One-Week Spain Road Trip from Granada traveling east to Almeria, Alicante, Albacete, Madrid, and Ciudad Real

On day 2 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 Granada. In the evening, you’ll end up in Almeria, where you will stay for 1 night.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to 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.

Next up, make your way to Plaza Isabel La Católica. This sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,894 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Alhambra. This architectural ensemble has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 127,431 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Nasrid Palaces. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 20,263 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Mirador De San Nicolas, Granada. This scenic viewpoint is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 63,173 visitors.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Almeria, 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 are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Almeria. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Enjoy a lovely meal at El Quinto Toro, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Tony Garcia Espacio Gastronómico is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Casa Puga. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Almeria tonight.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Kiosco Amalia, known for its lively atmosphere.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your road trip in Spain. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Cartagena, and Elche. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Alicante, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Cartagena. This car ride takes around 2 hours 4 min.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Roman Theatre Of Cartagena. This archaeological site is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 18,504 visitors.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Cartagena, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Elche may take around 1 hour 8 min. Upon your arrival in Elche, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Parc Municipal. This park is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Elche, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,887 visitors.

El Palmerar is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 11,060 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Huerto Del Cura. Visitors have rated this garden an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 7,389 reviews.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Alicante, 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 Alicante. 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.

Discover the culinary delights of Alicante by securing a reservation at Tabula Rasa. Esteemed for its a Bib Gourmand award, this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of traditional cuisine. For an alternative dining experience, try Baeza & Rufete, renowned for its delicious modern dishes. This esteemed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently impresses guests, making it a must-visit spot during your holiday.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Café-pub Bubyston, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Canibal Lounge Pub is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Austin also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Head back to your accommodation in Alicante and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Spain!

Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in Spain. Today you will explore Alicante, and el Castell de Guadalest, 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 Albacete. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

When you're ready to see some sights, Mercado Central De Alicante is a great place to start. This building is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 24,503 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Santa Bárbara Castle. This castle has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 35,044 travelers.

We also recommend a stop at Archaeological Museum Of Alicante. The archaeological museum has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,768 visitors.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Alicante and set your GPS to el Castell de Guadalest. 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 55 min. Upon reaching el Castell de Guadalest, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at El Castell De Guadalest, a remarkable municipality of spain where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 18,496 reviews.

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 Albacete. Albacete 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.

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

Begin your culinary exploration in Albacete by securing a reservation at Ababol. This renowned restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of contemporary cuisine. Or, for a change of pace, Restaurante Sublime boasts a menu that's sure to impress.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Bar History, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Liverpool Pub. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Torito, another top-rated place in the area.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Spain!

On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Spain, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Alcala de Henares. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Madrid, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Albacete, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Alcala de Henares may take around 2 hours 46 min. Upon your arrival in Alcala de Henares, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Cervantes Birthplace Museum. This extraordinary museum has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8,494 visitors.

Next, make your way to Regional Archaeological Museum Of Madrid. This museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 3,333 reviews.

While in Alcala de Henares, we also recommend a visit to Palacio Arzobispal. This archbishop's palace has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 804 reviews.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Madrid, 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 Madrid, 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.

Set out on a gastronomic journey in Madrid by reserving a table at DiverXO. Renowned for its 3-star Michelin recognition, this restaurant presents an outstanding menu of creative cuisine. For a different taste, head over to Smoked Room, renowned for its delectable contemporary dishes. This distinguished 2-star Michelin-recipient is a favorite among guests, making it a worthy addition to your holiday plans. Craving more culinary excitement? Explore Paco Roncero, a highly rated local gem known for its exquisite creative menu. With a 2-star Michelin acclaim, it promises a dining experience you won't want to miss. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Madrid.

Keep the evening going at Baton Rouge Cocktail Bar, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Cafe Madrid, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is 1862 Dry Bar, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 6 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 Ciudad Real. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Make Main Square your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this square an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 152,388 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Market Of San Miguel. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 106,296 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this building every year.

Museo Del Prado is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This art museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 98,929 visitors. Up to 3,497,345 travelers come to Madrid every year to see Museo Del Prado with their own eyes.

When you’re finished at Museo Del Prado, the perfect next stop is El Retiro Park. This urban park is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 162,386 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. This association football venue is a top place to visit, with a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 120,158 reviews.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Ciudad Real, 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 Ciudad Real's best restaurants.

Have a memorable dining experience in Ciudad Real by booking a table at Mesón Octavio, renowned as a Bib Gourmand restaurant presenting an exceptional traditional menu.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Spain!

On day 7 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 Jaen. In the evening, you’ll end up in Granada, where you will stay for 1 night.

Jaen’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Ciudad Real behind. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 4 min. Jaen welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Centro Cultural Palacio De Villardompardo. This cultural center is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 5,420 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Jaén Cathedral. This catholic cathedral has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 8,392 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to San Lorenzo's Arch. This sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 497 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Castillo De Santa Catalina. This castle is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,060 visitors.

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 Granada. Granada 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.

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 delightful dinner at Provincias, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Bar los diamantes? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Restaurante Oliver as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Granada.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Spain.