The best car routes in Spain

Updated on Jul 24, 2020

"If you don't know where you're going, any road will get you there." Lewis Carroll

With summer here, the long-awaited vacation is now a reality, and all we can think about is a getaway that lets us disconnect from everything: office hassles, paperwork and enrollment, commitments, etc.

Grab your car or motorcycle and hit the road, riding and discovering places you wouldn't see from a cramped airplane seat or a train track. Not like crazy, of course. Or maybe you would, that depends on your adventurous spirit and your desire to get lost. In reality, what we're suggesting is that you choose a destination and take yourself there.

And don't worry because if you are not very decided on one place or another, here we will recommend you one. A selection of coastal roads or mountain villages that are worth exploring by car or motorcycle this summer.

The advantages of traveling in Spain by car

We tend to dismiss the option, but the truth is that taking the car or motorcycle and getting away for a few days has many advantages that you may not have considered:

Independence and flexibility:

You don't have to depend on transportation and whether or not they arrive at a certain place in the

There's something you don't want to miss. Often, our trips are limited to closed packages with little flexibility.

Schedules:

Forget about rushing from one place to another to catch a bus or having to cut days off your trip due to predetermined flight schedules.

Comfort:

Nothing beats getting in the car, adjusting your seat, and starting off with a motivating playlist (one of those playlists with songs you'd be embarrassed to admit you listen to).

In the end, all the advantages can be summed up in one maxim: you are in charge.

But whatever the reason, if you're starting to get the itch for a trip like this, keep reading because now we're going to list coastal roads and mountain passes that are worth exploring.

Essential roads and destinations for traveling by car or motorcycle

THE AÑISCLO CANYON

Heading for the Aragonese Pyrenees, specifically the HU-631. A route with landscapes that seem straight out of a science fiction fantasy film, along a humble asphalt road. Along the way, you'll come across a gorge full of slides, impressive waterfalls, a mountain microforest, and limestone walls that rival skyscrapers.

The Añisclo Canyon is part of the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park. The road runs parallel to the river for almost the entire route. Important note: in summer, traffic on the road through the canyon is one-way.

FROM COVADONGA TO THE LAKES

In Cangas de Onís (Asturias), we find the CO-4, this asphalt gem that we'll have to share with more than one cow on some stretches, as they populate the slopes and valleys of the area. It's about 11.5 kilometers long to reach two lakes located at 1,000 meters above sea level: Enol and La Ercina . However, the complete route is approximately 24 km (which would be equivalent to 40 minutes). This route climbs from the bottom of the valley to immerse us fully in the mountainous habitat and passes through two points with wonderful views . One is over Covadonga , with the cathedral in the background, and the other is the Mirador de la Reina , with views of the northern valleys.

You can go up to the lakes of Covadonga by car.

SA CALOBRA

Among the island's other treasures, the road that leads to Sa Calobra cove (Mallorca) is one of them. In fact, there are even tourist buses that bring thousands of people to this wonderful paradise.

How to get to Sa Calobra by car

If you're wondering why this is considered one of the most beautiful roads in Spain, you probably don't know anything about it yet. It's 13 kilometers long and includes a 360-degree curve, not a turn. At the end of the route, you'll find twists, cliffs, ups and downs, a 1,000-meter gradient, and breathtaking landscapes.

GARRAF COASTS

The C-246 highway, which connects Castelldefels with Sitges, crosses the Garraf Natural Park and offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean from wind-sculpted cliffs. It's a short but very photogenic stretch, ideal for driving with the windows down and soft music playing in the background.

THING OF THE SUN

Traveling along the N-340 from Nerja to Estepona means soaking up the sun, sea, and good vibes. This coastal route through Malaga combines coves, viewpoints, and charming villages where you can stop to enjoy espetos (beef skewers), warm sand, and endless sunsets.

BASQUE COUNTRY COAST

The N-634, from Zarautz to Getaria, Zumaia, and Deba, winds between green mountains and the pounding Cantabrian Sea. It's a route that blends wild nature, seafaring history, and some of the best pintxos in the north.

In any case, we recommend you choose a few dates and get your vehicle ready; prevention is better than cure. And don't forget to give the journey as much importance as the destination.