Spain is one of Europe’s largest countries, and within it is a whole stretch of stunning scenery. Because it’s vast and somewhat spread out, it’s ideal for a road trip. The open road offers a unique perspective on a country, as you get to take your time to soak it in and dictate your next move – it’s far more enriching than a villa or resort stay, though perhaps less relaxing.
Below is a guide to some of the best routes in Spain, and some considerations along the way.
Preparing Your Car for the Road
For a smooth trip, you need to make sure to get the planning aspect done thoroughly. Most important is the car itself, because you’re going to be relying on it when driving on a broad range of roads and terrains.
First, begin with your tyres and make sure they have the correct pressure and adequate tread depth. Next check all fluid levels.
Oil coolant brake fluid and windscreen washer fluid should all be topped up. Test your brakes to confirm they are functioning effectively, and verify all lights including headlights brake lights and indicators are working.
Finally and importantly examine your suspension system, particularly the shock absorbers – and make sure to pick the right ones.
For example, shock absorbers for the BMW F30 are produced by RIDEX, SACHS, BILSTEIN, and goCORE, and addressing these will improve your safety.
Shock absorbers are vital for your car’s handling, and cars with worn shock absorbers increase the risk of accidents on winding roads by 16% – especially when driving at high speed. For example, the roads of the Sierra de Guadalupe can be particularly dangerous with compromised suspension. Drivers who regularly check the shock absorbers see a 25% reduction in vibration and noise in the cabin. Inevitably, this makes long journeys far more comfortable.
Andalusia
Andalusia is popular for a reason – it’s the southern heart of Spain, with glorious weather and accessibility to Morocco and Gibraltar. This region has many whitewashed villages too, and it’s mountainous, meaning you can drive up hills never knowing when the next pueblo blanco will arrive – all-andorra.com has many suggestions.
This is also where a lot of olive groves are too, and you can find many rural villas if you want a long weekend stay to wind down. In fact, the rural villas are very affordable, and of course accessible because you already have a vehicle.
Within Andalusia, Ronda is famous for its dramatic bridge. This is a really special gorge to drive over, and the town itself is very charming.
The Basque Coast
The Basque Coast is a dramatic contrast to what Andalusia offers. It’s a completely different driving experience. This northern region of Spain has tons of rugged cliffs with the waves crashing – and rolling down the window, you can feel and hear it at times.
There are a lot of historic fishing villages, the region is ultimately defined by its different culture and language. The drive from San Sebastián to Bilbao is particularly scenic, and there are some incredible football stadiums to stop off at for a game.
The coastal roads wind their way along the edge of the Bay of Biscay. Getaria is a great stop for those who love seafood or architecture, while Bermeo is famous for its colorful houses clinging to the cliffs.
Let’s remember that this is an Atlantic route, not the Mediterranean, and you can arrive from the UK at Santander in your car (or by driving through France). It’s also the greenest part of Spain, with more annual rainfall, making it a warm but highly biodiverse place.
Pyrenees
Besides the Basque region is the Spanish Pyrenees – a vast mountain range that has some brilliant driving experiences. You can also see an entirely new country too (Andorra).
There are some seriously high-altitude peaks around, and getting around by car is simply more manageable than hiking – plus, it’s safer when you consider there are many bears and even 16 wolves around.
Routes around Ordesa National Park or Aigüestortes National Park are both great, offering some spectacular scenery.
The roads here are challenging, though, with steep climbs and unpredictable weather. Make sure to pull over and get out of the car when taking a photo, rather than trying to soak in the scenery when driving. And, keep an eye out for chamois, which are a unique species of goat, as well as golden eagles.
Final Word
Spain really has it all, from mountains and sun to incredible roads that splice through historic villages. By travelling with car, it’s possible to avoid the tourist hotspots and stumble across some deeply charming and authentic local culture – from the architecture to the food.
To fully enjoy the trip, preparation is extremely important. Nailing this before you head off can ensure your trip to be successful, with a motor that you can rely on.
