The beauty of Spain is not confined to either the beautiful beaches or the marvelous works of famed artists and architects but rather in the meandering sunlit roads and the people and places you encounter on the way. Barcelona — a great Mediterranean city — is one of the most popular European cities at any time of year, but you’ll want to expand your trip to fully savor what Spain has to offer, and two curated routes especially invite further immersion: Ruta Vía de la Plata and The Grand Tour of Catalonia. Even if you center your visit to Spain around Barcelona, an east coast of Spain road trip such as The Grand Tour of Catalonia, will allow you to see the sights as well as less visited places to make the most of your trip.
The history of Spain cannot be underemphasized either — everyone from Greeks and Romans to Moors influenced this diverse land, and if you want to walk in the footsteps of these ancient people there are travel routes in Spain, recommended by Turespaña, that will benefit you and the communities you visit. The Vía de la Plata (Silver Route), inspired by Spain’s history, is a fine example. This northern road trip itinerary from Seville (Roman Hispalis) to Gijón, is where ancient architecture as well as arts and culture continue to beckon.
There are whole regions full of traditional art and cuisine as well as natural beauty to discover. On this road trip, remember: Vivir la vida al máximo or live life to the fullest!
1. Ruta Vía de la Plata
Travel in the direction of the Romans on this Spain road trip, which can be traced from Seville onward to Gijón. While a great trip by car, you have the option to navigate it by motorcycle or bicycle. The northward journey will allow you to get to know the best things to do in four distinct regions: Andalusia, Extremadura, Asturias, and Castilla y León.
Andalusia
Touring southern Spain by car is a great way to see Andalusia starting with Seville. The onetime Roman Hispalis is full of cultural attractions. Start your trip at the grand Royal Alcazar, which is a beautiful example of Mudéjar-style construction. Walk through the large public area called Alameda de Hércules, which was named for Greek hero Hercules, who is thought to be the mythical founder of Seville. The awe-inspiring Seville Cathedral and the Giralda bell tower, once a minaret, is an example of the city’s rich religious heritage. Don't miss the Plaza de España, a stunning regional architecture example. Seville is also the center of flamenco. In tapas bars, you can hear the intense rhythms of the Spanish classical guitar.
Extremadura
Continue tracing this road trip’s historical roots in Mérida, the capital of Extremadura, where you can see Spain's best-preserved Roman theater and the International Classical Theatre Festival in July and August. The Roman circus, aqueducts, and Temple of Diana are also impressive. Continue your historical tour at Cáceres, where you can experience a mixture of architectural styles, including Roman, Moorish, Gothic and Italian Renaissance styles. The Old Town of Cáceres has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its medieval ambience — found in places like Arco de la Estrella, Plaza de Santa María, Cuesta de la Compañía, Plaza de las Veletas — stood in for King’s Landing landmarks in the seventh season of the series.
Castilla y León
In this beautiful part of Spain, known as Castile and León in English, you can feel the history all around you. Located on the Duero River, the city of Zamora is arguably the capital of Romanesque architecture and art. Among the many pilgrimage sites in León, the Gothic León Cathedral is well worth a tour. Over 2,000 square feet, the House of Light showcases soaring ceilings and stained-glass windows. Built up an appetite? Look for the products León is known for, including cured meats like air-dried cecina as well as apples, pears, and red wines.
Asturias
This region is like a best-kept secret, offering a delightful mix of maritime tradition and rich culinary heritage, famously home to restaurateur José Andrés. Then there are the six distinctive pre-Romanesque landmarks that make up the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Monuments of Oviedo and the Kingdom of the Asturias," including the old San Miguel de Lillo and crosslike Santa Cristina cathedral in Lena, which are worth seeing before you get to Gijón. Also known as Xixón, this capital of Asturias on the shores of the Cantabrian Sea features incredible beaches, Campa Torres Archaeological-Natural Park, and fun museums and galleries.
2. The Grand Tour of Catalonia
This route follows the attractions of Spain's East Coast, allowing you to visit Catalonia on a flexible journey. This voyage, reminiscent of a 19th-century grand tour, can be completed by vehicle, bike, or foot. It spans 1,242 miles (2,000 kilometers). For maximum flexibility, you can explore each region based on your time and interests, or choose a curated 13-day tour.
Barcelona to Tarragona
On this route, promoting “vineyards with a taste of the sea,” you’ll start your journey in Barcelona, where you can choose to bicycle through Barcelona’s beautifully patterned streets, explore the artistry of Pablo Picasso, and savor Pa Amb Tomàquet (among other local culinary delights). Walk the Gothic quarter (Barri Gotic) and its looming Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulàlia. For more fanciful works, see the architectural wonders of Antoni Gaudí, such as Park Güell, Casa Batlló and La Sagrada Familia, a towering basilica expected to finish in 2026, 144 years after the first stone was set. Next, ascend to the spiritual heights of Montserrat, offering breathtaking vistas and the serene ambience of the Santa Maria de Montserrat monastery. Then, venture into the El Penedès wine region, known for its exquisite wines. Then, make time for a beach town like Sitges, celebrated for its LGBTQ+ friendliness and delectable seafood dishes like Fideuà, a Catalan entrée reminiscent of paella but made with noodles instead of rice. Follow along the Cistercian Route, where the serene Monastery of Santes Creus awaits before you explore an even older place, Roman Tarragona.
Tarragona to Lleida
This Spain road trip from Tarragona takes you to ancient Roman sites, such as the circus, praetorium and amphitheater — and newer travel adventures as well. You can go kayaking along the Ebro River or birdwatching in the Ebro Delta as you make your way through the MónNatura Delta de l'Ebre natural reserve, an area known for its beautiful wetland environment. Tour the peaceful Cistercian Poblet Monastery, a World Heritage Site, and learn about monastic life on the Cistercian Route. Exploring regional history and sampling decadent red wines in the Priorat wine region are just two more of the cultural opportunities available toward Lleida.
Lleida to La Seu d’Urgell
Start your day appreciating historic Lleida, particularly the old cathedral, or Seu Vella. Alternatively start your excursion of the spectacular Congost de Mont-rebei gorge, perfect for recreation like hiking and canoeing. Plan an excursion to Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park in the Central Pyrenees to see its glacier lakes and unique animals. This path leads to Vall de Boí, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning Romanesque churches and medieval architecture in the Pyrenees Mountains. There's also the unique Val d’Aran, a high-mountain valley with a variety of influences and a reputation as a ski destination. Immerse yourself in the rich culture of these historic locations, culminating in La Seu d'Urgell, a historic town with a stunning Romanesque cathedral.
La Seu d’Urgell to Figueres
For this part of the trip, start in La Seu d'Urgell, which has Catalonia's only fully Romanesque Cathedral, showing the area's rich architectural history. Consider a side trip to La Cerdanya, nestled in the Catalan Pyrenees, where you can explore quaint village life, savor regional delicacies like escargot and Pyrenees fondue and admire the stunning open valleys. Alternatively, explore scenic beauty, in places such as Parc Natural del Cadí-Moixeró. As you travel Berguedà, marvel at the haunting mountain silhouette of Pedraforca, once said to be a meeting place for witches. Go to Castellar de N'Hug to witness the source of the Llobregat river, Catalonia’s second largest. In the region of El Ripollès, visit religious sites, such as the Benedictine Santa Maria de Ripoll and its architecturally significant portico and continue to the Sanctuary-Basilica of the Virgin Mary of Nuria shrine, a beautiful and meaningful journey. Continue your picturesque road trip through medieval Beget and dramatic Castellfollit de la Roca. In fall or winter especially, be sure to experience the ancient volcanic landscapes of La Garrotxa and enjoy recreational activities minus the crowds. Finally, delve into the Jewish heritage and historic sites in Besalú before concluding this chapter of your travels in Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dalí.
Figueres to Barcelona
"From Surrealism to Modernism," the final leg of the versatile road trip, begins in Figueres, home of the famous Teatre-Museu Dalí, one of the museums that make up the Dalí Triangle, and provides an insight inside the mind of the surrealist artist who was born in Figueres. At the nearby Monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes, which is home to a renowned winery, learn about wine and life, and then explore the untamed splendor of Parc Natural Cap de Creus, whose rocks inspired Dalí. You can visit the Dalí House in Portlligat and the charming Cadaqués, which is a sanctuary for artists, by taking a short detour. Travel south via the marshes of Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Natural Park and the scenic landscapes of El Montseny, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Stop along the way to explore Girona's medieval passageways and Girona Jewish Quarter. Another must-see place is Empúries, a singular archeological site where the Roman city Emporiae and the ruins of the Greek city Empòrion converge. If anchovies sound good to you, visit the Anchovy and Salt Museum to learn more and explore the renowned anchovies of L'Escala on the Barcelona Coast. Then, alas, your east coast road journey comes to an end at exciting Barcelona, where you can enjoy a sunset overlooking the Mediterranean and toast to an adventure well done.
Visit Spain with AAA and Turespaña
There are so many ways to visit Spain, but a road trip especially allows you time to immerse yourself in Spain's cultural and religious heritage. Two carefully selected routes, the Ruta Vía de la Plata and The Grand Tour of Catalonia, provide extensive pathways to experience the country's historical and environmental treasures sustainably. From the varied landscapes of Catalonia to the architectural charm of the Vía de la Plata, AAA can help you plan your Spanish adventure by offering services such as obtaining an International Driving Permit and passport assistance and additional AAA benefits with RushMyPassport.com, so you are adequately prepared to travel these sustainable routes through some of Spain’s most storied regions.