary Quarter. Head north to León via Peñafiel, visiting its impressive castle and the Ribera del Duero wine region, complete with the Provincial Wine Museum. After a night in the historic city of León, you'll start your drive into Galicia.

Galicia is known for its natural beauty, and you'll start your time in the region with Ribeira Sacra, a mountainous river gorge. Your next overnight is in the coastal city of Vigo, an excellent hub for exploring some of northern Spain's most beautiful beaches in the Cíes Islands, complete with turquoise water and white sand. Your adventure ends in Santiago de Compostela, a beautiful city where the Camino de Santiago culminates. Enjoy a cooking class, a guided history walk, and a drive along the scenic Costa da Morte before it's time for your departure. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Ultimate Northern Spain Road Trip: Madrid, Galicia & Basque Country

Covering more of Spain's often overlooked northern region, you'll experience the rich culture and beautiful scenery on this 12-day self-drive journey. From Madrid to the Galicia region, known for its delicious seafood, striking and historical coast, and religious pilgrimage sites, the trip culminates with a gorgeous drive through Basque Country and a couple of days in Bilbao and San Sebastián.

Another option in northern Spain adds the Basque Country to the mix. Again, you'll start in vibrant Madrid with an evening of tapas, a privately guided walk, and visits to iconic sites like Plaza Mayor, Retiro Park, and the Royal Palace. Head north to León on Day 3, founded in the first century BCE, and stroll along its famous Roman walls. Enjoy a boat ride in the Ribeira Sacra river gorge and stop to explore the historical town of Astorga the following day.

Continue farther into Galicia to Vigo and the Cíes Islands, home to Rodas Beach, a tropical-looking stretch of white sand and turquoise-hued water. Make your way along the coast and stop in a few cities: visit the incredible cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, taste the sidra (cider) in Oviedo, and walk the Roman walls of Lugo. You'll end with the Basque Country and have three nights to explore the area. Visit the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, take the funicular to Mont Igualdo in San Sebastián, and enjoy the coastal route along the Bay of Biscay. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip: Madrid to Andalusia

Enjoy a 12-day road trip through Spain's famous Andalusia region, from Madrid to Málaga through Toledo and the three jewels of Córdoba, Seville, and Granada. Beyond the cities, you'll enjoy cultural excursions like sherry wine tastings, a ceramics class, horse competitions, and other adventures like hiking the Caminito del Rey gorge trail.

Like the above itineraries, you'll start your trip in Madrid with tapas, walks, and iconic monuments for two days. Then, on Day 3, pick up your rental car, stop in Toledo as you head south, and learn why Spain's former capital is known as the "City of Three Cultures." Now it's time for Andalusia, the country's southernmost region famous for its history, culture, and monuments. Start with Córdoba and its incredible Mezquita, a mosque and cathedral in one.

Now it's time for Seville. Taste more tapas and visit sites like the Seville Cathedral (the world's largest Gothic cathedral), the Royal Alcázar and its gardens, and Plaza de España. Enjoy a day trip to Jerez de la Frontera to sip sherry and visit two Pueblos Blancos (White Cities), Ronda atop the El Tajo Gorge, and Arcos de la Frontera, another charming cliffside village. On the way to Granada, brave the infamous Caminito del Rey hike high above a gorge, then explore one of Spain's most famous sites, the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens. End in Málaga for a bit of time on the coast. Learn more

More Great Spain Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Spain? Check out these other Spain road trip itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of excursions to hit the highlights.