3 Popular Road Trips in Spain You Shouldn’t Miss

If you love exploring at your own pace, road trips in Spain are one of the best ways to experience the country’s charm. From winding coastal highways to historic inland routes, you’ll find some of the best driving routes in Spain connecting breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and picturesque villages.

This guide covers three unforgettable journeys perfect for a Spanish countryside road trip whether you’re chasing blossoms in spring, exploring Moorish architecture, or standing beneath iconic windmills. These routes also fit easily into a Spain self-drive itinerary for longer holidays.

1. Valle del Jerte – Cherry Blossom Paradise

Why Go:
Every spring, the Valle del Jerte in western Spain becomes a spectacular sight as thousands of cherry trees bloom. If you’re searching for the most beautiful scenic drives in Spain, this is a must-see. A well-planned Valle del Jerte travel guide will lead you through villages, orchards, and riverside viewpoints.

Route Overview:
Start in Plasencia and follow the 50 km route to Tornavacas, with gentle curves and panoramic valley views.

Best Time to Visit:
Mid-April is peak cherry blossom in Spain season. The annual Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates with music, markets, and cultural events.

Highlights:

  • Villages like Navaconcejo and Cabezuela de la Sierra for authentic rural charm.
  • River walks perfect for spring picnics.
  • Local cherry-based products to taste and take home.

2. Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos – White Villages of Andalusia

Why Go:
The White Villages of Andalusia route is one of the most famous in the country and an essential part of any Andalusia road trip itinerary. Whitewashed houses, flower-filled balconies, and mountain backdrops make it a photographer’s dream.

Route Overview:
Begin in Seville and head towards Ronda, a highlight on any Ronda road trip. Continue to Olvera, Ubrique, Grazalema, and Vejer de la Frontera. Covering about 150 km, this route is best enjoyed over two or three days.

Best Time to Visit:
Summer gives dramatic contrasts between white buildings and blue skies, while spring offers wildflowers and mild temperatures.

Highlights:

  • Ronda’s Puente Nuevo, an iconic stone bridge over a deep gorge.
  • Grazalema Natural Park with its lush trails.
  • Local Andalusian tapas, cheese, and olive oil tastings.

3. Orgaz to Madridejos & Toledo – Windmills and History

Why Go:
Step into Spain’s literary and cultural history with this Toledo Spain road trip. The journey passes through the plains of La Mancha, where you’ll see the legendary La Mancha windmills Spain made famous by Don Quixote.

Route Overview:
Start in Orgaz, visit Madridejos, then drive to Toledo. At just 80 km, this is a short but rewarding trip that can fit into any Spain self-drive itinerary.

Best Time to Visit:
Summer offers long, sunny days ideal for exploring both countryside and city.

Highlights:

  • Iconic windmills that make for postcard-worthy photos.
  • Toledo’s UNESCO-listed Old Town with Gothic, Moorish, and Renaissance architecture.
  • Artisan workshops selling swords and damascene metalwork.

Why These Are the Best Driving Routes in Spain

  • Variety: From spring blossoms to mountain villages and medieval cities.
  • Culture: Each stop reveals unique Spanish traditions and history.
  • Accessibility: Ideal for first-time visitors or seasoned travelers.
  • Flexibility: Combine all three into one epic Spanish countryside road trip.

Tips for Your Spain Self-Drive Itinerary

  • Book your rental car early for the best deals.
  • Use GPS but keep an offline map for remote areas.
  • Take your time on narrow village roads.
  • Stop often to enjoy viewpoints, markets, and cafes.

Plan Your Scenic Drives in Spain

Whether you want to enjoy the Valle del Jerte travel guide in spring, explore the White Villages of Andalusia route in summer, or capture the La Mancha windmills Spain under a blue sky, these three road trips will make your journey unforgettable.

They can be enjoyed individually or combined into a longer Spain self-drive itinerary giving you the freedom to see the country’s most beautiful and historic locations at your own pace.