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Spain is one of the most astonishing countries in Europe, and with good reason: it comprises numerous regions with strong identities, deeply rooted traditions, and landscapes that are varied and often breathtaking. As such, choosing a destination in this country for your next trip can be quite a challenge. Basque Country or Andalusia? Galicia or Catalonia? Or how about a short escape to Madrid? To help you decide, we’ve hand-picked 7 routes that will make you (re)discover Spain. Whether on foot, by train, or for a good old-fashioned road trip… buckle up, let’s get started.
📚 Only the best. We have loads of guides on Spain’s most beautiful cities: Valencia, Granada, Girona… don’t forget to check them out!
Discover Andalusia on the mythical Al-Andalus train
This isn’t just a train that takes you around Andalusia… it also transports you back in time. A heads up, it isn’t cheap. But what an adventure! You’ll depart from Seville (don’t miss our guide) heading to Cordoba. In a week, you’ll visit Jerez, Ronda, Granada, Linares, Úbeda, and Baeza. Needless to say, you’ll see a lot of Andalusian countryside.
But the beauty isn’t just outside: you’ll have the privilege of travelling on a vintage train. Whether you’re in the Deluxe Suite or the Gran Clase room (the two accommodation types offered), you’ll sleep in carriages from the same series once used by the British monarchy to travel from Calais to the Côte d’Azur.
When it comes to dining, you’re in for a treat. Breakfast buffet, lunch, and dinner are served in four lavishly decorated dining carriages. So, it’s a journey for the taste buds, too. Information and prices on this page.
Take the legendary route of the kings of Aragon
We get off the train and jump in a car – or on a motorbike – for this next Spanish route. More specifically in Aragon, a northern region of the country, nestled on the slopes of the Pyrenees, between the Basque Country and Catalonia. All thanks to a legendary road, that of the kings of Aragon.
Starting at the iconic Somport pass, you’re transported back over a millennium, to the time of the first king, Ramiro I, who established this gateway in 1035. Setting off from these heights, you’ll traverse mountain passes and breathtaking views before reaching lower altitudes, keeping your direction southward.
Along the way, there’s no shortage of attractions. Among them, noteworthy are the international station and the town of Canfranc, the tower of Felipe II, Jaca (the kingdom’s first city), and the picturesque village of Bernués. Expect nearly eight hours of driving without stops – which would be a shame. For more information on this route, visit the Slow Driving Aragon website, which dedicates a detailed page to it.
Ride on the 188 km of the Three Valleys Route
Head to the province of La Rioja, still in the north of Spain, for this third itinerary. Located south of the Basque Country and Navarre, this region, renowned for its robust wines, also boasts one of the most scenic routes in the country: the so-called Three Valleys Route. And rest assured, over its 188 km stretch, you’ll encounter sublime landscapes and picturesque spots: the Sierra Cebollera, the Leza Canyon viewpoint, the Zenzano Dolinas (a type of vast crater), and the beeches of Tobía. You’ll also pass through about thirty municipalities, quintessential of the region. For more information, visit Rioja Tourism (website in Spanish).
Explore northern Spain on the La Robla Express
This is somewhat of a pilgrimage… but much less exhausting. The La Robla Express takes you from the Basque city of Bilbao to León, located further southwest and the capital of the autonomous community of Castilla y León. All while following a significant portion of the Camino de Santiago in a train decorated in a classical, elegant style. Along the way, you’ll pass through stunning landscapes (including the Ojo Guareña karst complex and the Valporquero cave). The train also offers another route, more coastal, from Oviedo to Ferrol. The brochure, including prices, is available here.
Go on a pilgrimage on the Camino Lebaniego
Shifting away from cars and trains to tread on foot a renowned trail. The Camino Lebaniego connects San Vicente de la Barquera (map), west of Santander in northern Spain, to the monastery of Santo Toribio further south, crossing municipalities such as Val de San Vicente, Herrerías, Lamasón, Peñarrubia, Cillórigo, Potes, and Camaleño. It also intersects the Camino de Santiago, and, like the famed trail, provides a certificate of pilgrimage. The 72 km trail, spread across three stages, was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015. More information on this page.
Breathe in the sea air on the Galician Lighthouse Route
We remain in northern Spain for this enchanting journey, this time heading to Galicia in the west. Cosily seated in your car or feeling the breeze on your motorbike, traverse the “Lighthouses Route”, promoted by the region’s tourism office. Expect a continuous display of cliffs, beaches, ports, and, of course, lighthouses. All along the Galician coast, from Ribadeo (map), at the Asturias border, to A Guarda (map), on the banks of the Miño, with Portugal in sight. Naturally, this beautiful route is an opportunity to delve into local maritime traditions and a seafood-rich gastronomy. More information on this page.
Crossing Catalonia on the oldest Spanish wine route
To conclude this list of magical routes to explore Spain, how about combining a road trip with the pleasure of wine? This is precisely what the Carretera del Vi offers, allowing wine enthusiasts to explore the ancient route (dating back to Roman times) connecting the Penedès vineyards to the Garraf beaches in Catalonia. Supported by the wineries of this “wine route” and the municipalities it passes through, you can expect delightful tastings (in moderation) set against breathtaking landscapes. More information on the official website.
We hope this selection of magical routes inspires you to book your tickets to Spain. If you have other suggestions, please feel free to share in the comments.
