Given its central location between Europe, Africa and the Mediterranean Sea, Spain’s history over the centuries has been shaped by many and varied cultures. The Greeks, Romans, Moors and Muslims among others have had significant influence here and many of those influences are still very much present today. Exploring all of Spain’s cultural treasures could easily take a lifetime. To visit multiples regions, many travelers opt to use the Spanish rail system to cover a lot of ground quickly. I would argue, however, that there is nothing quite like a road trip to have a true adventure. There is something so liberating that comes with driving to destinations unknown. Spain’s highway system is well designed and easy to navigate which makes much of this beautiful country quite accessible. For this road trip guide, I explore the south of Spain with a start and end point in the beautiful city of Barcelona. If you decide to follow in my footsteps, allow at least 7-10 days to fully immerse yourself in the culture of Southern Spain.

Barcelona

Barcelona is one of the most enchanting cities in the world and is often the sole destination for many who travel to Spain. This city boasts breathtaking architecture designed by the famous Antoni Gaudi (La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Batlló), stately art and history museums and unbeatable nightlife. As the capital of Catalonia, it is easy to delight in excellent cuisine while in Barcelona. For recommendations of must-try foods in Catalonia, read more here. Spend at least two or three days in Barcelona to explore this amazing city.

Next stop: València

The next destination on our epic road trip is the province of València. While the capital city of València gets most of the hype, the province of València has many beautiful destinations to explore as well. If you choose to visit València city, spend one or two days here to explore attractions such at the City of Arts and Sciences, the Cathedral, Miguelete and Holy Grail and La Lonja. For a less busy destination in this province, visit the coastal town of Peñíscola, located along Costa del Azahar, or the Orange Blossom Coast. Take a scenic walk to visit Castillo de Peñíscola where there are incredible views of the sea and town. One day in Peñíscola is plenty of time to explore the town.

In addition to the delicious Valèncian orange (try the orange juice here- it is amazing!), València is also famous for the creation of one of Spain’s most beloved dishes, paella. Paella is made with rice, saffron, vegetables, meats or seafood and then served in a shallow pan. A visit to this province must include a stop at a local restaurant, known as an arrossería (or arroceria), to try authentic paella.

As you continue along your journey, drive west from València on Highway A-3 and you will arrive at Requena and Utiel. These are quiet towns known for wine production and more specifically, the bobal grape which is rarely grown elsewhere in the world. The fermentation of this grape produces a red wine that is bold, balanced and quite unique. Visit a vineyard in this region to try a glass of bobal wine. Along my journey, I visited and booked a night’s stay at Bodega Vera De Estenas in Utiel. The accommodation was cozy and charmingly Spanish. Waking up with a view of the vineyards was lovely and so relaxing. In Requena, I visited Finca Calderón for a wine tasting. Finca Calderón is also an enoresort (wine resort and hotel) with lovely vineyard views.

Tip: Many of the wineries in this region only offer tastings until 2 p.m. so you will want to plan ahead to visit.

Bodega Vera De Estenas, Utiel

Finca Calderón, Requena

Bodega Vera De Estenas, Utiel

Finca Calderón, Requena

La Mancha

Traveling west on Highway A-43, we now arrive in La Mancha, an area famously known as the home of Cervantes’ heroic character, Don Quixote. In addition to its literary fame, La Mancha is known for rolling hills with towering windmills. It is also famous for one of Spain’s most famous cheeses (quesos in Spanish): Manchego. If you love cheese, visit the Manchego Museum in Manzanares. Here, you’ll learn about Manchego and have the option to purchase some to take with you.

Valdepeñas is a quaint town in La Mancha’s region of Castilla-La Mancha that is a great place to try the wine of this region. Many vineyards here use the old tradition of fermenting grapes in stone vats rather than oak barrels.

Up next: Córdoba

Córdoba

Continue your journey south on Highway A-4 and you will arrive to one of my favorite regions of Spain- Andalusia (Andalucia in Spanish). Andalusian architecture is particularly distinctive, largely thanks to the Moors who ruled here for centuries. In Andalusia, you’ll find beautiful white-washed buildings with vibrant, colorful accents. Courtyards with lush gardens are also famous here and the charming city of Córdoba has many to explore with the grandest in the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos.

One of the greatest displays of Moorish architecture in Andalusia is the Mezquita Catedral which is an absolute must-see while exploring Córdoba.

Mezquita Catedral, Córdoba

Welcome to Seville!

Depart Córdoba and continue on the A-4 for approximately an hour and a half to enter the capital of Andalusia, Seville (spelled Sevilla in Spanish). Moorish architecture continues here on a grander scale as seen in the regal Real Alcázar de Sevilla and La Catedral de Sevilla. Other must-see attractions in Seville include the Plaza de España and Setas de Sevilla. Spend two days here to explore this beautiful city. While there is plenty to see in Seville for a full schedule, leave time to simply wander and enjoy the beauty around every corner.

A cultural gem of Andalusia is the art form of Flamenco which combines soulful music with interpretive dance. The emotion of this performance is unlike any other so make sure you reserve a ticket to a flamenco show during your visit.

The climate of Andalusia is quite warm making it the perfect terrain for olive production. You’ll see countless olive groves along your journey and will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the best olives and olive oil you’ve ever tasted.

The Journey Back

This journey to Seville is quite comprehensive, however, allow an additional two days for the journey back to enjoy more along your route. Head east away from Seville and visit the ancient towns of Baeza and Úbeda in the province of Jaen. These towns are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their beautiful displays of Italian Renaissance architecture and are also famous for olive oil production.

As you travel north and enter back into Catalonia, allow at least an afternoon to explore the historic city of Tarragona. Tarragona is also the name of the province.

Tarragona is located south of Barcelona along the Costa Daurada or Golden Coast. This city has a history of significant Roman influence and has Roman ruins that are well intact today. Notable places to explore in the city of Tarragona include Les Ferreres Aqueduct and Amfiteatre de Tarragona (the Roman Amphitheatre of Tarraco). For more suggestions on visiting Tarragona, read here.

¡Buen viaje!

Ultimate Road Trip from Barcelona to Seville