11-Day Spain Road Trip from Granada traveling north to Cordova, Ciudad Real, Madrid, Plasencia, and Seville
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Summary
Description
Experience the freedom of the open road in Spain as you embark on an unforgettable 11-day road trip! This experience caters to every traveler, featuring destinations like Granada, Cordova, Ciudad Real, Toledo, Madrid, Segovia, Plasencia, Merida, and Seville. Set off on the ultimate European adventure and create memories that will last a lifetime.
This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in Spain takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 2 nights in Granada, 1 night in Cordova, 1 night in Ciudad Real, 4 nights in Madrid, 1 night in Plasencia, and 1 night in Seville. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!
With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in Spain. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have got you covered.
Upon arriving in Granada, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover Spain on your own terms.
An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in Spain. El Retiro Park and Main Square are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.
As you hit the open road and drive through Granada, Cordova, Ciudad Real, Toledo, Madrid, Segovia, Plasencia, Merida, and Seville, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Spain. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in Spain.
Throughout your road trip in Spain, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in Spain.
This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodation, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.
The best services in Spain fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in Spain today!
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Day 1 – Granada - arrival day
- Granada - Arrival day
- More
- Federico García Lorca Park
- More
Welcome to Granada, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Spain! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 1 night immersing yourself in Granada's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.
Granada is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Federico García Lorca Park or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Granada. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Granada. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Don’t miss out on dining at Bar Ávila Tapas, a top-rated dining destination in Granada. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Los Manueles Reyes Católicos - Restaurante Granadino, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at El Trillo Restaurante Granada. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Granada this evening.
After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Aliatar, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Continental Café Pub Granada. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down.
Raise a toast to the start of your 11-day road trip in Spain!
Day 2 – Granada and Cordova
- Córdoba
- Granada
- More
Drive 215 km, 3 hours 12 min
- S A I Catedral Metropolitana de la Encarnación
- Mirador de San Nicolas, Granada
- Nasrid Palaces
- Palace of Charles V
- Alhambra
- More
Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 2 of your road trip in Spain. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Granada. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Cordova, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.
An excellent attraction to start your day with is S. A. I. Catedral Metropolitana de la Encarnación. This catholic cathedral is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 25,036 reviews.
Continue your journey at Mirador de San Nicolas, Granada. This scenic viewpoint is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 63,173 travelers from near and far.
Granada is also the home of Nasrid Palaces. This point of interest has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 20,263 visitors.
You can continue your self-guided sightseeing tour at Palace of Charles V. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,429 visitors, a visit to this top sight is time well spent.
Lastly, don't miss out on Alhambra. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 127,431 reviews, it’s hard to refuse the opportunity to see this architectural ensemble.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Cordova, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Cordova's best restaurants.
Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at La Cuchara de San Lorenzo, a Bib Gourmand restaurant offering an exceptional traditional menu. If you are in the mood for trying an alternative dining experience, consider visiting the nearby 3-star Michelin-awardee, Noor, known for its delicious creative cuisine. Another highly-recommended restaurant in Cordova is Choco, a renowned restaurant , known for its delicious creative and andalusian menu.
Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Bar "Baron", a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Kavango, a bar that offers unique local touches.
Relax and reminisce about your day in Spain and look forward to more memorable moments to come!
Day 3 – Cordova and Ciudad Real
- Ciudad Real
- Córdoba
- More
Drive 195 km, 2 hours 53 min
- Plaza de la Corredera
- Plaza de las Tendillas
- Mezquita Catedral
- Puente romano
- Alcázar Nuevo
- More
On day 3 of your road trip in Spain, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Cordova. In the evening, you’ll end up in Ciudad Real, where you will stay for 1 night.
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Plaza de la Corredera. This porticoed square is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Cordova, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 21,080 visitors.
Plaza de las Tendillas, Córdoba, Spain is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 20,380 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.
If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba. Visitors have rated this catholic cathedral an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 16,325 reviews. Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba receives around 751,008 visitors every year.
Puente romano is another unique site you can experience today. This attraction is a bridge rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 26,580 reviews.
Make your way to the fantastic Alcázar Nuevo, perhaps the most famous castle in Cordova. This attraction is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 30,842 travelers.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Ciudad Real, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.
As you explore more of Ciudad Real, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.
Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Ciudad Real by booking a table at Mesón Octavio. This popular restaurant holds a Bib Gourmand award, and offers an exceptional menu of traditional cuisine.
Head back to your accommodation in Ciudad Real and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Spain!
Day 4 – Ciudad Real, Toledo, and Madrid
- Madrid
- Toledo
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Drive 195 km, 3 hours 13 min
- Mirador del Valle
- Alcázar of Toledo
- Santa Iglesia Catedral Primada de Toledo
- Zocodover
- More
Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your road trip in Spain. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Toledo. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Madrid. You will spend 4 nights here for some well-deserved relaxation.
When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Ciudad Real, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Toledo. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 26 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Mirador del Valle. This landmark is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Toledo, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 10,058 visitors.
Alcázar of Toledo is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 30,193 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.
If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Santa Iglesia Catedral Primada de Toledo. Visitors have rated this church an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 27,938 reviews.
Zocodover is another unique site you can experience today. This attraction is a point of interest rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 19,930 reviews.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Madrid. Madrid offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Madrid. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Experience a taste of local culinary excellence while in Madrid by securing a table at DiverXO. Esteemed as a 3-star Michelin restaurant, it features an exceptional creative menu. For an alternative taste experience, visit Smoked Room, famous for its scrumptious contemporary dishes. This 2-star Michelin venue consistently impresses guests, making it a standout addition to your holiday plans. Looking for another choice? Discover Paco Roncero, a local favorite celebrated for its exquisite creative cuisine in Madrid. Located in the heart of the city, this 2-star Michelin restaurant is an ideal pick for creative cuisine lovers seeking top-notch culinary experiences.
To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Baton Rouge Cocktail Bar after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Cafe Madrid, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, 1862 Dry Bar also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.
Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Spain!
Day 5 – Madrid and Segovia
- Madrid
- Segovia
- More
Drive 186 km, 2 hours 49 min
- Alcázar of Segovia
- Segovia Cathedral
- Plaza Mayor
- Aqueduct of Segovia
- Western Park
- More
At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Madrid, where you'll stay for 3 nights more.
Make Western Park your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 28,992 reviews.
Set your GPS to Segovia and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 16 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Segovia beckons with new experiences!
Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Alcázar of Segovia. This extraordinary alcázar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 49,713 visitors. Each year, around 754,946 people visit this remarkable site to admire its features and learn more about it.
Next, make your way to Segovia Cathedral. This catholic cathedral is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 18,509 reviews.
While in Segovia, we also recommend a visit to Plaza Mayor. This plaza mayor has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 7,239 reviews.
If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Aqueduct of Segovia. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 95,202 travelers, this stone bridge is a highly recommended stop on your sightseeing around Segovia.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Madrid and your accommodation.
Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Madrid's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
This renowned restaurant holds , and offers an exceptional menu of cuisine. Make sure to reserve a table at La Mi Venta, an iconic dining spot in Madrid. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Mas Al Sur, a popular restaurant in Madrid. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Prada a Tope Madrid, a hidden gem nestled in Madrid. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.
Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Spain!
Day 6 – Madrid
- Madrid
- More
Drive 31 km, 1 hour 42 min
- Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
- Great Pond of El Retiro
- El Retiro Park
- Crystal Palace
- Casa de Campo
- More
Day 6 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Madrid for 2 nights more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.
An excellent attraction to start your day with is Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. This association football venue is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 120,158 reviews.
Continue your journey at Great Pond of El Retiro. This park is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 22,242 travelers from near and far.
Madrid is also the home of El Retiro Park. This urban park has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 162,386 visitors.
You can continue your self-guided sightseeing tour at Crystal Palace. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 39,270 visitors, a visit to this top sight is time well spent.
Lastly, don't miss out on Casa de Campo. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 50,826 reviews, it’s hard to refuse the opportunity to see this park.
Immerse yourself in the local scene through top-rated tours and activities. You can choose from a wide variety of easy to challenging tours and easily add them to your travel package below.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Madrid. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Savor the flavors at BiBo Dani García, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Malacatín beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Pum Pum Café. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Madrid tonight.
Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Spain!
Day 7 – Madrid
- Madrid
- More
Drive 11 km, 1 hour 7 min
- Círculo de Bellas Artes
- Puerta de Alcalá
- Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
- Museo del Prado
- Plaza de España
- More
Day 7 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Madrid has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Madrid by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.
When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Círculo de Bellas Artes. This much-appreciated movie theater is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars in 27,540 reviews.
Next up is Puerta de Alcalá. This triumphal arch has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 43,833 visitors.
Another top sightseeing recommendation is Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. This art museum has been rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in 32,846 reviews. Every year, 671,078 travelers include this attraction on their travel itinerary.
Museo del Prado is another attraction you have the opportunity to visit today. This art museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 98,929 reviews. This popular attraction gets 3,497,345 visits every year.
To continue your sightseeing, head over to plaza de España. This square is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 98,199 reviews.
You can learn more about Madrid today by going on a tour. Madrid offers many top-rated tours and unique experiences that will inspire you. You can browse and select your favorites below.
Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Madrid's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Make sure to book a table at Sagaretxe, a popular restaurant in Madrid. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Madrid at Arrabal Madrid, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is Taberna El Sur. As a dining spot that gains consistently high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Madrid tonight.
Say good night to Madrid and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Spain!
Day 8 – Madrid and Plasencia
- Plasencia
- Madrid
- More
Drive 252 km, 3 hours 8 min
- Main Square
- Market of San Miguel
- Royal Palace of Madrid
- Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
- Temple of Debod
- More
On day 8 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Spain, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Madrid. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Plasencia, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
Kick off the day at Main Square, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This square is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 152,388 reviews.
Today is also your chance to visit Market of San Miguel. Market of San Miguel is a building with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 106,296 reviews.
Royal Palace of Madrid is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This royal palace is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 77,471 visitors.
Beyond the attractions mentioned above, you also have the opportunity to visit Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía. This art museum is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 46,855 visitors. Visiting Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía means you'll be one of 1 person who do so every year.
Lastly, don’t miss out on Temple of Debod, a famous egyptian temple in Madrid. This attraction is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 44,446 travelers.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Plasencia, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.
As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Plasencia. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
As a top-rated it is an ideal choice in the city.
Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Spain!
Day 9 – Plasencia, Merida, and Seville
- Seville
- Mérida
- More
Drive 340 km, 3 hours 37 min
- Roman Theatre of Emerita Augusta
- National Museum of Roman Art
- Pórtico del Foro Municipal de Augusta Emérita
- Temple of Diana
- More
Dive into day 9 of your remarkable road trip in Spain. Today you will explore Merida, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Seville. You’ll stay here for 1 night.
Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Plasencia and set your GPS to Merida. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 1 hour 31 min. Upon reaching Merida, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Roman Theatre of Emerita Augusta. This roman theatre is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 37,382 visitors.
National Museum of Roman Art is another popular attraction you could visit today. This art museum has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,891 visitors.
Pórtico del Foro Municipal de Augusta Emérita is also highly recommended by travelers. This sightseeing destination has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 563 visitors.
Temple of Diana is an attraction you won’t want to miss. This roman temple is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 13,292 reviews.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Seville, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.
Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Seville's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Begin your culinary exploration in Seville by securing a reservation at Az-Zait. This renowned restaurant holds a Bib Gourmand award, and offers an exceptional menu of contemporary cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Abantal, celebrated for its delectable creative menu. This acclaimed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover Cañabota, a top local spot known for its tantalizing seafood menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.
Keep the evening going at Garlochí, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to The Second Room, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks.
Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Spain.
Day 10 – Seville and Granada
- Granada
- Seville
- More
Drive 257 km, 3 hours 23 min
- Giralda
- Catedral de Sevilla
- Royal Alcázar of Seville
- Plaza de España
- Metropol Parasol
- More
Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 10 of your road trip in Spain. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Seville. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Granada, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Giralda. This bell tower is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 36,814 visitors.
Catedral de Sevilla is another popular attraction you could visit today. This catholic cathedral has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 45,052 visitors.
Royal Alcázar of Seville is also highly recommended by travelers. This park has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 74,238 visitors.
Plaza de España is an attraction you won’t want to miss. This porticoed square is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 141,385 reviews.
Another attraction you have the opportunity to visit today is Metropol Parasol. This monument has received an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 78,849 travelers.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Granada. Granada offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.
After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Granada.
Make sure to reserve a table at Provincias, an iconic dining spot in Granada. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Bar los diamantes, a popular restaurant in Granada. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Restaurante Oliver, a hidden gem nestled in Granada. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.
Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Spain!
Day 11 – Granada - departure day
- Granada - Departure day
- More
- Fountain of the Battles
- More
Day 11 of your road trip in Spain is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Granada before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
On your last day in Spain, take time to indulge in shopping at Granada’s popular marketplace. Thanks to your accommodation’s strategic location, the city’s bustling commercial district is only a stone’s throw away, giving you ample time to leisurely explore the area, filled with local shops.
Take time to find the perfect present, reminding you of the charms of Spain. Each store here is brimming with unique finds. These souvenirs will help you treasure your memories of Spain forever.
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Fountain of the Battles. This fountain is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 9,065 visitors.
Before you conclude your road trip in Spain, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Granada.
Dine in style at RESTAURANTE TINTA FINA, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Restaurante Mirador de Morayma boasts a menu that's sure to impress.
You’ll then say farewell to Granada. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Spain!
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