Discover Spain Through Two of the Country's Great Driving Routes
Spain invites exploration beyond the ordinary. See Spain in a new way by combining classic tour routes with off the beaten path adventures. Discover stunning, less crowded attractions and navigate some of Spain's best driving routes. Each itinerary reveals the essence of Spanish culture and cuisine. One historic route, the Vía de la Plata takes you through four regions of Spain and heritage cities from Seville to Gijón — a northern Spain road trip itinerary. Need flexibility? One versatile road trip in Spain from Barcelona is the Grand Tour of Catalonia, which allows you to design a selection of sustainable experiences in Catalonia ranging from arts and culture to natural wonders.
- Get exclusive AAA member benefits when renting a car and enjoy the best scenic drives in Spain, such as the Vía de la Plata and Grand Tour of Catalonia.
- Book tours and things to do in Spain using Trip Canvas. A road trip allows you to fully savor regional restaurants, wineries and diverse scenic landscapes as well as get to know the people and places of Spain.
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ROADTRIP
Ruta Vía de la Plata
This historic yet contemporary road trip from Seville to Gijón in northern Spain, the Ruta Vía de la Plata, features a number of heritage communities and landmarks. Following an old Roman route, the south to north Spain road trip meanders through four spectacular regions: Andalusia, Extremadura, Castilla y León and Asturias. Set off on an adventurous 7-day road trip traveling in Spain by car, or take a leisurely journey in stages by bike or by foot, discovering a versatile route to Spain’s less crowded attractions.
Start in Seville, which was once Roman Hispalis, to embrace flamenco, classical guitar and other cultural attractions. Cities Cáceres, Mérida and León offer captivating architectural and scenic splendor as you go. Zamora is one of the Romanesque capitals, where you can see pre-Romanesque Asturian sites, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site Church of Santa Cristina de Lena, on the way to port town of Gijón, known for its beautiful beaches. Along the way, you’ll enjoy the best food and wine while immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of Spain.
ROADTRIP
The Grand Tour of Catalonia
The Grand Tour of Catalonia offers a circuitous route designed for travelers to explore the essence of the historic region at their own pace through multiple stages or a curated 13-day road trip. Spanning over 1,242 miles (2,000 km), this travel route in Spain supports sustainable tourism by celebrating local communities as well as their stories and products. Depending on your interests, begin in Barcelona, renowned for its art and architecture, and proceed to Montserrat, celebrating a millennium of spiritual significance. Wine enthusiasts will savor the Penedès wine region, while history and scenic views await from Roman Tarragona to Val d'Aran and Parque Natural del Cadí-Moixeró. Experience Salvador Dalí’s surrealist art at the Teatre-Museu Dalí in Figueres. Girona is where medieval history meets modern amenities, offering culinary delights in medieval surroundings. Journey east to enjoy the rugged beauty of Cap de Creus Natural Park. This tour highlights Catalonia's attractions while underscoring the importance of preserving its cultural heritage and natural beauty.
WHY TRAVEL & BOOK WITH AAA
AAA is there for you before, during and after your trip, so you can be sure you’ll have the best vacation in Spain. Find the best Spanish vacation spots and book your stay with peace of mind. To help you save time and money, RushMyPassport.com provides AAA members great deals on expedited passport courier and additional services. Plus, get an International Driving Permit from AAA before touring. The IDP, available in 10 languages and valid in over 150 nations, is necessary in certain countries and strongly recommended in others.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Spain
The best time to visit Spain is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to early June) or fall (September to November) when both the weather is pleasant and tourist crowds are smaller.
Yes, US nationals wanting to drive in Spain must get a International Driving Permit (IDP) before arrival. While not necessarily required, having an IDP is strongly advised for a stress-free trip. Your driver's license can be translated into 10 languages, allowing local authorities to easily read it. Remember that the IDP is not valid on its own and must be carried with your state-issued driver's license. For peace of mind, go to AAA to secure your IDP and enjoy your road trip itinerary.
AAA benefits and savings at RushMyPassport make renewing passports swift and economical, simplifying travel to Spain.
Like most of Europe, Spain uses the Euro (€) as its official currency.
When using ATMs, choose the option to be charged in Euros rather than your home currency to avoid dynamic currency conversion fees. Always use ATMs associated with recognized banks for security. Around €200 should be a good initial amount to withdraw. Despite the option of using your card in most places, you’ll want to have cash on hand for taxis or smaller local markets and shops, which may have minimum purchase requirements.
Pack lightweight clothing for the summer, layers for cooler months, comfortable shoes and essentials like sunscreen and a travel adapter (type C or F) for your devices; you may need a converter for any that’s not dual voltage (only says 120V electricity on label).
Stations are widely available across Spain, with self-service machines accepting cash and credit cards.
A 10-day road trip in Spain could include exploring the Vía de la Plata, from Seville to Gijón, with visits to Mérida, Cáceres, Zamora, and León.
The Ruta Vía de la Plata offers a scenic journey of approximately 559 miles (900 kilometers) that’s ideal for motorcyclists year-round, featuring historic sites, diverse landscapes and a Motorbike Friendly program providing special accommodations and services.
The Ruta Vía de la Plata features must-see attractions like Seville's flamenco shows, Mérida's ancient Roman theater, Salamanca's historic architecture, León's beautiful cathedrals, and Gijón's beautiful beaches and coastal charm, presenting a rich tapestry of historical and cultural sites.
The Grand Tour of Catalonia is a 1,242-mile route (2,000 km), which can be driven either as a 13-day route (2-week road trip) or in sections of five-to-seven stages each.