7-Day Spain Road Trip from Málaga traveling east to Almeria, Valencia, Madrid, and Jaen

Photo of beautiful beach in Benalmadena. Malaga province, Costa del Sol, Andalusia, Spain.
Perfect travel plans
Everything included
Fully customizable

Description

Summary

Duration
7 days & 6 nights
Available
Jan. - Dec.
Hotel
6 nights included
Car rental
7 days included
Flights
Optional
Travel app
All vouchers, itinerary, & map

Description

Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 7-day road trip through Spain.

This incredible self-drive vacation package will take you through the best destinations in Spain. With this perfectly planned travel package, you will stay 2 nights in Málaga, 1 night in Almeria, 1 night in Valencia, 1 night in Madrid, and 1 night in Jaén, experiencing the ultimate road trip in Spain. Your road trip will enable you to discover the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in Málaga, Almeria, Elche, Valencia, Madrid, Jaén, and Granada. We'll help you experience the best 7 days in Spain you can imagine so you can leave happy and inspired.

Upon arriving in Málaga, you'll collect the rental vehicle of your choice. From there, you'll be off to discover some of the most popular attractions in Spain, including the stunning Mercat Central and Main Square.

You'll have an extensive selection of accommodations to choose from throughout your road trip. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, catering to all budgets. Whether you're in the mood for luxurious five-star hotels or cozy, budget-friendly accommodations, we've got you covered.

Your road trip will bring you close to the best attractions and most incredible sights in Spain. From the magnificent Museo del Prado to the breathtaking El Retiro Park and Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, your journey will take you on a thrilling adventure through some of the most iconic travel destinations in the country. Your discovery doesn't end there. As you hit the open road and drive through Málaga, Almeria, Elche, Valencia, Madrid, Jaén, and Granada, you'll also have plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Spain. Whether you're exploring enchanting small towns, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there's always something new and exciting to experience in Spain.

Add tours and tickets to each day of your trip to make the most of your time in Spain. You'll have the opportunity to choose from the best tours and activities that your travel destinations have to offer, meaning you'll never have a boring moment on your road trip through Spain.

Your travel plan itinerary also gives you multiple opportunities to look for souvenirs to memorialize your road trip in Spain.

You'll return home having experienced the very best of everything Spain has to offer. Each twist and turn of the journey adds a unique charm to your travel tales.

You can customize each day of your road trip vacation itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking. Enjoy the benefits of exploring all these great attractions at your own speed.

Your travel plan includes everything you need to experience the best of Spain. You'll be booked at the best hotels for 6 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 6 days during your self-drive road trip, including CDW insurance.

You'll have access to 24/7 travel support, a personal travel agent, and a step-by-step guide via our flexible mobile app. You can choose and add your flight preferences as needed. Make your vacation in Spain extra special by adding tours and tickets to each day of your itinerary.

The best services in Spain fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your self-drive road trip in Spain today!

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Included

Hotel, 6 nights
Rental car, 7 days
CDW Insurance
Step-by-step guide
Personal travel agent
24/7 travel support

Destinations

Photo of panoramic aerial view of Malaga on a beautiful summer day, Spain.Málaga / 2 nights
The Puerta del Sol square is the main public space in Madrid. In the middle of the square is located the office of the President of the Community of Madrid.Madrid / 1 night
Elx / Elche - city in SpainElx / Elche
Photo of the castle (castillo de los Fajardo) and town, Velez Blanco, Almeria Province, Andalucia, Spain.Almeria / 1 night
Photo of View on Peniscola from the top of Pope Luna's Castle , Valencia, Spain.Valencia / 1 night
Photo of aerial view of Jaen with cathedral and Sierra Magina mountains on background, Andalusia, Spain.Jaén / 1 night
Granada, Andalusia,Spain Europe - Panoramic view of Alhambra.Granada

Map

Attractions

Photo of Retiro Park that is a city park in Madrid's Retiro district.El Retiro Park
Plaza Mayor, Sol, Centro, Madrid, Área metropolitana de Madrid y Corredor del Henares, Community of Madrid, SpainMain Square
Photo of the fortress and palace complex Alhambra, Granada, Spain.Alhambra
Photo of view of Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia in Valencia in the City of Arts and Sciences. It was designed by famous Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.City of Arts and Sciences
Photo of the Santiago Bernabéu aerial view football stadium in Madrid, Spain.Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
Photo of entrance to the Prado Museum in Madrid at this time, a sunny day with blue skies and clouds.Museo del Prado
Photo of Mercado Central or Mercat Central building is a public central market located in central Valencia, Spain.Mercat Central
Photo of Mirador San Nicolas, famous viewpoint in Granada, Andalusia, Spain.Mirador de San Nicolas, Granada
Photo of Natural recreation at Bioparc, Valencia ,Spain .Valencia Bioparc
Alcazaba, Centro Histórico, Centro, Málaga, Málaga-Costa del Sol, Malaga, Andalusia, SpainAlcazaba
Photo of Malaga cityscape with beautiful Cathedral of the incarnation at sunset, Spain. Malaga old town, Cathedral and skyline of the city.Iglesia Catedral de la Encarnación
Photo of Granada Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church in the city of Granada, Spain. Facade.S A I Catedral Metropolitana de la Encarnación
Picasso Museum Málaga, Centro Histórico, Centro, Málaga, Málaga-Costa del Sol, Malaga, Andalusia, SpainPicasso Museum Málaga
Nasrid Palaces, San Matías - Realejo, Centro, Granada, Comarca de la Vega de Granada, Andalusia, SpainNasrid Palaces
Castillo de Gibralfaro, Gibralfaro, Centro, Málaga, Málaga-Costa del Sol, Malaga, Andalusia, SpainCastle of Gibralpharo
El Palmerar, Elx / Elche, el Baix Vinalopó, Alacant / Alicante, Valencian Community, SpainEl Palmerar
Photo of Torrijos Monument located in the center of Plaza de la Merced square in Malaga. Malaga is a city in the Andalusia community in Spain.Plaza de la Merced
Parc Municipal, Elx / Elche, el Baix Vinalopó, Alacant / Alicante, Valencian Community, SpainParc Municipal
Hammam Al Ándalus Baños Árabes Málaga, Centro Histórico, Centro, Málaga, Málaga-Costa del Sol, Malaga, Andalusia, SpainHammam Al Ándalus Baños Árabes Málaga
Museu Arqueològic i d'Història d'Elx, Elx / Elche, el Baix Vinalopó, Alacant / Alicante, Valencian Community, SpainMuseo Arqueológico y de Historia de Elche
Photo of The fountain of the Three Graces or Fuente de las Tres Gracias and Malaga Fortress. Malaga is a city in the Andalusia community in Spain.Fuente de las Tres Gracias

Flights
Yes
No

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy

Travel details

Flights

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy
Travel dates

Include flights?

Yes
No

Travelers

Rooms

Flights

Car
Yes
No

Car

Small car

Small car

Category
small car
Transmission
People
Large bags
Medium car

Medium car

Category
Medium
Transmission
People
Large bags
Premium car

Premium car

Category
premium car
Transmission
People
Large bags

Hotels

Personalize your itinerary

Day 1 – Málaga - arrival day

Day 1

Day 1 – Málaga - arrival day

  • Málaga - Arrival day
  • More
  • Hammam Al Ándalus Baños Árabes Málaga
  • More

Your road trip adventure in Spain begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Málaga. You’ll stay in Málaga for 2 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Málaga has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Hammam Al Ándalus Baños Árabes. This attraction is a spa and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,194 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Málaga, Buenavista Gastrobar & Tapas. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,277 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Málaga is Restaurante Las Golondrinas. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 552 customers.

Locals recommend El Mesón de Cervantes as one of the best restaurants in the city of Málaga. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,011 customers.

Málaga also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Málaga is La Casa del Perro. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 604 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Málaga is Speakeasy “The Pharmacy”. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 535 customers.

Locals also enjoy Morrissey's Irish Pub. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,462 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 7-day vacation in Spain!

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Experiences

Day 2 – Málaga and Almeria

Day 2

Day 2 – Málaga and Almeria

  • Málaga
  • Almeria
  • More

Drive 207 km, 2 hours 33 min

  • Iglesia Catedral de la Encarnación
  • Alcazaba
  • Picasso Museum Málaga
  • Plaza de la Merced
  • Castle of Gibralpharo
  • More

Day 2 of your road trip through Spain gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Málaga and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Almeria. You will stay in Almeria for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Málaga is the amazing Iglesia Catedral de la Encarnación. This attraction is a catholic cathedral that is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 25,609 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible top-tier point of interest, Alcazaba. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 30,648 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Málaga is the outstanding Picasso Museum Málaga. This popular museum and travel destination has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 24,075 visitors.

The spectacular Plaza de la Merced is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating square and attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 9,095 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Castle of Gibralpharo. This attraction is a popular museum that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 13,046 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Málaga by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Spain. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Almeria, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Casa Puga, one of the best restaurants in the city of Almeria. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,567 customers.

Locals also recommend Taberna Nuestra Tierra as one of the best restaurants in the city of Almeria. Taberna Nuestra Tierra is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,853 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Almeria is De Tal Palo - Taberna Gastronómica. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,600 customers.

After dinner, visit Jovellanos 16, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Almeria. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,101 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Milestone Restaurant & Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 695 customers.

Alternatively, La Consentida is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Almeria. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,010 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Spain!

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Experiences

Day 3 – Elche and Valencia

Day 3

Day 3 – Elche and Valencia

  • Elx / Elche
  • Valencia
  • More

Drive 447 km, 4 hours 44 min

  • El Palmerar
  • Parc Municipal
  • Museo Arqueológico y de Historia de Elche
  • More

Rise and shine on day 3 of your road trip in Spain. Today, you'll wake up in Almeria and embark on a scenic drive to Valencia, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Almeria and Elche before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Almeria. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Parque de las Familias. This attraction is a jardín público that has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 5,042 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Almeria Cathedral. This attraction, a beloved church, has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 5,277 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Almeria is the stunning Refugios de la Guerra Civil Española de Almería. This best-rated sightseeing destination and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,835 visitors.

Wave goodbye to Elche and continue your journey by car. If you want to break up today’s drive into two, take the opportunity to stop and discover what the city of Elche has to offer.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable El Palmerar. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 11,060 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Parc Municipal. This park and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,887 reviews.

Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Museo Arqueológico y de Historia de Elche. This archaeological museum and travel destination is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 996 visitors.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Elche, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Valencia. When you arrive in Valencia you’ll check in at one of the best hotels in the area.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Asador El Porteño. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,693 customers.

Locals also recommend Restaurante Asador Argentino Gordon 10, another of the best restaurants in Valencia. Restaurante Asador Argentino Gordon 10 is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,075 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Navarro. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,045 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Fox Congo to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Valencia, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,530 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Bar Mistela. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Bar Mistela has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,177 customers.

Puerta del Mar is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,372 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Spain, and look forward to more great days to come!

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Experiences

Day 4 – Valencia and Madrid

Day 4

Day 4 – Valencia and Madrid

  • Valencia
  • Madrid
  • More

Drive 357 km, 4 hours 26 min

  • City of Arts and Sciences
  • Mercat Central
  • Valencia Bioparc
  • More

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 4 of your epic road trip in Spain, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Valencia. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Madrid. You’ll stay in Madrid for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Valencia’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Valencia, start your day with a visit to the amazing Mercat Central. This much-appreciated market hall and attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 79,570 visitors.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Valencia has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Madrid. Madrid offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Coque. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,191 reviews.

The remarkable El Social is another top restaurant in Madrid we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 944 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Sobrino de Botín is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 8,311 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Madrid, the fantastic Salmon Guru. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,802 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful El miniBAR. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,297 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Areia. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,973 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Spain!

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Experiences

Day 5 – Madrid and Jaen

Day 5

Day 5 – Madrid and Jaen

  • Madrid
  • Jaén
  • More

Drive 351 km, 4 hours 18 min

  • Main Square
  • Museo del Prado
  • El Retiro Park
  • Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
  • More

Day 5 of your road trip through Spain gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Madrid and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Jaen. You will stay in Jaen for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Madrid is the amazing Main Square. This attraction is a square that is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 152,388 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible art museum, Museo del Prado. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 98,929 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area. In fact, Museo del Prado welcomes around 3,497,345 yearly visitors.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Madrid is the outstanding El Retiro Park. This popular urban park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 162,386 visitors.

The spectacular Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating association football venue and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 120,158 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Madrid by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Spain. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Jaen, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Spain!

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Experiences

Day 6 – Granada and Málaga

Day 6

Day 6 – Granada and Málaga

  • Málaga
  • Granada
  • More

Drive 245 km, 3 hours 33 min

  • S A I Catedral Metropolitana de la Encarnación
  • Nasrid Palaces
  • Alhambra
  • Mirador de San Nicolas, Granada
  • More

Rise and shine on day 6 of your road trip in Spain. Today, you'll wake up in Jaén and embark on a scenic drive to Málaga, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Jaén and Granada before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Jaén. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Jaén Cathedral. This attraction is a catholic cathedral that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 8,392 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Centro Cultural Palacio de Villardompardo. This attraction, a beloved cultural center, has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,420 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Jaén is the stunning Castillo de Santa Catalina. This castle and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,060 visitors.

Wave goodbye to Granada and continue your journey by car. If you want to break up today’s drive into two, take the opportunity to stop and discover what the city of Granada has to offer.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable S. A. I. Catedral Metropolitana de la Encarnación. This attraction is a catholic cathedral that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 25,036 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Nasrid Palaces. This top-tier point of interest and attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 20,263 reviews.

Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Alhambra. This architectural ensemble and travel destination is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 127,431 visitors.

The lovely Mirador de San Nicolas, Granada is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 63,173 visitors have left this scenic viewpoint an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Granada, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Málaga. When you arrive in Málaga you’ll check in at one of the best hotels in the area.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Restaurante Vino Mío. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,306 customers.

Locals also recommend Restaurante SOCA, another of the best restaurants in Málaga. Restaurante SOCA is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 885 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at restaurante mosaico. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 517 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit El Mesón de Cervantes to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Málaga, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,011 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like El Gastronauta. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. El Gastronauta has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,852 customers.

Bar Málaga is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,183 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Spain, and look forward to more great days to come!

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Experiences

Day 7 – Málaga - departure day

Day 7

Day 7 – Málaga - departure day

  • Málaga - Departure day
  • More
  • Fuente de las Tres Gracias
  • More

Day 7 of your road trip in Spain is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Málaga before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Málaga and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Spain.

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Málaga at BYOKO before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 221 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend Mercado Central de Atarazanas for your last chance at a meal in the city of Málaga. The Mercado Central de Atarazanas restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 32,741 customers.

If you'd prefer a popular restaurant that locals enjoy, try LA TRANCA. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,963 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Málaga. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Spain!

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Experiences

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