This road trip in Spain takes you from Madrid to Barcelona or Barcelona to Madrid. Indulge in the vibrant life of Madrid and Barcelona and discover the flavors and food of Spain’s Basque Country and Rioja using this road itinerary from Barcelona to Madrid (or vice versa). In this fantastic itinerary, our local team has included recommendations with an excellent selection of romantic hotels and restaurants, amazing architecture, and culture to get immersed in the Spanish lifestyle. As previously mentioned. the itinerary can be enjoyed starting from either Madrid or Barcelona.
This itinerary is built to be enjoyed in 10 days. It can easily be extended easily and include more time at any of the towns or cities included, or by extending with a stay in the French Basque country for instance
10 nights to get the most out of itor 12 nights if you want to add the French Basque country
End of March, April, May, June and first 2 weeks of July. September and october are also good months.
Barcelona to Madrid road trip (this road trip can also be enjoyed starting from Madrid with no problem)
2 days if you want to enjoy at least 3 of the cities´s top highlights. One extra day to enjoy a tour of Montserrat, or a wine tour
Barcelona is the most tourist city in Spain. The celebration of the 1992 Olympic Games was the perfect excuse to reform some parts of the city. Currently, Barcelona is a trendy city full of modern areas and facilities, but do not forget that it is a city that is around 4000 years old, the ancient Mediterranean city of Barcino. You can find glowing contrasts like a Gothic neighbourhood and its cathedral close to a wonderful modern beach promenade. Something that made Barcelona a very unique place is the Art Noveau/Modernism architectural movement, especially its most famous architect, Antoni Gaudí. During your stay in Barcelona, you can’t miss buildings like the Sagrada Familia, Casa Milà (La Pedrera), Casa Batlló or Park Güell. Another must is a walk around Las Ramblas street and a visit to the famous market of La Boquería. The city of Barcelona faces the sea but the mainland is fully surrounded by mountains. The most famous are Montjuic and Tibidabo because of their panoramic views of the entire city. In Montjuic, you can visit the Olympic Ring, the Montjuic castle, or the Catalan National Art Museum. You can reach Montjuic by funicular railway or cable car. Mount Tibidabo has the Tibidabo Amusement Park.
The tapas area is called Born, near the Gothic Neighbourhood (Barri Gotic). In this link, you can find information on things to do in this area of Barcelona.
In Montjuic, there are three restaurants with wonderful views over the city: Martínez, Miramar, and El Xalet de Montjuic. On Mount Tibidabo, there is a panoramic restaurant called Mirabé.
1/2 day
Zaragoza is one of Spain´s largest cities and it is located by the river Ebro. Its most famous attraction is the legendary Basilica of El Pilar. A huge religious building that should not miss. Great pieces of art, fantastic views from its tower and some anecdotes we prefer not to mention to avoid you miss it.
Our second favorite thing to do in Zaragoza is la Aljaferia. It was originally built as a pleasure palace for the Islamic kings (yes!, The Moorish invasion got as north as this in Spain). This building is the best example of Islamic architecture outside of Andalusia. It is not at the level of la Alhambra, the Mosque of Cordoba or the Alcazar in Seville, but we are sure you will enjoy a great suprise if you pay it a visit.
1/2 day. 2 days if you want to explore the contryside north of Pamplona or the Bardenas Reales park
You may decide to use the A15 highway which is shorter (1 hour and 15 minutes). Another option is the N121 (minimum 3 hours drive if you decide to stop at some of these locations) with interesting stops that include: Lesaca, the Zugarramurdi caves, and also the natural park of Bertizko.
Pamplona is called Iruña in Basque and it is shown as such in many signs
Pamplona is known today mainly due to the running of the bulls that takes place every year in July. The city has had enormous importance in Spanish history and the Kingdom of Navarre used to be a superpower centuries ago. Today Pamplona is an easy-going mid-sized city, with beautiful architecture, a charming old district, and where traditions are kept alive.
1 day recommended (2 or 3 if ou are a foodie)
San Sebastian (Donostia in Basque language) began its tourism in the 19th century when Queen Isabella II. She chose the city as a holiday resort making it fashionable for other aristocrats in the same way as other important cities in France like Biarritz.
San Sebastian is one of the most elegant and beautiful cities of Spain. La Playa de la Concha(la Concha beach) is the heart of this city and the gastronomic capital of Spain. The Old Town (Parte Vieja) is well known for having the highest concentration of bars in the world. These bars offer a great variety of local pintxos (Basque tapas)
You will find hundreds of options to enjoy pintxos in San Sebastian. Many of them are crowded, and despite it may not be very convenient it indicates you will find something tasty inside…
La Mejillonera – a Very typical bar that serves, as its name indicates, mussels. They are prepared in many different ways.
A Fuego Negro –more avant-garde than traditional pintxos
Néstor – Its specialty pintxo is the tortilla. You should arrive before lunch or dinner to try it or otherwise, it will be gone
La Cuchara de San Telmo – One of our favorites, great pintxos
Gambara – If you enjoy mushrooms this is your place. Great selection of wines too.
La Viña – Their cheesecake is their main highlight. It is very tasty but too many people have found out…
San Sebastian holds more Michelin starred restaurants than any other city in the world. Expensive tasting menus… but sometimes a life time experience.
Nineu. Located at the beautiful Kursal building, Nineu is not a Michelin starred restaurant and your wallet will not get empty here. You can, however, enjoy high-quality gastronomy in a chic atmosphere.
Restaurante Kokotxa – Fantastic tasting menus and top quality since it got its 1st star in 2007.
Mirador de Ulía –innovative cuisine with a nod to its Basque roots. Its terrace offers a great atmosphere, especially during summer.
Arzak – A legend and the name behind a real revolution in Basque gastronomy
Akelarre –3 stars like Arzak. Located just 10 minutes from the center and with amazing views
1 day recommended or 2 if you would like to explore the Franch Basque coast from here (Saint Jean de Luz, Biarritz, Bayonne...)
“Hondarribia” in the Basque language, known as “Fuenterrabía” in Castilian Spanish, is divided into 2 neighborhoods. The Casco Viejo and Barrio de la Marina are both of great interest and with totally different characters
A border village with France, its history is strongly tied to this fact and its fishing nature.
There is a beach in Hondarribia though most locals prefer to go «to the other side» as they call neighboring Hendaye in France which is hone to an impressive beach, a delight for local surfers.
El Barrio de la Marina is the place for pintxos in Hondarribia. This area is the busiest part of the city and reminds us of the seaport of Fuenterrabia. You will find many bars with terraces and a great local atmosphere. They can get very crowded though.
We recommend Ardoka (with a wider selection of wines) , Gran Sol or Sardara.
If you are looking for a fine dining option instead of tapas, Alameda is a Michelin starred restaurant with different tasting menu options. Much better value for money than in San Sebastian though their prices are going up in recent years. You may want to consider booking a table on the terrace. A great option if the weather is good.
1 day for Saint Jean de Luz and Biarritz. 2 days if you want to explore deeper
From Hondarribia, you should head towards Irun, then Hendaye and take the beautiful road of «La Corniche» (through Hendaye and its beach, the castle of Abaddie, the road «La Corniche» and its cliffs and the Fortress at Socoa)
Saint Jean de Luz is located on the Atlantic coast of France, Saint-Jean-de-Luz (or San Juan de Luz in Spanish) is an old pirate town and a fishing port today. We recommend the following itinerary for your free time in San Juan de Luz.
Fishing port
Louis XIV Plaza. Sale of paintings on the street. The occasional live playing of Basque music.
Rue Gambetta. Perfect for shopping. Our favorite shops: Euskal Linge and the famous pastry shop, Maison Adam, for its Gateau Basques and chocolates of different flavors.
Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church on Rue Gambetta. Interesting interior with wooden galleries and hanging ships.
The beach. (La grande plage) Protected by three dams to prevent flooding. The greatest attraction of San Juan de Luz.
Biarritz is a brand by itself. A vacation destination of the rich in the past, it has evolved today and its beautiful beaches, besides being full of fascinating XIX century summer houses, also host surfers in search for a perfect wave.
The old town is easy to walk and 1/2 should be enough to enjoy Biarritz unless you want to explore deeper. These are the top things to do:
Depending on how much time you have available you may decide to spend 2-3 days in the French Basque country (or to enjoy daily visits from San Sebastian or Hondarribia on the Spanish side)
There are many things to enjoy in the French Basque country. This is our top list of recommendations:
Bayonne Located 8 kilometers north of Biarritz, Bayonne is a medium-sized town. Its cathedra (Saint Marie)l is worth visiting and there are beautiful buildings in the Grande Bayonne quarter (the city hall and the old castle (Chateaux Vieux) . Worth visiting is also the food market (The Halles). Bayonne is a perfect place to enjoy lunch or to shop and, why not, enjoy a second gateau basque after having enjoyed the first bite in Saint Jean de Luz.
Villages of the French Basque country If you want to enjoy the most traditional part of the french basque country you will enjoy a detour to the beautiful villages of Espelette (home of the famous pepper of Espelette which hangs to dry in the white walls of many houses), Aihnoa and Sare.
Saint James Way at Saint Jean Pied de Port This medieval town is an important stop of El Camino. Many pilgrims decide to rest here before they start the difficult stage to Roncesvalles. Saint Jean Pied de Port has a great atmosphere and many small restaurants and shops worth visiting
2 days recommended
The famous Guggenheim Museum is Bilbao´s main highlight. You will find the tourism office where you can ask about the local events/activities taking place on this day. We recommend making your way to the Casco Viejo (old quarters) by taking a lovely walk along the river.
In front of the Museum, you will find Puppy (Jeff Koons), or Mother (a huge spider sculpture); both are children´s favorites.
Teatro Arriaga. Oldest theatre in town, still operating. Interesting neo-baroque style.
Ensanche . An old town called Abando, it became part of Bilbao in 1870. The Ensanche is the Business center and dynamic area of Bilbao. Its main boulevard is Gran Via.
Market La Ribera . An exciting and massive local market. Art deco style
Museo de Bellas Artes ; essential collection from artists like Goya, El Greco, Francis Bacon, Gaugin, Chillida…
Funicular to Mount Artxanda. The funicular from 1912 is not only a fantastic architectural example but also allows you to enjoy incredible views of Bilbao.
You can find more information on this post wit the best things to do in Bilbao in 1 day
Best things to do near Bilbao and top excursions
Getxo. An upmarket destination, Getxo is famous for its architecture (with a clear British influence) and summer houses. Its famous bridge over the Nervion River connects with Portugalete, a working-class town that grew to provide services to the harbor.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. Just a 40-minute drive from Bilbao, you will find San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. A fantastic church on top of a small island with breathtaking views. Bear in mind that you will need approx. 3 hours to walk to the church and return to the parking lot. Another option is to enjoy one of the boat excursions that depart from Bermeo
1 day or 2 in case you are a wine lover
Take the A-601 to Cuéllar and exit onto the SG-223 direction Peñafiel. Cuellar has an interesting castle. You may want to consider visiting Valladolid (capital of the region of Castilla Leon)
1 day for Segovia or 2 days to explore Avila, La Granja and Pedraza
Before stopping in Segovia, we recommend you take the panoramic route around the city. Take the street called Paseo Conde de Sepúlveda and continue on this road for spectacular views of the Cathedral, the Alcázar and the Roman aqueduct. We recommend this post with more information.
You can park on Av. la Vía Roma (paid public parking) near the aqueduct or walk from your hotel. The typical walking route starts from the aqueduct to the Plaza Mayor and the Alcázar. The tourist information office is next to the aqueduct.
2 days recommended
Capital of Spain and Europe´s capital city with more trees! Madrid is a city full of contrasts in which everybody feels welcomed. Exciting nightlife co-exists with top art galleries and romantic parks. If this is your first time in Madrid, you will want to see the Palacio Real, Plaza Mayor, Gran Vía, Puerta del Sol, and at least one of Madrid´s most famous art museums (Museo del Prado, Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, or the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum).
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