1 Week in Spain - 5 Unique Road Trip Itineraries

Itinerary #1: Basque Coast, Pamplona & La Rioja

Balance self-guided travel with the expertise of local guides as you road trip along the Basque Coast, stopping in neighboring regions and enjoying experiences like coastal hikes, boat trips, foodie tours, and cultural walks. 

This 7-day exploration of northern Spain starts and ends in the eclectic and foodie city of Bilbao, visiting areas of the Basque Country, Navarra, and La Rioja in between. After an evening enjoying Bilbao on your own, you'll head to San Sebastián via the scenic northern coast with optional stopping points along the way, including the famous island hermitage at Gaztelugatxe. Then explore the city and its gastronomic culture with a professional chef. 

On your final day in San Sebastián, enjoy a coastal hike and boat trip, then head to Pamplona, home of the Running of the Bulls. Explore the history and culture of both Pamplona and the La Rioja province, including a fun segway experience in the historic village of Sajazarra. End your trip back to Bilbao for more urban walks, tasty pintxos, and local wine. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Basque Country, La Rioja & Navarra

Foodies and history buffs will love this northern Spain itinerary through three provinces: Basque Country, La Rioja, and Navarra. While you'll still have plenty of insight and guidance from local experts, this itinerary is a bit more laid back, just like the vibe of the northern coast.

This road trip starts in the seaside metropolis of San Sebastián with a guided walk through the city's historic Old Town and modern New Town. You'll also visit La Concha beach, a long stretch of sand shaped like a seashell. Enjoy a self-guided hiking day and a sailing excursion before heading inland to Navarra. Spend time in Pamplona learning why this city is more than just the Running of the Bulls.

Your next stop is La Rioja, with stops in historic villages like Logroño and Sajazarra, then you'll end in eclectic Bilbao. Enjoy two guided walks through the city, both with plenty of local wine and pintxos tastings. You'll also visit the famous Guggenheim Museum with works by artists like Andy Warhol, Anselm Kiefer, and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Seville, Cádiz & the White Villages of Andalusia

This Andalusian road trip is perfect for a mix of relaxation and a little adventure. You'll enjoy guided experiences like tapas walks and flamenco performances while having independent time to relax at the spa, explore the White Villages, and swim at the beach.

Enjoy exploring the vast province of Andalusia on this week-long road trip, starting in the historic city of Seville, the region's capital. As the birthplace of flamenco, you'll watch an authentic performance paired with guided walks and tapas tasting, then end your time in the city pampering yourself at a traditional Arab bathhouse. You'll then make your hub in Ronda and explore several Pueblos Blancos (White Villages).

Continue to the coastal city of Cádiz, one of the world's oldest inhabited cities, and stop at a White Village or two along the way. After exploring historic Cádiz and tasting wine, spend your final day at one of the region's famed beaches. On your way back to Seville, make one last stop in Jerez de la Frontera for a final historical fix. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Southern Mediterranean Coast, White Villages & Seville

Explore Spain's southern Mediterranean coast, making even one week seem like an epic adventure with so many varied experiences. This week-long Andalusian road trip visits two coastal cities, Málaga and Cádiz, plus Seville, and provides time to enjoy the province's famed White Villages. 

Kick off this southern Spain road trip with a beach day in Málaga, home to the popular Costa del Sol. Then swap the sand for a unique urban adventure and explore the city via a treasure hunt, followed by a delicious tapas walk. Next, head inland to one of the most famous Andalusian cities, Ronda, which sits dramatically atop El Tajo Gorge. Ronda also makes a great hub for exploring the Pueblos Blancos (White Villages).

Return to the coast by visiting historic Cádiz, strolling around this ancient city, and tasting local wine. On your way to Seville, stop in Jerez de la Frontera, then enjoy an afternoon visiting iconic sites like the Catedral de Seville and the Royal Alcázar. End your trip with an authentic flamenco show and tapas walk. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Self-Drive Through Andalusia

This 7-day road trip itinerary is similar to the above itineraries but adds one of Andalusia's most important cities: Granada. This trip has a little bit of everything, including idyllic inland villages, coastal cities, flamenco, tapas, and one of Spain's most famous monuments.

The best way to start a road trip through Andalusia is in its capital, Seville. Get straight to the city's cultural aspect and enjoy a tapas walk and flamenco show. Then visits some of Spain's most important sites, including the Seville Cathedral (the biggest Gothic cathedral in the world) and the Royal Alcázar, one of the country's best examples of Mudejar architecture. For even more history, visit coastal Cádiz, one of the world's oldest cities. 

Next, head to Ronda and enjoy exploring this iconic city, perched above a gorge with three bridges crossing it, including the famed Puente Nuevo. Your final stop is Granada, home to the Alhambra palaces and Generalife Gardens, the second-most visited monument in Spain, and the beautiful Moorish Quarter, the Albaicín. 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 tours to hit the highlights.