Spain road trip itinerary: 10 days and 6 destinations!

If you’ve never taken a road trip and want to experience it for the first time, you should know that Europe’s roads are excellent for this kind of adventure! With that in mind, I decided to share a Spain road trip itinerary in this post. Keep reading to check out my 10-day itinerary through 6 amazing destinations across the country!

If you’re still unsure whether it’s worth doing a road trip in Spain, let me share a few advantages! The main one is freedom, since being in a car allows you to stop wherever you want, for as long as you want.

Another major perk is comfort, because when you’re in your own car (even if it’s rented), you can carry more luggage, bring snacks, chat, and sing freely along the way without sharing the space with strangers.

As for the downsides, in my opinion, there are two: the cost and the potential fatigue. But both can be easily managed if you travel with two or three friends, as you’ll be able to split expenses and take turns driving.

Ready to check out the Spain road trip itinerary?

Spain road trip itinerary

Before diving into the cities on my Spain road trip, I should mention that I planned this route starting from Madrid. However, if you plan to start from Barcelona, that works too, it’ll just be a longer trip, so I recommend adding 7 more days to fully enjoy the destinations along the way.

Madrid

The first stop on the Spain road trip itinerary is the capital, Madrid. To make the most of it, I recommend setting aside 2 to 3 full days to explore the city. Visit the famous Prado Museum, have a picnic in Retiro Park, sip on a sangria, and try traditional tapas and paella.

If you happen to have an extra day, consider a day trip to Salamanca, which is located 200 km north of the Spanish capital.

Distance from Madrid to Toledo: approximately 73 km. When it’s time to head to Toledo, try to leave early in the morning to make the most of your next destination.

Toledo

The second city on the Spain road trip itinerary is very close to the capital, and you won’t even get tired driving there. Toledo is a historic and charming destination, often visited on a day trip. My tip is to spend one night in the medieval city, since our itinerary continues southward.

Partial view of the charming medieval city of Toledo.

Distance from Toledo to Córdoba: approximately 310 km. If you managed to visit all the tourist spots in Toledo the day before, plan to leave early toward Córdoba. If there are still places left to see, leave after lunch.

Córdoba

The city is located in the Andalusia region, one of the most beautiful in Spain. Some people take a day trip from Madrid by train, but you’ll definitely get to know it better if you stay at least one night.

Driving will take a bit longer, you should expect to spend between 3.5 to 4 hours on the road. The time will vary depending on your pace, traffic, and the number of stops you make. In this case, my advice is not to cram too many things into your itinerary for the day, and keep it more relaxed.

One of the most charming little streets in Córdoba.

Distance from Córdoba to Seville: approximately 140 km. Since the two cities are quite close, I recommend leaving Córdoba later in the afternoon so you can enjoy more of the city!

Seville

Seville is the capital of Andalusia and one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. To really enjoy everything the city has to offer, set aside three days to stay there. The first day will mostly be for getting to know the city by night, so the next two days you’ll be free to explore everything without having to worry about the road.

Distance from Seville to Málaga: approximately 200 km. Since the distance is short, I suggest leaving Seville not too early, but before lunch, so you can start exploring Málaga on the same day.

Málaga

The fifth city on this Spain road trip itinerary is also located in Andalusia and is a great option for those wanting a coastal destination. As soon as you arrive, head to the most beautiful tourist spot in the city: Castillo de Alcazaba, an ancient fortress that looks like something out of a movie, and offers a great view of the sea and the port.

If you're visiting during the summer, add an extra day to the itinerary to relax and enjoy one or two beaches. La Caleta and La Misericordia are popular and lively. If you’re into kite surfing, head to El Campo de Golf beach.

Distance from Málaga to Granada: approximately 125 km. Here, the suggestion is to leave Málaga after lunch and still make the most of the day in Granada.

Granada

Many travelers visit the city just to see the Alhambra, the famous palace complex. However, Granada has many other charming places to discover, and I suggest spending at least one night there too.

Interior of one of the mosques.

To wrap up your road trip through Spain, you can head straight back to Madrid. The distance to be covered isn't very long, approximately 400 km. If you decide to leave Granada early in the morning, check to see if there’s an interesting town to stop at along the way.

That was my road trip itinerary through Spain, what did you think? Feel free to extend the number of days in each city or add other destinations along the way! If you have any questions or suggestions, drop them in the comments below!

Hugs and see you on the next adventure!