9-Day Spain Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Valencia to Barcelona, Zaragoza, and Madrid

On day 2 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Valencia. You’ll stay in Valencia for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

At the top of the list of things to do today is to explore El Carmen, a neighborhood that captures the true essence of Valencia. Take your time to uncover its best sides and enjoy its proximity to many of the area’s best attractions.

Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Valencia, including a food market, an aquarium, and a science center. Start your day at Mercat Central. This standout food market is a spectacular place to see in Valencia. Then, wander over to L'oceanogràfic. If breathtaking sites excite you, this aquarium will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find City Of Arts And Sciences. This picture-perfect science center is a favorite among visitors.

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 Valencia. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at USUAL resto-bar, a popular restaurant in Valencia. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Valencia at Casa Ripoll, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Restaurante La Cepa Vieja (Valencia). It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Valencia tonight.

Continue your lively evening at Bar Cosmo Valencia, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Casa Pepe is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Cafe De Las Horas ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your road trip in Spain. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Barcelona. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Barcelona. You will spend 2 nights here for some well-deserved relaxation.

After soaking in Valencia’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Barcelona. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 3 hours 44 min. When you arrive in Barcelona, it's time to take a break from the road.

Spend your afternoon discovering Park Güell, an iconic park known for its noteworthy features. After taking in the atmosphere, continue to La Pedrera, an impressive museum that is a must-see for anyone visiting the region. Next, stop by Casa Batlló and uncover the details of this enchanting museum. Make sure to also explore Plaça De Catalunya, an iconic public square that offers a unique experience.

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

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.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at 2254 Barcelona Restaurant, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Porteño Bar? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Cerveseria Catalana as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Barcelona.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Casa Gràcia, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Hemingway Gin & Cocktail Bar provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Bloody Mary Cocktail Bar offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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

Day 4 of your road trip across Spain promises a magnificent time exploring Barcelona. You have 1 night left in Barcelona. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Don’t miss La Rambla in Barcelona today, a must-see street that offers a glimpse into the city’s vibrant character. Take your time exploring its best features, and enjoy the convenience of nearby top-rated landmarks.

Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Barcelona, including a food market, a monument, and a church. Start your adventure at Mercat De La Boqueria. This world-famous food market is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Arc De Triomf located in Barcelona for an enchanting atmosphere.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Sagrada Família. Its symbolic features will captivate you.

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.

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Gallery Hotel, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? La Whiskeria - Whisky & Cocktail Bar offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Restaurant Prado De Flores. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Barcelona.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Les Gens Que J'aime after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Bobby's Free for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Old Fashioned Gin Tonic & Cocktail Bar is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

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

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in Spain. Today you will explore Zaragoza, 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 Zaragoza. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Zaragoza. This car ride takes around 3 hours 7 min.

Take your self-guided tour to Caixaforum Zaragoza, a curiosity-inducing art gallery that everyone visiting Zaragoza should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Next, head to Puerta Del Carmen. This culturally significant monument is one of the most intriguing attractions in the region. Don’t miss out on Basilica Of Our Lady Of The Pillar, a monumental church, popular among locals as well as travelers. Puente De Piedra is an excellent attraction to visit next. Spend some time learning more about this underrated monument before you continue your journey. Lastly, visit Cathedral Of The Savior In His Epiphany Of Zaragoza, a picture-perfect church and top attraction in the city.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Zaragoza, 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 Zaragoza. 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 Restaurante Quema, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Doña Tapa beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Casa Unai. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Zaragoza tonight.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Be A Legend Bar stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Aragón Bar offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Bar El Circo 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!

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.

A top thing to do today is to explore La Latina, a must-see neighborhood in Madrid. It's the perfect starting point for exploring the top attractions in the area.

Discover a day packed with fun adventures, romantic experiences, and breathtaking views in Madrid. Begin your sightseeing with Main Square. This timeless public square is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Market Of San Miguel, another must-visit attraction that enhances the city’s allure.

As you wander through the inviting streets of Madrid, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Royal Palace Of Madrid. This globally renowned palace is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Plaza De España, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary.

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 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.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Alhambra, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Restaurante Alabaster? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Restaurante De María - Felíx Boix as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Madrid.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Jazz Bar, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, España Building provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, 1862 Dry Bar offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences 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 Cuenca. In the evening, you’ll end up in Valencia, where you will stay for 1 night.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Cuenca, 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 Madrid to Cuenca may take around 2 hours 13 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Cuenca, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Ciudad Encantada. Spend some time admiring the peaceful features of the rock formation before you continue to your next stop.

When you’ve had your share of Madrid, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Cuenca. Your travel time is around 2 hours 13 min.

Head to Castillo De Cuenca, an underrated castle in Cuenca. Explore its symbolic features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next sight, Castilla-la Mancha Paleontological Museum. This beloved museum is a top recommendation in the area.

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

As you explore more of Valencia, 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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Restaurant Helen Berger València, a top-rated dining destination in Valencia. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Éter Valencia, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Casa Montaña. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Valencia this evening.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Café Madrid Valencia, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere.

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