12-Day Spain Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Granada traveling north to Cartagena, Valencia, Barcelona, Zaragoza, Toledo, and Cordova

Dive into day 2 of your remarkable road trip in Spain. Today you will explore Granada, 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 Cartagena. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Today’s agenda in Granada includes a palace, a church, and an observation deck. Alhambra is must-visit palace and a great starting point for the day. Next, continue your journey to Nasrid Palaces, an interesting palace, located just a leisurely stroll away. Next, head to S. A. I. Catedral Metropolitana De La Encarnación, an UNESCO world heritage-listed church, also available for your discovery today.

Each stop on today’s itinerary promises to leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for Granada. If you’re looking for more, Mirador De San Nicolas, Granada is also an impressive attraction that is worthwhile a visit.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Cartagena. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Cartagena's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Prepare for an extraordinary culinary adventure in Cartagena by booking a table at Magoga, a 1-star Michelin restaurant that boasts an exceptional contemporary and traditional menu. If you're eager to try something different, consider Cafetería Cervantes, another top spot with a tantalizing menu.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Pub Frank18, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. 4 Copas is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Mostacho Café Bar Iii is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Spain!

On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Spain, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, San Pedro del Pinatar and Alicante. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Valencia, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Immerse yourself in San Pedro del Pinatar’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in San Pedro del Pinatar. This drive usually takes around 29 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Savor the rest of your day by heading to Salinas Y Arenales De San Pedro Del Pinatar, a locally renowned nature reserve that draws visitors from near and far.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Alicante, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from San Pedro del Pinatar to Alicante may take around 1 hour 4 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Alicante, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Spend your afternoon discovering Mercado Central De Alicante, a locally renowned market known for its visually striking features. After taking in the atmosphere, continue to Santa Bárbara Castle, a well-known castle that is a must-see for anyone visiting the region. Next, stop by Archaeological Museum Of Alicante and uncover the details of this photogenic museum.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Valencia, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Valencia. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Begin your culinary exploration in Valencia by securing a reservation at El Poblet. This renowned restaurant holds 2 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of creative cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Ricard Camarena, celebrated for its delectable creative menu. This acclaimed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover Fierro, a top local spot known for its tantalizing modern menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Pub Pasos after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Clann Bar Tapas, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Café Negrito also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Say good night to Valencia and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Spain!

Day 5 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Barcelona for 3 nights more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Barcelona, featuring an awe-inspiring, an eye-catching, a historic, a romantic, a grand, and an UNESCO world heritage-listed. Start at Plaça De Catalunya, an iconic public square in the city. Then, head to Mercat De La Boqueria and soak in the ambiance of this visually striking food market.

There are many interesting places to see in Barcelona and when you are ready for more, go to Gran Teatre Del Liceu. This is one of the city’s most captivating spots. After exploring the opera house, visit the interesting Palau Güell. Before wrapping up your self-guided sightseeing tour, head to the widely recognized Montjuïc Castle, a widely recognized castle in the city.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Spain is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Barcelona. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Make sure to reserve a table at Gallery Hotel, an iconic dining spot in Barcelona. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of La Whiskeria - Whisky & Cocktail Bar, a popular restaurant in Barcelona. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Restaurant Prado De Flores, a hidden gem nestled in Barcelona. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Les Gens Que J'aime offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Bobby's Free is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Old Fashioned Gin Tonic & Cocktail Bar is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Spain.

Day 6 of your road trip across Spain promises a magnificent time exploring Barcelona. You have 2 nights left in Barcelona. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several a stunning, an instagrammable, a history-steeped, a culturally significant, a noteworthy, a romantic, and a monumental. Whether you decide to explore Barcelona on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Arc De Triomf is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this historic monument before continuing your journey. Basílica De Santa Maria Del Mar is your next stop. This locally renowned church is one of the best-rated sights in Barcelona.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Parc De La Ciutadella. This visually striking park is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Museu Picasso.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Spain is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

As you explore more of Barcelona, 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.

Make sure to book a table at Els 4Gats, a popular restaurant in Barcelona. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Barcelona at Bar El Born, 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 Ocaña. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Barcelona tonight.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Bar Manchester after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Dry Martini for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Icebarcelona is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Spain!

On day 7 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Barcelona. You’ll stay in Barcelona for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Barcelona is home to plenty of attractions that offer a charming, an enchanting, an instagrammable, a historic, a culturally significant, a culturally significant, a remarkable, and an UNESCO world heritage-listed! Start at Sagrada Família, an iconic church that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find La Pedrera, enchanting visitors with its culturally significant appeal. Continue your exploration at Casa Batlló. This museum is one of the city’s most globally renowned spots.

Enjoy the freedom of exploring Barcelona at your own pace and find hidden gems along the way. If you want to see more picture-perfect spots, make sure to visit Park Güell. After exploring the park, head to the captivating Parc Del Laberint D'horta. This maze will wrap up today’s self-guided sightseeing tour in the city.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Spain is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Barcelona. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Enjoy a lovely meal at ÁNDELE Santa Fe, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, ARTiSA Barcelona is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Restaurant Sant Martí. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Barcelona tonight.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Torre Rosa, known for its lively atmosphere. Bobby Gin is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Generator Barcelona offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Spain!

On day 8 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 Barcelona. In the evening, you’ll end up in Zaragoza, where you will stay for 1 night.

Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Barcelona, featuring an instagrammable, a heritage-rich, an enchanting, a stunning, and a majestic. Start at Plaça Sant Jaume, a popular public square in the city. Then, head to Cathedral Of The Holy Cross And Saint Eulalia and soak in the ambiance of this picture-perfect church.

There are many interesting places to see in Barcelona and when you are ready for more, go to Museu Nacional D'art De Catalunya. This is one of the city’s most popular spots. After exploring the museum, visit the famous Magic Fountain Of Montjuïc.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Zaragoza. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Zaragoza. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Zaragoza by booking a table at Gente Rara. This popular restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of creative and contemporary cuisine. For another culinary dining option, venture to Cancook, celebrated for its delectable creative menu. This acclaimed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, ensuring an essential addition to your holiday itinerary. Seeking an alternative? Discover La Prensa, a top local restaurant known for its tantalizing contemporary menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it promises an exceptional dining experience not to be missed.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Be A Legend Bar is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Aragón Bar, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Bar El Circo. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Relax and reminisce about your day in Spain and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 9 of your road trip in Spain. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Madrid. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Toledo. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Madrid. This car ride takes around 3 hours 14 min.

Head to Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, a globally renowned stadium in Madrid. Explore its picture-perfect features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next sight, El Retiro Park. This iconic park is a top recommendation in the area. When you’re ready to explore more, Main Square is an excellent choice. Spend some time discovering what some claim to be the most romantic public square in the region. Next, continue your sightseeing at the iconic Market Of San Miguel and discover what makes this food market unique.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Toledo, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Toledo. 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.

Start your culinary exploration in Toledo by securing a reservation at Iván Cerdeño. This renowned restaurant holds 2 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of modern cuisine. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of La Casa de Damasco, a popular restaurant in Toledo. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Buca Bar. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Pub "o'briens" offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Terraza Miradero, another top-rated bar in the area.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Spain!

Dive into day 10 of your remarkable road trip in Spain. Today you will explore Toledo, 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 Cordova. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Today’s route brings a mesmerizing, a picture-perfect, a historic, a profound, and a symbolic. The first attraction of today is Santa Iglesia Catedral Primada De Toledo. This popular church is a picture-perfect place to see in Toledo. Continue your discovery at Puerta De Bisagra, a culturally significant monument with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Toledo, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Alcázar Of Toledo. This popular castle offers a picture-perfect encounter with Toledo.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Cordova. Cordova offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

As you explore more of Cordova, 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.

Experience a harmony of flavors at La Cuchara de San Lorenzo in Cordova by securing a reservation in advance. Known for its Bib Gourmand status, La Cuchara de San Lorenzo offers a delightful variety of dishes highlighting its delicious traditional menu. If you're seeking an alternative culinary experience, be sure to explore Noor, a highly recommended restaurant known for its enticing creative cuisine. This popular 3-star Michelin-awarded venue consistently exceeds expectations, ensuring a memorable holiday experience. Ready for another culinary adventure? Indulge your senses at Choco, a highly acclaimed restaurant celebrated for its exceptional creative and andalusian menu.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Bar "lido Córdoba" stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, La Indiscreta Bar offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Delorean is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Spain!

On day 11 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Spain, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Seville. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Granada, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Today's adventure in Seville promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences!

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Seville, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Cordova to Seville may take around 1 hour 37 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Seville, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Make your way to Metropol Parasol, a widely recognized art installation that draws attention for its picture-perfect features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Giralda, a history-steeped monument that stands out in the city. Next, visit Royal Alcázar Of Seville, a spectacular palace that offers a unique experience. Be sure to also explore Plaza De España, a nearby public square, which is highly recommended by other travelers.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Granada. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Granada's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at El Trillo Restaurante Granada, a top-rated dining spot in Granada. If you're in the mood for something new, try Provincias, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Bar los diamantes. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Granada.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Bar Candela offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Bar Soria is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Continental Café Pub Granada is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Spain!